Zeff

"Take it easy, Zeff," Josh said, his voice steady as he tried to calm my impatience.

"She's stuck with an asshole!" I spat, feeling my rage simmering beneath the surface.

"He was there before you came, man. You can't expect her to drop everything for someone she just met," Josh reasoned, his eyes fixed on me.

I glared at him, a low growl rumbling in my chest, my muscles contracting. I could feel the fur starting to shift under the skin of my forearms, a clear sign that Gaius was pissed and ready to take over.

"We have to come up with a strategy," Josh said, running his hand through his messy light brown hair. His silver eyes watched me pace back and forth in my office, reflecting the concern he felt. The room was filled with the scent of worn leather and wood polish, a stark contrast to the tension brewing within me. "We need to make her choose eventually."

"What else do you know about this asshole?" I asked, my irritation seeping into every word.

"Not much, Zeff. I didn't have enough time to research," Josh admitted, his voice tinged with frustration.

"What do you know?" I roared, my throat trembling with the power of my Alpha command. Josh flinched, fiddling nervously with his phone. He was less built than me but still fit and athletic, his body language showing the weight of the situation.

"He works at the same company as her. Sales representative, part-time," Josh responded, his voice steadying.

"Wasn't she working overtime?" I asked, incredulity creeping into my tone.

"Apparently, she usually does. Tryn says she always asks for extra hours and doubles because she needs the money," Josh explained, his gaze shifting to the cracked wood on the desk.

I slammed my desk with my hand, the sound echoing through the room, the wood splintering at the impact. "What kind of fucking man lets their partner work like this!?"

"This is normal for humans, Zeff. They're not like us—" Josh began, trying to calm the rising storm within me.

"Does Tryn work at that company?" I interrupted, my mind racing with possibilities.

"Yes—"

"Tell him to get me in," I demanded, my resolve hardening.

"Wait, what?! Are you sure about what you're thinking? You'll be going to a human job. What about here?" Josh's concern was evident in his voice.

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"Didn't you want me to find my mate?" I asked, my eyes boring into his.

"I did—"

"Then help me get her!" I insisted, determination burning in my eyes like an untamed wildfire.

Josh sighed, rubbing his temples in frustration. "Alright, I'll make some calls. But Zeff, you need to be careful. Integrating into human society isn't easy, especially for someone like you."

"I'll do whatever it takes," I said, my voice resolute. "She's my mate, and I won't let anything stand in my way."

Josh nodded, picking up his phone, his expression a mix of worry and determination. "I'll talk to Tryn. We'll figure this out."

As Josh made the call, I felt a surge of hope. The office felt smaller, the air thick with anticipation and the faint scent of the forest we came from. I had to find a way to get close to Liliam, to show her that she had a choice, that there was a world beyond her current life. And I had to do it soon, before the Parr hit and my control slipped further. My thoughts drifted back to the smell of blackberries and the intensity of her gaze. She was worth every risk, every challenge. I would make sure she knew it too.

* * * * *

I tossed and turned in my bed, unable to find sleep. The image of Liliam, with her captivating amber eyes and the scent of blackberries, haunted my thoughts. The frustration of the day weighed heavily on me, and I knew I needed to clear my mind. A walk in the forest might help. Throwing on a shirt and pants, I stepped out into the cool night air, the silence of the forest enveloping me.

The moonlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting silvery streams that danced on the forest floor. I took a deep breath, savoring the earthy scent of moss and pine. My footsteps were light, barely making a sound as I walked through the underbrush. As I moved deeper into the forest, the familiar scent of blackberries filled the air, catching my attention. My heart quickened at the memory of Liliam's unique fragrance.

Suddenly, a glowing figure appeared in the distance. It radiated a soft, ethereal light and carried the unmistakable scent of blackberries. My eyes widened, and without a second thought, I started to follow the figure, quickening my pace. The figure moved gracefully, almost dancing through the trees, and I felt a desperate need to catch up.

"Wait!" I called out, but the figure only moved faster, leading me deeper into the night.

I ran, branches whipping at my face and snagging my clothes, but I didn't slow down. The glowing figure weaved through the trees effortlessly, always just out of reach. My breath came in sharp, ragged gasps, my legs burning with the effort. My mind was a whirlwind of determination and curiosity, the primal instinct to follow overriding all else.

The forest began to thin, and the glow of the figure led me towards the edge of the city. I pushed myself harder, my muscles aching as I sprinted. The figure darted into the streets, the glow illuminating the dark alleys and empty roads. Desperation surged through me, urging me to keep up.

Just as I reached a quiet neighborhood, the glowing figure dissipated into the night, leaving me standing in the middle of the street, panting. The scent of blackberries intensified, and I looked around, my heart pounding.

In the distance, I saw her. Liliam stood in the driveway of a modest house, a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. She seemed lost in thought, breathing deeply, her muscles relaxing with each inhale. The sight of her bathed in the soft moonlight took my breath away.

I wanted to approach her, to tell her everything, but I stopped. A strong wind blew, rustling the trees and sending a chill through the air. I watched as Liliam breathed in deeply, her eyes closing as she savored the night air. Her expression was peaceful, a stark contrast to the turmoil I felt inside.

I took a step back, knowing I couldn't disturb this moment. The connection I felt was undeniable, but I needed to be patient. With a heavy heart, I turned and melted back into the shadows of the night, the scent of blackberries lingering in the air, a reminder of the bond we shared and the promise of what was to come.