Chapter 34

Mabel’s POV

The sun was barely over the horizon when we finally pulled up. Tyler's voice was a little too cheerful as he muttered, “Home sweet home. Welcome to the Stonebrook pack, Mabel.”

I looked out the window, trying to take in the unfamiliar scenery. Tall trees passed in a blur as the car navigated a winding road. We slowed as we entered a town, and Vivian leaned forward, offering a casual explanation.

“This is Brimvale,” she said, her tone light. “Everyone here belongs to the Stonebrook pack.”

I took in the neat rows of houses with pretty backyards. But as we neared the town center, the buildings grew taller, crowded into two-story blocks that pressed together like old friends. We passed a few shops—nothing fancy, but everything seemed... well-loved.

"We’re getting close to the center," Vivian continued, her words fading as I watched a bakery, a clothing boutique, and a bookstore slide past us. There was a butcher's shop, a tattoo parlor—everything a person might need within walking distance. Pedestrians filled the sidewalks, chatting, laughing.

My eyes lingered on the town square. A cobblestone plaza, a clocktower standing tall in the center. Benches shaded by trees. There was a coffee shop with people spilling out onto the street, and a few vendors hawking ice cream and popcorn. It was busy, but not overwhelming—just... warm. Welcoming.

Vivian noticed my gaze. “There’s going to be a fair in ten days,” she said, a grin spreading across her face. “Music, performances, sweet treats... Everyone will be there. You’ll love it.”

I smiled, though I wasn’t sure what to expect. I never went to the fairs back home at the Silverwood pack. No one had ever invited me, and I never felt the need to go. This, though... it felt different. A part of me wondered if I was being included, if I was finally a part of something.

We left the town behind, driving a few more minutes before coming to a stop in front of a three-story building that looked like it had grown up from the forest itself.

“This is the pack hospital,” Vivian said. “Once you’re done with the check-up, we’ll head over to the packhouse. I’ll ask Tina to make something tasty.”

Tina? The name sounded familiar, but I had no idea who she was.

As I started to step out of the car, I noticed Zane had followed us.

“Make sure her room is ready,” he told Vivian with a casual air that seemed almost out of place.

Vivian nodded. “Where will she stay?”

“In my old room,” Zane replied, his words so matter-of-fact that I felt a chill run down my spine. “On the third floor.”

Vivian turned to Tyler, raising an eyebrow. “Which one is Alpha’s old room?”

Tyler shot her a knowing glance. “Across the hall from his current room.”

Vivian’s lips twitched into something that was almost a smile. “So, he’ll put her right across the hall from him?”

“It’s not what it looks like,” Tyler teased. “But I think it’s clear what’s going on here.”

Vivian shook her head, clearly unconvinced. “If he wants to keep this a secret, he sure is making it hard. No outsider has ever stayed on that floor.”

Tyler’s voice dropped into something softer, almost conspiratorial. “You know it. Zane’s trying to fight the bond, but it’s messing with his head. In a week, they’ll probably share a room.”

I tuned them out as I got out of the car, a strange mixture of excitement and dread bubbling in my chest. This was real now. There was no turning back.

Inside the hospital, Zane introduced me to a man with a friendly smile that reminded me of someone. His blond hair was neat, his eyes a sharp blue. He had that confident air about him—like he’d seen a lot, and he wasn’t fazed by much.

“Dr. Trav Arzt,” Zane said. “He’s the best we have.”

Dr. Arzt bowed his head, a little too playfully. “You flatter me, Alpha.”

Then his gaze turned to me, softening. “And you must be Mabel.”

I nodded, stepping forward. “Yes.”

“Please, call me Trav. ‘Dr. Arzt’ makes me feel like I should be wearing a white beard and glasses.”

The joke caught me off guard, and I managed a weak smile. “Alright, Trav.”

Zane shifted beside me, like he was bracing for something. I wasn’t sure what.

Trav gestured toward the door. “Come on in. Nellie and Nettie will get you changed into a gown, and I’ll join you when you’re ready.”

I looked at Zane, unsure, but he gave me a slight nod of encouragement, like he was giving me permission to go. It was strange how something so simple made him seem so... protective. Important, even.

“An hour, Alpha,” Trav said, glancing at Zane. “Should I notify someone when we’re done?”

The question hit something in Zane, and I watched him tense up, his jaw clenching. He didn’t like the idea of leaving me alone.

“I’ll attend the exam,” Zane said quickly, surprising both of us.

Trav blinked, taken aback. “Is there a reason?”

Zane faltered for a moment, but then, without thinking, his answer came out in a rush. “She’s been treated poorly before, and I want to make sure she’s comfortable.”

Trav’ smile faltered. He seemed to sense the underlying tension but didn’t press it. “Alright, Alpha. But we do need privacy for this.”

“No,” Zane said, his voice low and tight. “She’s not undressing. Not while you’re here.”

Trav’s face blanched, clearly startled by the abruptness of Zane’s words. “How... how do you expect me to examine her?”

“Do what you can without her undressing,” Zane replied, his tone unwavering. The idea of another man touching her made something inside him burn with a possessiveness he couldn’t control.

“I will, Alpha,” Trav replied, his hands raised in surrender. “But you should step outside.”

Zane hesitated, then nodded stiffly. He wasn’t happy, but he left without another word, standing guard just outside the door.