Chapter 120 Love is not Enough

Chapter 120 Love is not Enough
Tristan was discharged, and he took Zoriana back to his bedroom to continue their reunion in private. They didn't eat; they didn't rest. They were simply lost in each other’s arms. Before dawn finally broke, totally exhausted, they allowed their eyes to close.

Tristan woke first, staring at the sleeping Zoriana. He admired silently how beautiful her face was—her long eyelashes trembling slightly as she turned, lost in a dream. He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, and she opened her eyes, immediately wrapping her arms around his neck.

“You’re addictive. I can't get enough of you,” she whispered, covering him with kisses before flipping him onto his back so she could kiss his chest, her lips moving lower.

“Moya Zira,” Tristan sighed, his voice thick with affection. “As much as I want to stay in bed all day with you, I need to get to my studies. Poor Roman finally found his mate, and now he’s stuck covering the pack business for me. Plus, we both just had a 'vacation' in the dungeons; it’s time to catch up.”

Zoriana stood up. She understood completely that it was time to return to reality. She dreamed of staying in his arms longer, but the time had come to be honest. She dressed slowly, trying to gather her courage. Tristan, seeing her so sombre and focused, hugged her from behind.

“Don’t worry,” he whispered playfully. “Once the work is done, I’ll compensate you for everything we missed. I still have to take you on a proper date and start preparing the Luna ceremony.”

His words were balm to her soul, but guilt continued to gnaw at her. Would he ever be able to forgive her once he knew she was a traitor? Her heart hammered against her ribs, and her chest felt tight as she turned to face him.

“Tristan, I must tell you something.” she bit her lip, and he looked at her with total concentration. “I… I don't know how to say it.” She closed her eyes for a second, summoning every ounce of her courage, and said it all in one breath: “I was planted as a spy in your pack to prevent a rebellion.”

She expected him to look shocked, to push her away, or to explode in a fit of rage. Instead, he just smiled softly.

“I know. I've known since day one.”

Zoriana’s eyes widened. “You knew? And you let me stay?”

Tristan looked into her eyes, his gaze warm and grounding. “I have nothing to fear, and I trust you.”

Zoriana was speechless for a moment, moved by his words. “No matter what, I will shield you. I won’t let you be punished for fighting for a throne that is rightfully yours. Even if I don’t agree with some of your deals, I will be by your side.”

Suddenly, Tristan took a step back. His face hardened. “Do you really think I want the throne? That I was preparing a rebellion?”

Zoriana raised an eyebrow. “I don't know. You did threaten Gael in that restaurant—you told him he might not become King. And you do have business with Bjorn.”

Tristan’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You spent weeks under my roof, right next to me, and you don't know? You swear that you love me and choose me, yet you don’t know what I’m capable of? You were just moaning in my bed, and all the while, you thought I was a criminal?”

Zoriana moved toward him. “Tristan, it’s not like that.”

He stepped back, extending his hand to stop her from coming any closer. “It is exactly like that. I threatened Gael out of pure jealousy—to put him in his place—but I never wanted the throne. If I did, I wouldn't need rogues or dirty games. King Arthur would name me his successor willingly at any time, without a charade or bloodshed. I paid Bjorn to stop the slave trade; I gave him money for medical facilities for his workers. How could you really think I was doing something illegal?”

“I found Moon Dust in your pack!” Zoriana shot back emotionally, her lips pressed into a thin line. “What was I supposed to think? That you were an angel?”

“You were supposed to ask! Just ask me! Did you really think I was producing and selling Moon Dust? Do you think that poorly of me? Yes, my pack produces it because we are developing a Moon Dust antidote. It’s also an ingredient in a very potent painkiller.”

Zoriana’s eyes grew red, tears forming as the expression of hurt and disappointment on his face became unbearable.

“Tristan, I’m sorry,” she rasped, her throat going dry. But he was already stepping toward the door.

“Alpha Zoriana, maybe you love me, and maybe you don't—since you clearly don't even know who I really am. But I’ll tell you one thing for a fact: love alone is not enough. Without trust and communication, love means nothing. I assume you’ve completed your audit. I expect you to be off my pack grounds by this afternoon.”

He stormed out, the door slamming behind him with a deafening bang.

Kalina whimpered inside her, and Zoriana couldn't hold back her tears. She had spoiled everything with her own hands. Would he ever forgive her? Was his love gone forever? She didn't know for certain. But she knew she would fight for him. She would gather the evidence, clear his name, and then she would set her pride aside and beg for his forgiveness.

But for now, even as her wolf and her heart screamed, she had to leave, nursing the fading hope that one day she would be welcomed back.