CHAPTER 486: NOW SURE

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Chapter 486

~Zara’s POV~

Whenever Davion started to say something, Kaid interrupted—changing the subject, redirecting the conversation, sometimes not even saying anything relevant—just... stopping him.

And Davion finally had enough. "That’s it," he snapped, slamming his palm on the table loud enough to turn heads.

"Finally," Kaid said mildly. "Was wondering how long it’d take."

"You’ve been goading me since you walked in."

"Maybe. Or maybe I’ve just been talking to Zara. You’re the one taking offence."

"You don’t get to play the protector," Davion snarled. "Not after what you did. Not after you left her with Snow."

Kaid’s smile vanished. "Careful, prince."

"No," Davion said, rising halfway from his seat. "You don’t get to act like you care now, just because I’m here. If you actually cared, you would’ve stayed. You would’ve fought for her instead of running off to lick your wounds."

"I walked away to keep her safe."

"And I stayed to remind her what it means to be wanted."

That was it. The air split between them like a crack of thunder. I stood up so fast the chair nearly toppled.

"Enough," I said, voice like a whip. "Both of you."

They froze.

I grabbed my bag. "You can both sit here and argue about who did more or failed harder. But I’m not your battlefield."

And with that, I walked out.

************

The street outside was cooler than I expected. The air kissed my cheeks, sharp with the scent of city stone and autumn leaves.

I inhaled deeply, trying to shake the weight pressing against my ribs. It clung anyway—thick, invisible, shaped like two men and the ache they each brought.

My boots clicked against the pavement as I walked, brisk and without direction, just away. Away from their stares. Away from their rivalry. Away from the sting of memories neither of them had any right to claim.

I made it halfway down the block when I heard footsteps behind me.

I didn’t turn, yet. I already knew who it was.

"I told myself I wouldn’t ruin this," Kaid’s voice came low behind me, no longer sharp or taunting. Just quiet.

I paused, lips twitching, but I didn’t look at him. "And yet."

"And yet," he echoed.

He came to stand beside me, not too close. Just near enough to be a presence. His scent was hit harder than it should have been.

I stared ahead. "I meant what I said in there."

"I know."

"You don’t get to use me to prove anything to him."

"I wasn’t trying to."

I turned to look at him then, brows arching. "Really? You weren’t?"

Kaid’s jaw flexed. "Maybe part of me was. But mostly... I was trying to stop him from weaving his charm around you like he always does."

"Like you never did?" I asked softly.

He winced, just barely, but it was there. "I never meant to hurt you, Zara."

"But you did."

"I know."

A beat of silence stretched, too full of things I wasn’t ready to feel. "And Davion?" I asked. "What, you think I can’t see through his smooth talk?"

"No," Kaid said. "But I think sometimes... It’s nice to feel wanted. Even if it’s temporary."

I looked at him then, fully. "Is that all you think this is for me? Temporary attention?"

"No," he said quickly, fiercely. "I think you’re trying to find something steady, and he’s chaos in gold and pretty words."

I let the wind push my hair around my shoulders. "And you’re not chaos?"

He gave a hollow laugh. "I’m the storm you already survived."

I blinked at that. Words caught in my throat, too sharp to swallow.

"Zara," he said, and there was something desperate in it. "I didn’t come back to start a war. I came back because I couldn’t stay away anymore."

My heart stuttered. And maybe it was betrayal, maybe guilt, or just exhaustion—but I shook my head.

"I can’t with any of you. I love Snow."

"But he treated you wrongly when he found his mate. And that isn’t how you treat a woman. I am your betrothed, love."

I shook my head, not wanting to hear him out. I already chose to give Snow a chance and want to stick by it.

"If it’s time you need, I’ll give it," Kaid said. "All of it. Just don’t shut me out."

I didn’t answer, couldn’t, not without unravelling. Instead, I sighed, turned and kept walking.

Thankfully, Kaid did not follow this time.

**************

~Ryland’s POV~

The wind carried the scent of pine and fading jasmine, brushing against the windows of the hotel suite.

I stood by the glass, watching the roads twist beneath the pale sky, arms crossed, jaw tight.

Ever since finding Snow and Zara and their return to the pack to greet Alpha Storm and Luna Star, I had been busy and Crystal had returned to her pack soem days ago, traveling with Alpha Ares.

She’d sent a brief casual buit polite message. The kind that made my chest ache more than anything.

Because she made it easy to be with her. I love Tempest, I wasn’t complaining, and had she not broken all ties, I still would have been chasing her by now.

But knowing Tempest, she always stood by her word.

I ran a hand through my hair and let out a breath that felt too heavy. It had been a mistake, seeing Tempest again. I thought I was ready. I thought maybe part of her still lingered in the past we buried.

But when I saw her—standing beside Kaid, laughing softly, her hand brushing his like it belonged there—I knew then and tehre that she was gone.

And I was stAnd I was still standing in the ruins of something I should’ve let go of a long time ago.

Crystal had waited too long for me to notice. She’d stood there quietly, pushing slightly to know her place and where she belonged. Just... existing beside me, with the kind of calm I never deserved and always

And now I couldn’t stop thinking about her smile. The way her voice settled things inside me. The way she never once asked for more but still gave everything.

I grabbed my jacket and the keycard, and headed out.

************

The drive to Ares’ region was a quiet one, the hum of the engine giving rhythm to thoughts that refused to settle.

I pulled into the curved driveway of her brother’s house, half-expecting her to be on the porch like she said she said she used to be—knees tucked, tea in hand, a half-amused look on her face when I arrived without warning.

But the porch was empty.

I rang once. Then again, faint shuffling followed, and the door opened—not to Crystal, but to a young she-wolf I didn’t recognize.

"Hello, sir."

I nodded. "Hi. Good day to you. Please, is Crystal here?"

She smiled awkwardly. "Who’s asking?"

"Oh, my name is Ryland. I am her mate."

"Oh... No, sorry. She’s at the main pack house with the elders and Alpha Ares. Sometimes she stays there more than here. She’s been running around all day, just in case you do not find her."

I nodded again, forcing a polite smile. "Thanks."

"Should I tell her you came by?"

"No, worry. I’ll find her."

**************

By the time I reached the pack house, the meeting had just ended. Wolves poured out in small clusters—some tense, some laughing, most distracted.

Then I saw her.

Crystal stood on the steps, clipboard hugged to her chest, her long braid draped over one shoulder. She wore a soft grey blouse and dark jeans, nothing extraordinary—but I couldn’t look away. Not this time.

She didn’t see me at first. Her eyes scanned a report while her lips moved in a silent count.

"Hey," I called softly.

She looked up. Blinked. Then smiled—small, warm, cautious.

"Ryland."

"Hope I’m not interrupting."

She shook her head, stepping down to meet me halfway. "No, just wrapping up. You’re far from home."

I shrugged. "Figured I owed someone a proper visit."

Her brows lifted slightly. "Someone?"

"You," I said.

Her gaze flickered with something unreadable. "Well. Consider me surprised."

"I don’t want to waste your time," I said, stepping closer. "So I’ll just say it. I’d like to take you out. Tomorrow afternoon, if you’re free."

She blinked, stunned silent for half a beat. Then her lips curved, slow and careful. "You’re serious?"

"I am," I said, heart thudding harder than it should. "Crystal... I’ve been stuck in a place that doesn’t exist anymore. And that’s not fair to you."

Her smile widened, still soft. Still cautious. "What changed?"

"I saw her. She’s happy. With someone else." I exhaled. "And for the first time, I didn’t feel like the world was ending. I just felt... done. Free."

"So..." I am just what? Your second choice?"

"No. I wanted to truly be free for you, and I am. I am fully okay and you have me to yourself. Nothing to worry about."

Crystal nodded slowly. "Okay. I have said I will give you a chance and I meant it."

"Thank you. So, what do you say about a date with me tomorrow?" Crystal seemed thoughtful for a little while, tapping her finger on her chin before she looked at me with that wild smile in her eyes and nodded.

"Tomorrow, then."

"I’ll pick you up at two."

"Better not be late," she said, turning to walk past me—but not before brushing her fingers lightly against mine. Just a touch.

Enough to make my chest tighten in a different way this time.

A better way.

"I wouldn’t dream of it, mate."