Chained to the Enemy Alpha

After confirming a few more details with Alva, Zayn and the others left her cottage. As they walked down the forest path, they remained silent.

Zayn was the first to speak.

"Victoria," he called, his deep voice cutting through the silence. "May I have a word with you? In private."

Lily froze mid-step, her heart skipping a beat as her eyes met Zayn's. She searched his expression, finding nothing but calm resolve. Though her stomach twisted with unease, she nodded slightly and continued down the path.

"I'll escort Luna Lily back," Ezra volunteered.

As Ezra and Lily walked down the path together, she could not help but glance back. Victoria stood tall, her auburn hair catching the sunlight as she watched them leave. The she-wolf's lips curved into a subtle smile that made Lily shiver.

Victoria's heart raced as she watched Lily and Ezra disappear around the bend in the path.

"It's been a while since we've talked," she said, her voice deliberately soft as she stepped closer to him. "I've missed you, Zayn."

After weeks of Zayn barely acknowledging her existence, he wanted to speak with her alone.

Zayn didn't reply. He was focused on what he wanted to say.

"I wanted to apologize for being distant lately."

Victoria's breath caught in her throat. An apology? From Zayn? This was unexpected.

"There's no need," she quickly responded, reaching out to touch his arm. "I understand how busy you've been with pack matters and… other things."

Zayn didn't pull away from her touch, but his gaze remained guarded. "You've been by my side through some of my darkest times, Victoria. I haven't forgotten that."

He paused, seeming to gather his thoughts. "I want you to know that I'll continue to protect you and honor my word to your father. You will always have a place in the pack."

Victoria's smile faltered slightly. This wasn't exactly the conversation she'd been hoping for.

"And I'm grateful," he continued, "that you cared enough to approach Alva about finding a solution to my problem. You didn't have to do that, but you did, especially after how I've been treating you."

The words stung more than Victoria wanted to admit. She had expected gratitude, yes, but there was something in his tone—a finality—that sent a chill down her spine. Still, she maintained her composure; years of practice allowed her to hide her true feelings behind a mask of devotion.

"I would do anything for you, Zayn," she said, her voice thick with emotion that wasn't entirely feigned. "You know that."

She stepped closer, her fingers trailing up his arm to rest against his chest. "I love you. I always have. Nothing will change that—not even her being your Luna."

Victoria leaned in, her eyes meeting his directly. "I don't need power or position, Zayn. I just want a place in your heart."

She reached out her hand, wanting to place it on his chest where his heart was. But Zayn caught her wrist, gentle but firm.

"Victoria," he said softly, his voice tinged with something that sounded dangerously like pity. "I appreciate how you feel, and I'm grateful for everything you've done. But I don't feel the same way. You deserve someone who loves you."

He released her wrist carefully. "You saved me when I was at my lowest, and I will always be in your debt for that. You've always talked about finding a mate, let me help you with that."

Victoria felt her heart crack. All these years by his side, warming his bed, supporting him through his grief and rage. And this was how he repaid her? By offering to help her find someone else?

The urge to lash out nearly overwhelmed her. Instead, she swallowed hard and forced her lips into a smile. She had to keep calm.

"I understand," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She removed her hand from his arm and stepped back.

"I'll consider your offer. But may I make one request?"

Zayn's expression softened with relief at her apparent acceptance. "Of course. I'll fulfill it as best I can."

"Allow me to join the trip to the Capital."

Surprise flickered across Zayn's face, but he nodded slowly. "That's it? If that's what you wish."

"Thank you," she smiled warmly.

Feeling as though a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, he gestured for them to continue down the path back to the main packgrounds.

Suddenly, Zayn stiffened, his nostrils flaring slightly as he caught a scent. His head turned sharply, eyes narrowing as he looked past Victoria's shoulder toward a cluster of trees.

"Come out," he commanded, his voice carrying the full weight of his Alpha authority. "Now."

Victoria looked in the direction he was looking. She couldn't sense anyone there. When no one emerged, Zayn pushed past her. He approached a large oak tree with his arms folded.

"I won't ask twice," He warned.

Victoria heard movement behind the tree. Zayn reached around the tree trunk and gently pulled Lily into view. The she-wolf looked embarrassed at being caught, her hands moving rapidly in signs Victoria couldn't understand.

Was she eavesdropping on their conversation? How much of it had she heard? How much of it had she seen?

Zayn's posture changed instantly. He was more relaxed. He leaned down, whispering something that made Lily's cheeks flush. His hand came up to brush a strand of hair from her face with such tenderness that Victoria felt physically ill.

She watched as Zayn's thumb traced Lily's jawline, as Lily's eyes fluttered shut at his touch. The intimate gesture was worse than if they'd been kissing. This was genuine affection. Something Victoria had never truly received from him, despite years of trying.

Bile rose in her throat as she observed them. The way they looked at each other, as if sharing secrets the rest of the world couldn't possibly understand, made her stomach churn with jealousy and rage.

Not wanting to witness their loving display any longer, Victoria turned and walked away. Each step felt heavier than the last, her mind replaying Zayn's rejection over and over again.

"Find your true mate," she muttered bitterly, mimicking his words. As if any wolf could compare to him. As if she hadn't already decided, years ago, that he was the only one she would ever want.

She'd given him everything. Her body, her heart, her soul. And now he thought he could simply discard her? Replace her with that mute, weak she-wolf who couldn't even shift?

Victoria's hands curled into fists, her nails digging painfully into her palms. Whatever love she had for him had long been replaced with hatred and anger.

"Enjoy your little romance while it lasts," she whispered to herself. "I'm not giving up that easily."

Victoria glanced back one last time, catching a glimpse of Zayn and Lily walking hand in hand through the trees, their heads bent close together in conversation. The sight fueled the fire of revenge burning inside her.

"You were mine first," she hissed under her breath. "And you'll be mine again."