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"It's not forever," Marcus says gently, reaching out to squeeze my hand. "And letting people help doesn't make you any less capable or independent. It just means you have people who care about you."
His words hit home, and I feel some of my frustration dissipate. "Okay," I concede, though I can't quite keep the reluctance outof my voice. "I'll try to be more... cooperative. But I'm still not thrilled about it."
"Noted," Marcus says, the ghost of a smile returning. "Now, let's go."
When we arrive, the pack house is a hive of activity. Wolves in both human and shifted forms dart back and forth, their urgency palpable. Marcus leads me inside, his hand hovering near the small of my back, not quite touching but close enough that I can feel the heat radiating from his palm.
Ryan meets us in the foyer, his usually calm demeanor replaced by barely contained agitation. "Good, you're here," he says, nodding at us. "We've got a situation. Both Hannah and Chloe received envelopes with candid photos of them. I'm done with these threats."
Marcus tenses beside me. "What's the plan?"
Ryan's jaw clenches. "We're going to do some reconnaissance on the Howling Pines Pack. I want to prove they're behind this so we can put an end to it once and for all."
"Are we engaging?" Marcus asks, his voice low and serious.
Ryan shakes his head. "Not necessarily. This is strictly intel-gathering. But if something happens..." He leaves the sentence hanging, his meaning clear.
I swallow hard, anxiety churning in my stomach. "What about me?" I ask, hating how small my voice sounds.
Ryan's eyes soften as he looks at me. "You'll stay here, Zoe. It's the safest place for you right now."
I want to argue, to insist that I can take care of myself, but the gravity in Ryan's eyes stops me. Whatever's happening, it's serious.
"Okay," I concede reluctantly. "But I want updates. And don't think this means I'm okay with being sidelined."
A ghost of a smile flickers across Ryan's face. "Wouldn't dream of it," he says, before turning back to Marcus. "Get ready. We leave in thirty."
As Ryan walks away, I turn to Marcus, a lump forming in my throat. "Be careful out there, okay?" I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'd hate to have to break in a new protector."
Marcus's eyes lock with mine, and for a moment, I see a swirl of emotions I can't quite decipher. "I'll come back," he says, his voice low and intense. "I promise."
I nod, understanding the weight of the situation. "Go," I say softly. "Do what you need to do."
He hesitates for a moment, his hand briefly squeezing mine before he reluctantly steps away. I watch as he strides down the hallway, his broad shoulders tense with unspoken worry.
As Marcus disappears around a corner, I'm left feeling a bit lost in the unfamiliar surroundings. But I don't have long to dwell on it. Two women approach, their warm smiles instantly putting me at ease.
"You must be Zoe," the taller one says. "I'm Hannah, and this is Chloe. We thought you might like some company while Marcus is busy."
Grateful for their kindness, I return their smiles. "That would be great, actually. This is all a bit overwhelming." I turn to Chloe,recognition dawning. "Oh, Chloe! We met briefly at the pack BBQ, right? It's nice to see you again."
Chloe nods, her smile brightening. "That's right! I'm glad you remembered. It was a busy day, wasn't it?"
We end up in a cozy sitting room, cups of tea warming our hands as we talk. Despite the attempt at casual conversation, there's an undercurrent of tension in the air. Our eyes keep darting to the windows, and every unexpected noise makes us jump.
"So, you and Marcus, huh?" Hannah says, trying to lighten the mood, but her smile doesn't quite reach her eyes.
I nearly choke on my tea. "What? No... I mean, he's just protecting me because of the threats."
Chloe gives me a look, her fingers nervously tapping against her mug. "Honey, I've seen the way he looks at you. That's not just duty."
My cheeks burn, and I stare into my cup, watching the steam curl upwards. "It's complicated," I mutter.
"Isn't it always?" Hannah says, her voice tinged with worry. "But seriously, Zoe, how do you feel about him?"
I bite my lip, considering. How do I feel about Marcus? The gruff, overly serious wolf shifter who's turned my world upside down? The man whose rare smiles make my heart race and whose touch sends electricity through my body?
"I... I don't know," I admit finally. "He infuriates me sometimes, with his bossiness and his overprotectiveness. But then he'll do something unexpectedly kind, or I'll catch him looking at me when he thinks I won't notice, and I just..."
