Chapter 134 – Hurt–2
–LIA’S POV–
7 min left
Zane sighed, running a hand through his hair again. “Everything I read, everything I’ve been told—it all says the same thing. You’ll find out on your own when the time is right. That moment, whenever it comes, it’s important. It can’t be forced or rushed. If I told you now, if I interfered, I could screw everything up.”
I stared at him, not sure if I believed him. “So you don’t think I’m too weak to handle it?”
“No, love,” he said. “Not at all. But I do know that you’re not ready. And that’s not for me to decide, Lia. That’s what the lore says. You’re supposed to know it by instinct when the time is right.”
I tried to digest his words. It felt weird, and annoying. “So I’m just supposed to wait around until something clicks?”
Zane closed his eyes. “I don’t want you waiting around. I want you living your life.” He cupped my cheeks, leaning in and pressing a kiss to my forehead. “I’ll keep doing the research, my love. I’ll keep protecting you. But this is yours. It’s not mine to give.”
I lowered my gaze, realising the reason he didn’t tell me was the exact opposite of what I thought. “And Blake? Did you know he
1/6
15:29
Chapter 134 Hurt–2
was here?”
–
27 min left
Zane tilted his head slightly. “I knew since he walked up to your front door.”
My eyes widened. “What?”
“You forgot about the wolves I stationed around your house, didn’t you?” He sounded almost amused.
My mouth fell open. “Oh my God.”
“They don’t interfere unless there’s a threat,” he said. “But they’re always watching, Lia. And the second Blake came to your front door, I was informed. Then when he tried to get in your space, I was informed again.”
Realisation struck me. “So that text you sent–”
“Was me trying to see if you’d tell me the truth,” Zane said. gently. “But you didn’t.”
I lowered my gaze, taking his hands. “I’m sorry, Zane.”
“It’s okay,” he sighed. “I’m not mad.” He pulled me to his chest, running his hand through my hair. “I was just worried for you. Blake is dangerous, whether he seems like it or not. I don’t trust him.”
I melted into him, relieved. “I don’t, either. Why didn’t your
2/6
15:29
Chapter 134 Hurt–2
wolves stop him?”
7 min left
“He didn’t do anything too threatening,” Zane replied. “They were close, though. If he had made one wrong move, they would’ve acted. You wouldn’t have had to lift a finger.”
I smiled. “Thank you. For protecting me all the time.”
He tightened his hold on me, leaning down to kiss my hair.
“His eyes turned red again,” I murmured.
Zane stiffened.
“When he was too close. He didn’t touch me or say anything
weird, but… his eyes turned red. I panicked. That’s when I asked him to leave.”
Zane’s jaw clenched. “You did the right thing. Did why it happened?”
u ask him you
“I did. He said maybe it was a reaction to me being close. Like the way your eyes turn black sometimes.”
“That’s not normal,” Zane said curtly. “That’s a sign of losing control. And if and when he does, he’s gonna attack you, Lia. It might not stop at a mark.”
A chill ran through me. “I—I’m so sorry.”
3/6
15:29
Chapter 134 – Hurt–2
7 min left
“It’s fine. But don’t you dare hide anything of this sort from me ever again. If you do this again, Lia, I’ll–” He stopped himself before finishing the sentence.
I blinked up at him. “You’ll what?” I said quietly.
“Start acting like a jerk and lock you in your house.”
I frowned. “How would you do that?”
“You don’t wanna know.”
I narrowed my eyes. “I won’t hide anything from you anymore.”
“Good girl. I love you, Lia.”
I put my arms around his neck. “I know. I’m sorry. I love your
too.”
Zane kissed the top of my head. “I’m not mad at you. Just scared.”
“Of Blake?”
“Of losing you,” he whispered.
I pressed my face into his chest, clinging to him. “I’m right here.”
He nodded, holding me tighter. “And I’ll keep you here. No
4/6
15:29
Chapter 134 – Hurt–2
matter what it takes.”
We stayed like that for a while.
6 min left
Eventually, he pulled back slightly, brushing his knuckles along my cheek. “Next time you have a question, ask me. Even if it’s hard. Even if you think I’ll avoid it.”
“I will,” I promised.
“And if Blake ever shows up again–”
“He won’t,” I said quickly. “Not without your permission.”
That made him smirk, but only a little. “Okay.”
A silence settled between us.
“We’ll figure out what you are. Together. When the time is right.”
“What if I end up being something… scary? Like ugly scary. Not majestic like you.”
Zane chuckled, cradling my face in his arge hands. :Then you’ll be the most beautiful terrifying thing I’ve ever seen.”
I smiled, heat spreading in my chest and my cheeks.
Finally, it felt like I could breathe again.
5/6
