Ziana’s POV
We all enjoy the food and celebration. Some of the kids got Mikey a gift, which was a pleasant surprise.
“We have news!” Mikey shouts over the commotion. We all quiet down and turn to look at him.
“Mikey and I are going to accept the caregiver position for the orphanages. After our mating ceremony, which we would like as soon as possible.” Marissa says, causing shouts and cheers. I smile as all the kids go to hug them and congratulate them. After which they make their way to me, Addie, and the 5 men around us.
“Alpha’s, Beta’s, Gamma’s, Luna.” They say in greeting and I smile, waving them off.
“Oh stop. You know better than to call me Luna.” I say.
“And me Gamma. Blegh, no. Don’t call me that.” Addie says, making a face and causing everybody laugh.
“Um. We would like to know if you would be a part of our ceremony. We don’t want anything big, but you have done more for me in the past week than I have ever had. I. I feel like we are becoming fast friends and I would like you to be a part of it.” Marissa says, stuttering, then blushing. I smile.
“Of course. Whatever you want or need. I am at your disposal.” I say and she smiles, then turns to Mikey, who is looking around the group warily.
“The problem is. I wanted to ask you to stand on my side. You have saved my life, more than once, and I. I wanted you to be the one to support me.” Mikey says, timidly, then looks down as a blush creeps up his neck. There are growls behind me and I glare at Killian and Zane, while their dads laugh at their expense.
“I’m sure we can figure something out. Mikey, Marissa, you both have my support and I will do anything to help you two. We can sit and plan it out tomorrow. With Addie of course. She’s more of the party planner between the two of us.” I say reassuringly and bring them both in for a quick hug.
They thank me and quickly get out of there, feeling antsy with the death looks my mates are giving them. Or
more specifically Mikey.
“Would you two quit it?” I snap and their gazes turn to me, with a slight scowl.
“You smell like him.” Killian grumbles as Zane pulls me into his chest. After a few moments he pulls me back
and looks at me.
“What did he mean? That you saved him more than once? What else could possibly have happened in the few
days you have been here?” Killian asks. Firing one question after another. My smile falters as I look around at
all of the faces in the room. They are all engaged in conversation and giving our group a wide birth.
“Um. Well. He remembers me from the attack. I. Uh. Helped him back then.” I say, not knowing how to explain
- it.
“You helped him?” Raegan questions, studying me.
“Well, yeah. I uh. Yeah.” I say, not knowing how to explain it.
“During the attacks we tried to help the children and tried to only kill the weak ones. Ziana would sometimes
kill our men and make it look like an accident, or that the opposing force did it.” Addie explains. I scowl at her for the explanation and she just shrugs her shoulders.
“They know, don’t they?” She asks, forcing my scowl to deepen. Sparks on my shoulder force me to turn my
gaze to Killian.
“You’re perfect.” He says, then hugs me. I stiffen at his words because I am FAR from perfect. I push away
and scrunch my nose.
“I’m tired, is what I am. Uh. Goodnight.” I say and delicately peel myself from his embrace.
“Goodnight love.” Zane says as I turn around. I blanch at his term of endearment. Everybody else says goodnight, and Addie joins me on my way out of the room. She waits until we are in the elevator to start the
questions.
“What exactly did you tell them? I know they know some, but I don’t want anything to slip.” She asks and I
sigh.
“I told them about my role in taking people, killing their mothers, attacking their pack, the scar on my eye, and I’m sure they put together some things on their own, but I don’t know what.” I explain and she nods.
“So nothing else? Not about Reg–eye–na?” She asks and I shake my head.
“No. I haven’t. Not yet, but I need to. He’s the one taking the women and it might help to find them. But. I. I
don’t want to share too much and I know they will have questions.” I say and she nods.
“Then don’t answer them. They seem to be accepting that you’ll tell them when you’re ready.” She says and I
shake my head.
“I don’t know. It’s about their pack safety, they may push.” I argue and she shrugs her shoulders.
“Push back. I know you will.” She says, knocking into my shoulder and I chuckle.
“It’s almost as if you have known me my whole life.” I say and she laughs.
“Just about.” She answers. We exit the elevator and head to my door.
“Are you and Kai planning on doing a mating ceremony?” I ask and she shrugs her shoulders.
“I don’t think so.” She answers and I stop to stare at her.
“You have been planning this since you were 10. It’s the only thing that took out of what was happening. Dreaming of your mate and your perfect ceremony. Do you still want the flamingos?” I ask and she snorts out
a laugh.
“No. No flamingos wearing the top hats.” She says and I eye her.
“No top hats, but you still want the flamingos?” I ask and she shakes her head.
“No. I just don’t see the purpose now that we are mated. It doesn’t make any sense.” She explains and I scoff.
“Please. People mate then have the ceremony more often than not.” I say and she nods.
“Plus I’m sure grandma Iris would love to be able to plan one for you.” I mention and her eyes bug out.
“Oh goddess. I don’t know if I could handle that.” She says and I laugh.
“Well you’re going to. I’ve decided. You’re having a ceremony. We can talk about it tomorrow after planning with Mikey and Marissa.” I say and she shakes her head with a smile..
“Whatever you say… Luna.” She taunts and I grumble about her being a pain in my a*s as I open my door and
walk in.
“Go get some rest, Addie. We have a big day tomorrow.” I sing and she scowls, then smiles.
“Goodnight Z.” She says, then turns and walks down the hallway.
