Zara’s POV
Although I was a little embarrassed and uneasy lying on top of Luke, he didn’t seem to mind at all.
“Feeling better?” He asked when my breathing wasn’t racing anymore, and I got over the shock.
“I… I think so,” I stammered incoherently. I hated it when I stuttered, giving away my nervousness.
I shifted my weight to the side and tried to push myself away from Luke’s chest, but my hand
slipped. He grunted like a wounded animal beneath me as I crashed down on top of his chest.
“S-s-sorry,” I muttered, embarrassed, and quickly rolled myself away from him. “I… I…”
Luke pulled himself upright, coughed, and rubbed his chest. He then shifted his head to the side,
watching me.
Luke’s face twisted in confusion, and an unknown emotion crossed his eyes.
“What are you doing here?” He eventually asked. His voice carried a mixture of excitement and
worry.
I sighed.
“I… I got lost…” I muttered.
My cheeks burned as they betrayed me and flushed red.
I immediately dropped my gaze down to my hands, hoping Luke wouldn’t ask more questions.
I wasn’t ready to share the real reason for wondering about his pack; neither was I ready to share my
pain of betrayal with him.
Besides, Luke wouldn’t believe me if I told him about the portal, nor would he understand the
feeling of betrayal from a loved one-Luke never found his second chance mate, nor did he want to
take a chosen mate. It was as if he was waiting for the right one to come.
“How?” Luke cut me off and narrowed his eyes at me. He seems to be getting even more and more
confused by my words.
“You know these woods like the back of your hand,” he said.
Luke got to his feet and dusted him off.
“I am surprised that you dared to go near the river,” he stated. “You have firsthand experience of
how dangerous these waters can be…”
Luke’s words faded away as my mind sped through my memories. I knew exactly what he was
referring to: Kevin, Luke’s youngest brother.
My gaze swiftly moved in the direction of where an old bridge once stood.
There was nothing left, not even a stump or beacon to indicate that something so significant was
built across the dark and dangerous waters.
It was all Kevin’s fault.
I sighed and shook my head.
The old bridge had a piece of history attached to it. Alpha Jack and his father used to cross the bridge
to go to school.
I remember how excited Luke was about showing me the bridge. He had even packed us some
snacks and beverages to enjoy once we reached the river.
Kevin wanted to go with us, but Luke refused.
However, Kevin followed behind us, and he made sure he kept a safe distance between us.
Images of that fateful day flashed in front of my eyes.
Luke and I had reached the bridge. He sat down the bag, grabbed my hand, and pulled me to the
bridge.
“It’s safe,” Luke said, as he stepped onto the bridge. “I promise.”
I trusted Luke. I followed him onto the bridge.
We were about halfway when Kevin decided to make his presence known.
I felt a chill run down my spine. If only he weren’t so mischievous.
Kevin rocked the old bridge, and the old rope moaned.
Luke warned Kevin to stop, but he didn’t listen. He instructed me to go quickly and not look back. I
didn’t hesitate. I did as he told me. He was running behind me.
The sound of the old ropes snapping erupted over the roaring sound of the waters. I froze, but Luke
pushed me forward.
Everything after it was a blur. Luke shoved me over the edge, causing me to land on my knees and
scrape them.
A horrific scream echoed through the valley, and my gaze snapped toward the sound.
Kevin was completely engulfed by the roaring waters as the bridge collapsed beneath him.
Luke mumbled something to me. My focus was on Kevin, so I couldn’t understand what he was
saying.
Nic left my side, ran to the river’s edge, and jumped after Kevin.
I thought Luke was going to die; however, he saved Kevin.
Kaya whimpered in my mind, and the images disappeared before my eyes.
“Luke, I am sorry,” I muttered. “It’s a long…”
“Zara, have you been crying?” Luke cut me off. He quickly got to his feet and moved closer.
I turned my face away.
“I don’t want to talk about it,” I stated, feeling tears well up behind my eyelids.
Luke was always so observant. He could always pick up on the smallest shift in the atmosphere.
“Are you sure?” he asked with concern, placing his hand on my shoulder. “I can see that something
has you upset.”
“Luke, I can’t.” My voice cracked, giving my emotions away.
Luke gently cupped the side of my face and turned me towards him.
“Talk to me,” he whispered, gently brushing the tears from my cheeks. “Maybe I can help. Tell me
who hurt you. Is it Alpha Nicholas? Did he do this to you?”
Hearing Nicolas’s name aloud sent a painful spike to my chest, and my hands quickly flew to my lips
in an attempt to suppress the sob that erupted from my body.
“Oh my,” Luke murmured under his breath, staring down at me with wide eyes. He has never seen
me this sad and pathetic.
“There, there,” he whispered, pulling me into his rock-hard chest. “You are safe with me. I will not let
him or anyone hurt you again.”
I slowly nodded, feeling tired. My eyes were now hurting and burning from all the crying.
Luke scooped me up into his arms and started to move toward the forest.
I silently sobbed in his arms, feeling sorry for myself. When the tears finally dried up and I didn’t cry
anymore, Luke gently pulled my head against his chest.
The loud sounds of chattering nearby startled me, and my eyes snapped open with a start.
I quickly looked around, finding myself in an office and lying on a cozy couch.
My gaze shifted to the navy blue blazer covering me-I was certain that it belonged to Luke.
“I must have dozed off,” I muttered to myself as I shifted my body into a sitting position.
I rubbed my face, feeling my skin tender and raw under my fingertips.
“It was not a dream,” I stated, and I sighed. Everything that happened was real. I wasn’t dreaming!
“What was not a dream?” Luke asked, entering the office.
I didn’t reply. I was unable to. I was afraid that should I say something, I would burst out crying
again.
Luke came closer and set a tray down on the coffee table. His gaze met mine.
“I can see that you are starving,” he said. “I brought you some apple pie and coffee.”
I bit my lip. How will I ever be able to repay his kindness?
“I know it is not much,” he went on, handing me a plate. “But most of our pack members have
already left to attend the weekend festivities…”
My heart pounded with excitement. I have forgotten about the grand opening of the carnival and
ball tonight…!
Everyone will go there, and I was expected to attend.
“Thank you,” I mumbled embarrassedly as my stomach rumbled.
Luke quietly rose to his feet, smiled when he saw me bite into the pie, and then quietly headed
toward the door.
“Luke,” I stopped him. He hesitantly turned back to look at me.
“Yes?”
“Thank you for saving me today,” I said. “And the pie is perfect!”
A smile formed on Luke’s lips, and his eyes glimmered in happiness. He hesitated before taking a
step closer. He seemed to be struggling with something.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, setting the plate down on the table.
“Uh,” he mumbled, scratching the back of his head. He seemed quite nervous about something.
“Luke?” I asked, tilting my head sideways.
Luke closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
“Would you care to join me at the fundraiser ball tonight…?”
****