Ziana’s POV
After the movie, I helped lay Leo to bed and ran back to my room to meet Addie. Tonight both Lettie and Mark are with me. They have asked me about the progress with my mates and I told them what happened. They are pissed about Killian, but are happy about Zane. They also are asking me about Zane and Killian’s dad’s, Lettie was taken after we attacked the pack, Mikey was one of the ones who helped scout the packs. They ask about Addie and life in the pack.
Too much talking for the couple hours that we are walking around. And when I complain about that they laugh and mock me.
Addie picks us up and drops us off, I take a shower and change, then head out to a field filled with wildflowers. I hear nervous pacing and as I approach.
“Mikey, you will be okay. Don’t worry.” Marissa soothes. As I step into the clearing both heads snap to me and I smile. Walking up to them, I check my watch, it’s 11:56.
“1. I didn’t think you would come.” Mikey chokes and I shake my head.
“I said I would be here. Are you ready?” I ask and he nods, then cracks his neck.
“When you start to feel your wolf pushing forward, don’t fight it. It will be hard to do, but I know you can do it. When the pain starts, focus on Marissa and me. I will guide her on where the best places are to touch, ones that won’t be as hurtful. After the shift you can run around as long as you want, I will wait until you are back to help you shift back. Then we can go get your dinner and cake.” I explain and he nods his head. Marissa rubs her hand over his shoulder.
“Got it.” He says and takes a deep breath, then blows out. I look at my watch again and take a seat.
I hear a whimper in my head and look around, confused. Nothing could have made that sound, at least not yet.
My thoughts are interrupted by a grunt. I look up and Mikey has doubled over in pain. I get to my knees and urge Marissa to do the same.
I guide her in different places as Mikey begins to yell in pain.
“Shhh. Shh.. Mikey let your wolf in. Give him control.” I coax as he grits his teeth and yells. His body contorts and fur begins to sprout.
After about 10 minutes a wolf with one yellow and one brown eye stares at me. And then eyes Marissa. He growls and I look over to see a wide eyed Marissa.
“Mate.” She whispers. Then her wolf surges forward, taking over and shifting. I smile as I watch the two of them run and chase each other. I just knew they were mates.
I lean back and watch the stars. After a while I hear a twig snap and turn my head. I know that Marissa…d Mikey are still off running around so when I hear the noise it startles me. What surprises me most is that Killian walks out of the tree line and into the clearing.
I can’t see the look on his face, but I can only imagine that he came out here to confront me about killing his mother and perhaps try to kill me himself.
Killian’s POV
I stormed into my office after that atrocious dinner. Was I upset about Ziana hugging Mikey? Yes, but it’s only the stupid mate bond. I can barely look at her without seeing her ripping the hearts of my people out. And my
mother and aunt.
The bond in my chest pulls at my conflicting emotions.
“I should have never marked her.” I grumble and punch my wall.
“Son?” I hear and turn to see my dad enter and close the door behind him. I try to compose myself, but it’s too late. There is already a dent in the wall from where my fist connected with it.”
What’s going on with you and Ziana?” He asks and I cringe.
“Nothing. Dad. Everything is fine.” I lie and his eyes narrow.
“Don’t lie to me boy. What I just saw in there was anything but fine. She is your mate and you could barely look at her without your face turning sour. I didn’t push you for information earlier because I thought it was because of the missing girls. But after what I just saw, I’m pushing. It’s clear that something is going on.” He lectures. I don’t want to hurt him with the news. I just want to process it and leave her and the information
alone.
“It’s noth…” I start but am interrupted.
“It’s NOT Nothing.” He scowls. “I want to know what is going on. I have heard rumors from other packs about her. MANY rumors, but I reserved my judgement and so did Zeke. Well it seems to me that she is a perfectly nice girl, she is fitting in here nicely and is even taking on some Luna duties already. What I am not sure is why Zane seems to be head over heels for her, but you’re not. She is your mate Killian, your other half. I want to help you get to where Zane is with her. You deserve your happiness as much as the next person.” He says and I shake my head.
“It’s not that simple, dad.” I say and he huffs.
“Is it the sharing thing? You don’t want to share her with Zane? I didn’t think it would be a problem. You sounded happy about it over the phone. But maybe it’s not turning out the way you want it to. The goddess chose the both of you for her for a reason, Killian.” He starts the lecture again and now it’s my turn to huff.
“It’s not about sharing her with Zane, father. Yes it’s weird and we need to figure some stuff out now that she has let some of her walls down, but I. I don’t think I can forgive her.” I sigh. My eyes fill with tears as I fight them off. Pain, sadness, loss, and disappointment fill me.
“For pushing you away? I’m sure she had a reason. Given how she grew up, maybe she is wary of anybody getting close.” Father tries, but I shake my head.
“For killing mom and attacking our pack.” I mumble. My chest heaves and I feel a few tears spring free and make their way down my face.
“What?” Father whispers, staring at me wide eyed. He heard me, I know he did. He just doesn’t understand. “She told me that she helped take mother and Lily, killed them, then was a part of the attack on our pack.” I say and his face falls. The helplessness on his face crushes me. He passes me and looks outside my balcony, towards the sky. I join him and stare at the setting sun. We stand in silence until the sun is completely out of view.
“How?” He finally chokes and I glance over to see that there are tears streaming down his face, but he still
doesn’t look at me.
“1. I don’t know. I left before I heard the rest. I didn’t need to. She is my mate and because I marked her, I can’t reject her. Not that Zane has any issues with accepting her, even though she murdered our mothers.” I grit and my father’s face turns so fast to face me I am surprised he doesn’t get whiplash. That’s not what takes me back though. It’s the look of anger mixed with disappointment that he gives me that surprises me.
“You foolish boy.” My father says, making my heart beat faster. When he shakes his head at me, I feel like a child again.
“I’m 29 father. Hardly a boy.” I argue, but he just continues to shake his head.
“How old is Ziana?” He asks, taking me off guard.
“19, soon to be 20.” I answer automatically.
“When was your mother and Lily taken?” He asks and I give him a dumbfounded look.
“11 years ago. But you know that.” I say and he gives me an incredulous look.
“Of course I know that. I remember the exact date and time that we found out, but obviously you don’t.” He says and I shake my head.
“Father. I don’t understand.” I say.
“Your anger has blinded you, boy. Ziana would have been a child when your mother and aunt disappeared as well as during the attack. How can you blame a child for those things?” He asks, making me step back as if he just slapped me.
My mind spins. How could I be so stupid? I take her birthday and start doing the math.
“Sh. She would have been 7 when they were taken…. 8 when they died…. And. and 9 when the attack happened.” I whisper as the guilt starts. My heart starts racing and I feel like I’m going to be sick.
My father must realize this and helps to guide me to a chair. He kneels in front of me, but I can’t really see
him.
“Killian.” I hear from far away. “Killian.” He says again and smacks my cheek a little and I focus in on his blue
eyes.
“She was just a child, father.” I say and he nods his head.
“She was. You need to speak with her. Right now she probably feels like you hate her. No mate should feel that way. Comfort her and let her know that you needed time to process the information. Admit to being a slow i***t and apologize. Then make sure she knows you will never leave her. Let the chips fall where they may from there.” He advises and I nod my head slowly.
“I don’t know where she is.” I whisper.
“Well it’s almost 11:30 so I am guessing she is going to be helping Mikey shift in one of the fields. approach until after the shift, your Alpha aura will hinder the wolf from coming out.” He says then chuckles. “I remember watching your mom help the pups shift, I would hide out in the woods like a creepy stalker and watch. She was so good with them and I never got tired of watching her. Filled me with so much love and adoration each and every time.” He says, zoning out as if he is still there.
3/4
“Will you be okay here?” I ask him, and he focuses back on me with a sad smile.
“Yes. I’ll find Zeke. I’m sure Zane told him. I’ll check on him.” He says, I nod.
We both stand up and walk out of my office. Before he splits off to find Zeke he hugs me and wishes me good
luck.
