Chapter 243

Zoe's POV

I glanced at Xavier, alarmed. Did he smell that too?

Xavier was already scanning the area, his eyes darting around nervously. He quickly got out of the water and started dressing. "I think the cabin owner’s back," I said, rushing toward him.

But Xavier didn’t listen. He was already heading toward the source of the scent, moving faster. I worried and linked to him, "What are you doing? We can be seen."

Despite my doubts, I grabbed the backpack Xavier had left and jogged after him.

“Luca, please tell me it’s you, man,” Xavier called out, his voice carrying into the woods at the edge of the clearing.

At first, nothing happened. The usual sounds of the forest echoed back, but no answer.

I caught up with Xavier. “Xavier, what’s going on?”

“Alpha?!” A voice from the trees responded, uncertain. A man with a big beard and long hair dropped from a tree. He must’ve been watching us from up there for a while.

Xavier froze. I could see the recognition in his eyes. This was his beta. But