Chapter 4

Zinnia’s POV

Draven’s voice cut through the dark night like a sharp blade.

"Who is out here?"

My back pressed hard against the old oak tree. Joseph’s body shielded me. His hand covered my mouth gently. I could feel his heart beating fast against my shoulder.

We did not move. We barely breathed.

Draven’s footsteps came closer. Slow. Careful. Like a predator hunting.

Joseph’s warm breath brushed my ear. "Stay quiet," he whispered.

I nodded slightly. My body trembled. The broken mate bond still sent sharp pain through my chest. Tears stung my eyes, but I held them back.

Draven stopped a few feet away. I could see his tall shadow under the moonlight.

"I know someone is here," he said. His voice sounded cold and angry. "Show yourself."

Josephslowly took his hand away from my mouth. He looked into my eyes. His dark gray eyes looked worried but steady.

He stepped out from behind the tree.

"Alpha Draven," Josephsaid calmly. "It is only me. JosephStorme."

Draven walked forward. His ice-blue eyes scanned the area.

"Why are you out here alone?" Draven asked.

"I could not sleep," Josephanswered. "The full moon always makes me restless. I wanted some fresh air."

Draven stared at him for a long time. The silence felt dangerous.

"I see," Draven finally said. "You should return to your guest quarters. The woods can be unsafe at night."

Josephbowed his head slightly. "Of course."

Draven turned to leave. But then he stopped.

"Did you hear anyone else?" he asked.

My heart almost stopped.

Josephshook his head. "No. Just the night animals."

Draven walked away. His footsteps faded into the darkness.

I stayed hidden behind the tree. My legs felt weak. I slid down slowly until I sat on the cold ground. My hands covered my face. Silent sobs shook my shoulders.

Josephreturned quickly. He knelt in front of me.

"Are you hurt?" he asked softly.

I could not answer at first. The pain in my chest was too strong. The image of June choosing Maelis kept playing in my mind.

"He took my son," I whispered. "My own son does not want me anymore."

Josephsat beside me. He did not touch me, but his presence felt warm and safe.

"Draven is using Maelis to break you," he said. "But there is more. Baelor Shade is working with her. They have been stealing from the pack. They want to remove Draven and take control."

I looked up at him. Tears ran down my cheeks.

"Why are you telling me this?" I asked. "You barely know me."

Josephstayed quiet for a moment. He looked at the moon.

"Because I have seen what happens when good people stay silent," he said. "And because… when I saw you tonight, I saw a mother fighting for her child. That kind of strength is rare."

His words touched something deep inside me. For the first time in years, someone looked at me like I mattered.

"But I am weak," I said. My voice cracked. "I stayed for five years hoping he would love me. I hid my wolf. I changed everything about myself. And now I am losing my son."

Josephshook his head.

"You are not weak," he said. "You are surviving. That takes more strength than most people have."

We sat together under the tree for a while. The night wind moved through the leaves. My crying slowly stopped.

"I need to get June back," I said. "I cannot leave without him."

Josephnodded. "I can help you. But it will be dangerous. Draven is already watching you. And Maelis… she is not just any woman. She has powerful friends outside this pack."

A new fear grew inside me.

"What should I do?" I asked.

"First, you must act normal tomorrow," Josephsaid. "Do not give Draven any reason to call the council early. At the same time, I will try to find proof against Maelis and Baelor."

He stood up and offered me his hand.

I took it. His hand felt strong and warm. For a moment, I did not want to let go.

As we walked back toward the pack house, Josephspoke again.

"There is one more thing," he said. His voice became very serious. "The mate bond between you and Draven… it was blocked from the start. Someone used old magic to stop Draven from feeling it. That is why he never loved you the way you loved him."

I stopped walking. Shock ran through my body.

"Who would do that?" I asked.

"I do not know yet," Josephanswered. "But I think it was someone close to Draven. Maybe even his own aunt."

My mind spun. Everything I believed about my marriage felt like a lie.

We reached the side door of the pack house. Josephlooked around carefully.

"Go inside," he said. "Be strong. I will find you again soon."

I nodded and slipped inside. The halls were dark and quiet. I moved like a ghost back to my quarters.

I closed the door and leaned against it. My body felt completely empty. I slid down to the floor and hugged my knees.

All the love I gave. All the years I waited. All the pain I carried alone.

It was never real.

A soft knock sounded on my door.

I froze.

"Who is it?" I asked.

The door opened slowly.

Aunt Vespera stood there. She stepped inside and closed the door behind her.

"I saw you come back," she said. "You were with that visitor. Joseph."

I did not answer.

Vespera walked closer. Her eyes looked different tonight. Sharper.

"You should be careful with him," she said. "He is not what he seems either."

My stomach dropped.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

Vespera sat down beside me on the floor. She took my hand.

"There are many players in this game, Zinnia. Draven. Maelis. Baelor. And now Joseph. But the biggest secret… is about your son."

She paused. Her voice dropped to a whisper.

"June may not be only Draven’s child."

My heart stopped.

Before I could speak, loud footsteps came from the hallway.

Draven’s voice boomed outside my door.

"Zinnia! Open the door. Now!"