Chapter 38 Chapter 38
Zarlia woke expecting the weight of Stetson’s arm across her shoulders, the warmth that always made her chest feel lighter. But there was nothing. Only the blanket tangled around her bare skin, soft but unconvincing.
She couldn’t help but think that maybe Stetson regretted what had happened last night, maybe that’s why he didn’t stay in bed with her. What if their connection only got worse after last night.
Her chest tightened. She let out a slow breath, trying not to let the panic creep in. The shower was cold enough to clear her mind, but the lingering ache in her muscles reminded her of the night before—the closeness, the intensity, the way everything had shifted between them.
She pulled on Stetson’s oversized T-shirt, the fabric swallowing her frame, and a pair of loose shorts. They were too big, but she didn’t care. She didn’t want to waste energy on herself—not today. Her hair, still dripping, hung in damp waves around her face as she wandered into the hallway, the scent of breakfast drifting toward her.
Her stomach growled, but before she could take a step forward, voices stopped her. “Has he made a choice?”
Luke’s voice. Sharp, accusing, careless. “…Is he going to eat her heart?”
Zarlia froze, the words scraping across her mind. She expected Stetson to remain silent, as he often did in tense moments, letting others speak for him. But then Mimi’s voice rang out, angry and loud.
“Luke! Shut up!”. Luke frowned at her, “I never really liked you Mr. you-think-you-know-it-all”, she rolled her eyes.
A beat of silence, and then Stetson’s voice—cold, firm, unyielding—cut through it all. “I am not going to do something that stupid. Leave.”
Luke hesitated, muttered something under his breath, then left. Mimi laughed, sharp and knowing. Zarlia felt her chest loosen as relief slid through her like warm water. She felt relief, things weren’t worse and for once she felt truly wanted. She could feel a new chapter unfolding.
She stepped into the kitchen, smiling. Stetson was at the stove, flipping pancakes with that calm, effortless control she always noticed but never commented on. Without thinking, she closed the distance and kissed him.
Mimi smiled sheepishly at them, but Stetson’s hand, still holding the spatula, gestured her away but she refused until he glared at her. She rolled her eyes but obeyed, leaving them alone.
When Zarlia pulled back, her heart racing, Stetson’s sharp greyeyes met hers. “What was that for?”, he wrapped his hands around her waste.
Zarlia shrugged, brushing her fingers along his chest. “Just… because.”
He stared at her for a moment, unreadable, then let out a low chuckle. “Because, huh? You’re unpredictable, you know that?”
“I like it that way,” she murmured.
Before she could react, he swept her into his arms effortlessly, still balancing the breakfast tray. She laughed, startled, as he carried her to the dining room. He sat her down gently and placed the pancakes in front of her like a king serving his queen, and Zarlia felt herself melting just a little.
She dug in hungrily, but the mood shifted when Stetson spoke, his voice quieter, heavier.
“I was kicked out of my clan. At eighteen. For not having a mate.”
Zarlia choked on her pancake, “What…?”. Stetson’s jaw tightened. “I didn’t plan for it to come out like this.” He grabbed the glass of water she hadn’t touched yet, pressed it into her hands. “Here.”
“I’m fine,” she said after a swallow. “I just… didn’t expect you to dump that on me so casually.”
“Isn’t that what you wanted to know?” His voice was low, probing.
She shook her head, sighing. “Never mind. Just… continue.”
He exhaled and leaned back; eyes clouded with memories. “My father… he was… strict. Everything had to be perfect. Nothing… humans, nothing. Full moon gatherings—without fail. Red Moon Hotel was our base in Romania. Humans weren’t allowed. Not after… what happened to Liam.”
“Liam?” she asked gently, placing a hand over his.
“My older brother.” His voice cracked, barely audible. “Humans… killed him.”
Zarlia’s hand went to his face, stroking lightly. He leaned into her touch, eyes closing briefly as though seeking safety there.
“My father… he expected the best from us. Everyone thought Viktor—he took over after my father—would handle it. But… he left, said the rules were too intense. Everyone in the pack thinks he’s dead now.” Her thumb brushed over his knuckles, steadying him without words.
“As the next alpha… everyone expected me to have a mate. The moon goddess… she never gave me one.”
The shame in his voice made her heart ache. “That must have been… unbearable.” His words carried weight so heavy she felt he was falling, she wished she could help but the least she could do was comfort him.
“Every day, criticism, whispers… I couldn’t take it anymore. I left. Stacy, my best friend, left with me at first… she was loyal, until…” He hesitated, jaw tightening. “Until I overheard her talking to her brother. She called herself my Luna, claimed she would rule the pack if she became my wife.”
Zarlia’s hand drifted to his wolf ears without thinking. They twitched under her touch, soft and warm. She froze, shocked, instinctively pulling back—but Stetson’s fingers curled around hers.
“You promised not to run,” he murmured.
She swallowed, then leaned closer, scratching the base of his ear. A deep, vibrating purr escaped him, and Zarlia couldn’t help but laugh, a bright sound that cut through the heaviness. “Easy my ears are sensitive” he sighed before continuing.
“My father… he’s summoning me now,” Stetson said after a pause. “I don’t want to go back, but… my mother says Viktor is moving. Trying to take control. I… I have to think.”
Zarlia’s eyes searched his. “You don’t have to face it alone,” she whispered.
He shook his head slowly. “I never thought… I’d find a mate. Not really. Not like this. Not… you.”
Her chest tightened at the confession, the gravity of it settling over her like a weight she didn’t want to bear alone. “I’m here,” she said softly, brushing her fingers across his cheek. “Whatever happens… I’m here.”
For a long moment, he just stared at her, the intensity in his eyes almost painful. Then, finally, a small, almost reluctant smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “Good. Because I… don’t think I could do this without you.”