Zira screamed as she threw a plate full of food at the door. “I said I’m not hungry.”
Only a few inches from where I was standing with Lisa. Lisa barely flinched as she began to pick up the mess. This has been going on more often lately. I was starting to think it was because she’s getting closer to giving birth.
Maybe her hormones are out of balance or something because she hasn’t been acting like herself. She has snapped at everyone at least once or twice and poor Lisa gets the bulk of it. I’ve been giving her space but these outbursts had to stop.
“Zi, you need to eat. You need strength,” I said, stepping around the mess to get closer to her.
“Right, of course Alpha Isaiah,” she said sarcastically. “Just enough strength to be able to move from this corner of the room to the other. Thank you for being so caring.”
Okay, we are in this kind of mood. Her room was actually very spacious, more like a small studio with a separate room for the bathroom and minus the kitchen.
We could use the Alpha’s command Devon suggested.
You only like the fact that it can control Nina.
Devon snorted at me. As if that could control that she-beast he said.
I would love to hear you say that to her face I challenged him but he quickly cut me off. Coward.
“If you don’t eat something now, Zira, then I would gladly have the doctor stick a tube down your throat to make sure you’re getting the proper nutrients,” I told her.
We stared at each for a minute before Zira sighed and walked back to the window. I nodded to Lisa to bring up another plate. After a few minutes, Zira sat on the bed and Lisa set up the plates. I watched as Zira looked at the food then back at Lisa who proceeded to take a bite from everything on the plate. When Zira was satisfied, Lisa stood near the door.
What is that all about I linked Lisa.
She believes her food is poison, Alpha.
I looked at Lisa as if she was crazy before bringing my gaze back to Zira who was angrily stabbing her food as she ate. Isabella was right about her not being herself, but I’m more convinced it’s mental rather than a curse. While I waited for her to finish, I looked around the room. Her parents did a great job making it homey.
She had one of her mother’s tea sets sitting on her coffee table. I’m guessing the weights near the couch and the map of the area on the wall were from her father. He is an excellent hunter but more so a scout. Zira finished her food and got up to put on her coat. I signaled Lisa to help her and Zira growled at her.
“Zi, come on. You’re struggling and Lisa is here to help,” I said, trying to conceal my irritation.
“I don’t trust her,” Zira glared at Lisa.
“Fine, then I will help.”
I walked over to help her with her coat and was surprised she actually let me. I could feel she was still angry so hopefully Isabella's surprise will put her in a good mood or make her smile. I would give a lot to see it again. Maybe this would even mend the relationship we used to have.
When we finally got her situated she walked out the door with me behind her. This was the most we spoke to each other since the day at the motel. I kept my distance since that day. I felt ashamed and angry at myself for losing control. I couldn't believe the way I yelled and tried to attack her. I would never in a million years hurt Zira but that day. That day something happened to me I couldn't explain.
We rode in the car in silence to the pack’s hospital. I helped her out of the car and the moment she got her footing, she pulled her hand away. A few moments later, Zira was laying down on the bed with Dr. Callie looking at the ultrasound.
“Although it seems you’ve lost some weight, your baby looks very healthy, Zira. This is a good sign. Now we just need to focus on getting your strength up.”
Zira only nodded and continued to stare blankly ahead. I guess I’m not the only one she ignores.
“Would you like to know the gender,” Dr. Callie asked.
That got me excited. I hadn't even thought about finding out the gender til now. It finally got Zira to look at her then slowly to me. Zira got up from the bed refusing help and took the towelette from a table. She began wiping the liquid from her belly, as Dr. Callie waited for our answer.
“I already know,” Zira whispered. “It’s a boy.”
Did she just say a boy? Those words echoed through my head as if I needed to say it over again to believe it.
“A boy,” I said, trying to wrap my head around it. “We’re…having a boy.”
I couldn't help but pick Zira up and spin her around, ignoring her protests. I finally put her down as she pushed away from me. That was fine. Nothing was going to ruin my mood after this. I felt like the luckiest Alpha in the world. A boy and girl, what else could someone ask for. Dr. Callie gave me a print out of the ultrasound. I smile while looking at the image of my son.
Our son Devon said.
Though he might not admit, he was just as stoked as I was. All the horrible things that have happened in the past few weeks seemed to fade away as I stared at this photo. A photo of our son. I don’t know what it is about having a boy that makes everything feel so right. He could probably help with all the women in my life. Take their attention and give me peace. I laughed at the thought.
“Can we go now,” Zira asked while Dr. Callie helped her with her coat.
I nodded subconsciously while still looking at the photo, at my son. We walked out of Dr. Callie’s office with instructions to make sure Zira eats to build her strength. We got into the car and drove off.
“How did you know it was a boy,” I asked, taking a glance at her every few seconds.
She didn’t answer but continued to stare out the window. I wondered if it was the same intuition Alaia had when she found out she was having a girl.
“Is that something she-wolves can do?” I tried again. Still nothing.
I looked over again and noticed that at least she was smiling. Most of the pack’s houses were adorned with lights and decorations. I remembered this was her favorite time of year. She loved the cold, the snow, and the lights.
Isabella, how much longer I quickly linked her.
We’re still setting up the backyard. We need at least two more hours. The spot is ready though she linked back.
We pulled up to the pack house and I quickly got out. Zira likes to rush back into the house without help and I had to distract her. I watched Zira watch me in confusion. I opened her door before she could and held out my hand to help her. She rolled her eyes and took it without any resistance. She headed towards the pack house but stopped when I didn’ t let go of her hand. Her eyes moved from my grasp to me.
“It’s been awhile since you’ve been out and away from the pack house. Why don't we take a walk?”
She regarded me for a minute before saying. “I don't think that’s a good idea, Alpha…”
“Isaiah,” I cut her off. “I told you before Zira. It’s Isaiah for you.”
She studied me curiously. As if she was waiting for something to happen but I stood there smiling while holding her hand.
“Why,” she asked, cautiously.
“Because I want to.” She looked as if she didn't believe me. Like I was trying to goad her into a trap or something. “And I know you like being outside.”
“It’s cold,” she said.
“You love the cold.”
“Well, it’s getting dark and it’s not safe after dark.”
“You’ll be with me, Zi, and you know this pack like the back of your hand, right?”
She stared at me, probably trying to come up with more reasons to stay. “Or if you want to go back to the room and …”
“No,” she quickly interrupted. “Where do you want to walk to Alp…Isaiah?”
“Not too far, but only if you think you have enough energy for that?”
Zira looked back at the pack house for a minute then turned to me and nodded. “Sure. I can walk.”
I couldn't help but smile even more. This day started out like crap but I feel after this Zira might actually feel like her old self.