This story takes place after Stevie Rae and Aphrodite's imprint brok in Tempted. Sorry if I have some details wrong, like I wasn't sure if Heath was actually there during Zoey's speech about Nefert and Kalona, but oh well :)
Disclaimer: I don't any of the characters in this story
Zoey's Point of View
My speech to the vampire council had been like a nightmarish blur. I was so nervous that I felt like I was experiencing my own mini earthquake, as I shook uncontrollably from my jitters. But instead of thinking about what to say so I wouldn't make a fool out of myself like a normal person, I started to think about what had just transpired between Aphrodite and Stevie Rae. I can't believe their imprint broke. Is this a sign that I should tell Aphrodite how I really feel about her. I replayed the terrifying moment in my head. The awful sight of having to see Aphrodite suffer through Stevie Rae's pain, while she was being burned alive. She had looked so helpless and fragile, and I had to fight the urge to pry her out of Darius's arms so that I could be the one to cradle and comfort her. I tried to make it seem that I was mostly worried about Stevie Rae (and of course I was concerned about her, HELLO she was my best friend), but Stevie Rae was no Aphrodite. She didn't have those stunning blue eyes, that I had to fight not to get mesmerized in. She didn't have that gorgeous golden hair that fell perfectly over her shoulders. She didn-. But I was torn a way from my babble as I realized that it was my cue to say what I had to say about the mess Neferet and Kalona caused us. I don't really remember what I said, but it must have pretty good, because when I looked at my friends they gave me signs of approval. The twins gave me identical grins, Damien nodded his showing me he liked whatever I said, Stark squeezed my hand, and Heath gave me a dorky thumbs up. I knew if Aphrodite was there she'd probably give me her trademark smirk. Aphrodite. For some reason my thoughts always seemed to travel back to her. I thought about why that was, but know sooner did I start, did the answer automatically pop into my mind. I loved her. I loved the way she was always so confident and sure of herself. I loved it when she furrowed her brow when she was confused. Hell I even loved all her flaws, and trust me there were many, but I didn't care. It was then that I made up my mind; I decided to tell her how I felt, and hope that she felt the same way. After the meeting finished, I exited the ornate chamber, in a sort of daze and head towards my room, so I could figure out what to say to her.
"Do you mind if I just have some alone time now?" I asked Stark, before going into my room. I expected to see hurt cross through his face, so I was surprised to hear the understanding in his voice.
"Sure, I bet you must tired." Man, I really didn't deserve him, I knew once he found out how I felt about Aphrodite, it would break his heart, not to mention Heath's. But I just couldn't hide it anymore, everyone needed to know.
"Yeah, I guess all those nerves really took, a lot out of me. Thanks for understanding."
"Anytime."
"You should get your rest too, it's almost sunrise."
"Okay mom." He said, flashing me his cocky grin, giving me a quick peck on the lips, walking down the hall.