Kane

"Oh, and we’re expecting a severe snowstorm, which will hinder all air travel. So there’s a chance we’ll get stuck. That’s why I wouldn’t recommend going. As soon as she gets better and the storm subsides, I’ll personally make sure Zara returns home to you."

I tried to reassure him and explain the upcoming situation.

"I understand. The situation is quite serious, and I would never put her life in danger. I’m counting on you to ensure my daughter’s safety. But mark my words, Alpha, do not harm her under any circumstances."

Wow! He wasn’t threatening me, he was threatening consequences.

Guilt pierced my heart. If he’d known how much pain I’d caused his daughter, he probably would have killed me.

"I’m her mate, Mr. Kincaid. And I always take care of my mate. My luna will be safe under my roof. I promise."

My promise wasn’t empty. Her safety was my top priority.

"I’m counting on it. Tell her to call me. Thank you for taking care of her when she was alone."

The conversation ended there, and I detected a hint of gratitude in the man’s voice. He was different from his daughter; he spoke frankly and never embellished the truth.

With a sigh of relief, I returned to the villa, almost frozen from the cold outside.

When I entered the living room, the tree was almost completely decorated. Mother looked at it with awe, holding a large crystal star in her hand.

Seeing me, mother excitedly called out, "Put the star up."

Quietly, I took it from her and headed toward the tree. Rising on tiptoe, I placed the shimmering crystal star on top of the tree and adjusted it. It shone like a beacon.

"Wonderful! Now the festive atmosphere reigns. All that remains is to arrange the presents. But I’ll do that later."

"It looks stunning," Zara complimented without any hint of innuendo, sarcastically.

"Why don’t you rest for a bit? I’ll take Zara upstairs. She needs to lie down and take her medicine," I said, and Mom agreed. She hugged Zara tenderly and went to her room.

I turned to my mate, and her expression instantly hardened.

"Call your dad?" When we get to the room. I was a little nervous, but I’ve allayed most of his fears.

"What did you tell him?" she asked, raising an eyebrow as I leaned over and picked her up, ready to carry her upstairs.

"I told him the truth. But I’ll tell you everything on the way."

***

Zara

Alpha covered me with a blanket and left the room to give me a chance to talk to my family. He told me everything he’d told Dad while carrying me upstairs.

Mostly, he wanted to protect himself, but I needed to be strong while talking to my family.

Any worry on my part would make them suspicious. So I suppressed all my emotions and pressed the video call button.

As if he’d been expecting my call, Dad answered immediately. Ryan was with him. Their worried faces appeared before me.

"Hello! Our beautiful girl, how are you? What happened?" Dad asked worriedly.

"Are you okay? Would you like us to come get you?" Ryan looked worried, too; I could tell by the wrinkles on her forehead.

I smiled deliberately. "I’m fine, just a slight sprain." I shouldn’t have worn heels to the office, but you know how much I love them." I tried to act calm and pretend it was no big deal.

In fact, it wasn’t. I was a grown woman who could handle a minor sprain, but it was the emotional pain that was causing me so much pain.

The worst part was that I couldn’t even talk to anyone about it... I had no emotional support, and I had to stay with the same person who had caused me so much pain.

"Are you sure, Moonshine? Are you comfortable there?" Dad asked, his face expressing concern for me, and I hated it.

They had both been through so much in their lives, and I didn’t want to add to their suffering now that they were finally at peace.

"I’m very comfortable, Dad. I have a luxurious guest room and a personal assistant to myself. Besides, Alpha’s mother is very nice. You have nothing to worry about," I assured them, mixing truth and lies. I deliberately used his title so they wouldn’t suspect anything.

"Have you been taking any medications?" Ryan asked, and I told him about the medications Dr. Haynes had left for me.

"Rest for a few days, don’t overexert yourself," Ryan advised, and I nodded.

We talked for a long time, and I asked everyone.

"How is Sophia doing?" I kept thinking about her and Govinda and Marcus, too.

"She’s better, but she’s still on bed rest. She’s a fighter. You know her," Ryan said calmly. I think some of the tension on her face evaporated when she saw I was okay.

We talked for a while longer, and we both gave me hundreds of instructions.

After numerous assurances from me that I was comfortable and not in pain, the call finally ended.

I relaxed, leaning back against the headboard and staring at the ceiling.

Boredom soon overtook me. Unable to get up, I didn’t have much of a choice. I reminded myself to ask Asbela to put a few books on the bedside table so they’d be within reach.

With his mysterious personality and aura, he could very well be my tormentor.

These disturbing thoughts made me close the video.

Frustrated, I put my phone away. Maybe I should it’s worth getting some sleep to find peace of mind. So, I snuggled under the covers, closed my eyes, and fell asleep.

***

I spent the next few days in bed.

To my surprise, Alpha kept his distance, and whenever he approached, I couldn’t smell tobacco on him.

He kept his promise. Either he’d cut down on smoking, or when he did, he avoided me.

Luna and Asbela were very helpful. They kept me company and took care of my needs.

Asbela and Kaysir left for Christmas break on the morning of December 23rd, and I gave them Christmas presents before they left.

They both left extremely happy.