Chapter 4

Zack stood there, dumbstruck.

He opened his mouth to protest, but I was already heading into the bathroom.

When I emerged, he was all smiles, texting away on his phone, the earlier confusion wiped clean, replaced by sheer bliss.

'Probably sweet-talking Nancy,' I figured.

A sharp pang hit the wolf inside me.

I was not Zack's Luna yet, but three days ago, he had marked me as his own, if only for a moment. Even if he strayed, the sting of betrayal would still cut deep.

I kept silent, turning to head into the room.

Then Zack's voice broke the silence.

"Maggie, we need to talk."

I stopped dead in my tracks.

He seldom used that grave tone with me.

The last time he did, a month ago, he had talked about having kids with Nancy. Then she got pregnant. What more could he possibly have to say?

Tears threatened, but I fought them back, striving for composure.

"What's up?"

Zack seemed to struggle with himself, then finally blurted, "Can we skip the photo session tomorrow?"

His uneasy look reminded me that tomorrow was the day for our ritual photo, a symbol of our bond. I had not intended to renew our bond, and there was no point in holding onto memories.

"Sure, I'll call and cancel first thing in the morning."

I nodded.

Zack stared at me, surprised and then wounded. "Maggie, why don't you even ask why?

"Don't you love me anymore?"

He closed the distance between us, his hands gripping my shoulders with a force that made me wince.

"Are you hurting too, Zack? Inside?"

I met his gaze.

A flush of embarrassment washed over his face.

"Maggie, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have doubted you..."

I shrugged off his hands, tired of his excuses.

"You know, Zack… I felt a sharp pain today. It was random.

"Is it because of Nancy? Did you cheat?"

My voice was steady. His reaction, however, was a complete mess. He froze, his words tumbling out in a jumble.

"... How could you think that?" He stammered, "Maggie, you know you're the one I love. How could I ever betray what we have?"

I could not help but let out a bitter laugh, turning to grab my phone, ready to cancel the photo shoot.

However, before I could even speak, Zack swiped the phone from my hand.

"No need to cancel, sweetheart!" he said, his grin awkward as he ended the call. "You're aware of Nancy's condition. She'll never get to make a bond in her lifetime. She just wants one photo with me, something to hold onto."

Zack watched me cautiously as he spoke, "Don't worry! Once we're bonded, I'll make it up to you!"

My obvious disappointment must have pierced through Zack's heart. He came to me in a flurry, pulling me into a tight hug.

"I just can't bear the thought of my lifesaver passing away with regrets.

"Maggie, trust me, you're the one I love the most.

"Don't ever leave me. I'd be lost without you."

I did not say a word. I just gave a small nod.

That seemed to lift his spirits instantly, and he twirled me in a joyous embrace.

I watched his elated face and snorted inwardly.

'The future? We won't be having one. You'll regret what you've done, Zack,' I thought bitterly.