Chapter 14: Deaf Ears
Natalie~
Everything felt like I was standing in the middle of a bad dream. My legs wobbled as Zane's smirk sealed itself into my memory. His words ran in my ears, an accusation covered in dark amusement. He knows. The words kept playing in my head like a record; but how? My heart beat fast against my ribs as I stared at him, my mouth felt dry, unable to form a single reasonable thought.
"What... what are you talking about?" I stammered, praying that I sounded confused enough to convince him.
Zane's laugh filled the room, but it wasn't a laugh of humor. His laugh was sharp, condescending— like he couldn't believe I'd dared played the innocent card with him— "Oh don't play dumb with me," he said, his tone dripping with restrained anger. "You humans think you're smart. I can smell him on you. The Alpha scent. You reek of it; where is he? Your mate? And why are you out here pretending to be some innocent girl without any loved one?"
I froze. The weight of his words crushed to dust any response I might have had. My mind raced a thousand miles. He's a werewolf. The realization hit me like cold water. But he didn't know who Darius was. That much was clear from the way he spoke, and also, he seemed to think I was human.
I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stay calm. If he found out about my past, he'd judge me just like everyone else did. He'd think I was a traitor—an outcast. The room felt like it was drowning me, and my instincts screamed at me to run, but my legs refused to move.
"Answer me!" Zane barked, his voice cutting through my haze. I flinched, but I stayed silent. If I said the wrong thing, it could make everything worse. I had to find a way out of here. Later on, I could find a way to save Garrick on my own.
Zane's lips curled into a humorless smile. "Ah, I see," he said, his voice cold and calculating. "You're quiet because you're guilty. Tell me, who sent you? Did they think you could kill me using my dear son as a distraction?"
His accusation sent a chill down my spine. "I... I don't know what you're talking about," I said, my voice sounding very small. "I'm not here to harm anyone. I don't even know who your son is! All I want is to care for my friend, Garrick. That's it."
Zane's laugh cut through the air again, this time darker and more menacing. "Do you really expect me to believe that?" He leaned closer, his eyes narrowing at me. "If you don't tell me the truth, you'll never see Garrick again."
Jack growled, his bark breaking the chill in the room. Zane turned his attention to him, his expression softened immediately. "Nora," Zane called over his shoulder. "Take Alexander to his room."