Reclaimed By Alpha Zac

Chapter Four

MABEL’S POV

My heart pounded fast against my chest as I stood in front of the tall and ominous gates of the Ruby Pack. The guards on duty narrowed their eyes on me as they approached with caution.

“I need to see Alpha Zac,” I said, pursing my lips as the head guard gave me a quick search and walked around me.

“The Alpha didn’t mention having any visitors today.” He scowled. “And you are?”

I took a deep breath. “A Luna from the capital. He must not have mentioned it, as I have an urgent business deal with him.” The lie rolled smoothly off my tongue, feeding on whatever doubts they had brewing in their minds.

After glancing at me, the guard nodded for the gates to be open and escorted me through the familiar grounds. My chest heaved with nostalgia as memories flooded through my mind. I used to play hide-and-seek games with Zac and a few of his men on this very ground.

As if hearing my thoughts, Zac suddenly appeared in the grand hall, his arms tucked neatly behind his back as he commanded the movements of some maids and guards. He was still as handsome as the last time I’d seen him, only this time, he looked more rugged…more… mature.

His eyes swiftly moved in my direction, widening with shock, and for a moment, I could’ve sworn I saw an oddly familiar emotion flash across his features—I just couldn’t make out what it was.

“Mabel.” He breathed out and slowly walked up to me in a daze.

My breath hitched when my body reacted to how good the name sounded from his lips, but I shrugged it off, reminding myself why I was there. “Oh no, Zac, you’ve got the wrong idea. I didn’t come back for you.”

His jaws clenched as a flicker of hurt flashed in his eyes, but he stepped back, respecting my wishes. “Why did you come back then?”

I swallowed hard, my mind searching for the story I had made up on my way here. “My friend’s children went missing under my watch and I got an anonymous tip that they were brought here recently.” The guilt and frustration in my tone were just enough to make him believe my lie effortlessly. If only, it was that easy to conceal emotions. “I need your help, Zac…I can’t leave here without them.”

“Of course. I’ll provide whatever you need for the search.”

A wave of relief washed over me, but it was soon replaced with jealousy when my eyes fell on the woman who’d just walked to Zac’s side, resting her head against his chest as his hands wrapped around her waist protectively.

“Mira,” Zac introduced, “My mate.”

“Nice to meet you.” I forced a smile, feeling the words taste bitter at the tip of my tongue.

Her eyes narrowed down at me, slowly sizing me up and down before looking away without saying a word back to me.

I scoffed. Such an arrogant mate.

“You’ll stay here for some days,” Zac said, drawing my attention back to him. I nodded, ignoring the looks Mira flashed me beside him.

And just like that, I’d spent three days in the pack, joining the search parties whenever I could for any sign of my boys. However, during one of the searches, I came across this strange guy, Mark.

He never attempted to have a conversation with me, but the whole time we were working, I could feel his eyes on me, watching me closely.

“You look…familiar.” He whispered, finally breaking the awkward silence between us.

I blinked at him rapidly. “Do I?”

He nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he continued, “Yes…I just can’t figure it out though.”

I chuckled and shook my head. “Well, maybe it was a coincidence, or we’d crossed paths before.”

“Yeah, maybe…” He didn’t press further, but the way he trailed off…something just didn’t feel right with it. But as the search continued, I found myself slowly opening up to Mark over time.

And for the first time in weeks, I felt that I wasn’t as alone as I’d thought.