ZALE's POV;
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of what I was about to share pressing on my shoulders. This wasn't a conversation I'd planned to have like this, but with my family now here, I had no choice but to explain Amora's situation. My sister, Zora, and my mother needed to know, but they had to approach her carefully, understand the complexity of the situation without letting their curiosity ruin everything.
"This is important," I started, my voice low but firm. "So, listen carefully. I don't want any mistakes, especially from you, Zora."
Zora's eyes widened, taken aback by my stern tone. "Brother, I—"
"Shut it and listen," I interrupted sharply, unwilling to let her excitement derail my focus.
I paused, letting the silence hang heavy between us. I could see both of them leaning forward, anticipation practically radiating from my sister. My mother's gaze remained steady, her expression calm but intrigued, and I knew she already suspected something significant.
Finally, I forced myself to say it, words that felt monumental as they left my mouth. "I… found my mate."
Zora's reaction was instant. Her eyes lit up, and she jumped to her feet, excitement radiating off her in waves. "You found your mate?!" Her voice was loud, piercing the room, and I clenched my jaw, growling out her name.
"Zo?" I warned, the sound low and resonant.
She immediately sank back into her seat, looking chastened. "Sorry, brother… I was just shocked and… excited," she muttered, biting her lip as she fidgeted with her hands.
The hardest part was yet to come, and I hesitated before finally sharing the truth with them. "Here's the important part," I continued. "She's… human."
The effect was immediate. Both my mother and Zora stared at me, their mouths slightly open, expressions frozen in shock. I could feel the weight of their disbelief, the questions flickering behind their eyes. It wasn't every day that an Alpha discovered his mate was a human—someone entirely outside our world, someone who couldn't possibly understand the dynamics and dangers that came with being bound to a Lycan.
"What?" They both echoed in unison, eyes still locked on me.
I held up my hand to silence them. "That's why I need you two to be careful. Don't say anything… out of order."
Zora's brows knitted together, and she looked at me with a confusion that made her innocence painfully clear. "But brother, isn't she your mate? What could we say that would be 'out of order'?"
I exhaled, glancing at her, then my mother, before answering. "Because she doesn't know yet."
The silence that followed was thick, almost palpable. Zora looked like she was about to speak but stopped herself, her gaze darting toward our mother as if seeking some sort of validation. My mother, however, remained composed, though I could sense the questions swirling behind her calm exterior.
"You must be kidding," Zora finally whispered, her voice barely above a breath.
Zora looked to our mother for reassurance, her usual spark dimming as she took in the seriousness of my expression. But my mother only nodded, her expression thoughtful and focused. "We'll do as you say," she replied, her voice carrying a note of understanding.
Zora's face brightened, her excitement visibly returning. "Brother?" She tilted her head, her eyes pleading, her voice taking on a note of her typical charm. "Can I still talk to her about other things? You know how bored I get in this house."
"Zo—" I started, but she held up her hands, palms out, eyes wide.
"Please, please! I promise I won't say anything I'm not supposed to. I can be discreet!"
I sighed, feeling a headache starting to form. Zora could be unpredictable at best, but I knew there was no changing her mind once she was set on something. "We'll discuss it later," I said with a hint of finality. "But for now, let's get ready for dinner. Amora will be joining us."
Zora's expression was one of pure, unrestrained delight as she nodded. I knew she was holding back questions, her mind already racing with excitement about meeting Amora, but I trusted her to keep her enthusiasm in check.
"Zo?" I warned her again, my gaze serious. "Behave yourself."
She nodded earnestly, though the gleam in her eye remained. I could only hope that she would be as cautious as she promised. With a silent sigh, I mind-linked Wilder, instructing him to assign a maid to bring Amora down to join us for dinner. It was time for her to meet my family, and though I knew it might make her uneasy, it was necessary. If she was going to be a part of my world, she would have to get to know the people in it. Starting tonight.
We made our way to the dining room, settling into our seats. I could feel the weight of expectation in the air, a quiet hum of anticipation. Plates and silverware were set meticulously before us, and my mother and Zora glanced at the doorway, their curiosity palpable as they waited for Amora's arrival.
Just then, I saw her emerge from the hallway. She looked around hesitantly, as if she hadn't yet noticed the additional guests in the room. But the moment her gaze landed on my mother and Zora, her steps slowed, and a flicker of surprise—no, nervousness—crossed her features. She looked caught off-guard, her eyes widening slightly as she took in the sight of them.
I couldn't blame her. This wasn't an easy introduction, and I knew it. My mother, the Queen, with her poised and regal demeanor, and my sister, with her fiery energy, were formidable presences in their own ways. I had expected Amora to feel slightly uneasy, but this look on her face was one of genuine surprise. Still, this was my family, and one day, they would be hers, too.
I called out to her, interrupting her thoughts, hoping to ease the tension. "Amora." Her name rolled off my tongue softly yet firmly, drawing her attention to me. "Come and sit."
She looked at me, hesitated for only a moment, then nodded, her steps measured and cautious as she made her way to the table. She took the seat I'd arranged beside me, her posture slightly stiff but her eyes curious, darting between Zora and my mother.
After a moment, I turned to her, offering a soft, reassuring smile. "Amora," I began, my voice calm and steady. "Let me introduce you to my family." I gestured toward Zora, who was practically vibrating with excitement. "This is my sister, Zora." Zora grinned, her eyes bright and welcoming.
"And this," I continued, gesturing toward my mother, whose gaze softened as she met Amora's eyes, "is my mother."
Amora looked at them both, her face a mixture of awe and trepidation. I could see the wheels turning in her mind, questions forming, but she held them back, nodding politely.
Zora, however, could hardly contain herself. She leaned forward, her voice barely containing her enthusiasm. "Amora, I've heard so much about you!" she exclaimed, her smile warm but her excitement barely restrained. "I can't wait to get to know you!"
Amora offered a shy smile, clearly taken aback by Zora's energy but nodding appreciatively. I could see the spark of curiosity in her eyes, a tentative willingness to engage. But I also sensed her caution, her hesitancy. She was stepping into a world she didn't yet understand, a family she didn't know, and I knew this was as much a test of her trust as it was of her courage.
As the meal began, conversation flowed easily. Zora regaled us with stories, keeping the mood light and cheerful, though she occasionally shot me a mischievous look that suggested she was holding back. My mother watched, her expression calm and kind, offering Amora a sense of welcome without overwhelming her.
And through it all, I watched Amora, my mate, my human mate, navigating this strange new world with a blend of curiosity, wariness, and quiet strength. She was strong, braver than she realized. As the evening unfolded, I found myself feeling something I hadn't expected—a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this would work. Maybe she would accept my world, and maybe, in time, she would accept me fully.
As I looked across the table, seeing her surrounded by my family, it struck me that perhaps, for the first time, Amora wasn't alone. And neither was I.