Zendaya's POV
The blood-smeared note felt like ice in my hands. My heart pounded, breath shallow and quick. Ever Since I left Craven Pack, danger had stalked me like a shadow. First, the attack during the journey—now this. Someone wanted me gone.
The shower could wait. I needed answers right now. And the only person who can give them to me is Damien.
Clutching the note tightly, I bolted from my room, my feet carrying me straight towards Damien's office. My thoughts spiraled with questions.
Who's after me? Why? Was it because of my with my second chance mate bond with Damien? Or was there something deeper I hadn't yet uncovered?
I was so caught up in my mind that I didnt notice the figure stepping into my path until I nearly collided with him.
Beta Enzo.
His sharp eyes immediately locked into my face, scanning with concern.
"Zendaya," he said, his voice calm but probing, "what's wrong?"
I hesitated, gripping the note. Enzo's presence had always seemed.... Somewhat safe.
He was Damien's beta, and loyal to him, yes, he had never given me a reason to doubt him. And right now, I needed someone to understand.
Without a word, I handed him the note.
His eyes scanned the bloody massage and his expression darkened. His gaze flicked to me, inspecting for injuries. When he Found none, his shoulders relaxed slightly—But his grip around the note tightened. His jaw clenched. He knew something—I could feel it.
"Where did you find this?" he asked, voice low, eerily controlled.
"In my room," I whispered. "By the window. Someone was there."
Enzo inhaled sharply, his gaze flickering with something unreadable. Then, just as quickly his expression shifted into a reassuring smile.
"I'll handle it," he said smoothly." Go back to your room. I'll inform the alpha."
I frowned. "But I was going to—"
"It's better this way, you must be terrified," he cut in.
Before I could argue, his hand landed on my shoulder—firm, possessive. I noticed how close he gotten.
Cassidy recoiled, a furious growl echoing in my head. She was repulsed by his touch.
"Only our mate has the right to touch us!" she snarled, her presence slammed shut, blocking herself off from me entirely. Leaving a hollow silence in my chest.
A a cold shiver ran down my spine. Something didn't feel right, I felt it in my guts, but I couldnt place it
"Damien is already dealing with a lot. He continued smoothly," Let me take care of this for you. Okay?"
A part of me hesitated but nodded. Beta Enzo has been nothing but kind to me since I arrived. But Cassidy's silence was louder than any warning.
So, reluctantly, I agreed, trusting him with the note.
Then I felt it. The shift in the air.
A low, guttural growl vibrated through the air, scent of fury.
I turned just in time to see Damien step into view. His towering frame frame tense. His eyes locked on the scene—on Enzo hand still on my shoulder.
His bright amber eyes burned with feral rage.
His wolf was clawing to the surface.
Enzo dropped his hands instantly and stepped back— But it was too late. Damien had already seen.
"What the hell is going on?" his voice was ice and thunder all at once.
I opened my mouth, but before I could speak, Enzo cut in.
"A red note," he admitted, holding it up quickly. "The same as the one you received."
Damien snatched it from his hand, his grip so tight that his knuckles turned white as he read the words smeared in blood. His muscles tensed, jaw ticking violently.
" Where did you find this?" he demanded, voice was sharp like a blade.
Enzo hesitated—just for a second. "Zendaya—sorry, Luna— found it in her room."
My stomach tightened.
Luna? I blinked. A moment ago, I was Zendaya to him. But now, in front of Damien, he suddenly remembers the title?
Something was off.
Cassidy stirred again, her voice cold, clearly angry at me." He's hiding something."
Damien's jaw twitched, his wolf simmered beneath his skin, barely leashed.
"Go back to your room," he ordered me, his tone leaving no room for argument.
I stiffened. "But I—"
"That wasn't a request, zendaya," he cut me off sharply, his gaze hard and unreadable.
"You are not safe. Do not wander alone. I'll handle this."
The finality in his voice stung more than should. My teeth clenched. He was shutting me out again.
Bitting my lips to hard to keep the anger in. Frustration simmered under my skin, but I knew better than to fight him on this. Not when his Alpha command hummed, dangerously close to the surface.
I spun on my heel and stormed off back to my room. I slammed the door behind me, but not without noticing that he was mind-linking with his beta. No words spoken.
Damn him.
Why wouldn't he tell me anything?
Why was I always left in the dark, treated like some weak, breakable thing?
I threw myself onto the bed, face buried into the pillow, screaming until my lungs burned. The sound came out muffled—but the rage didn't lessen.
I wanted to shift. To run. To tear something apart to mirror, how I felt inside. But Cassidy remained withdrawn. Silent. Minutes passed, my body trembled with pent up anger.
Then—a knock. The scent reached me first. I didn't need to open the door to know who it was.
Damien.
For a second, I thought about ignoring him— just the way he ignored my feelings. But Cassidy stirred again, quieter now.
"Open it. Just.. see."
I stood slowly, my movement sluggish, twisted the handle, opening the door. He stood there, towering, shoulders stiff. His expression is unreadable. But something flickered in his eyes— guilt? Regret.
Without a word, he extended a sleek black box toward me. I stared at it. Then at him.
His scent cling to the box. Rich, dark. Intoxicating. Cassidy purred faintly at the edge of my mind.
I took it carefully, fingers brushing his. A spark jolt.
He stepped inside briefly, scanning my face like he wanted to say something—but whatever it was, he swallowed it.
He turned and walked out.
No words.
No explanation.
No apology.
Just a soft clicked of the door shutting behind him. I stared at the box in my hands, stunned.
A bitter laugh escapes my lips.
So he could buy me a phone....but couldn't stand to be near me?
The rejection stung deep. Tears burned behind my eyes. I blinked fast. Willing them back.
"why doesn't our human mate want us?" Cassidy, whimpered.
I didn't answer.
Because I didn't know either.
But I was determined to find out.