Chapter 5

Zevko stood tall, his eyes sharp and alert. His face showed both authority and confidence. He scanned the area, fully aware of those under his command.

A moment later, three figures stepped out from behind the bushes. They walked up to Zevko and bowed their heads in respect.

“Why have you come here?”

“Forgive us, Alpha; we were worried about you. We haven’t been able to contact you since this afternoon.”

“Hmm, I closed the mindlink because I was with Clara. I was worried she’d find my behavior odd.”

“But Alpha, are you sure she…”

“Yes, Alec. She is your future Luna. I command you to protect her, but never let yourselves be seen; keep your distance.”

“But Alpha…”

Zevko lifted his right hand. Alec immediately stopped talking, too nervous to say another word.

Zevko knew what his subordinates were thinking, but this wasn’t the right moment to explain. He had to keep their questions at bay for now.

“Return to the pack now. The pack needs you. And you, Alec, as beta, must lead in my absence. I will return soon and explain everything to the elders.”

The three figures in black cloaks nodded and didn’t argue any more.

“Oh yes, Alec, please investigate which Rogue attacked Clara yesterday.”

“Yes, Alpha, we’ll be going now.”

They bowed to Zevko and slipped back into the bushes. Soon, a faint howl echoed, and the three shadows vanished into the night.

Zevko sighed and hurried back to the car, where Clara was waiting. When he got in, he found her already asleep. He watched her quietly, letting out a soft breath as she slept. Suddenly, the dark car filled with a strong, tempting scent he couldn’t ignore.

Zevko reached out, pausing before his fingers touched Clara’s cheek. Her skin felt soft compared to the roughness he’d felt outside. He gently took her hand, brought it close to his face, and closed his eyes.

Zevko didn’t just kiss her hand. He breathed in her scent, the mix of vanilla and strawberry, as if it was the air he needed. For him, it was more than a smell—it was addictive, a sign of their bond from the Moon Goddess. In the small, quiet car, only Clara’s steady heartbeat and Zevko’s low, restrained growl could be heard.

Zevko drove quickly to Clara’s apartment. He got out, carried her gently to her bed while she slept, took off her shoes, and tucked her in.

He knelt beside her, looking at her quietly. A smile spread across his face, but soon he sighed deeply, his happiness fading into worry.

“You know, Cla, how dangerous it is to be near me. It’s a gamble between life and death. But I will never let you go.”

Zevko stood up quickly. He checked the doors and windows to make sure Clara was safe, then left her apartment. The scent of vanilla and strawberry stayed with him, making it hard for him to sleep.

In the morning, Clara woke up to her alarm blaring on the nightstand. She was surprised to find herself in her own room. She tried to remember—wasn’t she last in the car waiting for Zevko? How did she end up in bed?

She threw off the covers and noticed she was still in her work clothes, just without her shoes. She felt relieved but also a bit annoyed with herself. How could she have slept so deeply and not noticed being moved?

Just as she was about to get up, her phone rang. Zevko was already calling. Clara sighed, but couldn’t help smiling.

“Good morning, Clara. Are you awake?”

“Morning, sir. Yes, I just woke up,” Clara replied, yawning.

“Get ready quickly; we’re leaving now. I’m waiting downstairs.”

“Huh? You’re already downstairs?”

“Don’t waste time, Clara. Hurry up and get ready.”

Clara nodded, still looking a bit dazed. She hung up and looked out the window. Sure enough, Zevko’s car was parked below. She wondered when Zevko would go to sleep. Last night, Clara fell asleep while he was gone, and now, as soon as she opened her eyes, he was already there again.

Clara hurried to the bathroom and changed clothes. She quickly gathered her things and went downstairs.

She paused in front of Zevko’s car, looking a little unsure. Zevko called out to her right away.

“Why are you daydreaming there, Clara? Get in!”

Clara nodded and got into Zevko’s black jeep, which quickly sped away from her apartment.

“Sir, are we really going back to that forest? Just the two of us?”

“Yes, why? Are you scared?”

Clara didn’t answer; she just shook her head slightly. For a moment, both of them were silent.

“Oh right, I think I fell asleep in the car last night. Did you move me to my room?”

“If I did, why? Any objections?”

“Why didn’t you just wake me up?”

“You sleep like a log. If your friends can’t wake you up, how could I manage alone?”

Clara scratched her head awkwardly. “Yeah, I’m usually not like that. Maybe because I didn’t sleep at all yesterday, so I was extra tired.”

“No comment,” Zevko answered flatly.

“But, sir, there’s something I want to ask.”

“Yes?”

“Last night before I fell asleep, I saw you go into the garden. I also saw you talking to three people in black cloaks. Who were they?”