Chapter 32: Zane my protector

TALIA POV

“You don’t need to worry about anything. Ariel is just making things up,” Liam brushed it off as we walked.

I slowed down a little, my brows pulling together. “Who is she?” I asked, turning to him.

“She’s Zane’s friend and…” He paused mid-step, then glanced at me like he was choosing his words carefully.

“And what?” I pressed, folding my arms tightly across my chest.

He let out a small breath. “His ex.”

My eyes narrowed instantly, and my jaw tightened.

No wonder…

“No wonder they acted like that,” I muttered under my breath. My fingers curled slightly. “What happened between them? Why aren’t they together anymore?”

I stepped closer, my voice sharper now.

Liam hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. “Because of you.”

I blinked, caught off guard. “Because of me?” I repeated, my chest tightening.

“It’s not completely your fault,” he added quickly, lifting his hands a little. “Let’s just say Zane had to end things with her to marry you.”

I shook my head slowly, my lips parting in disbelief.

He ended things… because of me?

A strange feeling rose in my chest, confusion mixed with something warmer.

That means… he chose me, right?

I swallowed hard, trying to steady myself.

“Why did they break up?” I asked again, softer this time, but still searching his face.

“Why do you even want to know? It’s all in the past,” Liam replied, shrugging slightly.

I lifted my chin, my expression firm. “Zane is my husband. I deserve to know everything about him.”

He studied me for a moment, then let out a quiet sigh.

“There’s not much to know,” he finally gave in. “They were together for two years. He ended it quickly so he could marry you.”

My heartbeat picked up.

“So fast…” I whispered, my fingers brushing against my arm.

Liam stepped a bit closer. “Watch your back. She’s not someone to play with,” he warned, his tone dropping.

I stiffened slightly as he turned to walk away, his words stayed with me. I clenched my hands slowly.

“Why did my father give Zane half of his pack?” I suddenly called out, my voice stopping him in his tracks.

He paused, then turned back to face me.

“Why are you so interested in everything?” he asked, raising a brow.

I took a step forward, my shoulders squaring. “Because it concerns me. Everything here has to do with me.”

He went quiet for a second, studying my face.

“Your father will tell you,” he replied lightly, a small smile forming on his lips.

I frowned, irritation rising.

“Don’t mock me,” I snapped, my eyes narrowing. “You know my relationship with my father isn’t good.”

My arms tightened around myself, and I held his gaze.

He lifted both hands slightly, a smirk playing on his lips. “My bad. I didn’t think of that.”

I stared at him, unmoving.

He’s enjoying this…

“If you’re going to keep making fun of me, then this conversation is over,” I muttered coldly.

I gave him one last hard look, my lips pressing into a thin line, then turned sharply.

My steps were quick and heavy as I turned to walk away.

“Your father thinks only Zane can protect his pack when he’s no longer around. And like I told you before, your father is getting old. His pack could be attacked at any time, and there would be no one to save them.” Liam’s voice turned serious, I turned back and our eyes met.

I felt my chest tighten slightly. “Does my father trust Zane that much?” I asked, my brows pulling together as I searched his face.

“It’s not really about trust,” he replied, shaking his head slowly. “It’s about survival. Your sister’s pack is strong, and they could wipe out your father’s pack easily. That’s why your father chose Zane. He believes Zane is the perfect leader.”

My fingers curled slowly at my sides, my nails pressing into my palm. “And what if Zane betrays him?” I pushed, my voice firmer now. “What if he turns the pack against my father?”

Liam let out a low chuckle, tilting his head slightly. “Is that doubt I hear?” he teased, his lips curling into a small smile. “You don’t trust your husband?”

The question hit me harder than I expected. My jaw tightened, and I looked away for a second before meeting his eyes again. “That’s my business, not yours,” I shot back, my tone cold.

He laughed again, this time louder, clearly amused. “This is interesting,” he added, folding his arms loosely. “You don’t even trust Zane.”

I clenched my fists tighter, my shoulders stiffening. “If it comes down to this, then fine,” he continued, his voice dropping slightly. “Watch your back.”

I took a small step forward, my eyes narrowing. “Are you threatening me?” I asked, my voice steady, though I could feel tension building in my chest.

He raised both hands slightly, like he wasn’t bothered. “I can’t do anything to you, sweetheart,” he replied casually. “Almost everyone in the pack likes Zane. You’d be the enemy if anything happens, and that won’t end well for you.”

His words settled heavily in the air.

I swallowed, my fingers gripping the edge of my dress. “I promised this pack I wouldn’t betray it,” I said firmly, lifting my chin a little. “That promise still stands.”

He gave a small shrug, turning his body slightly away. “Promises are meant to be broken,” he tossed over his shoulder, then walked off without looking back.

I stood there for a moment, unmoving, my thoughts racing.

Sometimes I really couldn’t stand Liam. He had a way of getting under my skin, dragging out thoughts I didn’t want to face.

I let out a slow breath and turned, walking down the hallway toward my room. My steps were steady, but my mind wasn’t.

Something wasn’t right.

There was more to all of this, Zane, my father, the deal, everything.

And then there was Heidi… suddenly appearing again.

My chest felt tight as I wrapped my arms around myself.

There’s something I’m missing.

I stopped in front of my door, my hand hovering over the handle for a second before I grabbed it. Liam was right about one thing, I needed to be careful. If I was going to find out the truth, I might end up breaking some pack rules.

I pushed the door open slowly. It made a soft click.

Then I stepped inside and closed it quietly behind me.

Now… I needed answers.