Chapter 4

Marcus

"Marcus," Ryan's voice cuts through the chaos of my thoughts. "You'll be responsible for Zoe's protection."

My heart races, anticipation and dread flooding through me. Zoe. My mate. The realization hit me like a freight train the moment I caught her scent at the last BBQ.

I never expected to find my mate. For years, I've focused solely on raising Liam and fulfilling my duties as beta of the pack. The possibility of a mate seemed like a distant dream, something for other wolves. And now, here she is—dating my younger brother. The irony is cruel. This assignment is going to be pure torture.

And now, I'm being ordered to protect her.

I glance at Zoe, taking in her defiant stance, the fire in her eyes as she reluctantly agrees to protection. She's strong, independent—everything I find attractive in a woman. And everything that's going to make this assignment a living hell. My body reacts to her presence, a familiar heat pooling low in my belly. Even from across the room, her scent fills my nostrils, making my wolf howl with desire. I shift uncomfortably, grateful for the loose fit of my jeans hiding my body's obvious reaction to her.

"Ryan," I start, my voice low. "I'm not sure if—"

But Ryan cuts me off with a sharp look. "You're the best choice for this, Marcus. You have the training, the experience. I need someone I can trust to keep her safe."

I clench my jaw, knowing I can't refuse an alpha order. But the conflict raging inside me is almost unbearable. How am I supposed to protect her when every instinct in my body is screaming at me to claim her? And then there's Liam. My brother. Her boyfriend.

As if reading my thoughts, Ryan pulls me aside. "I know this isn't ideal," he says quietly. "But I need you focused on this. I'm giving you a few days off from the construction site. Your only job right now is keeping Zoe safe."

I nod, unable to voice the turmoil inside me. As Ryan walks away, I catch Zoe's eye. She looks more inconvenienced than afraid, a slight furrow in her brow as if this protection detail is throwing a wrench in her plans.

"Well," I say, my voice gruffer than I intended. "Looks like we'll be spending a lot of time together."

Zoe nods, her expression unreadable. "I guess so."

I clear my throat, trying to maintain a professional demeanor. "For now, I'll follow you back to your apartment. We can discuss the logistics of this arrangement once we're there."

"Fine," Zoe sighs, running a hand through her hair. "Let's get this over with."

As we stand there, an awkward silence stretching between us, I can't help but wonder how I'm going to survive this. Protecting my mate, who doesn't know she's my mate, while she's dating my brother. It's a recipe for disaster.

But as I look at Zoe, seeing the vulnerability she's trying so hard to hide, I know I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Even if it means guarding my heart as fiercely as I'll be guarding her life.

???

I follow Zoe to her apartment, my senses on high alert. The streets are quiet, but I can't shake the feeling of unease that's settled in my gut. My wolf is restless, urging me to keep her close, to wrap her in my arms and never let go. But I can't. I have to maintain some distance, no matter how much it kills me.

As I pull into the parking lot behind Zoe's car, I can't help but think about Liam. This is his girlfriend, and I'm the one following her home. It doesn't seem right.

My wolf whines, insisting that Zoe is our mate. The realization hits me like a punch to the gut. How can this be? She's with Liam, she's off-limits. But my wolf doesn't care about human complications. He only knows she's ours.

I wonder what they were arguing about earlier. The tension between them was palpable, and I can't help but feel a twinge of hope. Immediately, I push the thought away. It's wrong to wish for my brother's relationship to fail, no matter how much my wolf howls for her.

Liam's been a real pain in the ass these last couple of years. His ambition has turned into resentment, and I don't know how to bridge the growing gap between us. I've tried talking to him, tried including him more in pack business, but nothing seems to satisfy him. It's like he's slipping away, and I don't know what to do about it. Now, with Zoe in the picture, things are only going to get more complicated.

Ever since our parents died, I've been more than just his older brother—I've been his protector, his guide. The weight of that responsibility sits heavy on my shoulders, a constant reminder of the sacrifices I've made. The idea of betraying him, even for my mate, goes against everything I've stood for. But the pull towards Zoe... it's like nothing I've ever experienced before. An ache so deep it feels etched into my bones.

I step out of my truck, scanning the area as Zoe gathers her things. It's a modest apartment complex, not the safest area of town, but not the worst either. I make mental notes of potential entry points, escape routes, anything that could be used to our advantage or against us. My military training kicks in, assessing threats and planning contingencies. It's familiar, comforting even, in the face of the emotional turmoil I'm feeling.

"Home sweet home," Zoe mutters as she unlocks the front door. I can hear the tension in her voice, see it in the set of her shoulders. She's trying to appear nonchalant, but I can tell she's rattled by the whole situation.

I step inside after her, immediately scanning the small apartment. It's cozy, filled with an eclectic mix of furniture and decorations that scream 'Zoe.' The scent of her fills my nostrils, and I have to fight back a growl of pleasure. Focus, Marcus, I remind myself sternly.

"I need to check your security measures," I say, my voice gruffer than I intended. "Windows, doors, any potential entry points."

Zoe nods, gesturing around the apartment. "Be my guest."

I start my inspection, methodically checking each window and door. To my surprise, I find the security measures more than adequate. There are sturdy locks on all the windows, a deadbolt on the front door, and even a small security system by the entrance.

"This is... actually pretty good," I admit, unable to keep the surprise out of my voice.

Zoe raises an eyebrow, a hint of sass in her tone. "Don't sound so shocked. I may be human, but I'm not helpless."

I feel a smile tugging at my lips despite myself. "I never said you were."

As I continue my inspection, I can't help but notice little details about her living space. The well-worn yoga mat in the corner, the stack of art books on the coffee table, the half-finished painting propped up on an easel. Each discovery feels like a precious glimpse into her world, and I find myself hungering for more.

"So," Zoe says, breaking the silence. "What's the verdict? Am I allowed to stay in my own home, or are you going to drag me back to pack territory?"

I turn to face her, weighing my options. The security measures are good, but the threat is serious. My instincts scream at me to take her back to the pack house, to keep her under constant surveillance. But I know that would only make her resent me, and the last thing I want is to alienate her.

"I think we can compromise," I say finally. "You can stay here at night, but I'll be accompanying you to work tomorrow. And we'll need to set up some ground rules."

Zoe's relief is palpable, and I feel a surge of satisfaction at having made the right call. "Okay," she says, nodding. "I can work with that. What kind of ground rules are we talking about?"

I run through the basics—keeping doors and windows locked at all times, not going out alone, calling me immediately if anything seems off. Zoe listens attentively, only occasionally rolling her eyes at what she probably considers overprotectiveness.

As I finish explaining, Zoe crosses her arms, a challenging glint in her eyes. "So, do I need to ask permission to use the bathroom too, or is that still allowed?"

I can't help but chuckle at her sass. "I think you can manage that on your own. Though if you're in there for more than an hour, I might have to break down the door."

She snorts, a genuine smile breaking through her tough exterior. "Please, like I'd spend an hour in the bathroom. Some of us have actual work to do."

"Speaking of work," I say, seizing the opportunity, "I'll need to know your schedule. When you leave, where you go, who you meet with."

Zoe's smile fades, replaced by a look of exasperation. "Seriously? You're going to micromanage my entire life?"

"It's for your safety, Zoe," I insist, trying to keep my voice gentle.

She sighs, running a hand through her hair. "Fine. But just so you know, you're not going to have much fun following me around all day. My life isn't exactly action-packed."

"I'm not here for fun," I remind her. "I'm here to keep you safe."

I can't help but feel a twinge of curiosity about her relationship with Liam. It's not my business, but the protective instinct in me wants to know more. Before I can stop myself, I hear the words tumbling out of my mouth.

"Speaking of Liam, when are you meeting up with him next?" I ask, trying to keep my tone casual.

Zoe's eyes widen slightly, and I see a flicker of surprise cross her face. She hesitates for a moment, her fingers twirling a strand of her pale pink hair.

"Well, about that..." she starts, her voice trailing off. "I guess I should tell you, since you're my official bodyguard now. Liam and I... we're not dating anymore. We broke up at the BBQ."

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut.

"I... see," I manage to say, my voice sounding strained even to my own ears. "I'm sorry to hear that."

Zoe shrugs. "It was for the best. We weren't really compatible."

"Well," I say, clearing my throat. "I should get going. I'll be back in the morning to escort you to work."

Zoe nods, walking me to the door. As I step out into the hallway, she catches my arm. "Marcus," she says softly. "Thank you. For doing this, I mean. I know it can't be easy, babysitting your brother's ex."

The touch of her hand on my arm sends sparks through my body. I look down at her, taking in her soft eyes, the gentle curve of her lips. It takes every ounce of willpower I possess not to pull her into my arms right then and there.

"It's not babysitting," I say gruffly. "And you're not just Liam's ex. You're under our protection now, Zoe. We look after our own."

A small smile plays at her lips. "Even the human ones?"

"Especially the human ones," I reply, allowing myself a small smile in return.

As I walk away, I can feel her eyes on my back. My wolf is restless, urging me to turn around, to go back and claim what's mine. But I resist. This isn't the time or the place. I have a job to do, a duty to fulfill. And no matter how much my heart aches for her, I won't let my personal feelings interfere with keeping her safe.

I step out into the cool night air, taking a deep breath to clear my head. The scent of her lingers on my clothes, a constant reminder of the impossible situation I find myself in. Protecting my mate, who doesn't know she's my mate.

But it's not just about protecting her. I can't shake the guilt of betraying my younger brother. Even though Zoe and Liam aren't dating anymore, I know pursuing her would drive a wedge between us. Our relationship is already strained; this would shatter it completely.

In that moment, I make a painful decision. I can never tell Zoe she's my mate. It doesn't matter that she's the only one for me, that every fiber of my being longs for her. My duty to my brother comes first. I'll never be with her, but I'll do everything in my power to keep her safe. God help anyone who tries to hurt her – the Howling Pines pack better watch their step.

As I make my way back to my car, I can't help but wonder how long I can keep this up. How long before my control slips, before the truth comes out? And when it does, will it bring us closer together, or drive us apart forever?

With a heavy sigh, I slide into the driver's seat. Tomorrow will bring new challenges, new temptations. But for now, I have a job to do. And I'll be damned if I let anything happen to Zoe on my watch. Even if that means protecting her from myself.