Shane’s POV
I sat at the edge of a couch in Ethan’s office with my hands clasped tightly together, the anxiety flooding through my thoughts right now cannot be overstressed. The tension in the room is thick enough to be cut with a knife. I had just finished telling Aiden and Ethan everything Zoey had told me, they both sat across from me in deep thoughts of a solution.
Aiden’s anger was evident on his face and even in his body, but Ethan was calmer and was just trying to think of something that would help.
The thought of Skylar secretly visiting a seven-year-old still scares me.
“I haven’t heard from her in the last seven years, why is she back now?” Aiden said unable to contain his anger and irritation.
“If anything happens to Zoey… I won’t be able to forgive her,” I said with a trembling voice, “Skylar is dangerous, and she’s already started manipulating her.”
“I knew she was going to come back eventually but getting us back through Zoey is something I didn’t think she would do.” Aiden clenched a tight fist that his knuckles turned white “She had crossed the line and she is going to pay dearly for it.”
“We need to take this seriously and we need to act fast, from what I have gathered from you both, Skylar is a very powerful witch and she knows how to target her prey.” Ethan said calculateively, “Zoey’s safety should be our priority right now. We need to find a way to block all her ways of contacting her.”
“We’ll double the security at the estate and in the pack house, no one should get in or out without being thoroughly checked,” Aiden added in agreement.
“Yeah, but she can still contact Zoey without having to come to the estate or the pack house. She’s a witch and they have a way of connecting, how are we going to do that?” I raised.
Ethan leaned back in his chair to rub his temple in thought.
“Hmmm, Zoey’s exposure will be limited, she and other kids are going to start home-schooling immediately, and if Skylar tries to reach her mentally…”
“I’ll reach out to the elders and the witches loyal to my pack in Rome. They can send wards here to stay around the estate and cast protection spells that’ll keep Skylar out. She won’t be able to reach Zoey’s mind as easily, not if we have the right defenses in place.” Aiden interrupted.
We’ll protect her, Em. I won’t let anything happen to Zoey. She’s family, and no one can harm my family.”
I swallowed hard as my eyes flickered between Aiden and Ethan, I was grateful for their support yet still haunted by the thought of Skylar lurking in the shadows, waiting for another chance to strike.
“Thank you, both of you. We need to act fast because Zoey sees Skylar as her friend.”
“We’ll keep her safe, Shenaya,” Aiden said, “Skylar will have to go through all of us to get to her.”
I let out a breath of relief I didn’t even know I was holding. I was still concerned but I decided to have fate in my brother and my mate. They love Zoey, so she’s going to be protected no matter what. Aiden turned back to Ethan.
“I’ll gather the patrols. We need to ensure that the perimeter is secured by tonight.” Ethan nodded in agreement.
Aiden came across to my side.
“I won’t let Skylar get her, I’ll do everything I can, I promise.”
I rested my head against his chest to at least relax because I knew this was temporary. Skylar would not stop.
Later that night, Aiden and I decided to spend the night with the pups in their room. The warm glow of the light gave the room a soft golden light. Aiden and I sat in between Leo and Zoey’s bed.
I was holding their favorite storybook, my fingers gently traced the familiar cover. The story In the book is a tale about brave wolves protecting their pack, it’s a story of strength, courage, and family love.
Leo was already dozing off, his soft breathing steady and peaceful as Shenaya read aloud. Zoey, however, was wide awake, her big, curious eyes fixed on me as I continued to read. Even Aiden was already dozing off beside me too trying to catch his head now and then.
As the story neared its end, Zoey suddenly shifted under the blanket and tugged at my arm.
“Hmm? What is it, Zo?” I asked while I glanced down at her with a soft smile, thinking she was about to ask for another story.
Zoey’s expression was serious, her blue eyes dark and intense as she looked directly into my eyes.
“Skylar said you are not my mother, Mama,” Zoey said bluntly her words hit me like a rock.
Blood drained from my face and for a split second, I forgot how to breathe. The book fell from my hand and landed on the bed. I looked over at Aiden who was now wide awake. His entire body became rigid as he turned his sharp gaze towards Zoey.
“What?” I whispered as my heart hammered in my chest. I felt like the ground beneath her was slipping away. “What did you just say, Zoey?”
Zoey, who didn’t notice the shock or the sudden tension in the room simply blinked and repeated,
“Skylar told me you’re not my real mother. She said you found me and took me. She says I’m a powerful witch and I belong with her.”
I exchanged looks with Aiden trying to process what she had just joke. I can’t just drop it on her that I am not her mother right now. If I should do that, it will give her a valid reason to believe Skylar.
Aiden spoke first, his voice a low, protective growl as he leaned closer to Zoey.
“Princess, listen to me,” he said, his voice coming out calm but firm, doing his best to hide the fury he felt at Skylar’s intrusion. “Whatever Skylar told you is not true. She’s lying to you.”
Zoey looked between us, her small brow furrowing in confusion.
“But Skylar said she was my real family. We have things in common, like my hair and my eyes and magic. She said she could teach me things, magic things, that Mama can’t.”
My heart broke at the words, but I knew I had to stay calm, for Zoey’s sake. I swallowed my fear and reached out to take Zoey’s little hand in mine.
“Zoey,” I began softly and steadily, “I am your mother. I’ve loved you since the moment I held you in my arms, and I always will. No one-not Skylar, not anyone-can ever change that.”
“But… why would Skylar say those things?” Zoey asked, her innocent eyes searching mine for answers. “She seemed nice.”
“Skylar isn’t what she seems,” Aiden interjected. “She’s trying to confuse you, Zoey, because she wants to hurt us. She’s dangerous, and she doesn’t care about you the way we do. She only wants to use you.”
Zoey’s lip trembled, and I quickly pulled her into my lap, holding her tightly.
“You don’t have to be scared, Zo. We won’t let Skylar hurt you. You are safe with us, always.”
Tears began to form in Zoey’s eyes, and she buried her face in my chest.
“But she told me… she told me I was different that I wasn’t like Leo or the other kids. That I had powers.”
I stroked Zoey’s hair, as I held her daughter close.
“You are different, Zoey. You are special. You have powers, yes, but that doesn’t mean you don’t belong with us. You’re still my little girl, my beautiful, powerful little girl. And no matter what, you’ll always be part of this family.”
Aiden reached over, placing a gentle hand on Zoey’s back. “Princess, we’re here to protect you. You’re never alone. And you are loved, more than you can ever imagine.”
Zoey sniffled, her small fingers clutching my shirt as she looked up at Aiden with wide, watery eyes.
“You promise?”
“I promise. I’ll keep you safe, Zoey. We both will.” Aiden smiled softly.
I kissed Zoey’s forehead and whispered.
“No matter what anyone says, you’ll always be ours. Don’t ever doubt that, okay?”
Zoey nodded slowly her eyes still filled with uncertainty. I held her close.
As Zoey’s breathing eventually slowed showing that she had drifted off to sleep, Aiden and I exchanged a worried glance. We had won this battle, but the war with Skylar was far from over.