Chapter 7

Xavier's breath warmed my neck as he read over my shoulder. "Seems someone's not over her ex."

No shit. I bolted without another word. He didn't stop me—which stung more than it should.

I didn’t respond. How could I? I’d just ended things with John, and now I was caught between him and his fiancée’s brother. It was too much.

Once I was in my car, I noticed I was still wearing Xavier’s coat. I’d meant to return it, but now it felt like a lifeline. I started the engine, deciding to return his coat later.

Then I pulled into my driveway—and there was John, leaning against his car with that smug grin I used to love.

"Miss me, bitch?" He grabbed my arm, yanking me close. "You'll come crawling back. Be my mistress, or your dad rots."

His words punched through me. The dungeons. The blackmail.

I wanted to scream, to fight back, but his words paralyzed me. He was right. My father didn’t have much time left. The dungeons were waiting, and I had no way to save him.

John smirked, clearly enjoying my despair. “Xavier might have his fun with you, but in the end, you’ll be mine.”

He shoved me away. I stumbled, barely catching myself before I fell into the snow. He got into his car and drove off, leaving me standing there, frozen in more ways than one.

I stood there, staring at the empty spot where his car had been. Xavier had no reason to help me. Why would he? I was nobody—a powerless omega with nothing to offer.

The struggle felt pointless. But I couldn’t give up. Not yet.

My legs grew too cold and I rushed inside.

With trembling hands, I unlocked the door and found Aunt Julie crying, her eyes swollen.

“What happened Aunt? Was John here? Did he do something to you?” I asked in panic.

“Calm down, Zoe,” she said, pulling me to sit.

“Please, tell me what’s wrong,” I begged.

“I’m just heartbroken about your father’s case. I can’t bear the thought of him in the dungeons. He’s beyond saving, isn’t he?” she whispered.

Her words crushed me. My dad was my whole world. I couldn’t just sit and do nothing.

Suddenly, I remembered how I’d left Xavier’s suite. Why had I been so stubborn? He was Alyssa’s brother, but he was also the only council member I knew. My situation was hopeless, and my overreaction had made it worse.

“Don’t worry, Auntie. I’ll fix this.” I said, trying to reassure us both.

That night, I stared at Xavier's coat. Last chance.

Next morning, I dressed to impress—red turtleneck, killer pants. If I was gonna beg, I'd look damn good doing it.

I drove to the Werewolf Council headquarters, an hour away. Xavier was my last hope.

At the front desk, I approached the receptionist. “Hi, good morning. I’d like to book an appointment with Councilor Shaw. It’s urgent,” I said politely.

She looked me up and down, her tone dry. “Councilor Shaw isn’t here today. No appointments.”

“So, can I get the confirmation on the appointment?” I asked again, when she refused to move or reply the first time.

“Yeah, No.” She said, confusing me as she checked her nails.

“Excuse me?” I said, getting impatient. What was her problem? “Cousilor Shaw is not in the building. He didn’t come to work today. So, there will be no appointment booking for today.” She told me without even bothering to look at me again.

I stood there shocked for a second. What else was there to do?  

“How long do you intend to stand there? I told you, he is not here! Go home, or something.” She said like I was the one annoying her.

How rude! I turned to leave.

That’s when I glanced at the elevator that had just dinged and opened to reveal Xavier Shaw, handsome as ever stepping out of the elevator.

Xavier hadn’t noticed me. He was talking to a tall, stunning woman in a tight pencil skirt.

Her blonde curls bounced as she walked beside him. She radiated confidence—but her gaze burned with hunger. She wanted him.

She gripped his bicep with her manicured hand as they stopped near me.

"Thank you, Xavier," she purred. "I couldn’t have won my husband’s inheritance without you."

Xavier handed her a file. "Your husband’s case was weak. I barely intervened."

She flipped her hair, exposing more cleavage. "The Council was stumped. You solved everything in a week."

Xavier remained cool. "Just doing my job."

I admired his control—but her batting lashes made my blood boil. 

She dropped her voice. "Let’s celebrate. Drinks at my place?"

I nearly rolled my eyes. Was she serious?

My chest tightened. Would Xavier say yes? I didn’t really know him anymore.

He didn’t hesitate. "I don’t drink with clients. Besides… I have a date tonight."

Her smile froze. Then Xavier turned—and looked straight at me.

My heart pounded. Had he known I was here?

I hadn’t planned this. I’d come unsure if he even wanted to see me. Yet now his gaze burned through me, like he’d strip me bare right here.

The woman scowled at me, then stalked off.

Xavier closed the distance between us. His presence was magnetic, and heat rolled off him, wrapping around me like a heavy cloak.

He leaned in, his breath hot on my ear. That smirk—the one that wrecked me—curved his lips as he whispered:

"Changed your mind?"