Page 18 of Pack to the Wall

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 seeyou, 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 seeingmetonight. 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.

SEVEN

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