Chapter 0149

Isabella

Two days had passed since Zachary revealed the Rogue was his brother.

He offered no further explanation.

He constantly followed Athena around.

Whether she approved or not.

His presence made it impossible for me to spend time with her.

His scent distracted me constantly.

He barely spoke to me.

He watched me whenever I was near.

He kept his distance as if expecting an attack.

The moment Sebastian or Alexander appeared, he vanished to Brianna’s home.

‘He’s being an idiot.’ Midnight grumbled as I entered the packhouse.

‘Tell me about it!’ Midnight’s frustration surpassed my own.

“She’s getting dressed.” Alexander muttered with a frown, striding toward the front door. “Zachary is outside her bedroom.”

“Are you seriously allowing this? Letting him guard her? We know nothing about him!”

He stopped and rolled his eyes at me.

It was the same dismissive gesture he’d used for years whenever he thought I was overreacting.

I wished he understood how irritating it felt.

He turned fully and placed his hands on my shoulders. “Isabella, talk to him. He is your mate.”

“I don’t understand your attitude. I thought you, of all people, would oppose this. Especially after everything our pack has endured.”

“Circumstances change. He isn’t here for me. He wants to protect Athena.” He sighed, running a hand through his short hair.

“What if he’s like Caleb? What if this is a trap? And you’re just walking away, leaving him alone with her.”

“Just because he hasn’t explained things to you doesn’t mean he hasn’t explained himself to me.” Alexander tutted.

“Oh. He told you?” I asked, surprised.

“Out of respect for my position, yes. Now go spend some much-needed time with my mate before her next hormone surge.”

I frowned, but he shook his head and walked out.

Zachary stood like a soldier outside her bedroom door.

His hands were clasped, his gaze fixed straight ahead.

I tried to move silently, but his head turned slowly toward me.

He remained silent.

“I’m here to see Athena.” I whispered.

It felt like I’d been caught attempting to steal.

His stare made it seem like I’d just confessed to carrying a bomb.

He stepped aside, watching me approach.

With one hand on the door handle, I turned to him. “Why are you treating me this way?”

“What way would that be?”

“Like I’m trash you tossed out your car window? It’s not my fault we’re paired! I already told you—just reject me and be done with it!”

One side of his lips tugged up, but the smirk vanished quickly.

“Is this a joke to you?” I snapped. “Do you have any idea how maddening this is? Your scent follows me everywhere, yet you’ve made no move. I don’t know whether I’m coming or going with you! Do you even want me as a mate?”

My heart pounded as I ranted.

“You hate Lycans?” he stated after a prolonged silence.

My cheeks flushed. Who told him that?

“Athena is a Lycan.” My defense sounded weak. “She’s my closest friend.”

“You should hate us.” He stepped closer, leaning over me. “We are not like you. We are dark. We are cold. We are monsters.”

His face was inches from mine.

I should have been frightened by his warning.

But this was the closest he’d been since his arrival.

I couldn’t tell if he wanted to kiss me or kill me.

But I knew what I wanted.

“I’m not scared of you.” I whispered, refusing to retreat.

“You should be.”

I shook my head slightly.

Suddenly, he slammed me against the wall, pressing his body against mine.

His lips met mine with forceful longing.

A deep growl rumbled within him as his hands slipped under my top, gripping my waist.

He forced a knee between my thighs, pressing himself harder against me.