CHAPTER 15

Zendea's P.O.V

I don't know how long we've been standing in this position but we're interrupted by Amara clearing her throat. Oh God! I forgot we were at the restaurant, in front of humans. The palm of my hand comes into contact with his chest as I lightly push us apart to show that I'm not resisting , just creating space. As he looks at me I bow my head , submitting myself to him. I feel his hand grabbing mine and pulling me even closer to him then, he turns to Amara.

Because his back is to me, his big frame is preventing me from seeing into the restaurant and Amara but, I can still hear her.

"I didn't know you two knew each other." She says trying not to sound shocked but it's evident in her tone. Her shock and curiosity.

His muscles flex as he puts his hands in his pockets, God I could watch that all day.

"We don't." He says flatly with a deep and dominant voice.

"But you just - " He cuts her off by only lifting a finger. Wow , how can a person have such power.

"Amara this is none of your concern. Now , would you please do the job I pay you to do." His tone leaves no room for debate. I hear Amara's heals click against the marble floor indicating she's walking away. When I can't hear her heels anymore he turns to me and gently lifts my chin up , "Let's go mate." He commands.

I wait for him to lead the way and as soon as he starts walking, I follow. He stops in front of a sleek black jaguar car with a man wearing a tux, standing by the door. The man opens the door for him , letting us in , "Thank you Henry." He responds and Henry bows his head closing the door.

The car ride is silent but the silence is comforting. All he's been doing is staring at me , nothing else , he hasn't said a word since we left the restaurant. The car comes to a stop and moments later Henry opens our door. Smoothly sliding out he holds a hand out for me to grab and I do but try to control the way I feel every time he touches me. When I look up I see the words Jacobs Marbella Hotel written in gold capital letters. I remember this name , Amara told me about this hotel. It's the finest hotel in the city , only the wealthy can afford to enter here yet here I was , an ordinary being about to enter.

The doors are opened for us by a man who looks to be in his mid 50s, wearing a black suite , he nods his head at us , "Good morning Sir." He says.

"Yes Malcolm." Shock washes over my face. He knows his name?! He must come here quite often.

The minute we're inside the hotel I can't help but to marvel at the sight in front of me. White marble tiles with black and gold lines cover every inch of the walls and where two corners meet there's a plastering of gold. The ceiling is a dark ocean blue with white and silver stars pained on it to give it a magical feeling , the floor is covered in black marble tiles and the windows are a clear color on the inside but on the outside they're a platinum mirror.

"This is so beautiful." I say to myself lowly as I slowly twirl in circles absorbing this beautiful sight.

He leads us to an elevator with gold double doors , it opens and we step inside and the doors close. Every part of the elevator is covered in mirrors. I wait for him to push a button but when he pushes the PH (PentHouse) gold button my eyes widen , that must have been a mistake right. The doors close.

When the elevator doors open we're greeted by the inside of his penthouse , it's huge ! And so beautiful. The light brown wooden floors , circular center with a singular curving white couch and a fire place in the middle. The glass walls showing the spectacular view and a glass staircase leading to the second floor of his apartment. This looks like a dream , how can one person live here?

"Mr Jacobs you're back so soon." A lady who looks to be in her late 40s, wearing a chefs uniform says, coming from where I assume is the kitchen and bows her head to us.

"Yes Kiki , my visit was cut short. An unexpected turn of events if you will." Is that a hint of relief?

"Ah, of course. And who might this be Sir?" Kiki asks as she examines me from head to toe. Nice. Here I am in this marvelous, out of this world penthouse wearing what I'm wearing with messy curls. How wonderful.

"This is .." He stops. Will he introduce me as his mate? Or is he stuck because he doesn't even know my name? "Kiki this is my mate." My eyes widen from shock at what he's just said. Did he just tell her I'm his mate ?! Is she a werewolf? Her face relaxes as a warm smile finds its way onto her lips.

“It is an honor Luna." she bows her head. I choke on my own spit and couch.

"Forgive me Luna, my intentions weren't to startle you. Would you like a glass of water?" She asks , worry masking her face but I just shake my head and try to control my breathing.

I try to speak but I can't seem to form any words, not one. Did she just say LUNA ? I can't be a Luna unless my mate is a ... he's an Alpha?!.

Looking at his open hand I take it and let him lead me upstairs into a massive bedroom , this must be his bedroom. Closing the door behind him he guides me to the bed and I sit down with my head lowered. Say something Zendea!

"Say something." He tries to say softly but I can tell he's irritated , why ? Did I do something wrong? Suddenly I feel a pain in my chest.

"I don't know what to say." I say in almost a whisper still not making eye contact.

"What's your name?" Oh no .

"I - I .." what do I tell him ? The truth or a lie ? I don't want to lie to him , he's my mate.

"Do you not want me to know who you are ? Or anything about you?" He asks and I shake my head.

"It's not that , I'm j-just afraid." I stutter.

"Why ? Did someone hurt you?" He asks bitterly as I hear him take a step towards me.

"No, no one hurt me but, I'm not who Amara thinks I am. She knows me as Zoe but my real name is Zendea." I sigh.

"Why lie about who you are ?" He sounds disappointed.

"Because I'm running away from my past. I ran away from my pack and ended up here in the city. I decided to start anew as a different p-person and that's when I saw the 'Help Wanted' sign outside Justine's. After Mak and I spoke she told Amara about me and she hired me on the spot." I say as a tear slides down my cheek. "Even though I had no experience except 2 years at culinary school, she still gave me a chance. If she hadn't I'd be homeless or worse." As tears roll down my cheeks uncontrollably I wiped them away and continue. "I've been working at the restaurant for 7 months now , I live with Amara and she takes care of me but I do what I can to help out." I finish off.

He releases a low growl walking to me , he kneels down in front of me and wipes my tears away. Lifting my chin with his index finger our eyes finally meet. "Whoever you are running from I will find them and show them no mercy." He says calmly but you can hear the anger in his voice. I shake my head lightly and move his hand from under my chin to my cheek , I press my cheek further into the palm of his hand and close my eyes, enjoying the tingles coursing through my body.

"Please no, I’m free now and I do not want to drag you into my mess of a life." I say softly with my eyes still closed.

He wraps his free arm around my waist and pulls me to him , laying my head on his chest I inhale his scent , he smells like home , my home. As I relax and put my weight on his body I begin to feel sleepy , he starts rubbing small circles on my back using his thumb.

"I can’t believe I found you." He whispers before I fully let sleep consume me.

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- JD