Crimson Moon Redemption: My Alpha's Brutal Mistake
Chapter 68: Bits and pieces (Alpha Zion)

Chapter 68: Bits and pieces (Alpha Zion)

I hated betraying Bella, but I did it for her own good. While I want them to be together, I also want to see Zach suffer, pay for his sins, and win her back.

He was lucky I found my mate if not, I would not have made it easy for him but the fact remained that their souls were already intertwined because of what Bella did for him.

At one point, I considered giving up on him, but I know that if the curse takes effect, it could result in death, which would also be my end. However, I never expected a spell to be in play.

When I found my mate, I was overjoyed and wanted to mark her immediately. But when Bella barged into my room for the first time, confessing her love for me, I was torn.

For weeks, I couldn’t bring myself to touch Elisa again. However, everything changed when she was almost used by the enemy to help Zeke. Despite believing in her repentance, marking and mating with her, I still felt the need to test her patience by delaying the coronation. Surprisingly, she remained calm about it.

If it weren’t for Zach’s persistence, I would have proceeded with the coronation months ago. However, I didn’t want to risk exposing Zeke and Bella by inviting people to my tribe.

Elisa couldn’t identify the enemies as we had hoped, so at this point, everyone was a suspect. Once things settle with Bella and Zach, the coronation will proceed.

Bella may think I’m cruel for allowing Zach back into my tribe, but how can I keep a father away from his pup? Zeke’s reaction to Zach confirmed that I made the right decision, even though Bella’s desire to leave pained me.

"Bella, I will respect whatever decision you make as long as you don’t leave," I assured her, with Zeke nodding in agreement. Zach’s progress was evident as he walked and talked, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that he still had secrets.

While waiting for Zach to recover, I mind-linked Madai and learned that vampire hybrids grow rapidly in their early years, reaching full physical maturity around age seven, appearing as teenagers, and then ceasing further physical development.

This rapid growth made me realize the third part of Bella’s personality. Her super speed likely stemmed from her vampire gene, possibly inherited from her mother, who appeared pale and frail during our encounter.

"I’m not staying," Bella replied, causing a pang in my heart. Zeke shared a silent tear, prompting me to kneel down and comfort him. "It’s alright, champ. You won’t understand, but your mother has been through a lot and deserves whatever she wants."

His sad countenance was disheartening, but before anyone spoke, Dina hinted, "He’s coming through."

Our attention shifted to Zach again. He was in a sitting position with a faraway look in his eyes. "Where am I, and where is Gaius?" He paused and stared at Bella. "Mate, I searched everywhere and can’t remember how we met. Thank goodness I found you."

He swiftly rose from the bed and embraced Bella’s petite form, but she pushed him away. "Stop pretending. We aren’t that close."

Zach’s expression shifted, but at the sight of Zeke, he lifted him in his arms. "Is he mine? Sure, he is."

"Zach, you’re acting strange," I hinted, as he stared at me with a look of confusion. "What are you talking about? And why is my mate acting strange? Wait, aren’t you the omega from my engagement banquet? Ah, what a painful headache," he massaged his temple with one hand as Dina began to explain.

"Everything is messed up in his head, and trust me, there are things he might never be able to remember unless there are recordings for him to see," Dina said.

Bella looked hurt, and I completely understood why. With a desire for revenge or to leave completely, it was hard for her to accept that Zach could not remember anything about all that he did to her.

He would also not understand her reason for being so cold towards him.

"Wait, what are you talking about?" Zach asked Dina. Zeke embraced his father, and this time, his words were even clearer and more mature.

"Dad, you hurt mommy."

"I did?" Zach’s expression was filled with instant remorse. "Whatever it is, I will make it up to her. Can anyone tell me how we ended up here when we already have at least a two-year-old pup?"

It was both saddening and funny. Bella chuckled, her eyes cold. "I will accompany you to the Crimson Moon tribe," she said out of the blue. Everyone was stunned as she added, "to find a solution to this puzzle."

I had a deep conviction that Gaius would be able to explain things better to them and for Zach to make amends. "Thank you," Zach said, adding, "I still don’t understand why I’m here."

With the story being long, I didn’t know where to start. "You know what, let’s have a good meal before you set off, and I’m coming with you." I wasn’t going to let Bella leave without understanding what was going on, and to my amazement, she embraced me, saying,

"Thank you, Zion." I had no idea that my impromptu decision would have such an effect on her.

"What makes you think I’ll let you leave without knowing what’s waiting for you?" I kissed the top of her red hair, but Zach’s gaze instantly darkened with jealousy. "You two seem so close."

His memory loss would be a big problem, but I didn’t dwell on it. "When you begin to understand the things you have done, you will be thankful for my presence here."

Though he looked unconvinced, I didn’t try to explain further. During lunch, Zach received a telegram. Zeke had been on his lap all along, and their bond was evident.

Bella looked displeased, but I reassured her it was okay. Zach suddenly frowned imperceptibly. "Kari, who is she?"