Mabel’s POV
I couldn’t look away. Not because I wanted to, but because there was something magnetic about the way Zane spoke, his words like cold, sharp ice cutting through the room. "Because of our relationship with this hospital, we came here first. To say that I'm disappointed is an understatement. When we return home, my dear wife and I will reconsider our future donations."
The doctor’s face turned pale. “That… That…” Dr. Franklin stammered, her voice trembling. “Please, reconsider, Mr. Blake. This was just the first appointment for us to get comfortable with each other.” She shot a quick glance at me, then corrected herself. “I mean, for me and Mrs. Blake to get to know each other. The next appointment will be more specific, tailored to her needs.”
But Zane wasn’t hearing it. He didn’t care for her excuses. His fingers brushed against mine, igniting that famili
Mabel’s POV"Which broth should I pick?" I asked, staring at the menu like it was a pop quiz.Ronan leaned in behind me, but Nena cut him off. "Don't ask him. Ronan thinks everything goes with everything."I smothered a laugh. His reputation for weird food combos was legendary.Chef Page wiped his hands on his apron. "Start with broth, then meat. Chicken, pork, or beef. Egg works with all of them. Vegetables depend on your taste."I caught myself staring at bok choy. Chef Page noticed too. "Want a taste before you order? My broth does most of the work anyway."Everyone was waiting, and my face warmed. "How about you make me your favorite? I'm not picky.""That won't do," Adrian cut in. He plucked the menu right out of my hands. "Spicy or mild? Chicken, beef, or pork? Look at these toppings. Pick what you like, or cross out what you don’t. Forget the three-topping limit."With Adrian guiding, I manag
Mabel’s POV“I thought you’d already left with Zane.”That voice turned every head in our little group. Sullivan. Calm, deep, and aimed straight at me.I blinked, caught off guard, then forced myself to answer. “I… already promised lunch with them.” My hand swept toward Nena and Nessa. “We’re going for ramen at the square.”“Then I’ll join you,” Sullivan said without hesitation.Nena’s eyes nearly popped. Nessa froze, nodding too fast, like a wind-up doll.“Uh, sure,” I managed. “If you don’t mind street food.”His smile was quick, sharp. “Excellent.”I swallowed. The future Alpha of the Midnight Guardians wanted noodles in a paper cup. With us. With me.People streamed away from the field in waves, headed for the square or ducking into shops. The festival smells—sweet batt
Mabel’s POV & Zane’s POV“Do we really have to do this here?” I whispered to Ronan as I stepped onto the field, hundreds of eyes burning into my back.“Yeah. You’ll be fine. I’m counting on you.” He gave my shoulder a quick pat before jogging off.My heart slammed against my ribs. Left standing in the center, surrounded by five of our guys and five from the Midnight Guardians, I wanted to melt into the ground.And then Finch knelt in front of me.He took my hand, his head bent low, lips brushing the fur of my palm like this was some dramatic proposal. Gasps rippled through the stands. I stiffened, forcing my face blank, even though my cheeks burned hot enough to fry an egg.“Finch—” My voice cracked.He pressed his forehead to my hand. “I dedicate this goal to Mabel, our team spirit.” His eyes flicked up at me with a grin. “Wish me
Zane’s POV“Why the hell is she smiling at them?”Tyler and I had barely stepped back into the VIP lounge before my eyes locked on her again. The staff had cleared the wreckage, set a new table with drinks, even stacked the plates like nothing had happened. None of it mattered.My secret was out. Tyler knew, which meant Vivian did too. Saying it aloud—Mabel is my mate—made something inside me unclench. But it didn’t change the fact that she was down there with everyone else. Not with me.I moved to the rail and leaned forward. The field below was alive with noise, shouts, and laughter. She was in the middle of it, black ears bouncing as she laughed at something one of the players said.Her smile hit me in the chest.And it stung like hell that it wasn’t mine.Those idiots from the soccer team had her full attention. They held her hands like she was a prize, and she let them. T
Zane’s POV"You call that fine?" I snapped at Vivian through the mind-link, my chest tight as I stared at the field.Mabel laughed while a line of sweaty men knelt in front of her, each one brushing his lips over her hand like she was their queen. My nails dug into my palms. Every kiss felt like someone carving me open from the inside."I know as much as you do," Vivian answered calmly.Her calm only made it worse. My wolf stayed silent, a void where his voice should be, and for the first time in years I felt completely alone. With Mabel, I usually had peace. Now I felt nothing but fire and ice tearing through me.I muttered in my head. Not a good idea. Not a good idea. If I stormed out there, grabbed her, dragged her away… the whole stadium would see."Go down there and tell them to stop," I ordered Vivian.She rolled her eyes. "How, exactly? Without making a scene? You told me to make sure she
Mabel’s POV “Hold still, Iver. You’ll bruise worse if you move.”I pressed the ice pack tighter against his leg. He sat on the stretcher with that crooked grin that made me want to roll my eyes.“There’s no need to be so careful,” he said. “The doc numbed me up good. I can’t feel a thing.”I shot him a look. “The numbness will fade. If I hurt you now, you’ll feel it later.”He chuckled and shook his head, watching me with lazy amusement. For someone injured mid-match, he seemed far too relaxed.Everyone else stayed locked on the game. Ronan barked orders. Trav rushed along the sideline, medical kit open. The roar of the crowd rolled over us, but here, in this pocket, it felt like Iver and I were cut off from the noise.He leaned forward suddenly, dropping his voice. “Where’d you disappear last night? One second we were dancing,