Author's note: this is from Luca's point of view

- - -

Zoe and I were doing our usual bickering mixed with teasing when Ari's mocking voice interrupted.

"Aww, aren't you two a cute couple?"

The moment Zoe fell off that chair, Ari was apologizing and saying how it was an accident, but since neither Zoe nor I paid any heed to Ari, she dropped the act and showed her true colors.

I could see golden flashes in Zoe's eyes. Is she on the verge of shifting into her wolf form from anger? Maybe I should stand back and let Ari provoke Zoe more.

"Get lost, you jealous bitch!", Zoe venomously spat at Ari.

Zoe usually doesn't use profanities, so this namecalling meant that Zoe was on the verge of snapping.

"Oh, the pup is growing fangs…", Ari said in a singing voice, obviously not intimidated.

Well, even if Zoe jumps on her, Ari might earn a few scratches and bruises that will heal fast, while we will end up with major punishment from Fynn because fighting is strictly prohibited.

As much as I wanted Zoe to get provoked so that it stirs her wolf, I didn't want her to get into trouble.

I stood in front of Zoe, shielding her from Ari.

"Leave Zoe alone, Ari. I dare you to say something like that when we are out in the forest. I don't care if you are a woman or if you have Fynn backing you because anyone who goes against Zoe will need to face me."

Ari snorted. "Aren't you a big protector?"

"You call us a couple because we treat each other with respect?", Zoe said while standing next to me. "Just because guys won't talk to you unless they want to fuck you, don't put me in the same bucket with you."

Ari's face darkened. "Is this how you talk to your seniors?"

"You want respect?", Zoe sneered. "Just because you are older, it doesn't mean I should yield and let you walk over me. Try respecting yourself, and others might treat you well without the need for you to spread your legs."

I love how Zoe is quick to respond, but this was escalating, and I needed to defuse the situation.

I put my arm around Zoe's shoulders and led the way outside.

"Where are you going!? You are not done with cleaning!", Ari screamed.

I glanced back at Ari. "Didn't you see that Zoe fell off a chair? I think she hurt her arm and I'm taking her to Tessa to make sure she is not gravely injured."

Zoe gave me a thumbs up for the idea and snickered. "Yeah. Since Fynn said that cleanup must be done, I suggest you call Bia and the two of you take care of it, because I can't work anymore today, and I need Luca to take care of me. You know, as a cute couple, we need to stick together. You are my senior; lead by example and help out."

"Can you walk, or should I carry you?", I asked Zoe.

"My legs are a bit shaky from the stress… Ahhh!"

Zoe screamed when I scooped her in my arms and we both grinned while leaving Ari to fume in the common room. Somehow, we got out of work.

It's not that we are lazy, cleaning is not a big deal, but we know that Ari and Bia hate it, and making them pick up where we left off felt good.

Zoe and I went to the kitchen where Tessa gave us to try new cupcakes she is experimenting with. They were fresh out of the oven. It was chocolate with caramel inside and a dollop of vanilla frosting on top, and for that afternoon, life was good.

…

It was late in the evening when I heard a knock on my door.

"Come in…"

The door opened and Zoe entered my room. She was wearing her pink pajamas with yellow chicks on them that she bought the last time when Serina took as shopping in Milan. I don't keep track of Zoe's clothing, but I remembered this one because both Ash and I teased her that those patterns are suitable for babies, but Zoe stood her ground, saying how it's cute. Well, it is cute.

"You can't sleep?", I guessed and when Zoe nodded, I scooted on the side of my bed, to make space for her. "Tell me about it."

I thought that Zoe will take a seat, but she ended up getting under the cover, next to me. We used to share a bed as kids, but in the last three years, my roommate was Ash, while Zoe had her own room, and this was unusual. However, I didn't hate it, and Shadow didn't react either, so I didn't want to make a big deal out of it.

Zoe sighed. "I'm nervous."

"About tomorrow?"

"Mhm", Zoe hummed in confirmation.

I patted her head. "Try to think about something else, Zoe. Whatever Serina wants, we will find out tomorrow, and thinking about it now will only stress you out."

I wondered if all girls tend to overthink things or if it's only Zoe.

Zoe moved closer to me and put her head on my shoulder. "We used to sleep like this."

I smiled at the pleasant memories. There were not many good memories from the Dark Walkers pack, but those few I have are all related to Zoe.

"The bed was half this size, and the mattress was falling apart.", I remembered.

"We would go to the forest to collect dry leaves and grass to use as a filling for the mattress where it collapsed because dad didn't want to get us a new one.", Zoe continued.

I let out a long breath. She still calls that scoundrel who wanted to violate her, 'dad'. Of course, I never told Zoe that Damon was not really our father or what he wanted to do with her, and I hope I will never need to.

I love her innocent smile and I hope to protect it.

I realized that Zoe's breathing slowed down.

"Zoe?"

"Hmm?", she responded lazily.

"Don't sleep here."

"Why? I don't want to go to my room."

"You can stay here but sleep in Ash's bed. It's empty."

"I don't want to sleep in his bed. It still has that bastard's scent.", Zoe mumbled and snuggled closer to me, her arm draped over my chest, holding me in place. "This is nice."

She tilted her head and her warm breath started fanning my neck. Well, this was awkward.

Somehow, I liked that she called Ash a bastard, maybe she won't be so brokenhearted when she finds out that he is fooling around. Zoe is a strong person.

Wait! Is she really sticking this close to me and planning to sleep? We are not kids anymore!

It's not like I will take advantage of her, but just like any healthy teenager, I get a huge erection in the morning, and if Zoe sees it, it will be beyond embarrassing.

And there will be rumors if anyone finds out about this. Can she leave my room in the morning without anyone noticing?

I don't care about what others say, but Zoe is a girl, and she should care.

"Zoe? Zoe?", I tried nudging her awake, but she only stuck to me closer and started snoring softly.

Great! Now what?

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