Chapter 34 When Duty Calls
Chapter 34 When Duty Calls
The hallway felt too small, too quiet, too wrong. Zoe stood frozen for half a second after James finished speaking, the name Mario echoing in her mind like a warning bell. Then everything inside her snapped into focus. “I need to leave”, James blinked. “What?”
“I need to go to Red Water.” Her voice was steady, certain. Behind her, Zack’s footsteps quickened. “Zoe—” She turned toward him, her eyes already burning with urgency. “I need to help Jacob.” Zack stopped a few feet away, his expression hardening immediately. “It’s dangerous.”
“I don’t care.”
“You can’t just leave—”
“I don’t give a fuck,” Zoe snapped. The room went silent.
“Jacob needs me.” Zack stepped closer, his voice lowering, “And I need you here.” Zoe stared at him as he had just said something unforgivable, “Excuse me?”
“Your safety is my priority.” Zoe laughed, but there was no humour in it. “You’re getting on my nerves, Zack.” He didn’t back down,” I said,
" You’re not going.” Her silver eyes darkened “I said I am,”
“You’ll be staying here,” he said firmly. “No matter what.” The bond between them tightened painfully, Celeste growled. He is wrong. Zoe took a step forward. “Don’t make me regret giving you a second chance.”
Zack’s jaw clenched. “This isn’t about that—”
“Yes, it is!” Zoe snapped. Her voice rose, “That Mario… he killed Jacob’s mate.”
Zack froze. “And his sister,” Zoe continued, her voice shaking now. “I am the only one who can help him.” Zack shook his head. “You don’t know that.”
“I do!” Her chest rose and fell rapidly. “I don’t give a fuck about anything else right now,” she said, her voice breaking slightly. “All I’m thinking about is Jacob… and what he’s going through.” Zack stepped forward again, reaching for her.
“Zoe—” She stepped back “No.”
The air around her shifted, energy crackled faintly, Zack’s eyes widened, “Zoe, don’t—” too late. Silver light burst around her, her body shimmered, and then she was gone. The world twisted violently, and Zoe stumbled forward as she reappeared just outside the Red Water Pack gates, her knees nearly buckling “Shit…” She dropped to one knee, breathing hard. Teleporting that far, using that much power, drained her instantly. Celeste whined softly. That was too much.
I know…
Zoe pressed her hand against the ground, forcing herself to stay upright. Just… give me a second… Her body trembled as she fought to regain control. The pack gates loomed in front of her home, but something felt different, tense, and heavy, and danger lingered in the air like a storm that hadn’t fully passed. Warriors at the gate noticed and rushed forward, “Zoe, are you okay?” After a few moments, Zoe pushed herself up “I’m fine”, she said to the warriors. Celeste wasn’t convinced, but Zoe didn’t wait; she ran straight through the gates, through the courtyard and into the packhouse.
The doors slammed open, and everyone inside turned instantly. Lucas, Aria, Riley, Ethan, Audrey, and some pack members, all of them gathered in the living room, froze. “Zoe?!” Lucas said, jumping to his feet, Zoe didn’t stop “Where is Jacob?” The room went silent. Lucas stared at her “What are you doing here?” Zoe’s anger flared instantly “Fuck you, Lucas!” The words hit hard, “Why didn’t you mindlink me?!” Lucas blinked in shock “Zoe—" “This was happening, and you didn’t tell me?!” Lucas ran a hand through his hair.
“YOU WERE IN HEAT!” he snapped. “What were you supposed to do?!” Zoe faltered for half a second, but it didn’t stop her “I could have helped!”
“Or gotten yourself killed,” Lucas shot back, the tension in the room spiked. Zoe clenched her fists “Where is he?” Lucas hesitated, “Zoe—” “WHERE IS JACOB?!” The Alpha command in her voice cracked through the room, and even Lucas flinched slightly. He exhaled slowly, “He doesn’t want you here.” Zoe’s eyes narrowed “What?” Lucas stepped closer “He had a feeling"
“A feeling?”
“That Mario…” Lucas said carefully, “Would be after you.” Silence fell, Zoe’s stomach dropped.
Celeste stirred uneasily. Hunt. Zoe shook her head, “I don’t care.” Lucas sighed, “Zoe—”
“Were. Is. He.” Lucas looked at the others briefly, then back at her. “We’re not sure.” Zoe froze. “What do you mean you’re not sure?” Lucas’ expression darkened “He fought them.”
“Of course he did,” Zoe muttered “He killed a lot of rogues,” Lucas continued. “But…” Zoe’s heart started pounding “But what?”
“Mario and a few others escaped.” The room felt colder. “He disappeared after that.” Zoe’s breath caught “You lost him?”
“No,” Lucas said quickly. “We’re tracking him.”
“But he’s not here,” Zoe finished. Lucas didn’t answer; that was answer enough.
Zoe turned away, running a hand through her hair; her mind was already moving, fast. Jacob was alone, he was hurt, and the man who destroyed his life was still out there. Celeste’s voice turned sharp. We found him. Zoe’s eyes hardened. “Yes.” She turned back to Lucas, “Then what are we doing standing here?” The room shifted, Zoe Berry had made her choice, and this time, she wasn’t running away.