Chapter 33 After the Heat

Chapter 33 After the Heat
The next three days blurred together; time didn’t exist, the outside world didn't exist, the cabin became their entire universe, heat, bond connection. Celeste and Zeus were finally in sync- no hesitation. And for those three days, Zoe stopped thinking. There was no morning, no night, no responsibilities, no past, not even the question that had haunted Zoe for a long time, because for the first time in what felt like forever, Zoe stopped thinking. 

They were… aligned, perfect, and that changed everything because Zoe felt it in every breath, every touch and heartbeat. The bond wasn't just there anymore; it had wrapped around her. Three days...three days where the world disappeared, where everything between them burned away, leaving only what was real. 

On the fourth day, Zoe woke slowly, the silence was the first thing she noticed, just quiet and peaceful, and her body felt heavy, sore and in a way that grounded her. She stretched slightly and then winced, "Okay, that was intense".  Celeste stirred inside her, purring contentedly. Feels good. Zoe rolled her eyes, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. Of course you’d say that. She shifted, pulling the blanket tighter around herself as the cool air brushed against her skin. Her muscles protested slightly, and her body reminded her of everything.

But for the first time, she didn’t feel overwhelmed. The scent of food reached her before she even sat up. Her stomach growled loudly. “Oh wow… I’m starving. The scent of food hit her next. Right on cue, the door opened, and Zack stepped in, barefoot, relaxed, wearing nothing but loose pants hanging low on his hips. He is carrying a tray with coffee, food, and fruit. He smiled when he saw her awake. “Good morning.” Zoe pushed herself up against the headboard. “You’re a lifesaver.” He set the tray down beside her. “I figured you’d be hungry.” He carried a tray.

Zoe pushed herself up slowly, leaning back against the headboard “You’re a lifesaver.” Zack chuckled quietly as he walked over, setting the tray down beside her. “I figured you’d be hungry.”

“That’s an understatement.” She didn’t wait, grabbing a piece of toast immediately and taking a bite. Zack sat beside her, watching her “You okay?” he asked after a moment. Zoe nodded between bites, “Sore… but okay.” He huffed a quiet laugh “Yeah… same.” She shot him a look, “Don’t get cocky.” His smirk was immediate. “I wouldn’t dare.” Zoe rolled her eyes—but she didn’t fight the small smile.

They ate in silence; it wasn't awkward or heavy. It just felt comfortable, and for the first time since everything began, everything felt clear. Zoe finished eating, leaning back slightly, her stomach full, her body calmer, and her mind, finally catching up, everything returned, the reality, the responsibilities, the choices she had to make. “Zack.” He looked at her immediately “Yeah?” Zoe hesitated. Not because she didn’t know what to say, but because she understood what it meant. “I think… I’m going to stay.” Zack froze.

“Stay?” Zoe nodded slowly, her gaze steady. “I’m not saying everything is fixed.”

“I know.”

“But…” she continued quietly, “I want to try.” Something in Zack’s chest loosened, something tight, something he hadn’t even realised he was holding onto “I want that too.” Zack said.  Zoe looked down at her hands, then back at him. “But I need to go back to Red Water.” That hit him harder than expected. Zack frowned. “What?”

“Just for a short time,” she said quickly. “I need to say goodbye properly.” Silence.

Then, Zack nodded, slowly. “That’s fair.” Zoe softened slightly. “I owe them that much.” Zack reached for her hand. His grip firm, grounding. “And you’ll come back?” Zoe met his gaze. This time, there was no hesitation. “Yes.” And he believed her.
⸻
The drive back to the packhouse felt different, lighter. Zoe sat quietly in the passenger seat, watching the familiar land pass by, the trees, the roads, the territory she once hated. Now— It didn’t feel the same, but her mind wasn’t on the present. It was already ahead, planning, preparing. She needed to talk to Lucas, to the rest of her team, her friends, her family. The hardest part was saying goodbye. She didn't want it to be like last time, no running, because she wasn't broken; she wanted to properly say it to the people who showed her love and friendship. 

The moment they arrived, Zoe didn’t wait. She opened the car door and stepped out immediately. “Zoe”, Zack called after her. “I’ll be back,” she said quickly, and she meant it. She moved fast through the packhouse, straight to Lucas’ room. She knocked once, no answer. Her brows furrowed slightly. She pushed the door open, and it was empty. Her chest tightened. “Where is everyone?” She stepped back into the hallway. “Looking for someone?” Zoe turned. James. “Yes,” she said immediately. “Lucas. And the others.”

James hesitated, “They left.” Zoe blinked. “What?”

“This morning.” Her heart dropped. “Left? What do you mean by ‘left’?” James stepped closer. “They had to go back to Red Water.” Zoe’s voice softened. “Why didn’t they tell me?” James gave her a small, knowing look. “They didn’t want to ruin your moment.” Zoe froze. Her chest tightened painfully. “They knew…” she whispered. James nodded. “They’re your family, Zoe. Of course, they knew.” Her throat tightened. “But why so suddenly?” she asked quietly. James’ expression darkened. “There was an attack.” Zoe’s head snapped up. “What?”

“Rogues.” Her stomach dropped. “What about Alpha Jacob?”

“He’s fine,” James said quickly. “But…”

“But what?” she asked. James exhaled slowly. “They mentioned something about a rogue.” Zoe’s heart started racing again. “A rogue?” James nodded. “Name’s Mario.” Silence. Zoe’s thoughts spiralled, rogues, attack, Red Water, Jacob. The peace she had just begun to feel— Shattered completely, and in that moment— She knew. This wasn’t over.