Chapter 7: This stranger called Marcus

Zyra POV

“You can see for yourself that I am useless so you should leave.” I said dismissively as I took a step back and sat on the ground. My heart pounding in my chest and my body trembling and battered.

“You haven’t shapeshifted?”

“I made it clear.” I groaned lowly and he let out a soft laugh

“Is that why they hate you?” he asked

“Why shouldn’t they?” I replied and turned away to look elsewhere

“Everyone has their own time and there is a first time for everything, your own might not be now but definitely or even something better for you.” He replied and I turned to look at him, locking eyes with him.

Marcus, the renowned and powerful Lycan known throughout the supernatural world. His eyes, piercing amber, held a mix of concern and determination as he locked eyes with me

"Are you alright?" Marcus's deep voice resonated with genuine worry.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked when I can see you are not.” He said immediately

my voice quivered as I responded, "N-no, I'm not. They…. They nevermind. I just can’t go back there, they would eat me alive.” I replied and crouched down to my level

“You should let me take you home.” He said and my eyes grew wide out of surprise

“Home?”

“You should also leave, Alpha Cade and his crew are very heartless.” I replied, trying to cajole him to leave but instead, he scoffed

“You don’t even know who I am.” He replied with a side smile and I found myself smiling.

“Okay, so what do you say? Home right?” he smiled and I took in a deep breath.

Marcus stretched out his hands at me as he stood before me, I looked at his palm before me then back at him. “I don’t know how to appreciate you but I am really grateful.” I replied sincerely as I took his hands in mine and stood up from the ground.

A compassionate flicker passed through Marcus's eyes as he pulled me to himself. "Come with me, Zyra. I'll take you somewhere safe and that is my home" he smiled

With a surge of hope coursing through my veins, I cautiously nod my head and allowed Marcus to guide me out of the dense, oppressive woods. Step by step, he led me towards his sleek, black car parked nearby. As I settled into the comfortable passenger seat, my senses overwhelmed by the scent of leather and a hint of pine, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of relief. Perhaps there was still kindness left in this world.

The engine roared to life, and Marcus drove away while I turned my head to the window to think and sigh.

“Is this how you have always been?” he asked me softly and I hummed.

“You don’t go out either to explore?”He added and I chuckled

“I have been living as a prisoner, always in my room, or in the cell, just never felt good since I lost my parents.” I replied as I turned to look at him

“I’m sorry about that.” He replied as he took a glance at me before returning his attention to the road.

“Yeah, please don’t feel sympathy for me.” I laughed lowly and he shook his head with a low laugh

“Everyone’s got their sad story.”

“You do too? Why would a Lycan like you have one?” I replied, finding it hard to believe

“Gosh, it’s natural to, my dear.” He replied and I sighed

“Oh, care to share?” I asked him and he turned to look at me, his gaze didn’t last 10 seconds on me before he looked away.

“You should rest; you must be feeling sore all over your body now.” He replied dismissively and I gulped down heavily

“Yeah, sorry too.” I replied and turned away to look outside the window.

Marcus skillfully maneuvered through the winding roads that led to his magnificent home. As we approached, My jaw dropped in awe. The sight before me was nothing short of breathtaking. The grand mansion stood tall and regal, its architectural beauty blending seamlessly with the surrounding nature. It exuded an aura of power, history, and elegance, making me feel both small and welcome at the same time.

Once inside, Marcus guided me through a labyrinth of hallways adorned with ancient tapestries and intricate artwork.

“You live here all alone?” I asked and he made a low sound which means ‘yes’

“What about your pack members?” I replied and he paused to turn around and look at me.

“Did I ask something I shouldn’t have asked?” I asked him lowly and he shook his head negatively as he replied, “No you didn’t, you are just curious I understand. I do not live here with them, there is a pack mansion I built for them and it’s quite far from here. So from time to time, I visit them.” He replied and I nod my head, clearly understood.

“Now, let’s go on.” He replied as we continued our step.

Every step seemed to whisper stories of a rich lineage. Finally, we reached a door that opened into an opulent bathroom, fit for royalty. The soft glow of golden fixtures and marble accents danced in harmony, creating an atmosphere of serenity.

"You can freshen up here," Marcus said gently, gesturing towards the luxurious bathtub embedded with scented petals. "Take your time, Zyra. You are safe now."

“Uhm, thanks….”

“I will come back later to take you to your room.” He added before he walked away.

My room?

Wow…. Marcus really isn’t as bad as they say he is. Idiots go around spreading rumors.

Overwhelmed by the generosity bestowed upon me, I stepped hesitantly into the warm water after taking off my clothes and then I sighed in blissful relief. The soothing embrace of the bubbles and fragrant oils washed away the physical and emotional scars, offering a momentary respite from my painful past.

“Should I go back to Alpha Cade and his people when someone has offered to take me in.” I thought.

“No, don’t think too much, right now… you should chill out, Zyra.” I sighed

As I luxuriated in the lavish surroundings, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Marcus. In his presence, I had found kindness, compassion, and a glimmer of hope for a better future.

I've had a tough journey, filled with pain and heartache. But today, everything feels different. I'm finally meeting someone who sees me, who treats me with kindness and respect.

After about 20 minutes in the bathing tub, I stepped out to look at myself in the mirror.

As I stand in front of the mirror, I took a moment to compose myself. I see a reflection of a woman who has been through so much, yet still carries hope in her eyes. It's a little overwhelming, to be honest. But I'm excited too.

“I should get something to wear.” I sighed as I reached for a bathrobe to wear around my body. I looked down at my dirty cloth then threw them into the bin bag.

“I can’t wear that again.” I hissed and stepped out of the bathroom. I walked to wherever my legs were taking me to and then I landed in a room.

Walking into the meeting room, I notice how everything feels so peaceful and inviting. The colors, the scent of flowers—it's like stepping into a whole new world. And there he is, Marcus, the person who has offered me this opportunity to be heard.

Marcus's presence immediately puts me at ease. He exudes such warmth and empathy that I can't help but feel comfortable around him. When he extends his hand, I feel a connection, a spark, as if we're on the same wavelength. It reassures me that this could be a turning point in my life.

“You're out, didn’t wait.” He laughed and I nod my head, laughing lowly too.

“Come here,”

Sitting down on the sofa, I feel a mix of nerves and excitement.

“I am not something like a load or?” I asked him and he raised a finger at me, telling me to shut up.

“Don’t say that.” He said lowly, his voice soft and caring.

“Yeah, I won’t anymore.” I sighed

“So what was Cade like?” he asked me and then I began to talk.

Marcus listens intently as I share my experiences, my dreams, my fears. It's like everything I say matters, like he genuinely cares. I've never had someone pay such close attention, make me feel valued and understood.

His words of encouragement uplift me, giving me a renewed sense of purpose. Marcus believes in growth, resilience, and embracing our true selves. It's refreshing to hear someone speak with such conviction, making me believe that maybe, just maybe, I have the strength within me to overcome my past.

As our time together draws to a close, I'm filled with gratitude. Marcus has shown me that there are people out there who can offer solace and understanding. He isn't just a stranger anymore; he's become a beacon of hope, guiding me towards a brighter future.

“You're….. kind, is this the way you are or?”

“No, I would be honest with you.” He replied firmly

“Not to everyone I mean, especially not people like Alpha Cade.” He chuckled

“I saw you, and you are worthy of the person you are seeing before you now, though I have a terrible side…. But I have humanity inside of me too. I’m kind to you because you deserve it.” He replied and I nod my head slowly

“Yeah, thanks.” That was what I could manage to say

“I will get you something to eat now, wait here.”