Chapter 31 First meeting
"Zoe's POV"
The Lakewood border stood before me.
Tall trees. Familiar paths. The scent of pine and earth.
Home.
No. Not home anymore.
This was enemy territory now.
I touched my face. The mask felt strange. Tight. Different.
Rain's work was perfect. I looked nothing like myself.
My hair was dark brown now. Almost black. Long. Curled. Nothing like old Zoe's blonde hair.
My face was different too. Sharper cheekbones. Different nose. Darker skin.
Even my eyes looked different. Contacts made them deep green instead of blue.
I was Lady Margaret now. Princess from the South.
Not Zoe. Never Zoe again.
"You can do this." I whispered to myself. "You have to do this."
I walked forward. Toward the border checkpoint.
Two guards stood there. Young wolves. Strong. Alert.
My heart pounded.
What if they recognized me? What if the disguise didn't work well?
"Halt." One guard held up his hand. "State your name and business."
I straightened my shoulders. Lifted my chin. Spoke in the accent Rain taught me.
"Lady Margaret of the Southern Highlands." My voice was different too. Deeper. Smoother. "I seek entry to Lakewood territory."
"Purpose of visit?"
"I'm traveling north. Seeking alliances. Trade opportunities." I smiled. Sweet. Innocent. "I've heard wonderful things about Alpha Jeremy's pack."
The guards looked at each other.
"Do you have papers?"
"Of course." I handed them the documents Scarlett had forged. Perfect forgeries. "Everything is in order, I assure you."
The first guard studied the papers. Long. Careful.
My heart hammered. My hands wanted to shake.
But I kept them steady. Kept my face calm.
Finally, he nodded. "Everything looks good."
"Welcome to Lakewood, Lady Margaret." The second guard smiled. "Enjoy your stay."
They stepped aside.
I walked through.
Into Lakewood.
Into the territory where I was born. Where I almost died.
They didn't recognize me.
Not even a flicker of recognition.
Rain's work was perfect.
I was invisible. Hidden. Safe.
...
I walked through the familiar streets.
Everything looked the same. The shops. The houses. The pack square.
But everything felt different.
People smiled at me. Nodded politely.
"Good evening, my lady."
"Welcome to Lakewood."
"Beautiful evening, isn't it?"
They had no idea who I was.
No idea the dead girl was walking among them.
"Excuse me." I stopped a woman. "Is there an inn nearby? Somewhere I can rest for the night?" Though I was here before, I didn't get the chance to walk around the pack that much except from few places I was sent on errands to.
"Oh yes. The Traveler's Inn. Just down this street. Turn left at the bakery." She pointed. "Best inn in Lakewood."
"Thank you so much."
I found it easily. A large building. Warm lights in the windows. The smell of food.
Inside, it was cozy. Clean. People eating. Drinking. Talking.
"Welcome!" A cheerful man behind the counter greeted me. "Looking for a room?"
"Yes, please. Just for tonight."
"Of course. That'll be fifteen silver."
I paid. He gave me a key.
"Room seven. Up the stairs, second door on the right." He smiled. "The cafeteria stays open until midnight if you're hungry."
"Thank you."
I went to my room. Small but comfortable. A bed. A chair. A window overlooking the street.
I sat on the bed. Removed my traveling cloak.
My hand went to my stomach. Still flat. No sign of the baby yet.
"We made it." I whispered. "We're here."
The baby didn't respond. Of course not.
But I felt... something. A warmth. A presence.
This powerful child keeping me safe.
My stomach growled.
Right. I hadn't eaten since morning.
I went back downstairs. To the cafeteria.
Found a small table in the corner. Ordered soup and bread.
The soup was warm. Good. I ate slowly.
Around me, people talked. Laughed. Normal pack life.
My hands clenched around the spoon.
"Patience." I told myself. "Patience."
Then... something changed.
The room went quiet. Just a little.
People sat up straighter. Adjusted themselves.
Whispers started.
"Is that..."
"He's here?"
"Why would the Alpha come here?"
"Quiet. Show respect."
The Alpha.
Jeremy.
My heart stopped.
No. No no no.
Not tonight. Not now.
I wasn't ready.
The door opened.
And he walked in.
Jeremy.
Tall. Strong. Handsome as ever.
His dark hair. His sharp jaw. His powerful presence.
Alpha of Lakewood.
The man who killed me.
Everyone in the room stood. Bowed their heads.
"Alpha."
"Alpha Jeremy."
"Honor to have you here."
Jeremy nodded at them. Casual. Comfortable.
"Please. Sit. Eat. Don't let me interrupt."
But nobody sat. Nobody moved.
He walked further into the room. Looking around.
Then... his eyes found mine.
Locked onto mine.
Across the crowded cafeteria.
Green eyes meeting brown eyes.
He stared at me.
Long. Intense.
My breath caught.
Did he know? Did he recognize me?
No. Impossible. The disguise was perfect.
But why was he staring?
He started walking.
Toward me.
Toward my table.
My heart pounded so hard I thought everyone could hear it.