The moment she pulled me in to pick up my scent I could feel the sparks running through my body. It has been a while since I felt them-I’ve forgotten what it felt like. So much so I didn’t want her to let go. I wanted nothing more than to wrap my arms around her and bring her in closer. I wanted to bathe in her scent-juniper berries and fir. No, not fir trees this time but pine instead. Still it was amazing. Even Deacon shared thoughts of marking her right then and there.
He’s been running those thoughts in my head ever since we found her in that river. I almost did when she flat-lined an hour after I brought her in. It took Alpha Fiona and a bit of fairy magic to calm me down. It didn’t stop me from pacing in front of her door until I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to be near her, see her, touch her.
I ran in, begging Miss Emma to do whatever it takes to save my mate. Then a bright light filled the room and her pulse returned. There was no explanation but I didn’t care-as long as she was okay. Her body’s temperature was still low so Miss Emma used me to get it back to normal, now that everyone in the room knew I was her mate. I made them promise not to say anything. I wasn’t sure I was ready to.
So I decided to relish this moment I got to hold her-feeling life pouring back into her body. We were alone in this hospital room and I got a chance to really see her. Despite dying a few moments ago, her skin was radiant. She looked so different from Maria. Maria was striking with her fiery red hair, porcelain skin, and full pink lips, but…The woman I was holding now looked as if she was glowing.
She had beautiful caramel skin and black curly hair that I couldn’t help but run my fingers through. It was surprisingly soft. Every now and then, she would move only a little to get closer to me. I could hear her little snores that sounded more like purring. It was the cutest thing to me now.
Mate is beautiful and she is ours Deacon said.
I wish I could share his sentiment but then I thought about Maria and the first time we realized we were mates. We held each other for the whole day, forgetting the world around us. We were so excited to find each other, we marked each other that very night. I don't think I've ever felt that happy before. So loved and complete. I would do anything to bring her back but I know it's something that can't be done.
After getting her body temperature back to normal, Miss Emma along with Trixie and Alpha Fiona came to talk to me. They wanted me to know that there might come a time she might need me, as her mate. Because of her situation, this could turn out to be a difficult pregnancy for her. I was hoping it doesn’t get that far.
I quickly left the room to put some distance between us. Deacon snapped at me to go back. Go back to our mate, he kept yapping, but that was just it. How could I accept someone, anyone when Maria was still in my heart-still in my soul? It would feel wrong. I walked outside to get some cold fresh air. Hopefully I’ll be able to cool off.
Nothing about having a second-chance mate feels wrong. It’s all in your head Deacon said.
So what? I’m just supposed to forget about Maria? What about Lana? Can you easily forget the time you spent with her?
Deacon growled at me. This was the first time he has ever growled at me. We usually joke around about everything-so this-was a shock.
You humans are so obsessed with the past you forget all about the present.
I can’t, Deacon. It wouldn’t be fair to this girl. She could be the one we had to help and now we can have what we desire.
Deacon shook his head as if I was missing something. That’s exactly what we have in there, James. Don’t you see. A second-chance mate is rare and also a gift from the Goddess.
It’s the wrong gift, Deacon. I wanted Maria. I wanted our son. So I can’t!
Deacon went quiet. I knew how strong the mate’s bond could be and how much harder it was for Deacon to be in the same room with his mate. I wanted so much to give in but thinking about anyone other than Maria felt wrong. I’ve been waiting so long for this moment to get what I wanted.
What if this was a test? What if the Goddess was testing my devotion to Maria? What if accepting this girl ruins my chance? I wish the Goddess would just send us a sign. The wind picked up and I felt it push me back towards the hospital. I tried to walk against it but it blew even stronger.
“Fine,” I screamed at no one in particular.
I made my way back to her room and stopped myself from going in when I heard her speaking. The door was cracked enough for me to hear her. Her voice was so soft and smooth. She was telling them how she got here. Then everything started to make sense. The names were different but her situation sounded just like the situation my cousin was telling me about Zira. Could this be the same girl? She was pregnant and the Black Moon Pack is upstream from where I found her. It is possible.
I listened in some more and heard Trixie call her Zira. So this was her. I tried to remember everything Victoria told me. If this was Zira it could possibly mean Alaia had something to do with her ending up in a river. Goddess what I would do to that girl if I had the chance. My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a scream and I quickly ran into the room.
“What is going on,” I asked as I watched Zira grab her stomach, leaning over in pain.
“She’s having contractions,” Trixie said in an excited voice. “I did warn her he was coming.”
“That’s my cue,” Alpha Fiona said, leaving the room.
After a minute, Zira leaned back while trying to catch her breath. “That wasn’t that bad,” she said with a nervous laugh.
“Don’t worry, Zira. We are going to be right here,” Miss Emma said while ordering some nurses to get a few things ready.
Trixie and Miss Emma started to talk to Zira about the plan in case anything went wrong. I completely zoned out and focused on her. Her eyes. I realized I had never seen her eyes before. They were beautiful. A nice, soft hazel like butterscotch. She was actively listening to both of them but I knew she was scared.
Every now and then, Zira would look in my direction. Probably wondering what the strange guy was doing in her room. I knew she was curious about who I was and with me wearing this necklace she couldn’t pick up my scent.
Five minutes later another contraction hit her and she held onto the bed. Since Trixie and Miss Emma were busy getting supplies, I offered my services. I just wanted to help in whatever way I could. I couldn’t stand just watching her from the corner, going through this pain alone. I grabbed a chair and sat near her bed.
“Here,” I said, holding out my hand. “You can squeeze them as hard as you want.”
Zira looked at me then my hand before shaking her head. “No, no. I couldn’t bur-”
Then another came and she quickly grabbed my hand. I wasn’t expecting the grip she gave but I stood my ground. Besides, her touch was truly amazing.
Maybe if you get rid of that necklace, the bond could help ease her pain Deacon suggested.
Maybe he had a point. I did want to help her and there was no harm in telling her I was a mate. I could just explain the situation and pray she understands. Right now she needed her mate more than anything. Without a second thought, I knew what I had to do and grabbed the necklace around my neck.