Chapter 7

I spun around.

Zarya was standing just outside the balcony door, her eyes like chips of ice.

The lingering pain from the energy clash had made me careless—an Alpha’s hearing could cut through walls.

Thank the Goddess she hadn't heard everything.

“A healer friend of mine,” I answered calmly, walking past her back into the dining room. “He’s going to South America to research new herbs.”

Zarya followed me and sat back down. “Which friend?”

“You don’t know him.”

“What’s his name.”

“Why should I tell you?”

Soren coughed lightly from the side. “Zarya, don’t be so hard on Rhys. Everyone’s allowed to have a few secrets.”

His words seemed to calm her down.

“I’m sorry,” she said to me, though her eyes were still full of suspicion.

But she didn’t press further, seemingly unwilling to make the atmosphere worse.

Her gaze softened as she turned to Soren. She pulled a beautiful box from her jacket.

“What’s this?” Soren asked curiously.

“For you.”

Inside was an obsidian pendant carved with intricate runes.

I could clearly read the words: Zarya and Soren, Forever Bound.

“It’s beautiful!” Soren exclaimed, putting it on. “Is this a mate-token?”

“Mmm-hmm.” Zarya fastened the clasp for him. “I’ve infused it with my Alpha energy. It will protect you.”

She took out her phone and snapped a picture of him in the mirror.

“Smile.”

He gave a triumphant, undisguised grin, a boastful glint in his eyes.

Zarya immediately sent the photo to him with the caption: My Treasure.

“It suits you,” I commented.

Zarya looked at me, a flicker of distance in her eyes.

The next afternoon, I went to the werewolf-exclusive apothecary to buy some last-minute travel supplies.

Just as I reached the door, I heard a familiar voice.

“Check his heartbeat again.”

It was Zarya.

Through the glass, I could see Soren lying on a treatment bed, Zarya standing nervously beside him.

“Everything is normal,” the pack healer said. “His body is stable.”

“Thank you,” Zarya said, taking Soren’s hand. “The healer says he’s going to be very strong.”

I turned to leave, but the wind chime on the door gave me away.

“Rhys?” Soren called from inside. “Are you here to buy herbs too?”

“Just passing by.”

“Wait, we can walk together,” he said, turning back to Zarya. “I’ll be right out.”

Ten minutes later, they came out together.

“How are the ceremony preparations coming along?” Soren asked with feigned innocence. “I hear it’s going to be grand.”

“The ceremony will proceed as planned,” Zarya answered for me. “It’s just been postponed a little.”

I looked at them and said nothing.

“Rhys, I know you must be upset,” Soren said, taking a step closer to me. “But I hope you don’t give up on Zarya. The one she truly loves is you.”

His voice sounded sincere, but his posture was one of condescending magnanimity.

“I’m just a worthless man who could die at any moment. I don’t deserve her. You are her fated mate. Don’t ruin your bond just because you’re angry with me.”

Passersby on the street began to whisper.

“That Omega is so kind.”

“He’s willing to sacrifice his own happiness for someone else’s.”

“Why does that Rhys guy look so cold?”

I turned and walked away.

“Rhys!” Soren called after me. “Please don’t misunderstand, I really don’t want to take her from you!”

He ran up, trying to grab my arm.

“I know you’re angry, but please, give us a chance to explain—”

“Let go of me.” I shook his hand off.

The moment my fingers brushed his arm, he put on a show. A theatrical gasp. A dramatic stumble. He threw himself backward—a full-body performance—straight into the ancient laurel tree.

Laurel trees have a repelling energy for weaker werewolves, especially those with impure intentions or tainted souls. He should have known that.

“Ugh!” He let out a low, pained grunt as he slammed hard against the trunk, clutching his chest and collapsing to the ground.

“Soren!” Zarya roared, rushing to his side.

She saw him on the ground, then looked at my outstretched hand, and her eyes lit with a fury I had never seen directed at me.

“What the fuck did you do to him?” she roared, her voice pure Alpha rage. She was instantly at his side. Her glare could have set me on fire. “He’s weakened! How could you?”

“I didn’t—”

“Enough!” Zarya’s voice cracked like a whip. Her command echoed in the sudden silence. “Apologize. To him. Now.”