CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The sound of Emily's distressed shriek echoed through the air, instantly putting Sam on high alert. The Alpha bolted toward the house, Embry and Quil right on his heels, having just returned from their patrol. The three of them burst through the door, their collective energy a mix of concern and readiness to face whatever danger awaited.

Instead, they were met with a bizarre sight: Emily perched on top of the kitchen table, her hands clutched to her chest, her face a mixture of alarm and embarrassment. Zahra stood near the counter, her attention fixed downward, a small smile tugging at her lips as she looked at her hands.

Quil, confused by the scene, moved cautiously toward her and stopped a few feet away. His eyes widened when he noticed what Zahra was holding. In her gentle hands was a small, white mouse, its pink nose twitching curiously. Quil flinched involuntarily, not being particularly fond of such creatures himself.

Sensing Quil's presence, Zahra turned her head, her expression one of genuine puzzlement. "I don't understand," she said, her voice soft and innocent. "Why is Emily afraid of this?" She held the mouse up slightly, as though to showcase its harmlessness.

From across the room, Sam let out a chuckle, his tension easing as he shook his head. "Emily doesn't really like mice," he explained, the amusement in his tone evident.

"Mice?" Zahra echoed, her curiosity deepening as she tilted her head. She looked down at the tiny creature in her hands, her lips curving into a delighted smile. "Is that what you call this cutie?" She used one finger to gently stroke the mouse's head, eliciting a high-pitched squeak from the creature that made her giggle.

Quil, however, was less amused. He stared at the mouse with a mixture of unease and—much to his own chagrin—a flicker of jealousy. The level of affection Zahra was lavishing on the tiny rodent stirred an almost ridiculous sense of rivalry in him. He clenched his jaw, fighting the urge to growl.

Embry, standing nearby, caught Quil's expression and promptly burst into laughter, quickly covering his mouth to muffle the sound. "Oh, come on, Quil," he teased, clapping a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Don't tell me you're jealous of a mouse."

Hearing the word "mouse" again, Zahra turned her head toward Embry, her brows furrowing slightly. "Mouse?" she repeated. "I'm still confused."

Embry grinned and took it upon himself to explain the creature's nature, detailing its habits and role in the human world. Zahra listened intently, her fingers continuing to pet the mouse's soft fur.

Meanwhile, Sam helped Emily down from the table, her shoulders still tense but her expression softening as she glanced at Zahra. "I want to be scared," Emily admitted quietly, "but watching Zahra pet it... it's hard to be."

"She's got a way with animals," Quil muttered, stepping closer to Sam. "You should've seen her the other day with the deer and the birds in the backyard. It's like they were drawn to her."

"The creatures must sense she's not human," Sam said thoughtfully. He crossed his arms and sighed, his tone shifting to one of quiet concern. "But we've got another issue. Old Quil is starting to ask questions. He's getting suspicious."

The words hit Quil like a punch to the gut. His hands clenched at his sides as a knot of fear twisted in his chest. "I'm scared, Sam," he admitted in a low whisper, his voice heavy with emotion. "I don't want Zahra to get hurt."

Emily placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, her gaze warm but firm. "We'll all be there with you, Quil," she said gently. "The longer we keep this from the elders, the harder it's going to get. And who knows? They might actually know something—Billy or Harry might have answers about Zahra's kind."

Embry stepped forward, nodding in agreement. "Emily's right. If the elders have any knowledge that could help Zahra figure out what happened to her, we owe it to her to find out. She deserves that."

Quil looked between the two of them, his shoulders sagging slightly under the weight of their words. He knew they were right, but the thought of exposing Zahra to potential scrutiny filled him with dread. After a long pause, he finally sighed in resignation. "Okay," he murmured. "We'll tell Gramps and the others."

He glanced toward the door, where Zahra stood releasing the mouse outside. Her delicate movements and serene expression tugged at his heart, and he couldn't help but feel a swell of protectiveness. As she turned and walked back into the house, he straightened his posture, determination hardening his resolve.

"I'll let Zahra know," Quil said, his voice firm despite the turbulent storm of emotions brewing within him. As he watched her step back into the house, her movements graceful and her expression soft, he felt a profound sense of purpose settle over him. Zahra's innocence, her trust, and her unique presence in his life anchored him in ways he hadn't thought possible.

He knew the path ahead wouldn't be easy. Introducing her story to the elders was a gamble, one fraught with potential misunderstandings and judgment. Yet, the alternative—keeping her hidden, isolated from the world—was unthinkable. Zahra deserved clarity, a chance to uncover the truths about her past and forge a future unburdened by secrecy.

As she approached, her curious eyes fixed on him, Quil felt his resolve strengthen. Whatever the elders said, whatever challenges they faced, he was prepared to stand by her side. For Zahra, he would face anything. She wasn't just his soulmate; she was his reason to fight, his reason to believe in a destiny they could shape together.

"Zahra," he began, his voice warm but serious, "there's something we need to talk about."