Sold as the Alpha King's Breeder-Chapter 1264 - 19 : Meeting Marcus

*Zara*

“I know you completely disapprove of the “NoaRena” wedding. But, even if it’s a bit of a touchy subject, I have to say that I am really enjoying all the wedding buzz. I didn’t expect to meet a bunch of wonderful people,” Gia said, giving me a sheepish smile.

I chuckled and nodded, because I had to admit, she was right. Some of Noah’s extended family had come to visit the Drogomor pack ahead of the wedding, and those from the Windy Clouds pack in particular were fantastic cooks.

Gia and I were sitting outside as the sun was setting, munching on a dish of garlic chicken pesto pasta that was freshly made.

I said, “If the food is already this good, I wonder how spectacular it will be at the wedding.” I took a bite and let out a hum, looking out toward the woods. My wolf was nagging at me to go for a run and take in the woods. We’d been shut in for quite a while now.

“What’s on your mind?” Gia asked, noticing the distant glint in my eye.

I looked toward her and smiled a bit, replying, “Oh, just thinking about taking a run in the woods. My wolf is itching to get out there.”

“Are you well enough to do that?” she asked with concern, furrowing her brow.

I took in some fresh air with a sigh, then nodded.

“I am,” I confirmed. “Nothing too extensive and strenuous, of course, but I will save the run until after dinner.”

“It should be a beautiful night. I’ll join you, then,” Gia said in a happy tone.

We took our time eating dinner until eventually, we set off for a run under the moon and stars when the sun set completely.

The wind rushed wonderfully through my fur as I ran, and eventually, we were joined by another wolf. One of the Windy Clouds pack members had joined us, running between Gia and me as we took our time.

He was a light grey wolf, with gleaming amber eyes and a tongue that lolled out a bit goofily. I heard a wolfish chuff from Gia; she no doubt was amused by this.

When our run was over and we were dressed again, we sat under the trees in the garden, catching our breath. Now, we were joined by the Windy Clouds shifter.

He was a gentleman with smoothed-back ashen hair and brilliant brown eyes that seemed to glow gold if hit by the light right. There was a glint in Gia’s eyes as she looked at him as if she was intrigued.

I’d seen him around but hadn’t officially met him yet. Gia and I had been very busy lately trying to figure out where my mate was.

“Hello there,” Gia said to him. “Had a good run with us? What’s your name?”

“I’m Marcus, Noah’s cousin. Pleased to meet you. You two are?” he asked, giving a calm smile, and looking between us.

“I’m Giovanna, but some people call me Gia,” Gia said, wearing a big grin.

“Zara. Pleased to meet you,” I said.

Marcus’s eyes fell upon me. “Oh, the matchmaker who helped Noah find the one. The family has been abuzz with relief about Drogomor’s future.”

I gave a faint smile, unable to voice a sincere reply, but Gia hopped in to help me, knowing it was a touchy subject. “How’s the visit to Drogomor been? I am just a visitor myself. Are you one of the cooks putting out such delicious food?”

Marcus’s eyes lit up, and he nodded. “Not one of the cooks, but some of it is made by me,” he said with enthusiasm. “It’s a passion of mine, even when I go camping. I can cook some impressive dishes even over the fire... not to brag or anything.”

“Oh, you should brag! That’s talent!” Gia exclaimed, giving a radiant smile.

I nodded in agreement, thrilled that my friend was being chatty with this guy. He had a pleasant, relaxed vibe to him.

“Camping under the moonlight can be so relaxing,” I said. “How often do you do so?”

“I try to go in the warm months for at least a week at a time. If I’m lucky, I get to go about five to six times per year.”

Gia looked impressed. “Whoa, that’s a lot! It sounds fun. What else do you enjoy besides cooking on the fire?”

He chuckled gazing at her intensely. “I like mountain climbing. Running through the woods is always a fun time, like just now. The feeling of the wind through my fur, or hair, is not like anything else.”

“You’ve got that right!” Gia agreed and I looked between the two of them, getting a spark of a feeling. She then looked at me, eyeing me with concern. “How are you feeling, Zara? Know you said you’d be fine, but—”

“I am still fine,” I said, not wanting to break the mood between them. “No need to over-worry. Keep bombarding Marcus with questions! I like listening in.”

Gia’s face flushed, and she looked at Marcus, who was glancing between me and her. He asked, “What is the matter? Running while sick?” he asked.

I shook my head. “Not really, just... tired after a trip to the Dark Realm.”

Marcus gasped. “The Dark Realm? No wonder you’re exhausted. That is impressive.”

Gia commented, “See, that’s what I said! It’s not over-worrying, it’s just the right amount of worrying!” She nudged me, earning a laugh.

The conversation about camping and cooking continued even as we got up and walked our way back to the mansion. Gia and Marcus were connecting so naturally, which was very cute.

I felt a surge of happiness and anticipation within me at my friend making more friends here. Gia was a sweet woman with a great sense of humor.

***

A couple of days later, me, Gia, and Marcus were sitting by the fire outside of the mansion, talking about various things like the wedding, and how I accomplished my job.

I stared down at my hands and said, “Well. Noah and Serena are a practical match,” I said. There was no need to spill the entire truth. “They are determined to work together for the good of the pack.”

“That sounds super romantic,” Marcus said in an amused tone, which then changed to one of concern. “What’s wrong, though? I am all ears.”

I dove into how I went into detail questioning potential mates, getting them together and interacting to see if they were a true match, then about the golden threads, and how I could spot them the more people got to know each other and realize they connected so well.

“The Luna Lilies allow fated mates to feel the bond for themselves though. I’ll offer them as an option in the future for tough cases, but I only have so many. I’ll need to figure out pricing because they are so hard to find,” I said, deep in thought on that one.

“Given the chance, Zara would probably do it for free to help her clients. But she needs money to live, so the more complicated stuff is, the more expensive it should be. Right, Zara?”

She eyed me, clearly wanting to make sure I didn’t shortchange myself. Marcus just had to laugh at the sheepish smile I gave Gia.

“Searching for someone’s true love is a wonderful thing,” Marcus agreed. “Pairing people together who are, what, meant for each other... the way you speak tells me there may be something more to it.”

“Oh, there is,” Gia said with excitement. “It’s magical to see Zara work, really. I’ve been her best friend since childhood and have seen her put so many couples together even in middle school, and they are still together. She’s even convinced some not-so-great matches to separate.”

I couldn’t help but wince, staring down at my lap as the fire’s warmth danced on my face. Gia noticed this and rolled her eyes. “Chin up Zara! It was a sad situation, but ultimately a really good thing for them I promise.”

Marcus, noting the shift in conversation, guided it back, asking, “Have you ever found your match, Zara? Or what about you, Gia?” He looked between us, no doubt more curious about Gia’s answer than mine.

I remained silent, wondering how exactly I should word this, when Gia spoke up with a light sigh. She said, “Oh, in my case, no, but I’ve been looking.”

Her eyes had a dreamy glint as she looked up toward the stars with a soft smile. “I think settling down to start a family would be a wonderful thing, but I’m like Zara. I want to settle but also keep working.”

Marcus nodded, giving a very happy smile. “I never understood the people who demanded that one person work at home and take care of the kid all day unless that’s what their mate wanted, you know?”

“Yes, exactly!” Gia said with a grin. “Plus, my line of work is very fulfilling. I do surveys on wildlife to measure the balance of ecosystems... you know, to make sure one group of animals isn’t spiraling out of control, or something.”

“Wow, that’s fascinating!” Marcus said with a laugh. “I’ve been busy in my studies to become a healer. It takes up most of my time, but right now I’m on break.”

“Oh wow! Your career path is wonderful, Marcus!” Gia said with enthusiasm. “Though I can see why you find mine so interesting given you like camping so much.”

Marcus nodded, giving a smile. “Nature is a passion. It’s charming to hear it is on for you, too.” He then looked at me. “What about you, Zara? Is it easier to find a mate since you’re a matchmaker?”

I winced, then shook my head. “No,” I muttered before realizing I was giving more information than intended. I got a wide-eyed look from Gia and blinked. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

Damn it.

Marcus said softly, “Hey, if it’s a touchy subject, there’s no need to talk about it now. We can move onto the previous conversation, yeah, like... the most interesting job experiences we’ve had.”

“We could,” I said, then I sighed. “Well, the cat’s out of the bag, so to speak. It isn’t easier to find a mate even though I’m a matchmaker,” I said in a low tone.

Gia said quickly, “Er, can you keep this to yourself, Marcus? Pretty please?” She fluttered her eyebrows at him, and he had to have a chuckle at how she exaggerated that action.

Marcus placed his hand over his heart. “You have my word,” he said.

Feeling somewhat better because Marcus seemed very genuine, I continued, “I am still looking for him. We... met through a weird situation. Well, not weird. It was wonderful.” I let out a sigh after emphasizing the word ‘wonderful,’ my tone turning dreamy.

Marcus and Gia leaned forward. Gia had heard the story already, but clearly enjoyed the way I told it. I only gave as much detail as necessary for Marcus to get the point, describing the night of the full moon and meeting in the clearing.

When I finished, I said, “It was... something extraordinary,” I breathed.

Marcus tilted his head, thinking this over. “You know what?” he said. “If it was a full moon... That sounds like it could have been part of some pack’s Moon Ball.”

Gia and I widened our eyes.

Maybe this was a new lead.