Chapter 14

Zane’s POV

The clinking of cutlery filled the dining hall like faint echoes of guilt. The morning sun sliced through the tall windows, spilling across the long mahogany table where Maya, Ray, and I sat. The aroma of brewed coffee and buttered toast should have made the room feel warm—but instead, it was thick with suspicion.

Maya sat opposite me, her shoulders tense, eyes glued to the rim of her cup. Her hands trembled slightly as she stirred her coffee for too long—around and around, like she was trying to drown her thoughts in it. I watched her carefully, keeping my face blank. She hadn’t said a word since she sat down. Not even a forced good morning.

Ray sat between us, pretending to scroll through his phone, but I could feel his gaze flicker up occasionally, observing. His silence was heavier than words. He had noticed something; I could see it in the tightness around his jaw.

“Rough night?” Ray asked suddenly, his tone too casual to be casual. His eyes moved between us like a pendulum.

Maya’s spoon clinked against the cup. “Just couldn’t sleep,” she muttered, not looking up.

I bit back a smirk. “Same here,” I said, leaning back in my chair. “Guess the storm didn’t let anyone rest.”

The storm had ended hours ago. My excuse was weak, but I didn’t care. I wasn’t here to convince him; I was here to watch how Maya would react under pressure. Her knuckles whitened around her cup.

“Yeah,” Ray said slowly, “funny you mention that. I didn’t hear the rain after midnight. But I did hear footsteps outside my door.”

The words landed like a knife on the table.

Maya’s head snapped up. For a heartbeat, her eyes met mine—panic flashing deep within them. I gave her a calm, almost teasing glance before turning to Ray.

“Probably one of the guards doing rounds,” I replied smoothly. “They’ve been restless lately. New faces around the compound make them edgy.”

Ray didn’t look convinced. His gaze lingered on me for a moment before he looked back at Maya. “Right. Guards.”

Maya stood abruptly, the chair scraping against the tile. “I have to check on Luna,” she said quickly, her voice shaking. “She—she wasn’t feeling well last night.”

I didn’t move. I just watched her retreat, the hem of her pale blue nightgown brushing against the marble floor. The moment she disappeared around the corner, Ray leaned forward.

“You think I didn’t notice?” he asked quietly, his tone sharpening. “The two of you are hiding something.”

I smiled faintly. “Maybe,” I said, meeting his eyes. “But the thing about secrets, Ray, is that they’re dangerous when you dig too deep. Sometimes, it’s safer not to know.”

He frowned, but I could see uncertainty in his expression. I had planted the seed of doubt.

Later that morning, I stood by the veranda overlooking the training grounds. The sound of sparring filled the air as pack members practiced below. My mind wasn’t on them. It was on Maya.

She was near the stables, talking to Luna—the pack’s healer and one of her closest allies. Luna’s tall frame and calm demeanor made her stand out among the others. Even from here, I could see her placing a hand on Maya’s shoulder, whispering something comforting.

Luna had always been protective of her, too protective.

When I approached, their conversation died instantly. Maya stiffened, her back straightening. Luna turned to me, her golden eyes cool but polite.

“Zane,” she greeted. “You’re up early.”

“Habit,” I replied, eyes fixed on Maya. “You two seem… deep in conversation.”

“Just girl talk,” Luna said lightly. “Not everything is about politics or pack business.”

I gave a short laugh. “When Maya’s involved, everything becomes pack business.”

Maya’s lips pressed into a thin line. “You’re overstepping again,” she said quietly.

“Am I?” I stepped closer until she had to tilt her chin up to meet my eyes. “You should be careful, Maya. Secrets don’t stay buried for long here.”

Luna shifted slightly, stepping between us. “She doesn’t owe you anything,” she said firmly.

For a moment, the tension was sharp enough to cut through the morning air. Then I smiled, stepping back. “Of course not. But she might owe the Alpha an explanation when he finds out about last night.”

Maya’s breath caught. “You wouldn’t.”

I leaned in close enough that only she could hear. “Try me.”

Then I turned and walked away, leaving the scent of her fear hanging in the air.

By noon, whispers had begun spreading among the pack. Some said the Alpha was planning a surprise inspection. Others claimed there was a traitor in the ranks.

I knew exactly where those rumors had started.

Inside my quarters, I sat by the window, watching as Maya crossed the courtyard again—this time heading toward the Alpha’s study. Her steps were hesitant, her expression torn. She looked like someone carrying a secret too heavy for her shoulders.

I tapped my fingers on the table, my mind racing. If she confessed before I did, my leverage would vanish. But if she stayed silent, she’d suffer the weight of her own guilt. Either way, I’d win.

Then Luna appeared from the side path, intercepting Maya halfway. They spoke in hushed tones, glancing toward my window once or twice. I couldn’t hear the words, but Luna’s eyes burned with anger.

That woman was becoming a problem.

I stood, tightening my gloves, and whispered to myself, “If Luna wants to play hero, she’ll find out soon what it costs.”

The door creaked open behind me. Ray stepped in quietly, his expression unreadable.

“Zane,” he said, voice low. “We need to talk. Alone.”

I turned, the sunlight slanting across my face. “About?”

He shut the door. “About the truth.”

The room fell into silence, heavy and suffocating. For the first time that morning, Zane felt a flicker of uncertainty—one that hinted that his carefully built lies might finally be cracking.