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I glance at Marcus now, his profile illuminated by the dashboard lights. His jaw is set, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. Despite everything we've been through tonight, despite him coming to my rescue, I realize that nothing has really been resolved between us.
The blanket suddenly feels heavy on my shoulders, a physical reminder of the complicated tangle of emotions surrounding Marcus and me. As we pull up to my apartment, I find myself hesitating, unsure of what to say or do next.
The night's events may have pushed our personal drama to the background, but it's still there, waiting to be addressed. And I have no idea where we go from here.
Chapter 12
Marcus
I stand in the center of Zoe's apartment, my heart pounding with a mix of relief and anticipation. The familiar scent of lavender and vanilla wraps around me, a stark contrast to the acrid smell of danger that clung to us moments ago.
She moves past me, her fingers trailing along the back of the couch as she walks. The simple gesture ignites something primal within me. I can't take my eyes off her.
"We should probably clean up," Zoe says, her voice barely above a whisper. She turns to face me, and I'm struck by the vulnerability in her eyes.
I nod, unable to find my voice. The weight of everything we've been through tonight, everything I feel for her, presses down on my chest. I can't hold it in anymore. I need her to know.
"Zoe," I begin, my voice rough with emotion. She looks up at me, her hazel eyes wide and questioning. I take a step closer, close enough to catch the quickening of her breath. "I need to tell you something."
She tilts her head, a small furrow appearing between her brows. "What is it, Marcus?"
I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "I love you," I say, the words rushing out like a dam breaking. "I'm in love with you, Zoe. And it's not just because of what we've been through. It's everything about you. Your strength, your kindness, the way you see the world. You've become essential to me."
Zoe's eyes widen, her lips parting in surprise. I press on, needing to get everything out before I lose my nerve.
"You're my true mate, Zoe. I've known it for a while now, but I was afraid to admit it, even to myself. But I can't deny it anymore. I want us to be together, officially, forever. If you'll have me."
The silence that follows is deafening. I watch Zoe's face, trying to read her expression. Shock gives way to contemplation, and then... something else.
"Marcus, I..." she starts, her voice trembling. "I don't know what to say. I have feelings for you too, strong ones. But this is... are you sure?"
I nod, understanding her hesitation. "I know it's sudden, and I know you value your independence. I'm not asking you to change who you are, Zoe. I love you exactly as you are."
She takes a shaky breath, her eyes never leaving mine. "It's not just that. What about Liam? He's your brother, Marcus. I don't want to come between you."
The mention of Liam sends a pang of guilt through me, but it doesn't change how I feel. "Liam will understand, eventually. This is bigger than him, bigger than both of us. It's fate, Zoe. You and me."
Zoe steps closer, close enough that I can feel the warmth radiating from her body. "I'm scared, Marcus," she admits softly. "I've never felt like this before. It's... overwhelming."
I reach out, gently cupping her face in my hands. "I know, sweetheart. It's okay to be scared. We'll figure it out together."
She leans into my touch, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment. When she opens them again, there's a new resolve there. "I love you too, Marcus," she whispers, and my heart soars. "I don't know what the future holds, but I want to face it with you."
I can't hold back anymore. I lean down, capturing her lips in a kiss that's both tender and passionate. She responds immediately, her arms wrapping around my neck as she presses herself against me. The kiss deepens, and I lose myself in the taste of her, the feel of her body against mine.
When we finally break apart, we're both breathless. Zoe looks up at me, her cheeks flushed and her eyes bright. "We should really clean up," she says with a small laugh.
I nod, suddenly very aware of the dirt and grime on both of us. "You're right. Mind if I use your shower?"
A mischievous glint appears in Zoe's eyes. "Only if I can join you," she says.
My body responds instantly to her words. "I think that can be arranged," I growl, pulling her close for another searing kiss.
We stumble towards the bathroom, shedding clothes as we go. By the time we reach the shower, we're both naked, our hands roaming over each other's bodies with desperate need.
I turn on the water, adjusting the temperature before pulling Zoe under the spray with me.
The water cascades over us, a warm, soothing torrent that somehow amplifies the heat between our bodies. I reach for the shower gel, squeezing a generous amount into my palm. Zoe watches me, her eyes dark with desire as I begin to wash her, my hands gliding over her soft, wet skin. Every curve, every freckle is a testament to her beauty, and my wolf rumbles in agreement inside me.
