Chapter 10

I couldn't suppress the awe-struck gasp that escaped my lips as I entered the library. Books stretched endlessly from floor to ceiling, covering every wall. This was my personal paradise. An overwhelming desire to devour every book in this vast collection washed over me. Reading had always been my sanctuary, my perfect escape. Whenever life threw its challenges at me, I could simply lose myself in the pages of a book and forget about reality.

I began searching through the countless volumes, desperately seeking information about Fey witches.

After carefully scanning the shelves, my eyes landed on a promising title: "History of Witches."

This could be precisely what I needed. I carefully carried the book to a nearby plush couch. Trying to ignore the persistent hunger pangs in my stomach, I opened the book and dove into the first chapter.

Jackson

My heart raced with excitement at the thought of bringing Zoe coffee. If coffee was all it took to keep that enchanting smile on her face, I'd gladly buy an entire coffee plantation.

I had just finished preparing our drinks when Jennifer materialized before me. Jason's step-sister was someone I intensely disliked, and I still couldn't fathom why he constantly defended her. She was manipulative and cruel, always throwing herself at any man she perceived as powerful. Now, she stood there, flaunting herself in a dress that was inappropriately tight and short. Her overwhelming perfume made my stomach turn.

"Jackson, finally found you," she purred.

"I'm occupied, Jennifer," I replied curtly.

"Oh, we haven't caught up in ages."

"There's no need to, Jennifer."

My attention shifted to where Jared stood uncomfortably close to Zoe. My wolf snarled inside my head; get away from my mate, or I'll tear you apart.

I couldn't disagree. Now, I needed to extract myself from Jennifer without creating drama.

"Good seeing you, Jennifer."

"Don't be cold; remember our fun, Jackson?"

That night remained my biggest regret - letting her into my bed while drunk and clouded with poor judgment. Not an excuse, but had I known her true nature, I would have never made such a grave mistake.

"I remember, Jennifer, and it's never happening again," I stated firmly.

I moved to reach Zoe, but she had vanished. Scanning the room frantically, I saw no sign of her, though Jared sat alone, eating.

I immediately mind-linked her guard, Dustin. He was one of my most trusted men, and I knew he'd protect my mate faithfully. I'd assigned him to her, determined to keep her safe the moment she arrived.

"Dustin, where's Zoe?"

"She's in the library, Alpha."

"Why?"

Dustin's hesitation was palpable; he was clearly withholding something.

"Dustin, tell me now."

"Alpha, Jared made a snide comment about the amount of food on her plate. She put it down and was coming for coffee when she spotted Jennifer with you. She seemed upset and left. I heard her muttering something about hating Jennifer."

My blood boiled. Was my mate feeling jealous?

Had she somehow discovered about my past with Jennifer?

Rage consumed me as I searched for Jared in the dining room. That worthless excuse for a wolf had dared to insult my mate? I'd personally rip his tongue out. But the coward had already disappeared. I immediately mind-linked Cole, my Beta, ordering him to locate Jared and report back.

Trying to calm myself, I prepared a fresh plate of food for Zoe. I asked Rebecca to deliver water and coffee to the library via cart.

Zoe

I was so absorbed in the ancient text that Jackson's throat-clearing startled me. Looking up, I found him holding coffee and a plate of steaming food.

I attempted to smile. "Not hungry," I mumbled.

My traitorous stomach chose that exact moment to growl loudly.

"Your stomach disagrees," Jackson said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Settling beside me on the couch, he gently took the book away and replaced it with the plate.

"You're beautiful, Zoe. You need to eat," he said softly.

I tried deflecting, mentioning my eagerness to explore the library.

He tilted his head, studying me intently.

"We both know that's not the real issue. And I promise he'll never speak to you like that again."

"What do you mean?" I asked, confused.

"I know what Jared said. It was unacceptable and completely false," Jackson's voice barely contained anger.

Unsure how to respond, I focused on eating, suddenly realizing how famished I was as I devoured the food.

"Why do you even care?" I questioned between mouthfuls.

"It's my responsibility," he replied simply.

Of course - he's the Alpha. Caring for pack members was his duty. Someone like Jackson would never care for me beyond that.

His attention shifted to my reading material.

"Fascinated by witches?" he inquired.

Not wanting to reveal Celine's words, I merely smiled and nodded.

He sighed, returning the book. "I have work to handle in my office. Meet Belinda there at three."

His following words were unexpectedly gentle. "Zoe, if you need to talk about anything, I'm here."

Then he turned and walked away, leaving me with swirling thoughts and a racing heart.

A strange warmth filled my chest, and I couldn't suppress my smile. The gesture touched me deeply - no one had ever brought me food. Celine's words echoed in my mind; she'd said Jackson was trustworthy. I made a mental note to speak with him after I met with Belinda.

The ancient tome I'd been studying offered extensive knowledge about witches but frustratingly little about Fey witches. Their rarity made information scarce. What little I gleaned only confirmed what Celine had already shared - they were exclusively female and wielded immense power. Needing a distraction until my 3 p.m. meeting, I sought out Katelynn and Aliza. It was only 11 o'clock.

When I asked the guard stationed outside the library about my sister's whereabouts, he performed a mind-link and directed me to the kitchen. As I walked, I noticed him following.

"Really, I can find my way," I insisted.

His stoic silence and steady footsteps were my only response.

"At least tell me your name?"

"Dustin," came his curt reply.

"Nice to meet you, Dustin. I'm Zoe."

He acknowledged me with a simple nod and continued his silent escort.

I found Beth, Aliza, and Katelynn preparing lunch in the kitchen. We exchanged warm hugs and greetings, and I couldn't help noticing Dustin maintaining his vigilant post by the door.

Why was he so persistent?

When I offered to help, they declined, so I stayed to chat. Something in Katelynn's expression suggested she wanted to speak privately, but the crowded kitchen made that impossible.

"We should go shopping on my day off, Zoe," Katelynn suggested.

"Definitely. I need clothes badly."

The thought triggered a memory of my closet's contents. Another item for my discussion with Jackson.

"Lunch is served," Beth announced.

I headed to the dining room, silently praying to avoid another encounter with Jared.

Jackson stood by the buffet, holding two plates. He extended one toward me with a simple command: "Eat."

Nervously, I bit my lip while selecting my food.

Jackson leaned close, his breath tickling my ear as he whispered, "Stop biting your lip."

I met his gaze, puzzled.

"Sorry," I murmured.

His low chuckle preceded his instruction: "Follow me."

He led me to an elevated table, pulling the chair beside his own.

Why here, next to him?

I sat hesitantly, confusion mounting.

First, the guard's shadow, now this special seating arrangement.

Was his distrust really this deep?

My heart skipped as Jared entered the room.

Our eyes lock, and I can't contain the shocked gasp that escapes my lips.

His face is a canvas of purple and blue bruises; someone had clearly given him a severe beating.

He quickly made his way to the table without meeting anyone's gaze.

I shot a questioning look at Jackson, who merely shrugged and responded,

"I told you he'd learn his lesson."

"You did this to him?" I asked, horrified.

He laughed darkly and said, "I wish I had."

"Your brother Ryker heard about the incident, too," he explained.

With a knowing smirk, he added, "I must say, I'm impressed by your brothers."

"Men," I muttered under my breath, exasperated. Everyone finished their meals silently, and as we prepared to leave, I suddenly remembered something.

"Jackson, I need to return some clothes in my closet to their owner."

"Those are yours. I got them for you," he stated before walking out.

Wait… what?

Did I hear that correctly?

Why would he purchase clothes for me?