Chapter 6 - Past Time

Ever since that day, our life had felt like a fragile dream that I feared could shatter at any moment.

Almost forgotten was Elyon as I basked in my utter happiness. Zane was so natural with me, his kisses were many and his adoring gaze upon me was enough to make me feel treasured. Slowly, but surely, I began to regain the confidence that Elyon had stripped away from me through his humiliation.

When we hit the hay at night, our extended talks persisted until one of us grew weary and dozed off. We had so much in common, our late night talks never seemed to end. Today I cooked Zane's favorite dish: sweet and sour sea fish with Tyap Soy mix Broccoli and Shrimp, a Chinese recipe. Whenever we ate out, this was his go-to meal, guaranteed to leave an empty plate every time.

Tonight, I intended to bring up a delicate topic; I really needed a job to earn my own income. We'd had this discussion before and Zane wiped this off the table in no time. He insisted that with his platinum card, I could purchase everything for both myself and the house. I was the right excuse for him to finally spend all the millions he had worked tirelessly to accumulate. Apart from the fixed expenses that were regularly deducted, there were only a few transactions, and that was enough to raise concerns among the staff at the bank. However, I knew that these excuses were simply made up by Zane himself.

Zane tried not to make me feel guilty for using his cards for personal stuff and relying on him. But he needed to understand that working outside the house also provided social advantages. Up until now, he was the only person I knew in Human Town; my entire existence seemed centered around Zane, it was always just Zane, Zane and again Zane.

But I also craved friends, someone with whom I could have a lady talk or hit the bar alongside. Sometimes, I felt like this was the main problem: Zane refused any chance for me to socialize, particularly with males. He aimed at keeping me all to himself and didn't want any rivals around. However, he must come to understand that love is not ownership. Although I did not fully reciprocate his affections, I was delighted by the feelings he had for me.

With the click of the lock on the front door, I eagerly awaited my drop-dead sexy man to step inside. No matter what he wore, he maintained his Adonis-like appearance, causing every girl to drool over him. And I was no exception to that rule.

"You're home," I stated the obvious. As he drew closer to me, preparing to give me his usual kiss on my forehead, he sniffed around and chuckled.

"My favorite? But why do I feel like there's a label on it?" he stated suspiciously.

Throwing his bag onto the side table in the sitting area, he quickly glided around the kitchen island. With a surge of courage, I mustered the words to start the topic.

"There's something I want to discuss with you."

"Yeah, that's what I was thinking," he responded with little enthusiasm. "Can we postpone it for when TV time rolls around?"

I nodded in relief, feeling glad for the delay. It was great to have him in such an easygoing mood; his upcoming irritation was one I dreaded.

After finishing dinner, he walked with me in tow to the entertainment room while holding a glass of whiskey. He settled into his seat but refrained from embracing me this time. As I was preparing to disclose my plans and face him head-on, the television flickered on. Our attention was diverted by an interruption in programming for Breaking News. A sports car had crashed into the highway guardrail at high speed, resulting in serious injuries to both passengers. Paramedics were already present at the scene.

Just as I was about to return to Zane to attend to my own business, Elyon's name was mentioned. Frozen in my seat, I stared at the image before me. The man was severely injured and unconscious as he was taken away in an ambulance. As I continued to watch, I noticed Xena also being transported on a stretcher to another rescue vehicle.

"Elyon," I exclaimed, causing Zane to glance up at the alarm.

"That couple over there, are they your ex and his girlfriend? It seems like a bad situation."

Although I knew that werewolves, and particularly Alphas, could heal from minor injuries in no time, but really only when there were flesh wounds. But here, multiple bones seemed broken and Xena also had fractures in her face. With a shaking hand, I retrieved my phone out of my bag and frantically searched for my mom's number.

"Krystal, Elyon is injured in a collision on a highway here. It is all on TV. Do you have any news?" I wanted to know. Ever since living outside the pack, I had started calling my parents by their name and they had no problem with it.

"We just heard the news a minute ago, too. His parents are on their way, they say it's serious."

The mere thought of the images on television caused my body to shake uncontrollably.

“Yeah, there are a lot of fractures involved. It will take a few days for them to fully heal. Please, update me later on his condition."

After ending the call, my attention returned to Zane. As I crashed on the couch, my mood took a dive. Though my feelings for Elyon had waned in recent weeks, I certainly didn't wish ill upon him. Engrossed in my musings, I could still feel Zane's burning gaze directed at me.

"Are you still in love with him, Becca?" Zane inquired with a grim expression.

My empty stare met his. "How could you ask me this, especially when he is in such a critical state? It's only natural for anyone to be deeply worried about the well-being of someone they have known closely. My concern has everything to do with empathy instead of love, Zane," I replied begrudgingly. I stared at him with my arms crossed above my head.

His refined features were consumed by a fiery anger and jealousy. "Becca, always keep in mind that your place is here by my side. He belongs to the memories of your past."

I was surprised by his words and I wondered if it was just something he said on impulse. Locking into those heavenly eyes, my heart suddenly began racing faster...