Chapter 104: Return Of An Old Friend

Chapter 104: Return Of An Old Friend Natalie~ Zane was still sulking. I could feel the tension radiating from him as he sat stiffly on the edge of the bed, arms crossed, his jaw clenched so tightly I was surprised his teeth didn’t crack. His blue eyes were dark with frustration, watching me like a predator waiting for its prey to make the wrong move. "You’re really going through with this?" His voice was calm, eerily so. I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Yes, Zane. For the hundredth time, yes." His fingers twitched. "I don’t like it." "No kidding." His eyes narrowed at my sarcasm, but I didn’t back down. Jasmine snorted inside my head. "Big bad lycan thinks he can keep us locked in a tower like a helpless princess. Joke’s on him." I swallowed a laugh, but Zane’s glare intensified, as if he somehow knew Jasmine was talking shit about him. "You’re risking your life for revenge," he said, his voice tight with restraint. "I’m not risking my life Zane, I’m trying to stop a coup. To stop Darius. To stop Dexter. To stop Nathan." I folded my arms. "You know I can handle this, Zane." "You shouldn’t have to." His voice dropped to a low growl. "Not alone. I can do all that for you." I softened slightly, stepping closer. "I’m not alone. I have my brothers, I have you, and I have Jasmine. We can do it together." At that, Jasmine purred dramatically. "Damn right. And if anyone so much as breathes wrong near us, I’ll personally rip out their intestines and shove it right down their throat." Zane’s jaw twitched. "You’re not going to change your mind, are you?" I shook my head. He exhaled sharply, scrubbing a hand down his face. "Damn it, Natalie." There was no stopping the small smile that curved my lips. This was a battle of wills, and for once, I was winning. Zane must have noticed because his eyes darkened with something else—something hotter, more dangerous. His frustration was shifting into something else entirely, something that made my skin tingle with anticipation. I barely had time to react before he grabbed me by the waist, pulling me onto his lap in one swift movement. "You’re a very stubborn woman.," he muttered against my neck, his lips brushing my skin. I shivered. "And that’s what makes you obsessed with me." His fingers tightened possessively. "Damn right, I’m totally obsessed." Jasmine sighed dreamily. "I love when he gets all growly. Tell him to bite us. Just a little." I bit back a laugh, but Zane must have felt my shoulders shake because he pulled back, eyes narrowing suspiciously. "What?" "Nothing," I lied, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. "Now stop sulking and kiss me properly." Zane didn’t hesitate. His lips crashed against mine with enough heat to make my toes curl. He kissed me like he wanted to claim me, like he wanted to mark me so thoroughly that even the gods would know I was his. And I let him. We spent the rest of the night tangled in each other, his arms wrapped around me as if he could physically stop me from leaving tomorrow. His hot, warm lips traced my skin, his long fingers mapping out every inch of me as if memorizing me in case something happened. "He won’t admit it, but he’s terrified of losing you," Jasmine murmured. I tightened my grip around Zane. "You won’t lose me," I whispered against his chest. He didn’t reply. But the way he held me all night said everything. *********** Then next morning, the first thing I felt was warmth. Zane’s body was wrapped around mine, his intoxicating scent enveloping me in a cocoon of comfort. Then I remembered. We had to leave. I shifted slightly, but Zane groaned, pulling me closer. "No. Five more minutes." I laughed softly. "Zane, we have to get up." "No, we don’t," he grumbled against my neck, pressing a kiss there. "Stay in bed. Let someone else save the kingdom." "Tempting," I murmured, running my fingers through his tousled hair. "But you and I both know you love your father too much to entrust his safety to someone else." He let out a frustrated sigh before finally opening his eyes. "Fine," he muttered. "But I’m making sure you’re clean before we leave." I arched a brow. " What are you suggesting? We—" Before I could even finish my sentence, Zane moved like lightning, scooping me up effortlessly. A startled laugh escaped me as he carried me straight into the bathroom, his grip firm yet gentle. "Zane!" I giggled, playfully swatting at his chest. He didn’t bother responding—just smirked in that infuriatingly sexy way before setting me down with deliberate slowness. The moment my feet touched the cool tiles, we wasted no time. Clothes hit the floor in a heated blur, and without hesitation, we stepped into the steaming shower together. The second the warm water hit my skin, I sighed, closing my eyes. But the peace didn’t last long. Zane’s hands were on me in an instant, his touch slow and deliberate as he lathered soap along my arms, gliding over my shoulders, down the curve of my back. Each movement was unhurried, almost teasing. A sharp breath hitched in my throat as his fingers trailed lower, skimming over my ribs before grazing my breasts and lingering there. "Zane," I murmured, shivering. "Shhh," he whispered against my neck. "Just let me take care of you. You’re so beautiful, I want to caress every part of you." Jasmine practically purred. "I vote we stay here forever." I almost agreed. His touch was intoxicating. His hands cupped my breasts, squeezing them gently, pulling a soft moan from my lips. His mouth found his mark on my neck, placing feathery kisses on his claim, then along my skin, tracing slow, deliberate patterns. His hands drifted lower, skimming over my waist before gripping my ass, kneading and squeezing—like he was trying to memorize me all over again. I turned in his arms, pressing my body against his, my lips grazing his jaw. "We don’t have time, Zane." I whispered, though I didn’t sound convinced. Zane let out a low growl. "I know." But neither of us moved. Not until the reality of what was ahead settled between us like a heavy stone. Eventually, Zane pulled away, exhaling sharply. "We need to go." I nodded, forcing my completely aroused body to step out of the shower before we lost what little restraint we had left. By the time we stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped in towels, the weight of what we were about to do settled over us. I dressed quickly, pulling on dark jeans and a fitted leather jacket, my hair still damp. Zane opted for his usual all-black attire, looking every bit the deadly prince he was. Jasmine snickered. "He’s sulking." "I know." Zane grabbed a bag, shoving in a few essentials—clothes, weapons, a few documents. I did the same, glancing at him as he moved with controlled precision, his movements stiff, his shoulders tense. When he zipped the bag shut, I hesitated. "Zane..." I called, squeezing his fingers. "Still mad?" He shot me a look. "What do you think?" Jasmine cackled. "He’s adorable when he’s grumpy. Like a giant, deadly puppy." I bit back a laugh, tugging him down for a quick kiss. "Cheer up, my love. We have a coup to stop." Zane grunted. "Yeah. A coup. And a goddess who refuses to listen to me." I smirked. "You love me anyway." He sighed. "Unfortunately, yes." I grinned, dragging him forward. "Come on, my Prince. Adventure awaits." Zane groaned but followed anyway, his grip on my hand steady. And with that, we walked of of the room, together. ********* The moment Zane and I stepped out of the bedroom, the morning air sent a small shiver down my body. It was still dark outside, with only the faintest hints of dawn peeking over the horizon through the windows. The house was quiet, save for the soft crackling of the fireplace and the rhythmic ticking of a nearby clock. Eagle and Bubble were already waiting for us in the living room. Eagle stood near the window, his eyes scanning the landscape with an intensity that never wavered. Bubble, on the other hand, was sprawled across the couch in his usual relaxed manner, absentmindedly twirling a drop of water between his fingers. Fox was nowhere to be seen. He had disappeared the previous day, claiming he had something important to do and that I would be helping in some way. He had promised to contact me when the time came. Whatever he was up to, I had no doubt it would be something important. Bubble stretched lazily, his translucent blue eyes flickering over to me. "You two look well-rested," he teased, a smirk playing on his lips. Jasmine snickered in my head. "Oh, if only they knew just how well we slept." I rolled my eyes, ignoring her. "Bubble, I need a favor," I said, stepping closer. "I need you to stay behind and help me get Alex ready for school. Make sure he eats breakfast, packs everything he needs, and once classes are over, bring him back to me and Zane." Bubble’s smirk faded, replaced by a thoughtful look. "You sure you don’t want me with you? Things could get—" "I know," I interrupted, my tone firm. "But Alex’s education can’t be interrupted. He’s already been through so much. I don’t want him feeling like his life is constantly unstable." Bubble sighed, dramatically falling back onto the couch. "Fine. But only because Alex is adorable. And because you asked so nicely." He gave me a wink before sobering up slightly. "I’ll make sure he gets to school safely. And after classes, I’ll bring him back to you and Zane." I smiled. "Thank you." "Thank you Bubble," Zane added and Bubble smiled, waving us off. With that settled, I turned to Eagle. His eyes were already locked on me, watching me carefully, already seeming to know what I was about to ask. "You want me to watch over Nora and Charlie," he stated, his voice steady. I nodded. "They’re an ace card I’m keeping for the right time. But I need you to make sure the silver in their system doesn’t kill them." I hesitated, my fingers clenching slightly. "Just... don’t ease their pain." Eagle studied me for a moment before giving a slow nod. "Understood." Zane glanced at me, his gaze unreadable, but he didn’t say anything. Bubble whistled lowly. "Damn, Little Moon. Remind me never to get on your bad side." Jasmine chuckled darkly. "Oh, honey, that’s not even her bad side. That’s just her strategic side." Just as I was about to speak again, a sudden shift in energy rippled through the room. A second later, Jacob materialized out of thin air in the center of the living room. But he wasn’t alone. Easter was standing beside him, clutching a small bundle wrapped in blankets—her baby, Rose. Easter’s wide, frightened eyes darted around the room, taking in the unfamiliar faces, her grip tightening protectively around her sleeping child. She looked so small, so vulnerable, with her wild curls framing her delicate face. For a moment, I simply stared at them confused. Then, my heart clenched. "Easter?" I breathed, stepping forward. At the sound of my voice, her eyes snapped to mine, and her expression shifted from fear to relief. "Natalie!" she gasped, tears instantly welling up. I closed the distance between us and wrapped my arms around her carefully, mindful of the child in her arms. She held onto me tightly, trembling slightly. "I... I don’t understand what’s happening," she whispered. "But I’m so happy to see you again." I pulled back just enough to meet her gaze. "I’m happy to see you too." Easter smiled at me but she still looked overwhelmed. My eyes shifted to Jacob, my confusion returning. "Jacob," I said, my voice firm. "Why is Easter here?" Jacob let out a deep sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "It’s... complicated," he muttered. Eagle and Bubble instantly took the opportunity to pounce. "Oh? Complicated?" Eagle repeated with an amused glint in his eyes. "You, the all-knowing Wolf Spirit, found yourself in a complicated situation?" Bubble chuckled. "I didn’t think anything could rattle you, Mist. Are you losing your touch?" Jacob shot them both a glare. "I swear, if you two don’t shut it." Eagle grinned. "Damn, this is serious." Bubble laughed in agreement. Jasmine snorted. "They’re like overgrown puppies who enjoy tormenting their older sibling." Jacob ignored them and turned his attention back to me. "Listen, Natalie. I know what your plans are." His tone was serious now. "And I know Zane isn’t happy about it." Zane, who had been silent up until now, crossed his arms. "Finally, something we can agree on." Jacob smirked slightly but didn’t comment. Instead, he continued, "But what if I told you... I have a better plan?" That got both mine and Zane’s attention. Zane’s sharp eyes narrowed. "What kind of plan?" Jacob’s smirk widened. "One that doesn’t put Natalie at unnecessary risk." I folded my arms. "I’m listening." Jacob stepped back slightly and, in a blink, his entire form shimmered—his body shifting, morphing, until he no longer looked like Jacob. Instead, standing before me was Garrick. My breath caught in my throat. Garrick. My long-lost friend. The one I thought I’d never see again. For a moment, I couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think. Jasmine sighed. "I don’t know what’s going on." Zane’s entire body tensed beside me. His muscles coiled and his jaw clenched. I took a shaky step forward, my heart hammering. "Garrick?" I whispered. Jacob—no, Garrick—grinned. "Surprise."