Witch in wolf's clothing - Namaari

Chapter 40: Pretentious Piece

I turn to see Zephyr standing there, a cheeky grin on his face. "Good morning! I could get used to having a private room all to myself. I sleep like a baby and can snack whenever I want. Apart from that, I heard some shouting this morning. Which mate are you fighting with now... wait, let me guess, Kaynim?"

I sigh, nodding. "Yeah, Kaynim. We had a bit of a disagreement."

Zephyr raises an eyebrow. "A bit of a disagreement? With the way you were storming down the hallway, I'd say it was more than a bit."

I can't help but chuckle. "You're not wrong. He said some things about my mother that... well, let's just say it didn't sit well with me."

Zephyr's expression softens. "I'm sorry to hear that, Namaari. Want to talk about it?"

I shake my head. "Not right now. I just want to get dressed and try to forget about it for a bit. I’ve arranged to catch up with Ezekiel later. I didn’t get much of a chance to talk to him last time I saw him."

Zephyr smirks. "Ezekiel, huh? Should I be worried about my place in the pecking order?"

I roll my eyes playfully as I rummage through my closet. "As if anyone could replace you, Zeph. But no, he's just a good friend, and I need some normalcy right now."

I pull out an oversized shirt that I wear as a dress and a pair of sturdy boots. The look is both tough and feminine, exactly what I need to feel confident today. I tie my hair up in a high ponytail, grab my mascara and lip gloss, and quickly apply them in the mirror.

Zephyr watches me, lounging on my bed. "Nice outfit. You look like you're ready to kick some ass, even if it’s just metaphorically."

"Thanks," I say, turning to give him a twirl. "Alright, I'm off. Coming with?"

Zephyr shakes his head, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Nah, I think I'll stay here and brainstorm ways to mess with Kaynim. You know, for your honor and all that."

I laugh, genuinely this time. "Go easy on him, Zeph. He may be an asshole right now, but..."

"...he's still your mate," Zephyr finishes with a mock-serious tone.

I chuckle and head for the door. "Exactly. See you later, troublemaker."

"Later, warrior princess," he calls out as I leave.

I step into the surf-style diner, the ambiance immediately lifting my spirits. The wooden floors, brightly colored surfboards mounted on the walls, and laid-back beach décor create a relaxed, coastal atmosphere. I spot Ezekiel sitting in a booth near the back, his familiar face breaking into a wide smile as he sees me.

"Ari!" he calls out, standing up to greet me.

I rush over and give him a warm hug. "Ezekiel, it's so good to see you!" I say, sliding into the booth opposite him. "I've missed our chats."

"Same here," he replies, his eyes twinkling with genuine happiness. "It's been too long."

We order lunch and spend the next hour catching up, sharing stories and laughter. It feels so refreshing to talk to someone who understands me, someone I can be myself around. The food is delicious, but it's the company that makes the meal memorable.

As we finish our lunch, lingering over our drinks and enjoying a light-hearted conversation, I suddenly see Seraphina walk past our booth. Just then, a waiter accidentally bumps into her, causing her to spill her drink slightly. Seraphina turns, her face twisted in annoyance.

"Watch where you're going, i***t!" she snaps at the waiter.

I can’t help but intervene. "Hey, that can happen. Leave her alone," I say firmly.

Seraphina spins around to face me, her eyes widening in surprise. "You here?!"

I huff, crossing my arms. "I could say the same thing."

Ezekiel, sensing the tension, looks between us with a raised eyebrow. "Is there a problem?" he asks, trying to diffuse the situation.

Seraphina's lips curl into a sneer. "Problem? Oh, no problem at all. I see you've finally found another victim, Princess Namaari. What's the matter? Have the triplets finally admitted they prefer you not hanging around them?"

I shoot back, "Funny you should mention that. It seems like you're the one desperate for attention, Seraphina. Maybe you should find someone who actually wants to be around you.”

Seraphina's eyes narrow. "Well, I have a date with Zyméo. In fact, I see him arriving now. I'm sure he's ready to welcome me back as Luna. Excuse me." She strides toward the entrance, her head held high.

I gape after her, my mouth open in shock. Ezekiel squeezes my hand gently. "Ignore her, Ari. She's a pretentious piece of work."

I force a laugh and turn back to Ezekiel. "You're right. Let's focus on us and enjoy our time together."

Despite my words, I can't help but think about Seraphina's claim. I wonder if Zyméo will be clear with her, letting her know his feelings for me and that she needs to back off. The thought lingers in my mind, making it hard to fully enjoy the moment with Ezekiel.

Ezekiel seems to sense my distraction and offers a reassuring smile. "Hey, don't let her get to you. You're amazing, and anyone with half a brain can see that."

I smile back, grateful for his support. "Thanks, Ezekiel.”

He nods. "Now, let's finish our drinks and find something fun to do."

I take a deep breath, pushing thoughts of Seraphina aside. "Sounds like a plan."

As I try to focus on the conversation with Ezekiel, my eyes keep drifting to the window. Outside, Zyméo stands by his car, Seraphina facing him with her back towards me. They seem to be having a serious and intense conversation. Suddenly, Zyméo glances in my direction, his eyebrow raised, and then he looks... pissed. He quickly shifts his focus back to Seraphina.

My mind races. Is Zyméo suddenly angry with me? What could I have done? What is Seraphina saying to him? Or worse, is Zyméo actually making up with Seraphina and ditching me? That can't be, can it? I know I've kept him waiting, while being softer with Tazzym. Maybe he's tired of me...

Noali chimes in my head, "Calm down, Namaari. He's our mate. Just ask him why he seemed upset. I'm sure you're misinterpreting it."

I sigh, trying to take comfort in Noali's words. But just as I'm about to refocus on Ezekiel, I see Seraphina jumping into Zyméo's arms and kissing him. My heart sinks. Shocked, I look away quickly, barely able to stammer out to Ezekiel, "Actually, I need to go home now. Sorry, Ezekiel. I'll text you, and we'll catch up soon."

Ezekiel looks bewildered. "Huh, what happened all of a sudden?"

"I'll explain later," I say, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek before rushing out through the back door, which leads to the dunes. I run along the dunes toward the packhouse, tears welling up in my eyes.

I arrive at the packhouse, my mind racing with the image of Seraphina kissing Zyméo. I rush upstairs to the attic, desperate to find Zephyr and vent. As I push open the door to the small bedroom, I remove my boots and socks while Zephyr immediately starts talking, his eyes alight with mischief.

"You won't believe what I just did," he says, bouncing slightly with excitement. "I filled Kaynim's shoes with slime. He's going to go crazy trying to figure out how that happened!"

"Zephyr," I say, my voice breaking as tears threaten to spill over. "I need to talk to you."

His happiness fades as he sees the state I'm in. "Namaari, what's wrong?"

"Zyméo... I saw him with Seraphina," I stammer, feeling the pain of the sight all over again. "They were kissing. I thought... I thought he cared about me."

Zephyr's expression softens as he snuggles close to me. "Hey, don't jump to conclusions. Maybe it's not what it seems."

"But it looked so real," I say, my voice muffled against my hands on my face. "Kaynim always fights with me, and Zyméo clearly isn't over his great love for Seraphina. Two of my mates don't want me."

Zephyr crawls onto my lap and puts his little paws over my hands. "Namaari, you have to stay positive. Things might not be what they seem."

Before I can respond, there's a sudden blur of movement, and Zyméo appears in the room. The air seems to crackle with tension as he looks at me.

Zyméo’s POV

I storm up the stairs, my mind still reeling from the confrontation with Seraphina. I had arranged to meet her to set things straight, to make it clear that I'm completely head over heels for Namaari. I needed her to understand that she had to back off, or there would be consequences.

But what I hadn’t anticipated was catching a glimpse of Namaari through the diner window, laughing and talking with Ezekiel. Was she on a date? The thought hit me like a punch to the gut. I had just told Seraphina how I felt about Namaari, that she is my mate, but Seraphina kept insisting that Namaari didn’t care about me. She taunted me about how Namaari was busy with another man, making it sound like I didn’t stand a chance and she would reject me.

I was starting to waver, doubt creeping in, when Seraphina unexpectedly jumped into my arms and kissed me. It was instinctive to push her away, and I glanced back through the window just in time to see Namaari lean in and place a kiss on Ezekiel's cheek before slipping out the back door.

That was the last straw. I looked Seraphina in the eye and, despite my reluctance to use my Alpha authority on her, I issued a command that she needed to stay away from me and Namaari for the foreseeable future and that she can’t tell anyone that Namaari is my mate, until I say so. I hated using my position like that, but it felt necessary. I got into my car and sped back to the packhouse, following the scent of Namaari that lingered in the air.

As I reach the top of the stairs, I can feel the urgency surging through me. I approach the attic door and pause for a moment, listening. I can hear voices inside. I push the door open, and my breath catches in my throat.

"What the f**k is that?" I blurt out, my eyes widening as I point at the scene before me. Namaari is sitting on the bed, a small fret squirming in her lap, chirping furiously as if it’s scolding me for interrupting.

I glance at Namaari, who is trying to calm the little creature. “That’s Zephyr, my fret,” she says, standing up and gently placing him on the pillow. “He’s apparently one of the few I can trust around here.”

I huff, trying to suppress my irritation. “Your fret? Since when do you have a pet?” I take a step closer, but I can’t keep my composure as my thoughts spiral. “Wait, I came all this way, but not to discuss a pet.”

As I feel my temper rise, I add, “You kissed me yesterday, and now I find you on a date with Ezekiel? I saw you give him a kiss on the cheek before you left the diner.”

Namaari’s expression shifts, anger flashing in her eyes. “It wasn’t a date! Is it not allowed for me to catch up with a friend?”

“If it’s a guy, then no! I’d prefer it if there were other friends around or at least one of your mates with you,” I snap, unable to keep my frustration in check.

“Mates?!” She throws her hands up, incredulous. “I really wonder if we should be mates at all. You were just kissing Seraphina!”

I feel a wave of irritation wash over me. “I just told Seraphina that you’re my mate and that I have strong feelings for you, and I made it clear that she needed to back off!”

Namaari brushes past me, heading toward the door. “And you showing me you have feelings for me is kissing her?”

I groan and throw my hands up in exasperation. “She kissed me! Did you see me pull her into it? I pushed her away immediately!”

A single eyebrow raises on her face, skepticism evident in her expression. “I need some space. I’m going to my room.”

“Great! I need space too!” I shout back, both of us seething with anger as we stomp down the stairs, each headed for our own rooms, the tension between us palpable.

As I step into the hallway, frustration boils inside me. I can’t believe what just happened. “No, f**k this.” I storm into Namaari's room right after her, slamming the door shut and locking it behind me.

“What are you doing?” she demands, surprise flashing across her face.

I take a step forward, my heart pounding. “What am I doing? I’m going to show you just how much I care about you. I don’t need space, I need you.”