Chapter 87 Fourth Marking: Zion Glass
Phoebe
I had just set the teapot down when something tightened inside me. Not fear—more like a warm ripple rising from my lower belly and spreading up through my chest. Maybe it was the wolf mating season Hayden mentioned yesterday. Or maybe my little pup was starting to express himself more clearly.
Phoenix was probably losing his mind right now. Tyra was at her most aggressive stage, and if I had to guess, Phoenix’s room must already look like a post-battle site.
I smiled to myself, rubbing my belly when my pup kicked in response.
Hayden wrapped his arms around me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder. “What are you thinking about, sweetheart?”
“I feel bad for Phoenix,” I said, setting the teapot aside. “Tyra’s been attacking him nonstop. He wanted to run here, but I told him I’m going with you to the department store. He can’t hide forever.”
Hayden chuckled. “Serves him right. He was pretending he could handle her.”
“Yeah, I thought the same.” I touched his hand around my waist. “But no matter how gentle a he-wolf is, they can still snap… like Finley.”
My pup kicked hard, offended I dared mention another he-wolf. Hayden immediately dropped to his knees and cupped my belly.
“Little Henry,” he murmured, “your mom needs all her mates. But don’t worry—you’ll always be her number one. No one’s pushing you aside.”
His words made me laugh as warmth spread all the way down to my toes.
After kissing me—reassuring me with his signature arrogant sweetness—I remembered something. “Aren’t you supposed to be studying? You said you have an exam.”
“I’m waiting for Zion,” he said. “He wants to study with me.”
“That’s rare.” I frowned.
“He wants good grades. And I’m basically his walking textbook.”
I pinched his side. “I’ll make you two some snacks.”
In the kitchen, I got right to work. Since they’d probably study for hours, I decided on peanut butter blondies—soft, buttery, American-style bars my mom used to make on lazy weekends. Then I shaped homemade soft pretzels, sprinkled them with coarse salt, and finished with a plate of baked cinnamon apple chips for something lighter.
The warm aroma filling the kitchen felt like a hug. For a moment, it chased away thoughts of the chaotic wolf mating season. Stirring batter, turning trays, breathing in caramelized butter—it was peaceful.
I was plating the blondies when the front door opened. Zion stepped inside quietly, but the shift in the air was immediate. Warmer. Thicker.
“Hey, Phoebs,” he said softly.
He looked normal at first glance—handsome, with that usual half-smirk—but there was something off. His skin was slightly flushed, like he had run here. His breathing was heavier than usual.
“Hayden’s upstairs,” I told him with a smile, trying to ignore the prickle running down my spine. “I’m finishing up the snacks for you two.”
“Thanks.” He kept his eyes low. “I’ll go up.”
He didn’t wait for anything else.
I tried to shake off the unease and went back to my pretzels.
Two hours later, the oven timer chimed for the second batch. I pulled the tray out just as footsteps thundered down the stairs.
Zion shirt clung to him with sweat. His dark curls stuck to his forehead. His breath came short—too short for someone who’d only been studying.
“Zion?” I hurried toward him. “Are you okay? I—I’ll get Hayden—”
“No!” His hand shot out, stopping me. His fingers trembled.
I froze. My pup shifted inside me, sensing the sudden tension.
“Did you… relapse?” I whispered. My voice cracked. He’d been fighting so hard to stay clean.
Zion squeezed his eyes shut, jaw tight. “No. Moon Goddess, no.”
Then he looked up. His eyes were clear—but wild.
“I’m… in heat.”
I stopped breathing. And that was when footsteps sounded from upstairs.
Hayden stood on the steps, gaze sharp but not surprised. More like… understanding.
Ah. The wolf mating season.
A he wolf near his pregnant mate could lose control easily—especially if his energy was unstable.
Hayden descended slowly.
“Zion,” he said calmly, “you’ve been holding it back too long, haven’t you?”
Zion didn’t answer, but the heat rolling off him did.
Hayden touched my shoulder, searching my face. Making sure I was okay.
“Phoebe,” he said gently, “you can say no. But he’s your mate too. And if your body is calling for him… I won’t stop you.”
The room seemed to turn softly around me. I didn’t know when the faint pulsing sensation began at the side of my neck—right beside Hayden’s mark. It felt like my skin was preparing itself, opening a space for another bond.
My heartbeat quickened. Zion stepped closer, but slowly—never crossing boundaries.
“May I?” His voice shook, more from restraint than desire.
I nodded. My body knew before my mind did. Zion touched my neck—right beside Hayden’s mark.
His touch wasn’t like Hayden’s. It was hesitant, but intense enough to make my pulse hammer in my ears.
When his lips brushed my skin, heat spread through me instantly. A mark wasn’t just a bite. It was an exchange of energy—and Zion’s energy washed through me in warm waves that made my breath falter.
The sensation rippled through my spine, settling in my chest. A soft warmth wrapped around my belly, and my pup responded with a tiny kick.
I clutched his shoulder. He bit down gently—just enough to mark. Heat bloomed from my neck, radiating through my whole body like light.
A shaky breath left me. My lips moved on their own. “Zion…”
He lifted his face, and the look in his bright golden eyes made my knees weaken.
My body answered—not with shock, but with need.
“I…” I swallowed. “Please… stay with me.”
Hayden made sure I truly meant it before he stepped toward the door, whispering, “I’ll give you two space.”
The front door closed. We were alone. Zion pulled me into his arms carefully, like I was something precious. Our breaths met in the small space between us. Nothing rushed.
He cupped my face. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You won’t,” I whispered. “I trust you.”
His first kiss was unsure—testing. But when I tugged him closer, he deepened it with a warmth that melted my legs. No rough movements. No wild force. Just a slow, building heat that made the rest of the world disappear.
Every touch felt like a soft wave rising, soothing and intense at once. His breath trembled against my skin. My chest tightened with an odd mix of joy, hunger, and peace.
When the warmth peaked inside me, I gasped softly. It didn’t hurt. It felt like an empty space inside me was suddenly filled with light. When it was over, Zion held me tight, as if afraid I’d slip away.
“Chocolate hazelnut… your scent grabbed me the second I stepped inside,” he whispered, voice rough with emotion.
I wrapped my arms around him, listening to his heartbeat against my ear. Everything felt right. Until the first pain hit.
“A—ah…” I doubled over slightly, hands on my belly.
Zion panicked. “Phoebe? Are you okay? Did I—did I hurt you?”
“I…” My breath hitched. “My stomach… it tightened.”
Wait. Was that—?
I looked down—A clear puddle spread around my feet.
Zion’s eyes went wide. “Moon Goddess…”
I stared at him, heart jumping into my throat.
“My water just broke.”