Chapter 2 Zara and Ethan run

As the credits rolled, Zara luxuriously stretched her limbs, finding solace in the simple act. She and Ethan reclined on opposite ends of the couch, basking in a rare moment of tranquility. It was a welcome respite, allowing Zara to escape the lingering shadows of that fateful day momentarily. Engaging in the ordinary activity of watching a movie with a friend, she savored the sensation of genuine laughter, unburdened by the need to feign amusement for the sake of appearances.

Whenever Ethan witnessed her display a glimmer of positivity, a gentle smile would grace his countenance. He had graciously granted her the necessary space and time to comprehend the profound truth that her beloved companion had forsaken her. The individual destined to be her eternal partner had callously deserted her, leaving her lonely.

He granted her the necessary space and time to grieve, allowing her to mourn the passing of her dear friend and the loss of her partner. Ethan refrained from pressuring her into discussing her feelings, understanding the importance of solitude in processing her emotions. However, he now gently guided her back to the present moment, urging her to face reality again.

Offering words of encouragement and reassurance, he reminded her of her inner strength and resilience. The pain she was experiencing would eventually subside, leaving her unscathed. Upon catching sight of the burn mark on her posterior as she arrived at his residence, Ethan's intuition kicked in, revealing to him the truth: Cole had inflicted harm upon her.

He informed Zara that Cole had sought her out, a revelation that prompted Ethan to realize his latent witchcraft abilities. The gravity of Ethan's threat against Cole was not lost on the latter, resulting in a consequential conflagration that engulfed the diner's kitchen.

Ethan harbored a deep sense of anger towards Nathan for his apparent lack of willingness to grant her the opportunity to clarify matters. The shocking revelation that Zara had ultimately been responsible for Cole's demise left him utterly incredulous. The fact that Nathan remained oblivious to the glaring signs that something was amiss further ignited Ethan's fury. Consequently, he found himself compelled to sever ties with his once trusted companion, as the mounting evidence overwhelmingly pointed towards the involvement of supernatural forces.

Have you considered the course of action you intend to pursue? Ethan's voice emanated with a gentle and subdued quality.

"No, Ethan, I am devoid of any companionship," she uttered, her voice quivering with emotion. In response, he gracefully approached her, enveloping her in a tender embrace.

That statement is not accurate, as I am here to assist you. Zara experienced a sense of guilt as she reflected upon her lack of communication with Ashley. Before her involvement with Nathan and the pack, Ashley held a significant place in her life, akin to that of a family member.

I am acquainted with Ethan. "Thank you for extending your hospitality," he expressed with a gentle smile, bestowing a tender kiss upon her cheek.

Ashley has expressed a desire to meet with you," he disclosed, his hand nervously grazing the nape of his neck.

Zara pondered aloud, expressing her desire to lay eyes upon her acquaintance.

I am capable of extending an invitation to her residence. He hesitated momentarily, carefully selecting his words. "She may appear slightly altered," he finally stated. Zara furrowed her brow, attempting to grasp his intended message.

Which film would you prefer to view shortly? He deftly shifted the conversation, a mischievous grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.

The following morning, Zara emerged from a night of indulging in a movie marathon alongside Ethan. As she gradually regained consciousness, she became aware of a distinct presence beside her in the bed. Gently opening her eyes, she found herself met with the countenance of a fair-haired woman mere inches away from her own.

Zara emitted a shrill cry of distress, her heart racing at an accelerated pace as she swiftly propelled herself into an upright position, poised to safeguard both herself and her infant. Ethan swiftly burst into the room, his gaze darting anxiously between the two women. As he absorbed the disconcerting tableau that unfolded before him, a visible release of tension coursed through his tightly wound physique. Emitting a sigh of relief, he redirected his attention toward the fair-haired individual.

"Elena, I explicitly instructed you to refrain from disturbing her until she had awakened," Zara remarked, arching an eyebrow inquisitively. The unfamiliarity of the woman's presence in Zara's room left her perplexed and curious.

Was this individual among Ethan's romantic partners? If so, what was the reason behind her intense gaze upon Zara during her slumber?

"I apologize for the misunderstanding, as I had assumed that she would readily identify her closest companion," the woman uttered with a discernible British inflection. Zara, in turn, found herself enveloped in a state of heightened bewilderment, surpassing any previous levels of perplexity she had experienced.

"If you were cloaked, she would notice you, but alas, you are not." The blonde arched her eyebrows, a subtle yet mischievous smile gracing her lips.

Zara glanced at Ethan, seeking confirmation, as the voice addressed her as "Babycakes, it's me, Ashley." Ethan nonchalantly dismissed her concerns with a wave of his hand, causing small purple shimmers to emanate from his fingers. When Zara redirected her attention to the person seated before her, she was astounded to find that the blonde individual had become a brunette whom she had grown fond of. Zara's jaw dropped in disbelief. Another wave of Ethan's hand reversed the transformation, returning the person to their original appearance as a fair-skinned girl with long blonde hair and captivating blue eyes. Witnessing this extraordinary occurrence firsthand, Zara realized that it was not a mere prank but rather an intricately orchestrated event.

"I am a vampire," Ashley declared, her smile revealing her elongated canines.

Pardon me, but could you kindly clarify your statement? Zara uttered in a state of astonishment.

I surmise that you have likely discerned that I deviate from the conventional archetype of the girl you have developed an affection for. Although I possess certain familiar qualities, I also possess distinct attributes that set me apart." Zara's brow furrowed in confusion, unable to fully grasp the meaning. Ashley inhaled deeply, gathering her thoughts before proceeding. "Allow me to elaborate further: my previous partner exhibited a rather unkind and unpleasant demeanor. His sole desire was to experience a sense of immense power. He would refuse to provide me with blood, leaving me feeling incredibly thirsty. The sensation in my throat would be akin to a raging inferno. He would find amusement in the situation. The gentleman in question was devoid of any semblance of kindness. Since our initial encounter, he consistently displayed a hostile demeanor toward me. I swiftly embarked on a sprint. He failed to appreciate the significance of the bond shared between companions. He employed me solely to transport his offspring without any other purpose. The encounter with Ethan had a profound impact on the trajectory of my life.

Zara gazed at Ethan with a perplexed expression. The revelation that Ashley, her trusted coworker who had grown to become her closest confidant, was indeed a vampire left her utterly astounded. A profound sense of disbelief washed over Zara, rendering her momentarily speechless.

Observing the perplexed expression adorning Zara's countenance, she confidently declared, "I possess remarkably potent cloaking capabilities." Ethan nonchalantly elucidated, "I employ them to assist fellow supernaturals who find themselves in dire circumstances."

Elena's voice was gentle and filled with remorse as she spoke, "Ethan has informed me about the events that transpired." She continued, "I surmised you required some quality time with a fellow female."