***************
Chapter 212
~Zara’s POV~
I shook my head internally, trying to shake the buzz called my wolf from my mind.
The more I inhaled and smelled Kaid, the harder it was for me to think of anything at all. But there was something at the back of my mind, my neck, itching in a way that felt uncomfortable but whenever I stared into Kaid’s eyes, it all went away briefly.
I had no proper recollection of where I was or what I was doing. All I knew was that...
"Zara, listen to me. Even if you can’t feel me, just listen with your heart, mind, and soul. You are in danger."
At the mention of danger, my mind did a 360 wheel back to the night of my death in my last life.
How I sensed danger when Clarissa came close. How I sensed danger when I hit my head and they took the opportunity to finish me off.
How I sensed danger when my life slipped away completely and how through it all, only my wolf’s spirit watched the final moment before I was born.
Only she... she was always there for me.
"Astrid?"
"Finally. You’re coming back."
I couldn’t. It was hard to think straight again. But then Astrid went straight right up before she could lose me.
"Zara, listen. An allure for werewolves and Lycans is an innate, supernatural charm or power that enhances their natural charisma to an almost hypnotic degree. For Lycans, the allure is more potent—a primal, magnetic energy that can override reason and weaken the will of those they target, drawing their prey closer emotionally or physically."
I blinked like I was in a trance while Kaid’s eyes locked onto mine, glinting with something deeper, darker than his usual smug confidence. The air around us seemed to shift, thickening like a heavy fog, making it harder to think clearly.
"Zia," he said softly like a gentle caress. "Why do you fight this?"
Astrid growled in the back of my mind, urgently. "Zara, listen to me. He’s using his allure. You need to block it out."
"Allure?" I whispered internally, my thoughts muddled.
"It’s a Lycan ability," Astrid explained quickly. "A powerful pull. It’s designed to make you weak, compliant—to make you feel what he wants you to feel. But it’s false, Zara. Fight it!"
I shook my head slightly, trying to clear the haze that seemed to wrap around my senses. Kaid’s hand reached for mine, his touch sending a ripple of warmth through me.
"Zia, don’t resist," he murmured, his voice like silk, impossibly soothing. "You know this feels right. You’ve always felt it. Just let yourself—"
Just then an image of Snow and I kissing popped into my mind and my heart clenched tightly.
The only one who ever mattered and cared was none other than Snow Zephyr. This... Kaid, it was all a lie and I knew better now. I could see it clearly, how his eyes glimmered with a blue hue.
"No," I cut him off, yanking my hand away, though it took every ounce of strength I had. My heart pounded, and I clenched my fists, grounding myself in reality. "Whatever this is, it’s not real. You can’t manipulate me."
Kaid’s expression shifted, a flicker of frustration breaking through his calm exterior before his smile returned. "Zia, why would I need to manipulate you? I only want you to see the truth—that we’re meant to be."
Astrid’s growl deepened. "Block him out! Focus on Snow, on our bond. Use the mate mark—it’s your anchor."
Snow. His name was like a beacon cutting through the fog Kaid had created.
I closed my eyes, focusing on the bond between Snow and me, the warmth and love that flowed through our connection.
"I choose Snow," I said firmly, opening my eyes to meet Kaid’s gaze. "No matter what you do, Kaid, I will always choose him."
The allure faltered; the oppressive energy in the air began to lift as I felt Astrid’s strength surge within me. Kaid’s eyes narrowed, the confident facade cracking slightly.
"You’re stronger than I thought," he admitted, his tone colder now. "But this isn’t over, Zia."
"It is," I shot back, stepping away from him. "Whatever hold you think you have on me, it’s gone. Stay the fuck away from me, Kaid."
Without waiting for his response, I turned and walked away quickly. The haze of his allure had faded, but my heart still raced, anger and fear warring within me.
"You did it," Astrid said, her pride evident. "I knew you could."
"I couldn’t have done it without you," I admitted. "Thank you, Astrid."
As I exited the boutique, I pulled out my phone and dialled Snow’s number. The bond between us felt stronger now, a lifeline that had pulled me back from the edge.
When Snow’s deep, hurried voice answered, I felt the weight of Kaid’s presence lift completely.
"Zara?" he said, concern lacing his tone. "Are you okay? I’m on my way to you, love. Please hold on."
"I’m fine," I replied, my voice steadier now. "But I need to see you."
"I’m on my way," he said without hesitation. "I felt it. I know you wouldn’t cheat on me but I felt it. Were you in danger?"
"Just come over, please. That’s all I need right now."
"Alright. Soon love."
As I hung up, I took a deep breath, letting the bond between Snow and me anchor me once more. Kaid might have tried to sway me, but he underestimated the strength of what Snow and I shared.
And I wasn’t about to let anything—or anyone—break it.
Minutes later, Snow arrived, and as soon as he parked his car in front of the mall, he stepped out and rushed over, pulling me into his arms.
"My love, Zara. What happened to you?"
That was all I needed. Seeing Snow there for me was everything I wanted.
Without saying anything, I hugged him back with everything I had.
"Finally." Astrid sighed.
Updat𝒆d fr𝑜m fr𝒆ewebnove(l).com