Sweat dripped from Zayn’s forehead as he circled Ezra on the training grounds. The morning sun was harsh, their shadows dancing across the packed dirt. A crowd of warriors had gathered to watch their Alpha and Beta spar, a daily ritual that had grown in intensity lately.
“Come on,” Zayn growled, gesturing for Ezra to attack. “Stop holding back.”
Ezra lunged forward, throwing a punch that Zayn easily dodged. He countered with a swift kick to Ezra’s side, sending him stumbling.
“Is that all you’ve got?” Zayn taunted, his eyes narrowing. Something dark stirred inside him, a restless energy that had been building for days.
Ezra recovered quickly, feinting left before landing a solid hit to Zayn’s jaw. The Alpha staggered backward, a hint of a smile crossing his face as he tasted blood.
“Better,” Zayn said, spitting red onto the ground.
The spectators murmured as the intensity increased. This wasn’t their usual training session. There was something primal, something dangerous in their Alpha’s movements today. .com
Zayn rushed forward, tackling Ezra to the ground. He pinned his Beta down, pressing against Ezra’s throat. Ezra struggled, tapping Zayn’s arm to signal submission. But Zayn didn’t release him.
“Al...Alpha,” Ezra choked out, his face reddening. “Zayn!”
Something in Ezra’s desperate voice snapped Zayn back to reality. He blinked, suddenly aware of his actions. He immediately released his grip and staggered back, horror washing over his face.
“Shit,” Zayn cursed under his breath, extending a hand to help Ezra up.
Ezra took a moment to catch his breath before accepting Zayn’s hand. “Everyone, training’s over,” he called out to the onlookers, who began to disperse, whispering among themselves.
Some noticed how tense it got for unknown reasons, while others chalked it up to a high-intensity sparring match. No one dared approach them to share their thoughts.
Once the training grounds had cleared, Zayn sat heavily on a wooden bench at the edge of the field. Ezra joined him, rubbing his throat.
“I’m sorry, I haven’t been myself lately,” Zayn admitted, staring at his shaky hands.
Ezra sighed, leaning back against the bench. “I noticed. We all have.”
A heavy silence settled between them. The only sounds were birds chirping in the distance and the occasional shout from warriors training in the background.
“Look,” Ezra finally said, “I know you don’t want to talk about what happened, but everyone is watching you and Lily. Everyone knows something’s wrong.”
Zayn’s knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists. “What are they saying?”
“Just that you two have been distant,” Ezra replied carefully. “Nothing specific. But it raises questions after the display you two put on.”
Zayn knew what Ezra meant. Zayn had made a huge scene rescuing Lily and asking everyone to respect her. But now, things were completely different. They were barely seen together, let alone speaking to each other.
“That’s it? Anything else?” Zayn asked skeptically.
After what happened, Zayn was certain Lily would have told somebody. Especially those closest to her. Martha and Ragnar. While Martha wasn’t known to gossip, word spread quickly in the pack.
Few secrets ever remain as they were.
Ezra shook his head, “No.”
“She didn’t tell anyone,” Zayn muttered, just loud enough for Ezra to hear.
“And neither did you.”
Though Zayn didn’t say anything, Ezra had an inkling of what had happened. He’d seen the condition Lily was in. He was no stranger to the wounds, the signs, the scent that lingered in the air. f\r(e)ewe.b no\vel.com
But he was Zayn’s Beta. What right did he have to tell his Alpha what he could and could not do?
“We can never forget what Alpha Grayson had done to us, to our loved ones. But you made it clear to everyone that her father’s sins weren’t hers to bear,” Ezra said carefully, watching Zayn’s reaction as he spoke.
Guilt flashed across Zayn’s face. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again.
“I... What happened...” Zayn bit his tongue, unable to put his thoughts into words. He shook his head.
He recalled her cries, her pleas for him to stop. It was different this time. An unsettling feeling gnawed in his heart.
Ezra placed a hand on Zayn’s shoulder, “You don’t have to say anything you don’t want to, Alpha.”
Zayn nodded, grateful for his Beta’s understanding. “We should get ready for patrol.”
They stood and walked toward the edge of the training grounds when a familiar voice called out.
Both of them turned to see Victoria approaching with purpose in her stride. Her long, slightly curled hair swayed as she walked. Her tight-fitting top accentuated her curves, a deliberate choice, no doubt.
“I need to speak with you,” she said, glancing at Ezra briefly. “Privately.”
Ezra glanced at Zayn, who gave a slight nod.
“I’ll make preparations for the patrol,” Ezra said before walking away.
Once Ezra was out of earshot, Victoria stepped closer to Zayn. “I heard the new packhouse is almost ready.”
“It is,” Zayn confirmed, keeping his voice neutral. “We move in three days.”
Victoria smiled, placing a hand on his arm. “I wanted to ask if there’s anything I can do to help with the move. I heard Luna Lily was assigned to catalog all items for the transfer, but she’s... unable to perform her duties.”
Zayn’s jaw tightened. “Who told you that?”
“Word travels,” Victoria replied with a shrug. “I’m simply offering my assistance. What she can do, I can do. Better.”
“No,” Zayn said firmly. “That’s Luna Lily’s task. You can help with other tasks if you wish.”
Victoria’s smile faltered for just a moment before returning, more determined than before. She stepped even closer, crushing the space between them.
“Perhaps there are more... personal tasks I could help you with instead,” she whispered, running her fingers across his chest.
Zayn caught her wrist. “I don’t need your help with anything, Victoria.”
He released her hand and turned to leave, but her next words stopped him cold.
“Is she able to satisfy you, Zayn?” Victoria called after him. “Can she please you the way I can?”
Zayn froze, slowly turning back to face her. “What are you talking about?”
Victoria moved forward, growing bolder with each step, “Something happened between you two, didn’t it? My guess it’s something she couldn’t handle.”
Before Zayn could respond, Victoria grabbed his hand. She looked deep into his eyes.
“Put a child in me, Zayn,” she said, her eyes burning with desire.
Zayn yanked his hand away as if burned. “Have you lost your mind?”
He tried to leave again, but Victoria stepped in front of him, blocking his path.
“Think about it,” she pleaded. “Lily is weak. She can’t give you what you need. But I can.” She pressed her body against his. “I’ve been taking fertility herbs. One night with me, and I will give you an heir. The Alpha King would never know the difference.”
Zayn remained perfectly still as Victoria’s hands snaked around his neck. She rubbed herself against him, her scent heavy with arousal.
“I’ll let you fuck me any way you want,” she whispered into his ear. “I’ll fulfill every dark desire you have. I won’t break or cry like she did.”
Her hand slid down his chest, moving toward the waistband of his pants. Zayn caught her wrist in a painful grip before she could go further.
With a forceful shove, he pushed her away. Victoria lost her balance and fell to the ground. She looked up at him in shock.
Zayn towered over her, casting her in his shadow. Victoria felt small. A shiver ran down her spine.
“You disgust me,” he said, his voice low and dangerous.