26. Aksel

26

AKSEL

I pace the hotel room, my heart racing faster than ever during a hunt. The thought of meeting Zara's parents makes my palms sweat. I'm not used to interacting with normal people and trying to make a good impression. It's foreign territory, and I feel like a caged animal.

Zara emerges from the bathroom, her blonde hair cascading over her shoulders. She notices my agitation immediately.

"Aksel, what's wrong?" she asks, her green eyes filled with concern.

I run a hand through my hair, struggling to find the words. "I'm... nervous," I admit, the confession strange. "I don't do well with people, Zara. Your parents are going to hate me."

Zara approaches me, her scent of vanilla and roses calming me. She places a hand on my chest, right over my thundering heart.

"They won't hate you," she says softly. "They just want to meet the man I love. You don't have to be anyone but yourself."

I scoff. "Myself? A psychopath with a dark past and blood on his hands? I'm sure that'll go over well with your father."

Zara's eyes harden. "You're more than your past, Aksel. You're the man who protected me, who loves me fiercely. That's who they'll see." She stands on her tiptoes and presses a gentle kiss to my lips. "Besides, I returned David's equipment and left my old life behind. I'm with you now, no matter what. We're in this together."

Her words soothe me somewhat, but the anxiety still gnaws at my insides. I've never cared about anyone's opinion, but I'm desperate for her parents' approval.

I fidget with my tie for the hundredth time, cursing. The damn thing feels like it's choking me, a constant reminder of how out of place I am in this polished hotel.

Zara notices my discomfort and gently touches my arm. "Aksel, take it off," she says. "There's nothing wrong with just wearing a shirt. You don't need the tie to impress them."

I hesitate, torn between wanting to make a good impression and feeling like an imposter. "Are you sure? I thought..."

She smiles. "I'm sure. Be yourself, remember?"

With relief, I loosen the tie and pull it off, tossing it onto the bed. The simple act of removing it makes me feel less constrained.

"Better?" Zara asks, straightening my collar.

I nod, pulling her close for a quick kiss. "Much better. Thank you, littlefugl."

We walk out of the room and down to the hotel restaurant, my stomach twisting with each step. The place is filled with gleaming silverware and crisp white tablecloths, a far cry from the rustic simplicity of my cabin. I feel like a bull in a china shop, acutely aware of every movement I make.

Zara squeezes my hand as we approach the table. Her parents are already sitting there, waiting.

"Mom, Dad," Zara says warmly, "This is Aksel."

I extend my hand, trying to remember the polite niceties that never came naturally to me. "It's a pleasure to meet you both," I manage, my voice gruffer than intended.

Zara's father shakes my hand firmly, his gaze assessing. Her mother offers a tentative smile.

As we sit down, I'm hyper-aware of my posture, how I hold my hands, and even how I breathe. The waiter approaches with menus, and I realize immediately that I've got no idea how to navigate this world of fine dining.

I sit stiffly in my chair, acutely aware of Frank's scrutinizing gaze. Zara's hand finds mine under the table, her touch grounding me.

Jackie leans forward, her smile warm and genuine. "So, Aksel, Zara tells us you're from Norway. How are you finding Minnesota?"

I clear my throat, grateful for the easy question. "It's different. Flatter. But the people have been welcoming."

Jackie nods enthusiastically. "Oh, we pride ourselves on our hospitality. Glad you've experienced it first hand."

"I have," I respond, my eyes flickering to Zara. She beams at me, and I forget my discomfort for a moment.

Frank's voice cuts through the moment. "And what exactly do you do for a living, Aksel?"

I tense. "I– I'm self-employed. I do freelance work."

Frank's eyebrows raise slightly. "Freelance work? What kind?"

I can feel sweat beading on my forehead. "Mostly consulting. For outdoor expeditions and survival training."

Zara jumps in, her voice bright. "Aksel's an expert in wilderness survival, Dad. You should see his cabin in Norway. It's incredible."

Frank grunts, clearly not impressed. "And how exactly did you two meet? Zara was supposed to be doing research."

I open my mouth to respond, but Jackie interjects. "Frank, don't interrogate the poor man. I'm sure they have a lovely story."

Zara squeezes my hand, taking over. "We met through my research. Aksel was kind enough to let me stay at his place while I conducted my studies."

Frank's eyes narrow. "And now you've quit your job out of the blue? That doesn't sound like you, Zara."

I can feel the tension rising, but before I can speak, the waiter arrives with our drinks. As he sets them down, I catch Frank's gaze. His eyes are hard, protective. I recognize that look because it's the same one I get when protecting what's mine.

Zara's clear and confident voice cuts through the tension. "Mom and Dad, I quit my job to move to Norway with Aksel."

The silence that follows is deafening. I watch as Frank's face turns a deep shade of red while Jackie's eyes widen in shock. The pit in my stomach grows, and I resist the urge to bare my teeth defensively.

"You what?" Frank sputters, his knuckles white as he grips the table's edge.

Jackie leans forward, her brow furrowed with concern. "Sweetheart, are you sure about this? What about your career? Your research?"

Zara's hand tightens around mine under the table. Her voice remains steady as she responds, "I've given it thought. My work in Norway opened up new possibilities, and Aksel has connections that can help me continue my research independently."

Frank's eyes snap to me, blazing with fury. "Connections? What kind of connections could a wilderness consultant possibly have?"

I clench my jaw, fighting back the growl rising in my throat. Zara speaks before I can, her tone sharp. "Dad, Aksel has resources and knowledge invaluable to my work. This isn't just about him. It's also about what's best for my career and happiness."

Jackie reaches out, placing a hand on Zara's arm. "But honey, Norway is so far away. We'll hardly ever see you."

It's taking every ounce of self-control not to react, to show them exactly why their daughter is safer with me than anyone else. But I know that's not what Zara needs right now.

Instead, I clear my throat and speak up, my voice low but firm. "Mr. and Mrs. Driscoll, I understand your concerns. Zara means everything to me, and I promise you, I'll do whatever it takes to support her dreams and keep her safe."

It's hard to believe those words came out of my mouth. A few weeks ago, before I met Zara, I never would have imagined myself saying anything like that, but I was a different man then. A man consumed by darkness and a thirst for blood. I planned to hunt her and make her prey before ending her life in the wilderness long behind me. It was a sick game I'd played with countless victims, a twisted desire that had consumed me for so long.

But then I met her, and everything changed.

Frank's gaze softens slightly at my words, and I can see him struggling with his protective instincts.

He leans back in his chair, studying me intently. "You say you'll support her dreams," he says. "But how do we know you won't just hold her back? Zara has worked hard to get where she is."

I meet his gaze steadily, refusing to back down. "I would never hold Zara back. Her ambition, her passion for her work—it's one of the things I admire most about her. I want to help her achieve her goals, not hinder them."

Jackie reaches across the table, placing her hand over Zara's. "Sweetheart, we just want you to be happy. If this is what you want and Aksel makes you happy, we'll support you."

Zara's eyes shine with unshed tears as she squeezes her mother's hand. "He does, Mom. He does."

I feel a warmth spreading through my chest at her words. It's a foreign sensation, feeling accepted and part of something other than myself. I've spent so long as a lone wolf that I've forgotten what it's like to belong.

Frank clears his throat, drawing our attention back to him. "Well, Aksel, I can't say I'm thrilled about this. But if Zara trusts you, I'll trust her judgment."

He fixes me with a stern look, his eyes boring into mine. "But let me make one thing clear. If you ever hurt my little girl, if you ever give me a reason to doubt your intentions, there'll be hell to pay. Understood?"

I nod, meeting his gaze without flinching. "Understood, sir. I would never do anything to hurt Zara. She's everything to me."

The words feel strange on my tongue, a confession I never thought I'd make. But as I look at Zara, her eyes shining with love and trust, I know it's true. She's become my whole world, the light that chased away the darkness within me.

Frank nods, seemingly satisfied with my response. Jackie smiles warmly at me, her earlier reservations melting away.

As the waiter arrives to take our orders, I feel a sense of relief wash over me. I know there will be challenges ahead and obstacles to overcome as Zara and I navigate this new path together. But for now, at this moment, I allow myself to bask in the warmth of acceptance, the feeling of finally belonging somewhere.