Chapter 15Zima's POV.FUCK YEAHI staggered back, taking a deep breath.“Why does he have pictures of my parents after murdering them? What’s going on?” I asked, my voice trembling as I glanced around the room.Before I could make sense of anything, a strong scent hit me, rich and wild and intoxicating. Someone was close. Not just anyone. I could feel it in my bones, the pull deep and magnetic. One of them was here. My mate.The door clicked shut behind me, and I turned sharply. Damon stood there, dressed in his usual dark suit, hands tucked casually in his pockets, his face calm, hiding more than it revealed.No matter how much I wanted to hate him, I couldn’t ignore the truth. He looked like the kind of trouble you’d beg to fall into twice.“Uhm, I lost my way,”I stuttered, trying to find my voice. My throat burned as I wiped a few drops of tears from my face and forced myself to stay still. He scoffed, his lips curling into a faint smile as he stepped closer.“Zima Ravenhall,” he
Zima's POV.FUCK YEAHI staggered back, taking a deep breath.“Why does he have pictures of my parents after murdering them? What’s going on?” I asked, my voice trembling as I glanced around the room.Before I could make sense of anything, a strong scent hit me, rich and wild and intoxicating. Someone was close. Not just anyone. I could feel it in my bones, the pull deep and magnetic. One of them was here. My mate.The door clicked shut behind me, and I turned sharply. Damon stood there, dressed in his usual dark suit, hands tucked casually in his pockets, his face calm, hiding more than it revealed.No matter how much I wanted to hate him, I couldn’t ignore the truth. He looked like the kind of trouble you’d beg to fall into twice.“Uhm, I lost my way,”I stuttered, trying to find my voice. My throat burned as I wiped a few drops of tears from my face and forced myself to stay still. He scoffed, his lips curling into a faint smile as he stepped closer.“Zima Ravenhall,” he said, his
Chapter 14Zima's POV I slipped into the red gown Darius had given me. It was sleeveless and far too tight. I had to fight with the fabric just to get it on, but when it finally hugged my body, I exhaled in relief. It was revealing, maybe too much, but beautiful.I slid into my heels and clasped the necklace he’d given me around my neck. My fingers brushed the pendant, and for a moment, a smile found its way to my lips. For once, someone had given me something that felt like mine.Betty scoffed from her bed, shaking her head. I didn’t look at her. I just focused on my reflection and tried to steel my heart for whatever was ahead.“Pretty gown,” she said with a smug little grin. “You must feel valued.”I turned slightly, met her eyes, and smiled faintly.“Yeah,” I said. “Takes a certain kind of man to see value where others see dirt.”She threw her head back, laughing hysterically, but I didn’t look at her. Her laughter grated, but I didn't give her the satisfaction of seeing me flinc
Chapter 14Zima's POV I slipped into the red gown Darius had given me. It was sleeveless and far too tight. I had to fight with the fabric just to get it on, but when it finally hugged my body, I exhaled in relief. It was revealing, maybe too much, but beautiful.I slid into my heels and clasped the necklace he’d given me around my neck. My fingers brushed the pendant, and for a moment, a smile found its way to my lips. For once, someone had given me something that felt like mine.Betty scoffed from her bed, shaking her head. I didn’t look at her. I just focused on my reflection and tried to steel my heart for whatever was ahead.“Pretty gown,” she said with a smug little grin. “You must feel valued.”I turned slightly, met her eyes, and smiled faintly.“Yeah,” I said. “Takes a certain kind of man to see value where others see dirt.”She threw her head back, laughing hysterically, but I didn’t look at her. Her laughter grated, but I didn't give her the satisfaction of seeing me flinc
A punchI wanted to jab Damon right in his testicles, or rip out his fangs, but I could do neither. Instead, I turned toward my closet.“I said I have some questions for you,” he repeated, his voice deep and controlled.“Dear Alpha detective,” I said, spinning back to face him, my tone laced with scorn.“Maybe…” I stepped closer, his coat clinging to my body while he stood still, his hands buried in his pockets, eyes locked on me without a blink. “You should go find a werewolf with finer breasts and ask your questions there.”His laugh exploded, low and heavy, filling the room until the walls seemed to echoe with it.“What’s so funny? This isn’t stand-up comedy, you…”“First of all,” he cut in, voice hard, “you don’t speak to me that way. I don’t tolerate rudeness. Now tell me…what stings more? That I walked in on your naked, ugly chest, or that I told you to your face it was ugly?”“You just stand there, thinking it’s cute to act like a jackass wolf. You barge into people’s privacy w
Chapter 19 I like him Zima's POV I slammed the door open and stormed into the room, my heart heavy. “Why would he even do that?” I muttered, pacing around the room. The dorm was empty; everyone was outside…including Betty. I could already imagine the scorn twisting her face after that announcement. Damon had done it with his whole heart, I could feel it. “Shit,” I breathed out, running my hands through my hair as I sat on the bed. My head spun. Darius was the only person who ever treated me with real love. He’d always been there, making sure I never felt hated. Darius would burn the world for me. So why… why would he do this? The door creaked open. I turned, and there he was…standing in the doorway. My chest tightened. I hissed and turned away, shaking my leg fast, anger bubbling under my skin. “Zee, I’m sorry.” He rushed toward me and crouched down, trying to meet my eyes. “Come on now,” he said gently, lifting my chin with his hand. “Look at me.” “I just have one question