Wendy nodded.
"Your mom is a witch, your daughter Maya is a Zeta, and her father is an Alpha?"
Wendy and Olivia answered together, "Yes."
"That's one powerful family," Jack muttered.
---
Later that night, Alex looked at Maya seriously.
"Do you really want to know why Scott never gave up on Allison? Even after fifteen years, he still couldn't move on."
Maya stared into his eyes. "Tell me."
"It's because she was his soulmate. He imprinted on her. That's why he could never let her go." Alex sighed and gazed into Maya's eyes. "And I don't think I could ever let you go, Maya."
He moved closer. Her eyes locked on his, then dropped to his lips. When their lips met, the kiss was soft, then passionate.
---
"Yes, I'm in Beverly Hills now," said Conri's informant over the phone.
"Keep an eye on him," Conri replied.
---
The boss's man, dozing off in his car, snapped awake at the sound of footsteps. He saw Maya and Alex getting on the bike and followed them discreetly. They arrived at Maya's house. Alex walked her to the door.
"I really had a good time," he said.
Maya smiled. "Me too."
As Alex leaned in for a kiss, Olivia opened the door. They both turned away quickly.
"You kept to time," Olivia noted. Then, turning to Alex, she said, "Good night, Alex."
"Good night, Maya. See you around," he said before speeding off.
"So, you went on a bike ride. How was it... I mean, the date?" Olivia asked.
"It was amazing, Grams. Where's Mom, by the way?"
---
Later that evening, the boss's man followed Alex to a casino, eventually giving up and leaving when Alex showed no signs of heading home. But now, he knew where Alex's girlfriend lived.
---
Two days before Maya's birthday, her mom picked out the best floral designs. On the eve of her birthday, Maya suddenly began screaming in her sleep. With her eyes closed, she got up, walked downstairs, opened the front door, and began walking into the street. Olivia and Wendy rushed after her and managed to bring her back.
On her birthday, Maya hosted a small get-together. Alex, Sofia, Jack, Steve, and other classmates were there. Maya and Alex were deep in conversation when he handed her a small wrapped gift.
"Happy birthday, Maya."
"Aww, Alex, thank you!" she smiled.
As she was about to open it, Alex leaned in and whispered, "Open it when you're alone."
Maya grinned. "Okay, Mr. Mysterious."
She walked over to Sofia and Jack.
"Sofia, thank you so much for the customized bracelet."
Sofia hugged her. "Anything for my best friend."
"Happy birthday, Maya," Jack said, handing her a flat present wrapped with a ribbon.
She took it, stared at it, then back at him.
"Open it," he urged.
She removed the ribbon and unwrapped the gift. Inside was a journal with her name engraved in gold, alongside the letter Z.
"Oh my God, Jack?"
"Now you have a journal to write your own history," Jack said.
Maya hugged him with appreciation. From afar, Alex scowled, and Jack responded with a smirk.
"What does the 'Z' stand for?" Maya asked.
"That's for you to find out," Jack replied with a smile.
"Thank you, Jack. This means a lot. I'm going to keep it somewhere safe."
"Did you keep my gift somewhere safe too?" Sofia asked, a little jealous.
Maya playfully dangled the bracelet on her wrist in Sofia's face. "Jelly beans!" she teased and laughed.
"I'll be right back," she said as she went upstairs.
---
Meanwhile, Miss Shelby turned to her brother.
"The time is near, brother. The time for our retribution. Lacroff being in Beverly Hills has made our plans easier."
Darren simply stared at her in silence.
---
Upstairs, Maya placed the book in her drawer and heard a knock.
"Who is it?"
"The party's downstairs Maya, not in your room," her mother called.
"I'll be down in a sec."
"Okay, birthday girl."
Maya glanced at the smaller box from Alex and placed it on her bed. Another knock followed.
"Mom, 'a second' wasn't literal," she called as she opened the door—only to find Alex standing there.
"Alex?"
"May I come in?"
"Sure," she said, letting him in.
Downstairs, Jack asked Sofia, "Where's Maya?"
"Check the kitchen," she said, still dancing.
"Ms. Wendy, have you seen Maya?"
"She's in her room. She'll be down soon," Wendy replied.
"Okay," Jack said, though something felt off.
"I think you can open it now," Alex said, nodding at the gift on her bed.
Maya sat down and picked up the box. Alex sat close beside her.
"Go on," he urged.
She unwrapped it and opened the small box to find a locket.
"Wow," she whispered.
Inside was an inscription: It's you forever, in a million years and another life.
Her cheeks flushed red. "Turn it over," Alex said.
She did: A + M.
Alex kissed her forehead and caressed her cheek.
"I know it's your birthday, and you should be the one getting gifts. Still, there's something I've wanted since I met you..."
Maya's eyes widened.
"Maya, will you be my girlfriend?"
Maya kissed him deeply in reply.
"Is that a yes?" Alex asked.
Maya nodded, and they kissed passionately. His hands caressed her face; his lips moved to her neck. She didn't stop him.
---
Downstairs, Jack searched for Alex. When he didn't see him, he went upstairs and knocked on Maya's door.
She opened it. Alex stood beside her.
"Nice necklace," Jack said to Maya, glancing at Alex's hand holding hers.
"My mom sent you, didn't she?" Maya asked.
"No, everyone's just been asking where you were," Jack replied.
"Who's 'everyone'?" Alex chimed in.
"Her guests," Jack replied, locking eyes with Maya. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
"That's what I do," Alex said.
Jack nodded and walked back downstairs.
"Why did you do that?" Maya asked Alex.
"He likes you, Maya. I'm just making it clear, you're out of reach."
"He's just a good friend."
"You're the only one who doesn't see it. I'll be downstairs."
Maya sighed, rubbing her forehead.
---
"Jack, what's wrong?" Sofia asked.
"I'm leaving. I'm not feeling too well," he replied, heading for the door.
Sofia followed. "Jack, what happened?"
"Sofia, go back inside. I don't want you to get hurt."
"I already am," she said.
He turned to her, confused.
"I'm hurt when you are, Jack."
---
Later, Alex said to Maya, "Your two besties are about to leave."
"What?"
---
Outside, Jack glanced at the window and saw Maya watching them.
"Is she there?" Sofia asked.
"Yeah."
"Good," she said and kissed Jack.
They looked at each other... and kissed again.