Chapter eight
578 Words
Chapter 8 – Home of Blood and Moonlight
The journey back to Darkmoon Park felt heavier than Zendaya expected.
She sat in the passenger seat beside Zane, her fingers laced tightly in her lap as the familiar forest stretched endlessly around them. Towering trees whispered secrets as the wind brushed past, their leaves glowing faintly under the moonlight. This land had raised her. It had shaped her. And now she was returning, not as the broken girl who had fled, but as the fated mate of the most feared Alpha in the northern territories.
Zane drove in silence, one hand steady on the wheel, the other resting near her thigh, close enough to reassure her without overwhelming her. His Beta and Gamma followed closely behind in a second vehicle, ever watchful, ever loyal. Wherever Zane went, his warriors followed. It was instinct. It was survival.
You’re tense, Zane said quietly.
Zendaya exhaled. This is my home. And yet… I don’t know how they’ll look at me after tonight.
Zane’s jaw tightened. They’ll look at you with respect. And if they don’t, they’ll learn.
She offered a small, sad smile. That’s what scares me. You’re an Alpha. I’m just the daughter of a Beta.
Zane finally turned to look at her, his blue eyes burning. You are my mate. Nothing else matters.
Darkmoon Pack territory came into view shortly after ancient gates carved with lunar symbols, guards snapping at attention the moment they recognized Zendaya’s scent.
It's the Batas' daughter, one of the guards shouted as he opened the gate for Zendaya and her guest.
The car came to a halt in front of the Schmidt residence, a stately but warm structure nestled deep within the pack grounds. Lights flickered on almost instantly.
Peris Schmidt was the first to rush out.
Zendaya! Her mother wrapped her in a fierce embrace, hands trembling as she held her daughter close. Do you have any idea how worried we were?
Beta Harry Schmidt followed closely, his sharp eyes landing on Zane almost immediately. The air shifted.
Liam and Asher stepped out behind him, shoulders squared, protective instincts flaring as they took in the towering Alpha standing beside their sister.
Zendaya pulled back gently and turned to face her family. Mama… Papa… I need you to listen. Please.
Zane inclined his head respectfully. Beta Harry. Beta Peris.
Harry studied him carefully. You are Alpha Zane Evans of Silvermoon Park.
Yes.
Zendaya took a breath. He’s my mate.
Silence crashed down like thunder.
Peris gasped softly, her hand flying to her mouth. Liam stiffened. Asher cursed under his breath.
Harry’s voice was calm but deadly. Zendaya… you were fated.
Zendaya’s chest tightened. “I was,” she whispered. To Alex. And he rejected me.
The words fell like shattered glass.
Peris’s knees nearly buckled. Harry’s face darkened with fury. Liam stepped forward. He did what?
He rejected her, Zane said coldly. And he will never be allowed near her again.
Zendaya met her father’s gaze, tears burning. I didn’t choose this pain. But I chose him.
Harry stared at her for a long moment before finally nodding. Then you are welcome here. Both of you.
Relief flooded Zendaya’s chest.
They would stay the night. In the morning, she would pack. Then she would leave Dark Moon Park, her childhood home, for a future filled with danger, politics, and war.
And watching from the shadows beyond the tree line, someone else was listening.
- Writer
