The Alpha's Secret Legacy

Chapter 24

Niall's Pov [Ziall Horlik time!]

For the first time in what feels like forever... things feel calmer.

After a week of chaos, death, and emotional wreckage, Chrissy is finally trying to move forward instead of locking herself away in her room all day. That alone feels like a small miracle.

I know losing a mate is like losing a piece of your soul. I've seen it in her eyes. I've felt it in the atmosphere of this house.

But still... she's trying.

And that has to mean something.

"Too early for that," my wolf muttered at the back of my mind. "She should focus on healing, not replacing."

"I know," I replied quietly. "I was just thinking."

My wolf huffed but went silent, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Because honestly... I'd feel the same if something happened to Zayn.

And that thought alone makes my chest tighten.

But right now, I don't want to focus on fear.

I want to focus on what we still have.

"Babe, you're thinking too hard again. What's wrong?" Zayn's voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

I looked up and saw him stepping onto the balcony. He moved effortlessly, like he belonged in every space he entered.

He sat down in front of me, close enough that I could feel his warmth.

I followed his gaze out toward the backyard.

Liam and Danielle were in the pool, laughing like idiots, splashing water everywhere. For a moment, it almost felt normal. Almost peaceful.

"Nothing," I said softly. "Just thinking about Chrissy. I'm glad she's finally trying to move on instead of staying stuck in her room."

Zayn nodded slowly, his expression soft.

"That's good," he said. "She needs that."

I let out a small breath I didn't know I was holding.

Zayn always did that—made things feel less heavy without even trying.

"You know," he said suddenly, leaning a little closer, "you're going to be a good father one day."

I blinked. "What?"

He nodded toward the backyard where Liam and Dani were messing around in the water.

The sun reflected off the pool, laughter echoing through the air, everything looking almost... normal.

"You care too much," Zayn continued. "Not in a bad way. You just... you notice everything. You protect people without even realizing it. Especially your sister."

My throat tightened slightly.

He noticed that?

All of it?

Before I could respond, he shifted closer, wrapping his arms around me.

And just like that... everything felt grounded again.

Like I wasn't floating in chaos anymore.

"I could get used to this," I whispered.

Zayn smiled against my shoulder. "You better."

Then he tilted my chin up slightly.

"I love you, Niall."

My heart practically stopped for a second.

And before I could even think, I kissed him.

Soft at first.

Then deeper.

Everything around us faded—noise, fear, the past week, everything.

When I finally pulled back, I was smiling like an idiot.

"You know what?" I said.

Zayn raised an eyebrow.

"I love you too."

He laughed softly before pulling me back in for another kiss.

And in that moment...

Nothing else mattered.

Not the demons.
Not the loss.
Not the uncertainty waiting ahead.

Just us.

My wolf purred in satisfaction deep inside me, perfectly aligned with Zayn's.

For once...

Life didn't feel like it was falling apart.

It felt like it was finally holding together.

And I prayed it would stay that way.