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Zoe's eyes widen slightly, and I see a flicker of surprise cross her face. She hesitates for a moment, her fingers twirling a strand of her pale pink hair.
"Well, about that..." she starts, her voice trailing off. "I guess I should tell you, since you're my official bodyguard now. Liam and I... we're not dating anymore. We broke up at the BBQ."
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut.
"I... see," I manage to say, my voice sounding strained even to my own ears. "I'm sorry to hear that."
Zoe shrugs. "It was for the best. We weren't really compatible."
"Well," I say, clearing my throat. "I should get going. I'll be back in the morning to escort you to work."
Zoe nods, walking me to the door. As I step out into the hallway, she catches my arm. "Marcus," she says softly. "Thank you. For doing this, I mean. I know it can't be easy, babysitting your brother's ex."
The touch of her hand on my arm sends sparks through my body. I look down at her, taking in her soft eyes, the gentle curve of her lips. It takes every ounce of willpower I possess not to pull her into my arms right then and there.
"It's not babysitting," I say gruffly. "And you're not just Liam's ex. You're under our protection now, Zoe. We look after our own."
A small smile plays at her lips. "Even the human ones?"
"Especially the human ones," I reply, allowing myself a small smile in return.
As I walk away, I can feel her eyes on my back. My wolf is restless, urging me to turn around, to go back and claim what'smine. But I resist. This isn't the time or the place. I have a job to do, a duty to fulfill. And no matter how much my heart aches for her, I won't let my personal feelings interfere with keeping her safe.
I step out into the cool night air, taking a deep breath to clear my head. The scent of her lingers on my clothes, a constant reminder of the impossible situation I find myself in. Protecting my mate, who doesn't know she's my mate.
But it's not just about protecting her. I can't shake the guilt of betraying my younger brother. Even though Zoe and Liam aren't dating anymore, I know pursuing her would drive a wedge between us. Our relationship is already strained; this would shatter it completely.
In that moment, I make a painful decision. I can never tell Zoe she's my mate. It doesn't matter that she's the only one for me, that every fiber of my being longs for her. My duty to my brother comes first. I'll never be with her, but I'll do everything in my power to keep her safe. God help anyone who tries to hurt her – the Howling Pines pack better watch their step.
As I make my way back to my car, I can't help but wonder how long I can keep this up. How long before my control slips, before the truth comes out? And when it does, will it bring us closer together, or drive us apart forever?
With a heavy sigh, I slide into the driver's seat. Tomorrow will bring new challenges, new temptations. But for now, I have a job to do. And I'll be damned if I let anything happen to Zoe on my watch. Even if that means protecting her from myself.
Chapter 5
Zoe
I lean against the reception desk of Bella's Beauty Boutique, taking in the cozy salon with its pastel walls and the faint scent of lavender in the air. My rented styling station is just a few feet away, tools neatly arranged and ready for the day. I watch with amusement and exasperation as Marcus tries to fold his large frame into one of the tiny waiting area chairs. He looks absolutely ridiculous, his knees nearly touching his chin, and I have to bite back a laugh.
"You know," I say, unable to keep the teasing note out of my voice, "you don't have to sit there all day. I promise I'm not going to make a break for it."
Marcus looks up at me. "I'm fine," he insists, shifting slightly and wincing as the chair creaks ominously beneath him.
I roll my eyes, but I can't help the small smile that tugs at my lips. "Suit yourself. But don't blame me when you end up with a chiropractor bill."
My mind drifts back to this morning when Marcus showed up at my apartment, looking unfairly tempting in a snug t-shirt that did nothing to hide his muscular build. I feel a flutter of heat in my belly at the memory. It's too bad I dated Liam, because that makes it kind of awkward to have such intense attraction tohis brother. Still, I can't deny the electric tension that seems to crackle between us whenever we're in the same room.
As I turn to prepare for my first client, I catch a glimpse of Marcus's reflection in the mirror. It's almost... endearing, seeing this tough, no-nonsense wolf shifter looking so out of his element.
I shake my head, annoyed at myself for these thoughts. I'm still irritated by this whole situation, the fact that I need a "bodyguard" at all. But as Marcus catches my eye and gives me a small, reassuring nod, I feel some of my frustration melt away. Maybe, just maybe, this won't be as bad as I thought.
My first client arrives, a regular named Josie who's been coming to me for a few months. She raises an eyebrow at Marcus's imposing presence and grins, her eyes appreciatively scanning his muscular frame.
As I work on Josie's hair, I can feel Marcus's eyes on me. It's distracting, to say the least. Every time I glance up, I catch him watching me intently, his gaze following my movements.
"So," Josie says, her voice lowering conspiratorially, "who's the hottie playing bodyguard? He's been eyeing you like a juicy steak."
I feel my cheeks heat up, grateful that Josie can't see my face. "Just a friend," I say, trying to keep my voice neutral. "He's... helping me out with something."
