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I meet her gaze, seeing the same longing and uncertainty I feel reflected in her eyes. She's right, of course. But the weight of my responsibilities, of my betrayal, sits heavy on my shoulders.
"I know," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper. "I just... I don't know how to reconcile this with everything else."
But I know I don’t want to give her up.
Chapter 8
Zoe
As I wipe down my station, I can't help but think about Marcus. And not just because he’s a constant presence in the salon.
Last night's work emergency brought us closer than I ever expected. Seeing Marcus in his element, competent and focused, stirred something deep within me. We worked side by side for hours, and I felt a connection forming that went beyond physical attraction. The way he valued my input, his quiet strength, the brief moments our hands would brush—it all felt so right.
And this morning... I can still feel the ghost of his touch on my skin. The tenderness in his eyes, the way he made me feel cherished and desired all at once. I've never experienced intimacy like that before. It wasn't just physical—there was an emotional depth that took my breath away.
I find myself hoping, tentatively, that this could work out. I know there are complications—Liam, the pack dynamics, our age difference. But the way I feel when I'm with Marcus... it's like coming home to a place I didn't even know I was missing. I've never felt this way about any man I've dated before.
"Thanks so much, Zoe!" my last client of the day, Betty, gushes as she admires her freshly styled hair. "You always know exactly what I need."
I smile warmly. "It's my pleasure, Betty. You look gorgeous."
As Betty gathers her things, her eyes flick to Marcus, who's been a silent sentinel all afternoon. "Your... bodyguard still here, huh?" she asks.
"Just a precaution," I assure her. "Nothing to worry about."
After seeing Betty out, I turn back to find Marcus's dark hazel eyes scanning the salon before settling on me.
"Another successful day of beautification?" he asks, a hint of amusement in his deep voice.
I nod, focusing on tidying up my workspace to hide the effect his presence has on me. "All quiet on the beauty front," I quip, falling into the easy banter we've developed over the course of the day. "No rogue eyebrow trimmers or anything."
A ghost of a smile flickers across Marcus's face, and I feel a small thrill of victory. Even after hours together, getting him to crack even the slightest expression still feels like an accomplishment.
"Good to hear," he says, taking a step closer. The scent of pine and something uniquely him washes over me, and I have to resist the urge to lean in closer. "Ready to call it a day?"
Just then, Marcus's phone rings, shattering the moment.
"Excuse me," he mutters, stepping outside to take the call.
I finish neatening my station, all the while acutely aware of Marcus's presence just beyond the door. When he returns, his face is grim.
"Zoe, we need to talk," he says, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"What's going on?"
"That was Ryan. There's been a development with the Howling Pines situation. We need to go to the pack house."
A knot forms in my stomach. "We? As in, me too?"
He nods grimly. "It's not safe for you to stay here alone. Ryan wants all unmated females under protection until we sort this out."
Frustration wells up inside me as I process Marcus' words. I'd gotten so used to his presence, to the comfort of having him around, that I'd almost forgotten why we were spending so much time together in the first place. The reality of the threat comes crashing back, and with it, a sense of helplessness I despise.
"I just... I hate feeling like my life isn't my own anymore," I say, my voice softer now. "I know the threats are serious, but the idea of being constantly watched, constantly protected... it's suffocating."
Marcus's eyes soften with understanding. "I know it's not easy, Zoe. Believe me, I wish things were different. But your safety has to come first right now."
I sigh, running a hand through my pink hair. "I get it. I do. It's just... I've always prided myself on being independent, you know? On handling things on my own. This feels like a step backwards."
