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Chapter 897: Discussing conditions (2)

"If you come to the Dark Howlers pack, you won't live off me. You will live WITH me," Zina said to Owen. "I have a job and you will get one also. I can't promise you will keep your status as a Lieutenant, but Alpha Damon accepts newcomers as warriors. The Dark Howlers pack accommodates people from other packs, and no one will bully you."         

He never considered leaving the Red Moon pack. Yes, things were not ideal, but he was just one step away from being a General, and that would be a big jump in his status.     

No one told him that this was George's villa, but Owen figured it out right away. Just this room was so much better than his current accommodations or anything he saw before, other than the packhouse, of course. Wasn't something like this only one promotion away? How long will it take? A year? Five? Will Zina wait so long for him?     

Zina could feel that Owen was considering his options but was not convinced, so she decided to try a different approach. "Don't think too much about it now."     

Owen was confused. "I thought you want me to think about joining the Dark Howlers pack."     

Zina didn't want him to think about it. She wanted him to do it!     

"It is a big decision, and it shouldn't be done on the spot. For now, I want two things from you. First, I want you to keep an open mind. Second, I want you to talk to my Alpha. Alpha Damon will be here with his Luna tomorrow." Zina turned to Dawn. "We can invite Talia and Damon here, right?"     

Dawn confirmed. "I can make it happen under one condition."     

"Which one?" Zina and Owen asked in unison.     

"Until you figure out where and how you will live, don't let him mark you."     

Zina reached for the left side of her neck. That was the place where Owen's mark should come. Her eyes moved to meet Owen's and she swallowed hard. Will he sink his fangs in there to release his venom and mark her? Will that happen during steamy sex? Will she see stars in broad daylight while he rams himself inside her?     

Zina pressed her legs together and she could feel her wolf urging her to pounce on a honey-scented man in front of her. Did he taste as good as he smelled? There was only one way to find out, but Dawn was watching.     

However, Dawn's request was reasonable. Hold off with marking until they figure out the important stuff. One day, at most. How hard can that be?     

Zina often imagined what her mate will look like and now that she found him, Zina was happy and nervous and she regretted that she couldn't just jump into it without care, but Dawn was right. They shouldn't rush this.     

Zina didn't want to seal the mate bond that was getting stronger by the second, and end up miserable just because he was handsome, and he smelled edible, and she was horny.     

Normally, fated mates would do anything to make each other happy, but there were exceptions. Sometimes, people would go with their beliefs and habits, and neglect the pull. Zina didn't want to risk it. She already had a wonderful life and many friends. Leaving that behind for a man who won't treat her well was not worth it.     

"I think that's fine," Zina said to Dawn and turned to Owen. "What do you think?"     

"I agree to hold off with marking." He wouldn't mark Zina against her will anyway. It would seal the bond, but it wouldn't turn her stupid. Marking was once in a lifetime and it should be wonderful, for both of them.     

Owen's wolf was howling in his head to claim the female that belonged to them, but he also wanted to make her happy.      

"Also, I will talk to your Alpha if he wants to talk to me," Owen said. "I hope you will guide me through this. I don't want to risk offending him." Alpha Edward was unapproachable to anyone below the rank of a General, and Owen didn't know what to expect of Damon whose reputation was vicious. Damon was the most powerful Alpha and that wouldn't be the case if he was easygoing.     

Zina smiled at Owen. "Thank you."     

Sensing that Dawn relaxed, Zina focused on cleaning Owen's face.     

Little by little, Owen's features were revealed. Light brown hair in a military-style buzz cut, thick and unruly eyebrows, a few days old stubble… she frowned at the sight of purple lines and swelling on his nose, but he assured her that it will heal completely in a few days.     

Owen was handsome, but not fierce like warriors. Every curve of his face was pleasing to the eyes and inviting, and Zina wondered if that was how she saw him because he was her mate.         

Zina had difficulty looking away from his light gray eyes that stirred with endless desire. She really wanted to kiss him and much more, but Dawn was watching them. Can she ask Dawn to leave without being too obvious about it?     

"When is George coming back?" Zina asked.     

"Later," Dawn responded.     

"Don't you need to prepare something before he comes?"     

"We agreed to cook dinner together," Dawn reminded Zina.     

Zina whimpered. Dawn was doing this on purpose!     

Zina turned to Owen. "What about you? Do you have somewhere you need to be?"     

Owen froze. Was she sending him away? He didn't want to leave! His eyes lost focus for a moment. "Someone took over my unit. Can I stay with you? I can help with cooking."     

Zina would prefer that they could roll in the sheets compared to working in the kitchen, but something was better than nothing. "You know how to cook?"     

Owen shrugged. "I don't know how to cook but I can wash stuff and I am pretty good at tasting dishes."     

Zina giggled. "Alright."     

…     

George rushed home as soon as his meetings ended.     

Estelle mind-linked him that Owen didn't leave, and George was worried.     

Estelle and other Omegas working in George's villa stayed away from outsiders to avoid incessant bullying and bad treatment overall. He created a small oasis of safety in his home, and why was Owen lingering?     

What George didn't expect was to find Owen in the kitchen with Zina and Dawn.     

Owen was wearing an apron and smiling while mixing the salad like he owned the place.     

"You are back!" Dawn exclaimed when she spotted George. Normally, she would pick up his scent from the moment he entered the villa, but now the kitchen was full of aromatic dishes, so she didn't pick George's scent until he reached the kitchen.     

Dawn was about to jump on George, but she paused halfway when she realized that his mood was off. "Did something bad happen?"     

"Why is he here?"     

"I am helping my woman prepare dinner," Owen responded matter-of-factly.     

George saw red. His woman!?