Sold as the Alpha King's Breeder-Chapter 1305 - 60 : Safe at Last

*Zara*

I almost passed out with relief when Noah came around the corner and spotted me. Things had been spiraling into worse conditions.

I just couldn’t handle it any longer.

Thankfully, he’d come for me, despite how I’d sent him off. I still felt heartbroken about the memory and mate issue, but at least our baby was safe.

So was Noah, which was also a relief.

Noah emerged from the shadows with Lorelei in tow, covered in blood. Lorelei took a seat on the ground and closed her eyes, clearly gathering her bearings.

My focus then shifted to Noah, and I listened to the sounds of battle happening for a moment before wincing.

I knew that the conflict would never end if things didn’t change, and we’d always have the potential to be in danger. The priestess also had her reasons for being so against the Luna Lilies, even if she was so damn cryptic.

Though they could learn a thing or several about how to treat people under their ‘care,’ I felt the need to speak up before things went any farther.

“Noah,” I said softly. “We need to negotiate with the priestess.”

“What?!” Noah growled, focusing on me.

I nodded firmly. “Killing more rogues will only escalate this. The priestess captured us because of the Luna Lily situation. I’ve seen firsthand how their use is causing problems.”

“They captured you and shouldn’t be given any mercy.”

“They should,” I insisted. “Please, Noah? It’s the best course of action going forward.”

He stared at me for a moment, frustration flashing in his gaze. I could tell he was bristling from having to bargain with someone who had captured me, but I hoped he’d see reason in the end.

Sighing, he said, “Alright. Negotiate with the priestess, that’s our next objective. I’ll call off the warriors now. But—”

His expression remained dead serious, and I raised a brow.

He continued, “We’ll send for negotiations here after we get to the palace in Egoren. We will go there after we stop at Midnight Sun pack, the allies working with us now.”

I let out a sigh of relief and nodded. “That’s very reasonable,” I said, giving him a smile.

I saw his eyes light up happily at my expression. He ran his fingers through my hair, causing me to relax somewhat.

Moon Goddess, I really wished this could work out.

Noah continued, “When we get there, they will make sure you and the baby are alright.”

I nodded, then muttered, “I won’t be in a captive situation again. Right?” My tone was exhausted. I wanted to go home, but resting first was good.

I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t dealing with yet another miserable situation.

Noah shook his head fiercely. “No, not at all. I promise, Zara. Let’s get you comfortable and rested. You’ll be able to go home soon.”

I looked over at Lorelei, who had opened her eyes and now was staring at me in question. I gave her a smile. “Still want to come with me?”

“Will I have to do laundry?” she asked, making a face.

I couldn’t help but chuckle, and I shook my head. “I’ll deck anyone who tries to make us do that.” Then, I looked at Noah.

He nodded, then addressed Lorelei. “There will be space in the Midnight Sun pack for you to be there, yes. It is a warm, friendly place.”

“I hope you’re right. I’ve nowhere else to go, and I really don’t want to go back to Silver Fang.” She shuddered. “Especially if I need to be near Gray.”

I felt a pang of sadness rush through me at her crestfallen expression and put a hand on her shoulder. “It will be alright,” I said. “There is still love out there for you.”

“Is there?” she asked as we started making our way through the woods.

We were exhausted, and before long, needed to be carried, me by Noah, and her by one of the Midnight Sun warriors.

Neither of us protested.

I nodded. “Yes,” I confirmed, knowing love could persevere.

She gave me a skeptical look.

“But Zara. I’ve been thinking deeply about this. I know we spoke before but I just... can’t wrap my head around how my fated mate could reject me like that.”

“It is hard to fathom, I will admit.”

“Yeah. I thought fated mates were destined for lifelong love.”

Her voice broke at that statement, and the sadness within me only intensified.

I replied softly, “I don’t get it myself. I know the Luna Lilies aren’t supposed to be used so irresponsibly, though.”

“The whole reason the priestess captured us....”

“That’s right. What happened there may have been the reason she has been so persistent.”

Having been silent before, Noah exhaled sharply. I looked up at him in question.

“The Luna Lilies,” he began. “The stuff I took, according to Caleb. Trying to remember you, he said. Right?”

“That’s right,” I replied in a sad tone, “those same ones.”

He lapsed into thought, no doubt wondering if those may be the cause of our troubles. I wondered the same, though also couldn’t help but speculate that Serena had something to do with it.

I wondered whether Noah would believe me if I told him Merida was really Serena. I felt my stomach twist with anxiety at the thought of needing to deal with that argument.

It wasn’t something to bring up right then. I just wouldn’t have been able to handle it.

Thankfully, the rest of our journey went smoothly, and we arrived at the cars Noah had left on a road near the woods.

We got into them and rode in silence. I passed out during the ride, finally able to get the rest I needed. When I woke up, I did so with a start.

“What... where–”

“Shh, we’re here, Zara,” Noah said in a soft tone, his calming voice tickling my ear.

I let out a sigh of relief and sat up as I was helped out of the car. Several shifters were rushing toward us, and I let out a breath in surprise. They all looked very friendly.

“Hello there darling!” said the first woman, grinning from ear to ear. She was joined by two other women who looked equally as excited.

Noah turned to me. “Zara, meet Genevieve, Marguerite, and Harriet Crimson. They’re my great aunts.”

I nodded, giving them a half-smile, exhaustion still radiating from me. “It’s nice meeting you,” I said.

Genevieve clapped her hands with excitement, saying, “Yes, it is nice to meet you too, darling! A matchmaker—we’ve heard about you. How exciting!”

“Very interesting indeed,” Harriet agreed. “Well, we are happy to have you here. You look like you could use some rest.”

Marguerite, the one dressed in very high fashion, dipped her head. “We can set you up with beautiful new clothing and get you all settled in, but rest first. That is most important.”

With that, we headed into the pack house. I noticed right away how it was decorated with various surrealist paintings and many different blended colors.

These ladies were very artistic, and I had to admire the brightness the work brought to the space. This helped me relax as we made our way to the pack healer.

On the way, Genevieve said to Lorelei, “Darling, we have quarters set up for servants. Would you be open to temporary work until the Alpha and Luna can return to see you?”

Lorelei made a face, then said politely, “Would I be able to avoid doing laundry or dishes for a couple of days, and... work at my own pace?”

“Of course, darling!” Genevieve gasped.

Harriet furrowed her brow. “What makes you ask that? Were those rogues that bad to you?”

“We heard about the situation from our and the Drogomor warriors. That’s right. You were found all huddled in a cell!” Marguerite added.

Lorelei nodded, swallowing hard. “Yeah,” she said softly.

I jumped in to emphasize just how bad it was. “If we didn’t work fast enough, we were berated and beaten.”

Genevieve put a hand over her heart. “How horrible! No, you work at your own pace, darling. For now, just rest. The work you do won’t be too much, and you will be paid accordingly.”

Lorelei looked relieved at that, and she followed the aunts down the hallway as they fussed over her. I smiled to myself, definitely sensing that she was in good hands and would be well taken care of.

I wondered if she’d even decide to stay there in Midnight Sun. By the relaxed expressions of the servants here, I could tell they were treated well.

We arrived at the healer’s room, and I sat down, dipping my head in greeting. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

“Zara Star?” the Midnight Sun’s healer asked. “Good, good. Let me take a look at you. Can you give me a summary of what you’ve been through lately?”

I nodded and dove into the story. Meanwhile, Noah was practically glued to my side, staring at me with an intense amount of worry.

I felt a deep sense of longing for him, but it was soured by the reminder in my mind that he just didn’t remember the mate bond.

My heart clenched, and when I finished the story, Noah waited with bated breath to find out the results of my harrowing adventure.

“You’re in the clear, and the baby is entirely unharmed too,” the healer confirmed. “You’ve got a clean bill of health. What a relief after all you said you went through, I’m sure. But you clearly need rest now.”

Noah’s relief radiated off him in waves, and I sat there with a light smile as well, allowing my muscles to finally relax.

I was out of that horrible situation, and I was safe. Above all, so was my baby.

Thank the Moon Goddess.

After that, we were directed toward the guest quarters.

Noah’s three aunts had returned to help get us settled in, letting me know that Lorelei was all settled and resting. But it was evident that they were under the impression that Noah and I would be sharing a room.

I spoke up then, saying, “If possible, I really would like my own.”

“Are you sure, darling?” Genevieve asked, tilting her head. She exchanged a glance with Harriet and Marguerite, who gave light shrugs.

Then, they looked at Noah, who wore a stoic expression. He stared at the ground, possibly thinking about a way to protest.

I stood my ground. “Yes, very sure. I need a chance to gather my bearings.”

“Do as she says, please,” Noah said finally, his tone heavy with resignation.

My heart lurched, and I really wished I could drop this heavy melancholy that had settled on me with him.

Sadly, though, I needed some time alone to think.

Therefore, I was directed into my own room, a comfortable medium-sized spot with its own bathroom. I washed up and got to bed, finally settling in.

Safe, no longer a captive, I could rest easily.

Or maybe not.

I tossed and turned all night, my thoughts locked on Noah. He was so close, just in another room, and I couldn’t get to sleep with that thought.

I needed some alone time, but the feeling of being drawn to him wasn’t fading.

I wished I could just clear my thoughts so I could have a little bit of peace.

But that wasn’t in the cards for me that night.