If you could feel the power in this room right now you would be choking. Even more than the choker I was wearing. I instantly regretted my decision to keep wearing it.
Why the hell was I wearing it anyway? What was I trying to get out of it?
Even though my head was down I could feel her eyes burning into me like lava. If looks could kill I would be dead twice over. I didn't dare meet her gaze. She probably would have taken it as me being defiant, trying to show her up. It was the last thing I wanted. I really just want to leave this room and never come back. Besides I needed to pee or possibly throw up or eat something. I groaned inwardly.
How could I be thinking of food right now? We’re having a serious conversation. Pay attention, Zira.
I glanced up quickly and she was still staring at me while Isaiah planted kisses on her neck. The idea of throwing up came back stronger than ever but I suppressed it.
“There’s something you can do to make this situation a bit more bearable for all of us,” Alaia said, still maintaining eye contact with me.
Was she talking to me? I really wished she could look somewhere else. Even though my eyes were cast down she still made me feel uncomfortable. It’s not that I was scared of her but her aura was disturbing like a cloak of darkness loomed over her. For a minute I thought about the cloaked figure in my dreams, the same darkness looming over my child. I quickly shook those thoughts away.
“Okay. Anything,” Isaiah said with a little hope in his voice.
I was a bit hopeful. Just hoping whatever she had to say didn’t involve me staying too close to them.
“First, I think we should have a child of our own. I don't want the pack believing I’m some barren Luna needing some warrior to have the Alpha’s children.”
Of course that’s the reason. Nothing to do with me having Isaiah’s first child. This was ridiculous. If only she knew she didn't have to rush to have a baby. I was determined to make sure her child would be Isaiah’s firstborn.
“Second, if Zira has a boy, he’s entitled to the Alpha’s position. So I propose if I have a boy, the title be given to him instead and Zira’s son could be his Beta. That way I can ensure our kids continue our legacy,” Alaia said with an emphasis on ‘Our’ while looking at Isaiah.
I stopped myself from rolling my eyes. Reminding myself that she was entitled to feel this way and offer these ridiculous demands. Isaiah thought about it for a minute not sure what to say. It is true that the first-born son of the Alpha is entitled to the position but he’s the Alpha. He can change things if he wants.
However the first born rather it's a boy or girl tends to be the strongest of the ones that come after. It’s always been that way. I haven’t even thought about that because right now I could care less. I wasn’t planning on getting that far anyway. Isaiah looked at me but made sure it wasn’t too long. I just shrugged my shoulders. He grabbed Alaia’s hands and kissed them.
“I don’t see any problem with that. I’m sure Zira understands,” he said as they both looked at me.
“Whatever is good for the pack is good for me, Alpha.”
Alaia smirked as if she finally got her way. So she could make as many terms as she wanted as long as I get to stay here with family and friends. Isaiah made his way back to his seat while Alaia sat on the edge of the table.
“Thank you, Zira. I know this could be difficult but thank you for compromising.” I nodded at Isaiah. “I can call Mary to make sure your room is ready.”
“Wait. I can’t stay here,” I quickly said.
“You’re not leaving the pack, Zira. I said-”
“That’s fine but can’t I just stay home. I don't want to be in the way.”
“Nonsense,” Alaia said. “We would be beside ourselves if anything bad happened and we could’ve prevented it. You have to remember you’re carrying a child of an Alpha. That’s worth more than life itself. Even your own.”
I didn't like how she said that but I shook it off and focused my gaze on Isaiah.
“Please, Alpha. With everything that has happened I feel more comfortable being with my parents.”
Isaiah looked from me to Alaia then back at me, pondering my request. I really didn't want to be here. I wanted to get as far away from Alaia as I could. Heck at this point I was considering moving to another pack. Everything about her rubbed me the wrong way.
“I think it's fine. You're not that far from the pack house but remember what the doctor said. You need bed rest, Zira. So no traveling or training. If I find you doing anything too strenuous I will bring you back here regardless of what you want.”
I nodded excitedly. It’s not everything that I wanted but I felt a little victorious that I got something out of this. I was feeling a bit left out. Besides staying here, being watched by Isaiah and his crazy mate would only ruin my plans of getting rid of this baby.
“Anything else,” I asked, itching to leave this room and never return.
“Alaia?” Isaiah looked at his mate. I guess she was holding all the cards.
“No. I think we’re all on the same page,” she said while offering a smile that never reached her eyes. I was expecting as much.
“Thank you, Luna.” I bowed as Alaia got up from the table and walked to the door.
“Isaiah, I will be waiting in our room to start on the first part. Don’t keep me waiting long.”
She walked out the door and closed it with a little force behind it. If I was a guy I probably wouldn't want to have sex with her right now. Then again Isaiah likes it rough so maybe this would be good for him. I mentally slapped myself. Why am I commenting on his sex life? I need to get out of here like now. On cue Isaiah cleared his throat.
“Thanks, Zira,” he started. “I know all of this is a bit nerve-wracking but thank you for agreeing to her terms.”
I was a bit surprised by his comment but it seems to be a recurring conversation between us. Me getting the short end of the stick and him apologizing.
“When you go for the next check up today, I would like to be notified.”
I looked at him not knowing what to say. I mean there was nothing I could say. He was the Alpha and if he wanted to do something I had no power to stop him. I just wasn’t looking forward to having him and his mate cramped inside a doctor’s office. I wish I could just send him pictures and a report.
“It will probably just be me. I don't think Alaia would be comfortable with that idea either,” he said as if he was reading my mind.
I smiled. “Thank you, Alpha. It’s kinda been a rollercoaster for me since that night. Just looking for a smooth ride from here on out.”
We both shared a laugh reminiscing about everything that has happened since that night.
“If there isn't anything else. I’ll take my leave.”
Before I could leave, I felt a tug on my shirt. I turned to see Isaiah only a foot away from me. His hands were balled up at his side, probably restraining himself from touching me again. We don't need another attack episode.
“Zira, um-” He was trying to collect his thoughts. “I want you to know that I will do everything I can to keep you safe. I know the odds look slim but I have hope that you both will pull through. The Goddess did this for a reason. So I’m all in regardless of Alaia’s protests. I just wanted you to know that and-”
He looked down as if he didn’t want to say the next part. Then he looked at me with concern. There were tears falling down my face. Everything seemed to make me cry now, but I felt his words deep down. I knew he meant every word. He reached his hand up as if to touch my face but second guessed it. As much as I wanted him to touch me not like a lover but as a friend who cared like before, I knew he didn't want to stir up trouble. So I settled for the softness of his gray eyes.
He smiled. “I want you to know that I love you too.”
With that he walked out the door, his body briefly brushing against mine. It took everything I had to not reach out and hug him. He was still my friend. My friend who loved me and I him. I stood there smiling like a fool but that only lasted temporarily. My friend loved me and now I have to live with the fact I’m going to lose it. My mind was already made up. Now I have mentally prepared myself to lose two things in my life. Maybe more.