“Wait. Shhh… Do you hear that?” I put my finger to my lips. “I hear something. It is coming from the back of the house. “That’s my mom’s room,” I said when we reached her door.
“Let me go in first,” Zen said, taking my hand. The noise was much louder now. He opened the door slowly and we walked in. His body had tensed up the moment he opened the door. I peeked around his arm to see, and there she was. My mom was there. She was the noise I heard from the hall. I could hardly see because the room was so dark. She was moaning in pain.
I ran over to her and kneeled on the floor next to her. I yelled for Sam to turn on the light. “Oh geez… Oh, Mom….” I was completely losing it. She was lying there in a puddle of blood, clawed and bitten. It looked like she had been attacked by an animal. She has been attacked by an animal; a hairy, mangy, tick infested mutt. I thought.
Really! Easy there, Love.
Sorry, Zee. You’re not a tick infested mutt.
So I am hairy and mangy. He smiled at me trying to lighten my mood.
You know what I mean. I smiled at him briefly, but had to brush off his comments and focus.
“Mom, it’s me. Can you hear me?” I rubbed her head trying not to hurt her. She nodded her head at me.
Zen squatted down into the floor on the other side of my mom. “Mrs. Samuels, I am Zen. I need to know. Did you bite her back?”
I looked at him with some concern. I tried to make sense of it. I wondered why this was an important question to be asking. She was writhing in pain.
Mom looked at Zen. Her eyes met his only for a moment, and she nodded.
“We have to call 911,” I said frantically.
“We can’t,” Zen answered.
“What?”
“She exchanged blood with Paige. She will become one of us now. She will heal on her own. We cannot take her to the hospital. If they happen to take blood it will all come back abnormal,” he answered.
“What if you are wrong? You have been wrong before.” I looked at him intensely. I was as serious as a heart attack. He had been wrong. He said Paige would not do this, and she did.
He lowered his head down and stared at the floor. I swear that the sound he made was a whimper, but it was so low I was certain that I was the only one who heard it. “I know that I was wrong about Paige. I am sorry, very sorry. I’m not wrong about this; I promise. His eyes never left mine. His stare was so forceful. Without realizing it, my body sunk down lower, almost in a bow. I turned looking at Zander and he was shaking his head to reassure me of what I had already felt. I knew that Zen was telling the truth.
I sighed heavily. “So what do we do?”
Zen took my hand. “We have to take her home to my home. We have a pack doctor who has been with us for many years. He will help her to heal. I will have to inform my Alpha that we are on our way.”
“It is such a long trip. Are you sure she is going to make it? She is barely breathing.”
“I’m going to do everything to make sure she is okay. Zander will drive. I will take care of her,” he answered.
I stayed right by Mom’s side while they packed the Escalade. They gathered blankets and all the first aid supplies they could find.
I spent what little time I had washing her face and arms. There was so much blood. When I ran the warm cloth along the sides of her face she would moan lightly. It was enough to make me cringe. And the sight of the bite marks was horrifying. How could she be so cruel? If I get my hands on that girl I will tear her to shreds.
I couldn’t help but feel guilty. Guilty for all the ways she suffered. Guilty because it was my fault that it happened. “I am so sorry, Mom,” I said. She was unconscious. I laid my head down near her heart and apologized again. I could only hope that she heard and that she forgave me.
The boys lifted Mom into the back of the truck. They had let down the back seat so that she could lie down. Sam stood next to me the entire time. She was my rock.
“Your mom is tough as nails. Don’t worry. She is in good hands.” Sam wrapped her arms around me and rested her head against mine.
“Thanks, Betty.”
She hugged me tight. “Glad you’re back, Wilma. Now, let’s do what we do when we are in a sticky situation.”
“What, eat?” I looked at her with confusion.
“No. We get drunk, and make out with lots of boys.”
Zen made a coughing sound and cleared his throat. “Excuse me,” he spoke loudly.
“Just kidding,” Sam smiled, “we eat.”
I couldn’t help smiling at her. She could always lighten the mood. “Okay. Grab all the snacks from the cabinet and we will eat on the way. But you need to bust a move, because I am in a hurry.”
“Bust a move, really?” She could barely hold a straight face.
“Go!” I smacked her arm and shoved her towards the house.
“All right, I’m going.” She ran into the house.
The two of you have a strange relationship. I can tell you love her a lot. She must mean a lot to you.
She does. She is my best friend. Now can we get the hell outta Dodge?
What? He had a confused look on his face. Do you have an instruction manual for that mouth of yours?
I shook my head. You’ve never seen, Gunsmoke. He shook his head no. It just means let’s go now, far away from here, please.
We piled into the car quickly. Zander drove and Sam rode in the front with him. Zee and I rode in the back with Mom. Watching Zen take care of Mom gave me such relief. It eased my mind, if only for the moment. He was careful not to hurt her. He must be a good son.
“Thank you. I try,” he said and flashed a little side grin. It was just enough to melt my heart. “I promise to care for her like she is my own mother. I love you and you love her, so I love her too,” he said without hesitation.
My eyes filled up with tears. It seemed to keep happening to me lately. I kept my eyes towards the floor. At this point, my sanity was questionable. Exhaustion had set in.
You need to get some sleep, Ava. I promise to wake you if anything goes wrong.
I gave him a serious look. I can’t sleep. I have to be with her the moment she wakes up.
You have been awake for so long. You have to get some sleep or you will be no use to her. Please rest.
All I could do was nod my head. I could feel my eyelids growing heavier.
Chapter Nine
I woke up in a strange place. The room was dark. There was just enough light that I could tell it was a bedroom. I sat up quickly, looking around. I felt stiff from lying in the same position too long. My mind was stirring all over the place. But, the main thing was getting to my mom. Zen practically had to yell into my thoughts for me to hear him.
I’m glad to hear that you are awake. I have missed you terribly. His thoughts were loud and clear.
I wasn’t asleep that long. I thought.
Actually, it was fourteen hours and thirty two minutes. I checked on you several times, but each time you were still asleep.
O crap. How is my mom? I need to see her. Where is she? I asked him in my thoughts.
Don’t worry. Everything is fine. I am on my way to you.
When I saw the lamp on the bedside table I turned it on. The room was amazing, so beautiful. The slept I laid in was big. It was bigger than a king size. You could fit 4 people in it easily. It had four posts that were hand carved. There was a tribal design that I am guessing took years to carve. The posts had sheer drapes covering all four sides. The draping canopy was breathtaking.
Even the smell of the room was beautiful. It was woodsy with a hint of vanilla. It looked like a cabin with the walls and the floors all made of wood. It was obviously no ordinary log cabin, more like a log mansion.
I pulled off the fluffy, white, down comforter and stood up to stretch. My muscles were so stiff. Of course they are. You’ve been asleep for fourteen hours.
Zee! These aren’t the clothes I was wearing in your car. Would you care to exp
lain how I got changed?
I was startled when I heard him speak from behind me, and not in my head. “Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you look when you wake?” He was walking toward me.
“Have you ever heard of knocking? I may not have been decent.” I tried to appear aggravated, but quickly flashed a smile. I liked playing around with him. I continued to pick, “You know, where I was raised, we call that good manners.”
“Actually, I shouldn’t have to knock when it is my bedroom.” He grinned really big.
“Good point.” I smiled. “Would you mind telling me where my clothes are? Where is my mom? Is she okay?” I was rambling on.
“Easy, Love,” he brushed his hand across my cheek. “She is doing much better. She is ready to see you.”
I felt a weight being lifted off my shoulders. I could actually breathe. I so desperately wanted to hear that.
“Can you tell me where my clothes are so I can go see her? And who changed my clothes?” I looked at him out of the corner of my eye. I gave him a mischievous grin.
“It was not me, if that is what you are referring to. One of the pack members shared some of her clothes with you. Her name is Collina. You will get to meet her later. But, it was actually Sam that changed you. She insisted on it. Actually, her exact words were. Back off, Mutt Boy, if you would like to keep you paws.” He laughed and so did I. Her sense of humor could always lighten the mood. “I couldn’t argue with that.”
“That was nice of them.”
Zen shook his head. You are loved very much. I couldn’t help but agree. “Now if you will look in the wardrobe by the window you will find your clothes, and through those double doors is my bathroom. Take a quick shower and when you are finished I will take you to see your mom.”
“Aye, aye, Captain Bossy Butt.” I winked at him. He melted me like butter when he winked back.
***
After my shower, I felt so much better. I changed quickly and braided my wet hair. I spoke to Zen in my thoughts the entire time. That’s where I get to see a side of him that no one else does. Under his strong, bossy, and independent side was this sweet and caring little boy side. Charming could be his middle name.
When I walked out of the bathroom he gave me a quick once over. His eyes were seducing me, causing the heat to rise up in my body. Easy there, Love, before you give me a fever.
He leaned in close to my ear and whispered lightly, “I love it that I have such an effect on you.” He kissed me softly on the lips. I stood there with my eyes closed waiting for more. “Now let’s go.” He was back in to serious mode. Just like that.
“Are all male wolves this dominant and bossy?”
“Yes,” he winked and took my hand.
“Good to know.”
He opened the door to his bedroom that led out onto the balcony. It overlooked a very large informal sitting room. The balcony was shaped in a circle with two staircases leading down. When I looked both to the left and right I could see nearly twenty doors. They must have led to other bedrooms.
We walked around the circular hallway to the right. I could feel all the eyes glued to me. To say it made me nervous was an understatement. Zen glanced back at me once and I held my head up higher. I acted as if the stares didn’t bother me. Deep down I wanted to scream, or at least to ask if they had a freaking staring problem. Zen must have been taking notes from the thoughts in my head. He stopped quickly in his tracks. He growled heavily. Anyone within ten miles would have heard him. The room stopped dead in their tracks. Everyone dropped to their knees and stared towards the ground, not making eye contact.
“Really, was that necessary?” I asked making sure I was loud enough for everyone to hear me.
He snapped his head back at me. “Everyone needs to know that you are mine.”
“Excuse me,” I took a deep breath and made sure he saw me roll my eyes. “Well, Mr. Know it all. Know this. I am not yours until I have a ring on my finger that says so. I belong to no one. There is absolutely no need for you to go biting people’s heads off every time they look in my general direction. I can take care of myself. I don’t need an overbearing, protective, watch dog up my ass.” I flipped my hair to one side and marched past him. I heard the hidden laughs coming from all around. I wasn’t trying to be funny; I just couldn’t take his bossiness anymore. It is only cute for so long.
“Where are you going?”
“To find my mom,” I yelled back.
“You passed up the door.” He pointed to the door I should have taken.
I walked back and opened the door quietly. Zen caught me before I walked in.
“I am going to go find my dad. I will give you some time alone. I will be back in a little while.”
“Okay,” I said and walked into the room and shut the door behind me. He wasn’t getting anything nice out of me until I got an apology.
I quietly walked to her bedside. This room was a bit different from the one I was in. The bed sat lower to the ground and the covers were a soft peach color. The room was filled with fresh flowers that smelled heavenly. This room had obviously belonged to someone more feminine.
Her eyes were closed, and I was trying not to wake her. She looked peaceful lying there, and much better. When I approached her side I noticed her face was so clear. She only had light bruising. There were no cuts and no blood to be seen. It was a miracle. I couldn’t help but cry. The tears fell out before I had time to stop them.
I sat there with her for a long time. I didn’t touch her or wake her. I wanted her to get the rest that I knew she needed. I sat in the chair near her bed until someone came into the room. When the door opened, he peeked inside.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting anyone to be in here. I was just checking on her. You’re Avery aren’t you?”
All I could say was yes. I knew exactly who he was before he said it. My father stood there in the same room with me. The man I had not seen in eighteen years, the one from whom I obviously got every trait. He had brown hair and brown eyes, very handsome man at first glance.
“Who told you about me?” I whispered lightly trying not to wake her. “I was told that you knew nothing about me. Is that true?”
“My alpha spoke with me just hours ago. He told me that Jeanette was here and about the attack. Then he told me about you.” He walked farther into the room and closer to me. “I’m so sorry, Dear. I don’t know what to say. You are the prettiest girl. You look just like your mother. I was actually coming to speak to her about you. I never dreamed that I was a father. I really am thrilled, now that I am not in shock. I wish that I had known sooner. I really do.” He seemed very genuine. He was very worked up. His face became red and his eyes filled up with tears. He held his hand out to me. “I’m sorry. I am rambling on and didn’t even introduce myself. My name is Eli and I am…”
“Dad.” I nearly tackled him over with my hug, and he hugged me back. I wanted him to love me so much. And for the moment it felt like he did. He held me tightly while I cried. I swore that I heard him crying too.
“Yeah, dad,” he whispered into my hair. He rubbed my head softly in a comforting motion. I needed it. I felt complete standing there in his arms.
“Can someone get me some tissues? Please,” Mom interrupted. She was crying too. I hadn’t even noticed she was awake. She must have heard our entire conversation.
“Mom…” I rushed to her side. “I have missed you. How are you feeling?”
“I am fine sweetheart. Come here,” she motioned.
I hugged her lightly. She looked so fragile lying there. I didn’t want to break her. “I am so sorry Mom. Please forgive me. I didn’t know this would happen. I’m sorry.”
“Shhh… This was not your fault. You had no way of knowing. Quit blaming yourself. Everything happens for a reason, and I’m happy.” She looked into Eli’s (my dad’s), eyes. “Truly happy,” she said. He smiled at her. He was happy too. I could tell. For a brief moment I felt so complete. I dreamed
of having my family together many times. It was a good memory, I could cherish forever.
It didn’t take long for my thoughts to lead me back to Zee. I couldn’t stay mad forever.
Are you okay? He asked. He found me easily, when I reached into my thoughts.
Yes, but I would like to see you.
“Are you talking to Zen in your thoughts?” Eli asked when he saw I was in my own little world.
“Yes,” I answered hesitantly.
“You kissed him.” Mom laughed. “Not only did you not stay away, you kissed him.” She laughed harder.
“What is so funny?”
“I was so naïve to think that you could stay away from him. Your dad explained this to me years ago. I just never realized how powerful mating was. You have never intentionally disobeyed me, for any reason. So I know that this is real. I just can’t believe it.”
I smiled. “I can’t put it into words. The feeling is intense. But in a good way.” I realized I may have upset Eli. He had lost his mate. “I am sorry Eli. Zee told me that you lost your mate. I shouldn’t talk about it like this. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I am fine, and if you don’t mind you can call me Dad.”
“Okay.”
“I did lose my mate. Obviously, you know that. What you don’t know is she was not my mate. I have never talked to my Alpha about this. He would certainly be against it. It is morally wrong. The lady that I spent my years with was another wolf. We were companions. We were never mates. We only pretended to be, so we would not have to be alone. I hope you understand my reasoning. I do plan on telling the Alpha soon. In the meantime, I have started having the side effects, but let’s not worry ourselves about it. I have a good five years before I go completely nuts.”
Mom looked at him so intensely. I wanted to cry for them. I was at a loss for words.
“I do have to say that Zen is a good kid. I couldn’t be happier for you. He will be a good provider.” Eli winked at me.
“Well, when do I get to meet him?” Mom asked. She completely dropped the subject of Dad being unmated, and he was grateful. I could tell she still loved him. “This time I would like to be conscious.”
Chased (The Graysen Pack Series) Page 7
