Page 9

SIX

ZEV

Z ev's wolf clawed at his insides as he watched Chrissy's full lips curve into that genuine smile that had haunted him for two days.

The emerald sundress she wore clung to her curves in all the right places, making his mouth go dry every time she shifted in her seat.

When the server—one of his most trusted pack members—set down their dinner and retreated with silent efficiency, Zev took a steadying breath.

"You're right," he admitted, meeting her bright green eyes across the flickering candles. "I would never manipulate you. That's not how I operate."

Not with my mate , his wolf added possessively.

The soft island breeze caught a strand of her dark hair, blowing it across her cheek. His fingers itched to brush it back and to feel the softness of her skin. He gripped his water glass instead, the crystal cool against his suddenly overheated palm.

"So what do you want, then?" Chrissy asked, her head tilting to the side with genuine curiosity. The movement exposed the elegant line of her neck, and Zev's wolf growled with approval. "Because powerful men always want something eventually."

"Right now?" Zev leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering to a rumble. "I want to know who you really are, Chrissy Rivera. Not the image they've created for you. The woman who finds joy in simple sundresses rather than designer gowns."

Her eyes widened slightly, surprise flickering across her features. "Olivia's been talking, I see."

"She mentioned you had a good day at the spa." He stabbed a piece of seared tuna with his fork, his muscles flexing beneath his black shirt. "She also suggested I not overwhelm you with questions, but my wolf isn't known for its patience."

Shit . He hadn't meant to mention his wolf so openly.

Chrissy's eyebrow arched. "Your... wolf?"

Zev's jaw tightened. Olivia had warned him to go slow, and not to scare Chrissy away with talk of shifters and mates. Yet here he was, five minutes into dinner, already slipping up. He set down his fork with deliberate control.

"Figure of speech," he said smoothly. "An Alpha trait. When I want something, the instinct can be... overwhelming."

The look in her eyes told him she wasn't entirely convinced, but she didn't push. Instead, she surprised him by offering a piece of herself.

"You want to know the real me?" She stabbed at her salad, her shoulders relaxing slightly.

"I learned guitar at eight from my dad. When I play, I feel like I can breathe again.

Lately, I haven't been allowed to play other than at my designated shows.

Leslie says it ruins my manicure and costs too much to keep fixing my nails. "

The casual mention of her handler's control made Zev's blood boil. His fingers curled around the edge of the table.

"We have several guitars on the island," he offered, fighting to keep his voice level despite the protective rage coursing through him. "Professional quality. You're welcome to play any time."

The brilliant smile that lit her face made his heart thunder against his ribs. Genuine happiness looked spectacular on her—nothing like the practiced smiles he'd seen in social media posts.

"Really? I'd love that." Excitement danced in her eyes. "I have so many half-finished songs in my head with nowhere to put them."

"Your own music? Not the produced pop they've been releasing?"

Chrissy nodded, suddenly animated. "I wrote 'Daddy's Girl' in an hour sitting on my back porch. It's simple yet raw. But the label keeps pushing me toward overproduced tracks with lyrics I barely relate to."

Zev leaned forward, genuinely fascinated by this glimpse of the real woman. "I'd rather hear one honest song from your heart than a hundred manufactured hits."

The blush that spread across her cheeks was intoxicating. His wolf preened at having caused it.

"Careful," she teased, "keep talking like that and I might mistake you for a decent guy."

"I'm no saint," Zev admitted with a wolfish grin that showed just enough teeth to make her pulse jump visibly at her throat. "But I do recognize authenticity when I see it. It's rare in your world."

"And common in yours?" Zev watched Chrissy's eyes sparkle with interest as she spoke across the candlelit table

The emerald sundress she wore perfectly complemented her bright green eyes, and the neckline dipped just low enough to reveal the swell of her breasts—a distraction his wolf kept eagerly drawing his attention to whenever she leaned forward.

"When you're Alpha, people can't hide much. You develop an eye for truth," he said, enjoying the way her pulse visibly quickened at his words again.

His wolf rumbled with satisfaction at the reaction, sensing the attraction that crackled between them. It had been building all evening, electric and undeniable.

"So, what does your Alpha eye see when you look at me?" Chrissy challenged, her full lips curving into a smile as she sipped her wine.

"Someone who's been caged for too long." Zev leaned forward, his broad shoulders shifting under his black shirt. "A songbird who's forgotten she has wings."

A blush crept across Chrissy's cheeks again, and Zev inhaled deeply, capturing her sweet scent tinged with arousal. His wolf growled eagerly, though Zev maintained his outward composure despite the primal need to claim her that surged through his blood.

As the server returned with their chocolate soufflés, Zev's mind returned to his earlier conversation with Olivia.

The pack was growing restless. They'd play along for now—closing off an entire section of the resort for a human stranger—but their patience wouldn't last forever.

Each hour that passed heightened their unease about having someone with Chrissy's high-profile history on their secluded territory.

Sooner rather than later, you need to claim her publicly , his wolf insisted. Tell them she's our fated mate. Their Luna.

And when Olivia had described the bruises she'd glimpsed on Chrissy's arms during their spa day today—revealed when her makeup had washed away in the hot springs—Zev had nearly lost control.

The evidence of Leslie's physical abuse had made him want to shift and hunt down both her and Marty immediately.

Only the knowledge that Chrissy needed him here had kept his rage in check.

"What's on your mind?" Chrissy asked, noticing his sudden intensity. "You look like you're plotting someone's murder."

Zev's jaw tightened. She had no idea how accurate that assessment was.

"Nothing important," he lied, then changed course, unwilling to further deceive his mate. "Actually, I was thinking about what you've been through. Someone should pay for the way they've treated you."

A shadow passed over her face, but she quickly covered it with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. Zev's wolf snarled at the mask she'd clearly been forced to wear for months.

"I'd rather focus on now." She took a bite of her dessert, closing her eyes briefly in pleasure. The small moan that escaped her lips sent heat rushing through Zev's body. "This is amazing, by the way."

"I'll inform the chef," Zev replied, his voice rougher than intended as he fought for control. "Though I'd rather hear more about these songs you haven't been allowed to write."

Her entire face lit up, the shadows instantly banished. "Really? Most people just want to talk about what celebrities I've dated."

"I'm not most people," Zev stated flatly, leaning back in his chair with alpha confidence. "And I'm far more interested in who you actually are than who they've made you be."

The look she gave him—vulnerable, hopeful, yet still cautious—made his protective instincts flare.

He would destroy anyone who ever hurt her again.

The depth of this feeling after just days of knowing her should have worried him, but his wolf recognized the truth his human side was still processing.

She was his, and he would rearrange the world to keep her safe.

"In that case," Chrissy said, setting down her fork, "I should warn you I might talk about music all night."

Zev's lips curved up into a predatory smile. "Good. Because I have nowhere else to be."

After they finished their dessert, Zev helped Chrissy up from the table and guided her out of the restaurant.

His hand rested on the small of Chrissy's back as they stepped out into the evening air and onto the moonlit path leading to the beach.

The gesture felt natural and instinctive, as if his wolf had already claimed her even if his human side was still treading carefully.

The soft fabric of her emerald sundress brushed against his fingers, and the warmth of her skin seeped through, sending a low hum of satisfaction through him. He fought the urge to pull her closer.

"The moon's bright tonight," he said, his voice carrying over the gentle rustle of palm leaves. "Perfect for a walk."

Chrissy glanced up at him, her green eyes reflecting the silver light. "It's so quiet here. No paparazzi, no handlers, no schedules. Just... peace."

Zev's wolf growled at the hint of weariness in her voice. She's safe now , he reminded himself. She's with me.

They reached the beach, and the white sand sparkled under the moonlight.

The waves lapped gently at the shore, their rhythm calming yet alive.

Zev slipped off his shoes, letting the cool sand shift between his toes.

Chrissy followed suit, her laugh soft and melodic as she wiggled her bare feet into the sand.

"Feels good, doesn't it?" he asked, watching her closely. She looked radiant, her hair catching the breeze and her sundress swaying with every step.

"Amazing," she admitted, turning to him with a smile that made his chest tighten. "I haven't had this much freedom in a long time."

Zev's jaw clenched. But he kept his tone light, not wanting to ruin the moment. "You mentioned a half-written song earlier. Would you sing it for me?"

Her smile faltered, and she looked down, her toes tracing patterns in the sand. "I don't know. It's... raw. Just something I've been working on in my limited spare time."

"Raw is honest," Zev said, stepping closer. His hand brushed against hers, and he felt that electric jolt of her skin against his. "And I'd rather hear honest words from you than anything polished from someone else."

Chrissy hesitated, then took a deep breath. She began softly, humming a melody that wove through the night air like a whispered secret. Then her voice, clear and soulful, joined in.

"Lost in the shadows, searching for light,

Tired of the fights, the endless nights.

Wishing for someone who'll see the real me,

Not the mask they made, but who I'm meant to be."

Her words hit him like a punch to the chest. The pain in her voice, the vulnerability, and the quiet hope—it tore at him. His wolf stirred, restless and protective, urging him to pull her into his arms and promise her the world. Instead, he stood still, letting her finish.

When the last note faded into the night, Chrissy looked up at him, her eyes searching his. "It's still a work in progress," she said, her voice barely a whisper.

Zev stepped closer, his hand lifting to brush a strand of hair from her face. His fingers lingered against her cheek, the warmth of her skin making his blood hum. "It's beautiful," he said roughly. "And I want to be the one who sees the real you."

Her breath hitched, and she looked away, her cheeks flushing. "Zev, I... I don't want to be another person's project. Not again."

His hand dropped to her shoulder, his touch firm but gentle. "I'm not Marty. I'm not here to control you or mold you into something you're not. I'm here because I see you , Chrissy. The woman who's been buried under everyone else's expectations."

She hesitated, then nodded, her eyes glistening. "It's hard to trust that. After everything... They treat me like I'm property. Like my worth is tied to how much money I can make for them."

Zev's wolf growled low in his chest, and he clenched his fists to keep from shifting right then and there. "You're not property," he said, his voice dark with intensity. "You're incredible. Resilient. And you're safe here. I won't let anyone hurt you again."

Chrissy's lips parted, and for a moment, she looked like she might argue. But then she stepped closer, her hand brushing against his. "Thank you," she said softly. "For seeing me tonight. For giving me space to breathe these past two days."

Zev's heart thundered in his chest. His wolf howled with the need to claim her and to mark her as his.

But he forced himself to stay calm and to give her the time she needed.

"You deserve more than just breathing," he said, his voice rough with emotion.

"You deserve to live. To sing from your heart. To be free."

She looked at him, her green eyes searching his blue ones. "And what if I'm scared to trust that freedom?" She paused for a long moment. "What if I'm scared to trust you?"

"Then I'll be patient," he promised, his hand sliding down to intertwine with hers. "Because you're worth it."

The night stretched around them, the waves crashing against the shore. Zev's wolf settled slightly, content to stand beside her, to protect her, and to wait for her. For now, that was enough.

But deep down, he knew it wouldn't be for long, because every instinct in him screamed to claim her. The only question was when she'd be ready to let him.