Page 19 of Pack to the Wall

CHRISSY

Chrissy's lips parted as she faced Zev, the moonlight casting a soft glow over his chiseled features. She was about to make a joke and deflect again, to retreat into the safety of her walls. But then, she stepped even closer to him, her bare feet sinking into the cool sand. The warmth of his hand in hers sent tingles up her arm, and she felt the weight of his gaze, intense and unyielding.

The night stretched around them, the waves crashing against the shore in a rhythmic lullaby. Chrissy couldn't believe what had just happened. This had been the most real and magical night in months—maybe ever. Zev had a way of making her feel seen, of peeling back the layers she'd been forced to wear for so long. He made her want to be vulnerable, to show him the parts of herself she'd kept hidden, even from herself.

She couldn't believe she'd actually sung him one of her most personal and vulnerable songs, especially when it was only half-written and far from perfect. She never shared her unfinished work with anyone anymore. Marty had made sure of that. He'd stripped her of her creative freedom, forcing her to sing the songs his producers wrote, ones that didn't feel anything like her at all. The only exception was 'Daddy's Girl,' the song that hadmade her a star. But even that felt like a relic of a time when she'd been free to create and be herself.

Zev had listened to her raw, imperfect song with a reverence that made her chest ache. He hadn't critiqued it or told her to polish it. He'd just… appreciated it. And that made her want to wrap her arms around him right now, and to let him hold her so she could feel safe again. Because shedidfeel safe with him, in a way she hadn't felt in a long time.

"You're different," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "You don't want anything from me. You're not trying to use me or control me. You just… want to be here. With me."

Zev's eyes darkened, and he stepped impossibly closer, his free hand lifting to cup her cheek. His touch was electric, sending a jolt of heat through her. "I wantyou, Chrissy. Not the pop star, not the image they've created. Just you."

Her breath hitched, and she leaned into his touch, her heart racing. "I don't know if I'm ready for this," she admitted, her voice barely audible. "But I want to be."

"That's enough for me," he said, his voice low and rough. "We'll take it one step at a time."

She nodded, her eyes never leaving his. The air between them crackled with tension, and she felt the pull of him, magnetic and undeniable. She wanted to kiss him, to feel the heat of his lips on hers, but she hesitated, her fear warring with her desire.

Zev seemed to sense her internal struggle. He leaned down, his breath warm against her ear. "Whenever you're ready," he murmured, his voice a promise. "I'm not going anywhere."

Chrissy's heart swelled, and she felt a tear slip down her cheek. She hadn't realized how much she'd needed to hear those words. In what felt like forever, she finally felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she could find her way back to herself. And maybe Zev could be the one to help her get there.

She squeezed his hand, her voice steady despite the emotions swirling inside her. "Thank you again," she said, her eyes locking with his. "For… everything."

Zev gave her a small, knowing smile. "Always," he said, his voice a vow.

Chrissy's heart was racing from the intensity of the moment, her hand warm in Zev's, and his other hand cradling her cheek like she was something precious. The moonlight bathed them in a silvery glow, and for a second, the world felt like it had narrowed to just the two of them. His eyes held hers, and she could see the promise in them, the unspoken vow that he'd be there for her, no matter what.

But then, the sound of hurried footsteps crunching against the sand shattered the moment. Ewan appeared, his face tight with worry and his dark hair slightly disheveled.

"It's Jonah," Ewan said, his voice urgent. "He hasn't come home."

Zev's entire body tensed, his hand dropping from Chrissy's cheek as he turned to face Ewan. The shift in him was immediate—gone was the tender, protective man who'd been holding her hand, replaced by the Alpha, commanding and ready to act.

"What do you mean he hasn't come home?" Zev's voice was sharp.

"He was supposed to be back by sunset. His parents let him explore, but he knows the rules. He's never missed curfew before." Ewan's jaw tightened. "We've checked the usual spots. But nothing."

Chrissy's stomach dropped. A kid was out there, alone, in the jungle at night. She didn't know Jonah, but the thought of a child lost and scared made her chest tight. She stepped forward, her feet sinking into the sand. "I'm coming with you."

Zev's head snapped toward her, his eyes narrowing. "It's not safe for you. The jungle at night is dangerous, especially for someone who doesn't know the terrain."

She crossed her arms, her chin lifting in defiance. "A kid's out there alone. I'm not just going to stand by and do nothing."

Zev's gaze bore into hers, and for a moment, she thought he might argue. But then he gave a curt nod, his expression softening just a fraction. "Fine. But you stay close to me. No wandering off."

"Deal," she said, her voice firm. She bent down to slip her sandals back on, her fingers fumbling slightly in her haste. Zev did the same, his movements quick and efficient.

Ewan stepped closer, his voice low. "I'll rally the others. We'll spread out and cover as much ground as we can."

Zev nodded, his jaw set. "Use the pack link. Keep me updated."

Chrissy straightened, her brow furrowing. "Pack link?"

Zev glanced at her, his expression softening again slightly. "It's how we communicate. Telepathically. But it's something that develops after puberty, so Jonah can't use it yet."

"Got it," she said, though her mind was still reeling from the idea of telepathic communication. She'd known shifters were different, but this was something else entirely.

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