Zoya’s P.O.V
The golden hues of the setting sun cast a warm glow over the clinic as Ezra and I prepared to leave for home.
He stood outside, leaning against the side of his car.
Ezra looked effortlessly handsome, his dark hair slightly tousled, as if he had run his fingers through it absentmindedly.
The rays of the setting sun played with the strands, creating a golden halo around his head. His piercing eyes met mine as I approached, and a soft smile played at the corner of his lips.
He was still in his sheriff uniform, which only added to his allure. The crisp lines of the uniform accentuated his broad shoulders and strong physique, making him look every bit the confident and protective man he was.
Despite the hint of sadness that lingered in my heart at the sight of him that jolted Cam's words to memory, I couldn't help but admire him in all his handsomeness.
His chiseled jawline and the slight scruff of a beard added a rugged touch to his appearance, hinting at his wild and untamed nature.
There was something captivating about the way he carried himself, a mixture of strength and gentleness that drew me in like a moth to a flame.
As I got closer, I noticed the faint lines on his forehead, a sign of the worries that weighed on him.
But even in that moment, he exuded an air of assurance, as if he could handle any challenge that life threw his way.
As he straightened up to greet me, I caught a glimpse of his strong, muscular arms beneath the rolled-up sleeves of his uniform.
I smiled back at him, grateful for the warmth and support he offered me, and as he opened the passenger door of his car for me, I couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for this complex and captivating man.
Despite the uncertainties and hardships that life had thrown at us, being with him made everything feel a little more bearable, and I cherished every moment we spent together.
However, it was evident that my sadness still weighed me down. I couldn't bring myself to talk to him about my day, because whenever I tried to talk, my mind always went back to what Cam had told me.
"If it wasn't for you, he might have faded away, day by day, until there was nothing left of him. He could have even died."
Finally, it seemed like he couldn't bear it any longer and asked, "What's wrong?"
I only shook my head, afraid that if I spoke, I might start crying.
As he drove up the mountain, the golden light of the sun slowly became cooler, the sky turning a deep shade of blue as the moon slowly took its place in the heavens.
I stole glances at him, observing the gentle lines on his face and the genuine worry etched in his eyes.
Suddenly Ezra pulled over the side of the road. "Talk to me," he pleaded, and at that moment, the car felt so stuffy that I just had to step out of it to breathe.
I opened the passenger door and inhaled deeply, and the cool evening breeze brushed against my skin, stirring a mix of emotions within me.
Behind me, I heard the driver's side open and Ezra stepping out.
I shivered, trying not to think about the conversation I had with Cam earlier.
There was a tapping sound, and when I looked behind me, I saw that Ezra was sitting on the hood of his car, and he was gesturing for me to do the same.
I sighed and did as he asked.
"Zoya, is something bothering you? You know you can tell me anything, right?" He asked again as soon as I sat on the hood next to him, his tone filled with genuine care.
I couldn't hide it anymore.
Without uttering a word, I wrapped my arms around him, seeking solace and finding refuge in the comfort of his embrace.
The warmth of his body against mine offered a sense of security and love that words alone could not convey.
He was taken aback by my sudden need for skinship and warmth, and the force of my embrace knocked him backward a bit.
Finally finding my voice, I whispered against his chest, "Cam... she told me what it means to lose a mate." My words trembled slightly, reflecting the fear and vulnerability that I held within me.
Ezra's arms tighten around me, his touch providing a reassuring presence amidst the turmoil of my thoughts. He sucked in a deep breath through gritted teeth. "Zoya, you are my mate. You have my heart," he murmured in assurance, his voice laced with unwavering devotion. "I will always be by your side, no matter what."
I wasn't asking for comfort, as I simply wanted to let it all out, but the sincerity of his words washed over me, like a soothing balm to my worried soul.
"I never want to lose you like that," I confessed, vulnerability lacing my voice. "I can’t even imagine how I would’ve gotten through…everything without you."
I took in a shaky breath, mustering the strength to continue. Ezra stroked my hair as a way to comfort me.
"Every time my mother calls me and makes some snide comment, you always comforted me afterward," I recounted, pulling my arms tighter around his waist. "Whenever I had a bad day, you always bring me my favorite food." I chuckled tearily, "Heck, you even watch my favorite Bollywood movies with me even though you don't understand the language."
Even Ezra chuckled at that comment.
"You've been the biggest support system I could ever ask for, the only one in my life who loves me for me," I told him, "and I don't want to have it any other way. I can't imagine my life without you, Ezra."
The air carried a gentle breeze that swayed the leaves of the nearby trees, creating a soft rustling sound that blended harmoniously with the distant chirping of birds.
It felt like the world was holding its breath, acknowledging the depth of our emotions.
I pulled back a bit and looked into Ezra's eyes, and he held my gaze as I finally confessed to him what I wanted to, laying my heart bare in front of him.
“I love you…Ezra.” I whispered. “I love you.”
Ezra’s eyes widened in shock at my confession and then he pulled me back into the embrace and his arms tightened around me.
I felt his heavy breathing next to my ears, the sound of his erratic heartbeat as I lay my head against his chest. I felt his arms tighten around me once more before he let go to look into my eyes. His own eyes were glazed over when he finally answered me.
“I love you too, Zoya. So much,” his words felt wrenched out of him as a gentle smile spread across his face, his eyes sparkling with joy. He cupped my face in his hands, his touch tender and filled with adoration. "You are my world, my life."
Even the way he said my name made my poor heart flutter.
"I can't imagine life without you, either," he said softly. “I love you so much.”
In that moment, the worries and uncertainties that had plagued my mind dissipated, replaced by a profound sense of peace and contentment.
As we sat there on the hood of his car, embraced by the beauty of the early evening, I was reminded once again of the incredible blessing it is to have Ezra by my side, my unwavering support and my… mate.
And then, he pulled me in for a fierce kiss that left me breathless and wanting more.