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Chapter 99
~ Zara’s POV~
The scent of pine and earth filled my senses as I stepped out of my car in front of the Crescent Moon pack house.
As I entered, I could feel my heart rate quicken, anticipation and unease intertwining. I had no idea what kind of reception I’d receive, especially with how my last visit went.
When I entered the sitting room, my mother looked up, and her gaze had a strange mix of relief and judgment.
"So, you’ve finally come back after... fixing things with Ivan," she said coldly, yet undeniably grateful. "Whatever you did, I suppose we can thank you for buying us a moment’s peace."
"Mother," Elias’s voice cut in with a warning tone. He gave me a small, supportive nod before turning back to her with a furrowed brow. "Maybe we shouldn’t act like Zara owes us for fixing Ivan’s mess."
Sitting in his usual chair, my father cleared his throat, halting any brewing argument. He motioned for me to come closer, his worn face etched with worry. As I approached, he took my hand gently.
"Thank you, Zara," he murmured, barely above a whisper. "I don’t know how you managed it, but I know it wasn’t easy. I... I don’t know what to say either. Ivan... he’s been a thorn and I... we should have supported you when you decided to leave him."
His gratitude brought a small, unexpected ache to my chest. This was the father I’d grown up admiring—the man who had taught me strength.
I could see the toll of recent events in the lines etched on his face, and I knew he was fighting his own battles against the shadows Ivan had cast.
But then everything felt scattered. All that beautiful emotion was lost when my mother scoffed.
I glanced back at my mother, her face tight with frustration. She was biting her lip, her pride clashing with a rare moment of gratitude.
But before she could voice her resentment, my father’s grip tightened around my hand, silencing her.
"We’ll put Ivan behind us," he assured me, keeping his gaze steady. "The only debt we owe now is to ourselves, to rebuild without relying on him."
Relief washed over me, a weight lifting as I squeezed his hand back. I’d finally done something he could be proud of—something for myself, for them, and no one else.
And that was leaving that scum.
After we talked, I informed him I had to leave. As much as Elias wanted me to spend the night over, I refused.
I did not see myself spending a night under the same roof as my mother.
What had changed her, I had no idea. But prior, she used to be more loving and attentive. Or was everything just geared towards a future where I would be of use as a tool for her to get what she wanted?
I was pulled out of my thoughts when Elias suggested we take a stroll in the garden.
"Let’s talk before you go back. I want to know how you’ve been," he said, a soft smile tugging at his lips as we stepped outside into the twilight.
While we wandered through the gardens, the scent of blooming flowers mixed with the faint chill of evening air brought relief right through me. Elias’s expression softened as he looked at me, his usually intense demeanour became gentle for a rare moment.
With my father still very much active in business, leading the pack was left to him as the heir. Sometimes that took a toll on him.
"So, tell me about Snow," he prompted. I caught the teasing glint in his eye.
I chuckled, rolling my eyes. "You really want to know about that?"
"Yes, I do," he replied earnestly. "It’s not every day my sister marries someone like him. I... need to know you’re... okay."
I took a deep breath, feeling the coolness of the night air against my skin, before arching my brows suspiciously at him.
Elias shrugged. "What? They had a reputation. Besides, they are not the strongest pack in the region for nothing. Snow and his father, Alpha Storm are ruthless."
"It’s... complicated," I admitted. "We have an understanding. But despite everything, he’s been there for me in ways I didn’t expect."
Elias’s expression softened further, his hand reaching out to squeeze mine. "I’m glad, Zara. Just... make sure he’s really what you want. You deserve to be happy."
I offered a small smile, grateful for his support. "Thanks, Elias. I... I’ll keep that in mind."
After our walk, Elias walked me back to my car. His gaze lingered on me as I opened the door, a faint frown marring his features. "Drive safe, alright? And... don’t be a stranger. This is your home too."
I nodded, giving him one last smile before slipping into the driver’s seat. "I won’t but remember, it’s more yours than mine," I said, more in jest than seriously, "At least, Mum never fails to subtly remind me that she values her male child more." "Goodnight, Elias."
The night seemed to go on forever as I drove away from the pack house, silent and dark.
I hadn’t intended on staying this late but talking with Elias... It reminded me of the times we had growing up.
The road was empty. The only sound heard was from my car as I drove through the deserted streets. I replayed the evening’s conversations in my mind, a strange sense of peace settling over me for the first time in weeks.
That and Snow’s kiss earlier on.
If I was being sincere, which I am, each time he kissed me, it ignited something in me I wasn’t so sure about.
However, I was certain Astrid loved it and him.
My thoughts froze. She loved him. If Astrid did, does that mean I love him too...?
I barely had time to register those thoughts and think about it. Just as I rounded a bend, a pair of headlights flared into view, suddenly blinding me and coming directly toward me from the opposite lane.
My heart raced, and I instinctively slammed on the brakes, but the car didn’t slow fast enough. The other vehicle veered into my path, forcing me to swerve.
The impact was brutal—a sharp, deafening crash that sent my car skidding to the side, smashing into a tree.
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