CHAPTER 217: SHAMELESS

"So, Councilman Aldren is indeed your biological father?"

Emira nodded as she walked along the forest path with Zen and answered his question. There were still many questions circling in her mind, things she couldn’t fully make sense of yet, but for now, she was strangely calm. At least one truth had been laid bare. And Zen had unexpectedly not tried to stop her or advise her against taking revenge. Instead, he had even asked what he could do to help... She smiled. It was good to have unconditional support.

He’d always been like this, she realized. Even though he pretended to have accepted her bond or protected her for his gain, he had always supported her first and then asked for something in return. His help and protection had been unconditional in being given first.

She looked up at him and asked another question, "Why put me here instead of with the other Omegas? Wouldn’t that be more believable that you were distancing yourselves from me?" she asked slowly.

She looked up at Zen as he guided her deeper into this quieter part of the Stormhold Pack’s land.

Zen smiled a little at her question. "Because we need to keep you safe."

"I don’t understand...Aren’t I already safe at Stormhold Pack?" Emira said, her voice softer this time. Zen sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, clearly searching for a way to explain everything without overwhelming her.

"I’ll explain things, okay? Let’s walk to the small pond ahead. I’d rather sit there and talk everything coolly. It’s better that way."

Emira snorted. "It seems like something serious." Even though she said it playfully, inside she felt a slither of worry. And he confirmed it with his next words.

"Hmm. Serious and unpleasant," Zen admitted. Then he glanced at her from the corner of his eye. "Now you know why I deserved to be marked first? Both Kael and Lance act like they’re these big, bad wolves but they make me do all the dirty work. I have to be the bearer of bad news. And after all that, Kael ended up getting the honour of being marked by you first. Hmph."

The dramatic way he said it made Emira giggle unexpectedly. "Are you never going to let me live that down?"

"Not until you have marked me," Zen said immediately, nodding like it was already decided. Emira grinned at his confidence and slipped her hand out of his.

"I’ve already decided a place to mark you, you know."

Zen’s eyes lit up instantly. "Really? Where are you going to mark me? Tell me..." He leaned in like an excited little pup, but then stopped himself and shook his head quickly. "No, no. Don’t tell me. Show me. Actually, even better—just do it."

Emira laughed at how eager he looked. Then she reached out and patted his butt.

"Here. I’m going to leave my mark here, on your butt."

Zen froze for a second before letting out a real yelp. Then he groaned and shook his head. "No! How am I supposed to show off then? You want me to prove I’m marked by you by baring my butt to everyone?"

Emira giggled at that and caught his hand," No no! Your bu** is too scrumptious to show anyone else... I’ll definitely think of some other place..."

Emira giggled at that and caught his hand. "No, no! Your butt is too scrumptious to show anyone else... I’ll definitely think of some other place..."

Zen raised an eyebrow, the teasing glint in his grey eyes getting brighter. He stepped closer and lowered his voice as if sharing a secret. "You know," he said slowly, "you can always take a bite of it if you’d like."

Emira blinked. "A bite of what?"

"My butt." He nodded seriously as though he was offering to make a noble sacrifice. "I’m generous like that. Maybe leave two marks on me... one there, just for you to see, and another one somewhere respectable for the world. That would also be a good way to compensate me for not being the first one you marked." He sighed dramatically. "Honestly, I think I deserve it."

She burst out laughing again. "You’re impossible."

Zen kept leaning in, clearly encouraged by her reaction. "Think about it. One private mark... one public mark... I don’t mind suffering for you. I’ll endure the humiliation of having an irresistible butt if it means you get what you want."

She shook her head firmly, even though her smile didn’t fade. "No. Absolutely not. I do not want your a**! "

"But I’m just saying-"

"Zen!" she warned, backing up a step as he kept closing in with that mischievous grin. "Stop it."

He didn’t. If anything, he leaned in even closer, "You can mark me right now if you want. You know I am going commando right now, right?"

Emira immediately pushed his chest with both hands. "I’m going up ahead!" she declared, turning around before he could touch her again. "You can stay back and keep thinking your lewd thoughts!"

Zen laughed behind her, as he chased after her playfully, "I’ll think of many," he called out, "and I’ll make sure to tell you every single one! Maybe even enact a few..."

Emira almost stumbled at his words. Knowing him, he would definitely think of a few and then use them on her. She didn’t know if she was going in the right direction, but being anywhere away from his shameless teasing felt like the safest choice for her for now.

She broke through a line of tall trees and stepped into an open clearing. The sudden change made her stop in her tracks.

For a moment, she stood there, breathing in the quiet beauty of it. Her earlier laughter settled into a warm feeling in her chest.

Then she felt strong arms slide around her waist from behind. Zen’s chin rested lightly on her shoulder as he pulled her back against him. "What do you think?"