The Confrontation

“So that’s the story of how my life began to change,” I said, smiling faintly. “Alpha Jacob taught me how to be stronger and helped me realise my worth. He became the foundation of who I am today — both as a person and as a wolf.”

Jessica’s eyes went wide. “Wait… you have a wolf?!” She leapt at me and hugged me tightly.

“Yes,” I whispered, laughing. “But don’t tell anyone. She’s a white wolf, and we’ve been learning powers with Alpha Jacob’s guidance.”

Jessica pulled back slightly, still holding me. “I can’t believe you’re really here,” she said, her voice soft with emotion.

I laughed softly. Moon Goddess, I’ve missed her so much. Jessica had always been my light in the darkness of that pack.

By the way… ah, James and I are mates,” I said casually.

Jessica froze. “WHAT?! Did you just say that?”

“Yes,” I repeated. “We’re mates.”

Her eyes widened. “Oh, my goodness! I’m so happy for you! That must be why he’s changed so much… it’s because of you!”

“Yes, of course! I had to hold out for as long as I could,” she said, smiling. “I scolded him every time he tried to come near you. I reminded him of every little thing he did to hurt you. I… tortured him a little,” she added, laughing.

I shook my head with a small smile. “Thanks… I’m happy for you. I hope you and my brother stay in love forever.”

“And I hope you find your mate soon, Zoe,” she said warmly.

I smiled, saying nothing, savouring the moment.

Suddenly, the door slammed open. My heart sank. The one person I hadn’t wanted to see — Zack — stood there.

“Jessica, leave us for a moment. I have some things to discuss with Zoe,” he said, voice cold.

“But Alpha, I just got here! We were having some girl time, catching up after two years!” Jessica protested.

“You can talk to her later,” Zack interrupted.

“But…”

“Don’t make me use my Alpha command, Jessica. Leave. Now!”

Jessica looked at me, worried. I mouthed, It’s okay. She nodded reluctantly and left.

Zack’s eyes locked on mine. “What do you want, Zoe? We have nothing to discuss,” I said, turning my back and pulling clothes from my suitcase.

“You’re different,” he said, low and tense. “You weren’t like this before.”

“Different? Of course, I’m different! I’m not the same girl from two years ago. If you don’t have anything else to say, can you please leave?” I snapped.

“You must respect me. I am your Alpha.”

I stopped, turning to face him fully. “Are you sure about that? For the last two years, I wasn’t part of this pack. My Alpha is Alpha Jacob. I came here to help you train your pack members, nothing more. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t have returned.”

“I didn’t ask you to leave! Do you realise how worried we were about you?”

“Worried? You arrogant idiot! You were the reason I left! All of you — the pack, you, James, everyone — had no idea what I went through. You’re joking, right?” I shouted.

“I asked you to avoid me, not to leave. You chose to leave.”

“Was there any reason for me to stay? YOU REJECTED ME. Remember? So don’t blame me for leaving when there was nothing left for me here!” I seethed.

“Did you even think about my situation?” he said, voice strained.

“My… situation? What situation would that be?” I scoffed.

“What would the pack think if they found out you were my fated mate? I would have been the laughingstock! You were a nobody, hated by everyone, even James. Do you understand?”

I took a deep breath, felt Celeste’s power surge through me, and punched him square in the face. Blood spurted from his nose. Shock and disbelief flickered across his features.

“I will never understand your reasoning. I was your mate, Zack! But you rejected me out of ego and pride! You should have given me a chance. Instead, you abandoned me. Don’t blame me for leaving when I had every reason to!” I screamed.

“And do you know what? Leaving was the best decision I ever made. I’m happier than ever! I have a life in Red Water Pack. They respect me. They love me!”

“Zoe! Alpha Zack, what’s happening? I heard yelling!” Lucas’s voice broke through, and I realized he had entered the room. Goddess, why does everyone have to barge in?

“Lucas… can you make him leave for a minute?” Zack asked.

“You might want to check your nose in the pack’s hospital,” Lucas said, frowning. “You look like you were fighting, not talking. Better handle this later once you’ve calmed down.”

“I don’t want to see him, let alone talk to him. I want him gone!” I snapped.

“Zoe, he’s the Alpha here. At least be respectful,” Kayden said, stepping closer to calm me.

Zack bristled at Lucas touching me, but I gave him a deadly glare. Don’t even think about it.

“Fine… I’m leaving. We’ll talk later,” Zack muttered, glancing at me, then Lucas, before exiting.

“What’s his problem?” I asked Celeste, still seething.

Goddess, I hate him too, she said. But maybe we should tone it down. Zeus — your mate — is hurting from what you said.

“Are you taking their side?” I asked sharply.

No… but I can feel that. Whatever Zack decided, Zeus isn’t part of it. He would have fought to stop him from rejecting you back then, Celeste explained.

I ignored her. If Zeus cared, he would have intervened. He’s weak.

“Zoe, you, okay?” Lucas’s hand gently held mine. He noticed my swelling knuckles. “Let me get some ice.”

He returned with an ice pack. “Is he your mate?”

I sighed. “He’s the one I’ve been avoiding… the last person I wanted to deal with on this mission.”

“I didn’t expect it to be the Alpha,” Lucas murmured, looking sad. I could feel his concern, his feelings for me.

Your fault. You depended on him too much, Celeste muttered.

“I know… you were the same,” I said softly.

“Lucas… are you okay?” I asked, suddenly noticing his worry.

He gave me a small, reassuring smile. “I’ll be fine. You focus on yourself. We’ve got this.”