<Chapter41
Chapter41
Ziana’s POV
I watch warily as Killian moves closer. He’s slow, almost hesitant, which amps up my adrenaline. He’s going to kill me, he’s just not sure about it. I sigh as my heart breaks a little. I knew my mate would hate me, I’m just still surprised that Zane didn’t. He’s too good for me.
I turn my head back, looking towards the sky. If he wants to kill me, I won’t put up a fight. It might be better for everyone. Reginald won’t come after the pack for me and the hurt I have caused won’t be as bad when
people see me. I won’t be a constant reminder of that pain for them.
My thoughts are interrupted by Killian’s face as it comes to block my view of the sky. He looks broken, and I wish I could help fix it.
“Can we talk?” He asks and I nod, but don’t move. He sighs, then takes a seat next to me on the grass, gazing at the sky above us. After a few moments he interrupts the silence.
“You did really well with Mikey. I see that your hunch was correct in them being mates.” He states, which
surprises me.
“Thanks.” I say, not looking at him. “I used to help the first shifts growing up, learning what helped the best and what didn’t.” I say. He hums but doesn’t say anything else.
“Ziana. I uh. I want to apologize.” He says. I furrow my brows and turn to see him clicking his jaw and glaring
at the ground as if it personally offended him.
“No need. I get it.” I clip and he meets my gaze. His glare goes away as he takes in my face. He reaches his hand out as if to cup my cheek, but then pulls back. The pang of hurt I get at that irritates me.
“I was an idiot.” He says, then holds up his hand to stop me from speaking when I go to argue with him.
“I was blinded by my loss and anger. I didn’t put the timeline together and I’m ashamed to admit that I wouldn’t have if my father didn’t do it for me.” He chuckles, then lets out a breath. I don’t say anything. I don’t
know what there is to say.
“You were a child, Ziana. I see the way you are here. The way you were at the castle. You are good, kind, and fair. That doesn’t just show up in a person and it’s hard to fake. That leads me to the conclusion that you were forced to do what you did. I’m sorry that it took so long for me to piece together, I’m sorry for ever hurting you.” He says, sounding defeated, and looking away from me.
“Hey.” I say and grab his hand. Sparks shooting up my arm. His gaze meets mine again and I swear I can feel the pain he is in. “You don’t have to apologize. Your reaction was valid and. You apologizing is more than I deserve for what I have done.” I say and he shakes his head. Rather than arguing with me he pulls me into his embrace and holds me. He cradles my head in the crook of his neck as he inhales my scent.
“I’m never going to hurt you again. You are my mate and I accept you. I accept all of you, Ziana. You are mine and I am yours.” He whispers. I choke on the ball of emotion in my throat. After a while he lets go, cups my face and kisses my forehead. He lets go and scoots closer to me, laying down on the grass to gaze at the stars, I do the same, but then stiffen as he pulls me against him. After a minute I relax and he speaks.
“Could you tell me what happened?” He asks and I sigh.
I tell him everything I told Zane and when I end he is silent.
“You are so strong. I will make sure you never have to go through anything like that again.” He says and I almost believe him.
We lay there for a while longer, then sit up as we hear wolves approach. Mikey and Marissa come to a stop when they see Killian and glance at me, then lay down and place their heads to the ground.
“You’re okay. We just have an important question for the both of you. Then we can go and have that birthday dinner and cake.” I say, soothingly. We turn our backs after I hand them clothes and once they shift back to their human forms we turn back.
They are nervous, but Mikey’s arm holding Marissa protectively makes me smile.
“I’ll just get to the point. First, a congratulations to you both for finding your other half. Second, we would like to know if you both would like to combine the orphanages and be the caregivers to the children. There is no pressure. We just saw your passion for helping the kids and wanted to extend the offer. Think about it and let us know.” Killian says, grabbing my hand and squeezing it.
“NOW.” I clap. “Let’s go get some grub. I know the first shift is exhausting and leaves you starving.” I say. They are both wide eyed and slack jawed as I smile brightly and turn to walk back to the pack house with Killian holding my hand.
I don’t know what has changed in me that I am letting him hold my hand, but the way my body feels like it’s purring puts me at ease. I need to call mom and tell her what is going on. Maybe she can help and will know
something.
As we enter the packhouse Zane greets me with a hug and kiss on the cheek. We all make our way to the kitchens, walking in to find a lot of the older orphaned kids there with Zeke and Raegan.
