Chapter Nine

Third Person's POV

Brielle sat alone in her quarters, staring blankly at the flickering flames in the fireplace. Her thoughts were nothing but confusion and heartache. Lucien's rejection echoed in her mind. She couldn't understand how things had spiraled out of control so quickly.

It had been months in the pack and she was yet to see Lucien eye to eye. Zane in the other hand had been constantly around. He had been helping her fit into their ways and life. She almost wished he was the brother that had the bond with her.

Her feelings for Lucien were complex. As her mate, there was an undeniable bond between them, one that should have brought them closer. But Lucien's distance and cold exterior made it impossible for her to feel secure or loved. On the other hand, Zane had been a pillar of support. His kindness and understanding had created a deep friendship between them.

Overwhelmed by her emotions and Lucien’s avoidance, Brielle decided she needed to talk to someone instead of dying in silence. One morning, after a sleepless night, she made her way to Zane's quarters. The walk was short, but it felt like an eternity as she replayed Lucien's rejection over and over in her mind.

When she arrived at Zane's door, she hesitated for a moment before knocking. Zane opened the door almost immediately, his expression softening when he saw her.

“Brielle.” He said gently. “Come in.”

She stepped inside, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. Zane's quarters was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the cold tension she had in her heart. Brielle took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart.

“I needed to talk to you.” She began, her voice shaky. “I can't stop thinking about everything that's happened. I know it's been barely a month but I can't seem to move past the pain,"

Zane's eyes darkened with anger and concern.

"You just have to distract yourself with something else," he stepped closer, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"You can't hurting yourself. You need to heal, alright. maybe we can take more walks,"

She chuckled softly

"My brother is a fool. But he just lost someone dear, you have to take it easy with him and with yourself," He urged.

His words brought a wave of emotion crashing over her. Before she knew it, she was crying, the tears she had held back for so long finally breaking free. Zane pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as she exhaled deeply.

“It's okay.” He murmured. “I'm here for you.”

As she clung to him, something shifted between them. The comforting embrace turned into something more. She looked up at Zane, her heart pounding in her chest. His eyes were filled with a longing that mirrored her own. Without thinking, she leaned in and kissed him.

She pulled back, not allowing her pain take control of her emotions but Zane had felt a spark, one that he wouldn't let go so easily.

He shook his head and pulled her back in, crashing his lips against hers. The kiss was gentle at first, but it quickly deepened, fueled by the pent up desire they had both been feeling.

Zane's hands roamed her back, pulling her closer as their kiss grew more passionate. Brielle felt a rush of heat through her body, her worries and doubts melting away in the intensity of the moment.

They moved towards the bed, their movements urgent and desperate. Clothes were discarded hastily, and soon they were wrapped in each other's arms, giving in to the feelings they had experienced recently. The bed creaked, and the sheets were warm. Afterward, they lay in each other's arms, the reality of what they had done settling in. Brielle felt a mix of guilt and relief. She had crossed the line before, but now, it felt right.

Zane looked at her, his expression gentle.

“I don't want this to be a one-time thing, Brielle.” He said softly. “I can't do that, I'm not built that way,"

Brielle's heart swelled with emotion.

“I'm not with," She muttered.

"What about Lucien?"

“Lucien made his choice.” Zane replied. “He rejected you. Its time you make yours,"

Over the next week, Brielle and Zane's relationship deepened. They spent every moment they could together, finding comfort and joy in each other's presence. They laughed, talked, and shared intimate moments that made her happy. And it was an obvious contrast to the cold distance she had always felt with Lucien.

Their relationship quickly became the talk of the pack. It wasn't long before they decided to make it official. Brielle and Zane attended a pack event together, holding hands as they walked into the crowded hall. Conversations hushed as they entered, all eyes turning to the new couple.

Brielle felt a little bit nervous, but Zane squeezed her hand, wanting to reassure her. He wasn’t going to let go, not after they had come this far.

“Zane…”

“Keep your head high, don't fret. There is no reason for that," He said to her.

They made their way through the crowd, greeting pack members and accepting congratulations. It was a bold move, but Brielle knew it was the right one. She deserved happiness, and Zane was the one who was going to give it to her.

-

Angelina, who had been observing everything from a distance, noted how fast the two were growing closer, Brielle and Zane, that is.

Initially, she had seen Brielle as a rival for Lucien's affection, but now she felt a sense of relief. With Brielle out of the way, Angelina's chances with Lucien seemed more promising. She had watched them at the pack event, and it was obvious, just how happy they felt, and how close they were to each other, causing Angelina to feel a spark of hope for her own future with Lucien.

Lucien, however, was not as unaffected as he pretended to be.

Seeing Brielle and Zane together stirred a mix of emotions within him. A part of him was relieved that Brielle had found happiness, thinking that perhaps the bond between them would fade, and he could relax, but another part of him struggled with jealousy and unresolved feelings. Every time he saw them together, a pang of regret shot through him, making him question the decisions he had made.

Determined to bury his emotions, Lucien threw himself into his Alpha responsibilities. He attended every meeting, reviewed every budget, and handled every crisis with a fervor that largely bordered on obsession.

His focus on the pack's welfare was strong, and it looked like he had hoped that by immersing himself in his duties, he could forget the problems in his heart.

Meanwhile, Angelina took the opportunity to gain Lucien's attention. She increased her efforts, offering her assistance whenever possible, and making sure she was always nearby when he needed support. She was constantly physically present, ready to help, hoping to finally win his heart without Brielle in the way.

But Lucien, in spite of acknowledging her support, and seeing how she was trying, remained distant and closed up. He was aware of Angelina feelings for him but he was not interested in going through that path.

She looked exactly like Trivia but he couldn't see that flame Trivia had in her.

Rather, it seemed like her presence was a reminder of the emotional void he tried to fill with duty.

On the other hand, Brielle and Zane's relationship flourished, bringing a new energy to the pack. Their happiness was contagious, and many members looked to them as a symbol of hope and resilience. Brielle felt a sense of belonging she had never known before, and she was happy that she had decided to be with Zane. She felt the peace that she had always longed for.

Lucien watched from a distance. He saw the way Zane looked at Brielle, the way she smiled back at him, and felt a hollow ache in his chest.

He knew he had made his choice, but that didn't make it any easier to accept. Maybe if he had done a better job— no! He stopped himself and then turned away, forcing himself to focus on the tasks he had to do, burying his feelings even deeper.

Angelina noticed Lucien's mood. She approached him, her voice soft.

“Lucien, are you alright?”

He looked at her, his expression guarded.

“I'm fine, Angelina. Just a lot on my mind.”

“You don't have to do this alone.” She said, stepping closer. “I'm here for you.”

Lucien merely grunted a reply.

She reached out to touch his arm, and he pulled away firmly, his walls firmly in place and his eyes on her, not angry, but passing some kind of silent warning.

“I need to get back to work.”

Angelina watched him walk away, her heart sinking. She had hoped that with Brielle out of the picture, Lucien would finally notice her. But it seemed his heart was more guarded than ever, and she wondered if she would ever be able to break through.

She promptly believed that Brielle was still the reason for her failed attempt with the Alpha. She no longer saw Brielle as the threat but the mate bond.

"That bitch has to go," She declared with a mischievous smile.