Chapter 27

Zephyr sat across from my parents, while I sat between them nervously.

We had decided to move into Zephyr’s study room for more privacy, but the closed space made the atmosphere feel heavy and awkward.

My mother’s eyes never left Zephyr as she spoke. "Explain your relationship with my daughter."

I nudged her sleeve, whispering, "Mom, I told you—"

"No, not you, sweetie. I want him to answer it by himself."

The last time she allowed me to defend my mate, the results had been disastrous. So this time, she wanted to judge Zephyr without my involvement.

Across from us, Zephyr looked a bit stiff. His usual calm demeanor had vanished under the intensity of my mother’s gaze.

It never occurred to me that my mother could make a strong and respected Alpha like Zephyr nervous.

He cleared his throat before speaking. "I understand your concern, Mrs. Cole. My family issue is not something I am proud of, but I assure you, I don’t have any intention of hurting your daughter."

"I marked Samantha to protect her from Rowan," Zephyr continued. "As you may know, Rowan could track Samantha’s whereabouts through his mark on her. Forcibly breaking their bond would have caused her immense pain, and I couldn’t let her endure that."

My parents knew very well that letting the Nocturnal Order break my bond with Rowan could leave me permanently scarred.

They would never allow me to suffer that kind of fate.

My mother’s expression softened slightly. "The last time I entrusted my daughter to one of your family, she suffered more than I could have imagined. How can I be certain this time will be different?"

My father spoke up as well, his deep voice filled with skepticism. "We’ve seen what happens when someone promises to protect our daughter and then fails. Words mean little to us now, Zephyr. How will you ensure Samantha never goes through that pain again?"

Zephyr replied firmly, "I’ve taken a blood oath, swearing on my blood that I will never harm Samantha or raise a hand against her."

"I vowed to protect her from any danger, including myself, and to remain loyal to her until my last breath."

My parents’ eyes widened at the same time.

"You’re aware of the consequences if you break that oath, aren’t you?" my father asked in disbelief.

If he broke it, he would die a painful death. It was rare for an Alpha to make such an oath—even to his own Luna.

"I know it very well," Zephyr said firmly. "But as you said, words alone aren’t enough to prove my sincerity to Samantha."

He straightened his posture, his gray eyes meeting my parents’ without hesitation. "I promise to take full responsibility for Samantha’s happiness, safety, and well-being."

And he had already proven that from the day he took that oath.

"Mom, Dad..." I said softly, "Zephyr has already done so much for me. He helped me escape Rowan, stood by me through the divorce, and gave me a chance to rebuild my life. I wouldn’t be here without him."

"Please, Dad, give me one last chance to be with my mate," I pleaded, clutching his arm gently. "I promise things will be different this time."

My father let out a tired sigh, his gaze shifting between me and Zephyr. "You know I’m weak when you beg me like this, sweetie. But this time, I can’t just hand you over to someone else without being sure it’s the right decision."

"But, Dad—"

"I have one condition," he cut me off, locking eyes with Zephyr. "I’ll visit every week, and if anything happens to my daughter, I’ll take her home immediately—no arguments, no excuses."

Zephyr nodded respectfully. "That’s not an issue. This manor will always be open to you, Mr. and Mrs. Cole."

My mother added, "I also want you to allow Samantha to come home whenever she wants, without any restrictions."

"Of course," Zephyr replied. "Samantha is free to visit home whenever she wants, and I would never stop her."

My mother gave him one last warning. "If you fail her, Zephyr, I’ll hang your head in my living room."

"Mom, no!" My face went pale at her words.

We had abandoned that barbaric lifestyle long ago, and I didn’t want her bringing it back.

"I accept that condition," Zephyr said calmly. "My head will be yours."

My mother smiled faintly. "Then we have a deal."

They were still hesitant, but the blood oath was enough to reassure them that Zephyr would never harm me.

"Samantha, from now on, you have to tell me everything if something bad happens to you," my mother said, gently stroking my hair. "No more hiding."

I nodded. "I promise, Mom. I won’t keep anything from you again."

"You can stay here for a while, Mr. Cole, Mrs. Cole," Zephyr added. "I can prepare a room for you."

He could tell I wasn’t ready to part with my parents so soon.

And honestly, he was right.

"Mom, you’re not leaving now, are you?" I asked.

"Oh, how could I leave when you look at me like that?" she chuckled, patting my head. "We’ll stay as long as you need us."

Warmth filled my chest at her words. It had been so long since I felt this kind of comfort from my parents.

"Thank you, Mom," I whispered. "I really need you both right now."

She smiled softly. "We’re not going anywhere, sweetheart."

My father, who had been quietly watching everything, finally spoke. "We’re not going anywhere until we know you’re truly okay.”