Part 6
Zera’s POV
Aaron had tried to convince me more than once in the last three weeks to quit my job at Stanford University as his way of protecting me, but I turned down his offer. After the appearance of the rebellion pack at the estate, Aaron took all the precautions necessary to ensure his own safety and that of his loved ones. But I couldn’t live in fear of getting hurt. Call me stubborn, but I confronted Ron and made him into a cute wolf. So the devil called Theo, his she-devil partner called Nicole, and his minions didn’t scare me.
‘Except Ron was a part of Aaron, hence his name. Ron already knew you and had already established a connection with you through Aaron. However, Theo hated Aaron and wanted only to destroy him and everything he cared about. You are something Aaron cares about.’ The voice in my head educated me.
That was true, but I couldn’t condition myself to a life of constant fear. I had to live my life regardless of what was happening around me. Aaron and I discussed Zion and concluded that it was better to homeschool him until everything returned to normal. Aaron put in the resources to get him a good tutor so his withdrawal from school would not affect his performance. We were certain he would get used to it.
The only common ground Aaron and I found was with Zion because he kept insisting that I leave my job. When I finally put my foot down and said no, he placed two security guards on me to guard my every move.
The last ritual was three months away, and he said he couldn’t risk me falling into the wrong hands. He was certain the rebellion pack had a plan, and he wanted to be one step ahead.
I didn’t argue with him about the guards. I learned to work with them. They kept a safe distance, even though anyone curious enough to stop and stare would figure out they followed me.
They stayed outside my classes and offices, depending on where I was. Though I hated it at first, it had been three weeks, and I was used to it at this point.
I wrapped up the class and stepped out and towards my office when I noticed the familiar figure walking on. The way she walked and carried herself reminded me of none other than Nicole Kent, the Luna of the New Age pack. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of her, and instead of heading towards my office as I had initially planned, I followed her but kept a safe distance between us.
A part of me could tell she knew I followed her, but she didn’t care. She turned towards the parking lot, and there stood Daniel, in a white short-sleeved shirt and khaki trousers, waiting. I didn’t know who he waited for, but he didn’t look impatient in his wait.
Nicole walked up to him and kissed him on the lips, and I stood stunned at what took place before me. Despite being taken aback, he kissed her back and wrapped his arms around her tightly. They pulled away, and he smiled fondly at her.
My heart ached in fear because I knew Nicole had somehow gotten to Daniel. Aaron was right. She was a master manipulator and could play with the hearts of any man or woman.
“If you want to join us, all you have to do is ask,” Nicole said, turning to face the direction I was going. I wasn’t completely in the open, but she had sensed my presence. She knew I had followed her all the while and had led me here just to give me a show. “I know you two have a bad history, but Daniel Boo here would gladly forgive that and give you a treat.”
I stepped out from behind the car where I had hidden and came to stand before them, and I felt Daniel’s lingering gaze on me. I felt guilty standing in Daniel’s presence. I felt like I had failed him as a good friend and colleague.
“Nicole,” I called, my voice low and unfriendly.
“Zera,” she said heartily, as if we were friends and playing a game with someone’s life was fun.
She stepped up towards me, but I didn’t back away. I had every reason to fear, but I knew she couldn’t act out before him if she was using Daniel to get to me. That made me feel a little safe.
“I know what you’re doing, and I will not let you destroy his life like you tried to do Aaron’s.” I snarled at her, my hands balling into tight fists.
She laughed, “Poor little you. You buy everything he tells you, don’t you? I didn’t ruin his life. I left on my own, and you don’t get to have a say in this because you’re not Daniel’s family or lover. He’s mine.”
“He isn’t yours and will never be.” My voice rose to a higher pitch, along with my anger.
“I thought you were happy with your lover, Aaron? Why are you so obsessed with Daniel now?”
“Because I know what you’re capable of, and I will not let you do that!”
She smiled and reached out to stroke my face with the back of her hand, but I threw my face away from her in disgust. Her teeth gritted, and she withdrew her hand before storming off.
Daniel stepped up to follow her like a cute little puppy, but I ran up to him and stepped in his way, not letting him through. He glanced at me, and his eyes narrowed in displeasure.
“What are you doing?”
“Daniel, listen to me. That lady is dangerous, and you do not want to be anywhere near her.”
He chuckled, but he didn’t look happy with me. “You really have some nerves, don’t you? Once upon a time, I was here in love with you and ready to do anything for you, but that wasn’t enough for you. You cheated on me and went off to be with the man you loved. I was devastated but couldn’t let that bring me down.”
“We could still be friends, I told myself, and I tried to reach out and mend the bridge despite being the one whose heart got broken and thrown into the sea. You barely treated me with any form of kindness, nor did you give me a moment of your time, and when I needed you, you were barely there. It hurt, and I took the pain until I no longer could, and that was when Nicole came into my life and turned things around. She gave my life meaning and purpose, and since she became a part of me, my days have gotten brighter.”
“She’s only with you to get to me!” I exclaimed, frustrated and not knowing how else to put the words.
He pressed his lips together, and pain flashed in his eyes. “Why would you say that to me? What do you hope to gain? I know I am not good enough for you, but I am worth it to someone else.”
“Listen to me, Daniel.” I took his hand in mine. “Things aren’t the way they seem, and you have to trust me on this one. I know I haven’t been the best of friends or anything, but I need you to believe me.”
He yanked his hand away from mine, and I gasped. “You know, for once in my life, someone wants to be with me, and you are telling me they are only with me because of you. Of course, it has to be about you. Everything has to revolve around you. I never thought you would be like one of those selfish people who only care about themselves, but that is exactly who you are. Thank you for showing your true colours. Do not ever come near me or talk to me. Pretend as if you never knew me, and I’ll do the same.” With that said, he brushed past me and walked away, and I could do Nothing but watch him go.