Zira Valdez was as innocent as they come. Since she was eight she thought the boy who saved her would become her salvation. When all the signs were telling her he was her destruction, she ignored them. She believed in his lies, in those small moments where she had a glimmer of hope. She believed wholeheartedly that she owed Trenton Heath her life. That was until two weeks before her eighteenth birthday that she learned the truth. For Trenton, it was all a game and he was stringing her along. He wasn't even the one to save her, but since she is willing to do anything for him, then he will take everything from her. Just everything around Zira was about to give her a deadly blow, her true savior stepped forward. He once again saved her, pulled her from the darkness, and offered her refuge. This time, she wanted to grasp the light with all of her might. Axton Heath was ten years older than Zira and Trenton's uncle. From the moment Axton's fate became intertwined with Zira's, she became his everything. He was the one to save her when she was eight, but because he was older and had just entered the military, he had no choice but to leave her with his family. When he returns before her eighteenth birthday with the intent to make her his Luna, he learns his little fated mate has suffered and he wants nothing more than to make them all pay with blood. Against all odds, their love defies everything. Zira will find strength in his love. Axton will risk everything for her love, including his life.
View MoreZira-
A dark and ominous cloud grew thicker in the sky as if it were following me down the vacant street toward the home I had lived in for nearly ten years. Earlier in the day the sky had been shining brightly, but now the weather seemed to match my mood. With each step, the harsh rain pelted against my body, like I was being hit with endless needles.
It didn’t help that I had just had surgery a few hours ago and if I wasn’t careful I could die, but right now, I didn’t care. For ten years I have lived a life worse than death, and every bit of hope that I had clung to, to keep me from falling into a deep despair, had shattered. Not only did I sacrifice my chance at being able to shift into my wolf on my eighteenth birthday, but I learned I have been living a lie.
Ten years ago, my parents and older brother had been killed. I almost died, but I had been saved. I couldn’t remember much of that night, but I remember waking up in a bed with a kid only two years older than me, sitting beside me. I had asked him if he had been the one to save me, which he had claimed he had. An hour ago I discovered that he hadn’t saved me.
During these last ten years, I had believed he had and allowed him and others to walk all over me because I believed I owed him. I was the biggest fool to ever walk this earth. The thought brought on another sob, but at least my tears were washed away by the pouring rain.
My thoughts circled back to what happened this morning, and I felt even worse than I already did. Trenton Heath was the man I believed saved me and this morning, he had been the one I have loved for ten years, despite how poorly he treated me. Every so often he gave me a glimmer of hope and this morning I was willing to do anything for him.
“Please Zira, you are the only one who can save me.” Trenton had said over the phone that morning, as I was preparing to go to one of my many part-time jobs.
“You know I will do anything for you, but I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what is wrong.” I could hear the fear in his voice, so I quickly sent my boss a text, telling him I needed the day off.
All three of my bosses cared for me and knew how hard I worked so they helped me whenever I asked. Now, I wish my boss hadn’t allowed me to take the morning off. Perhaps I could have learned the truth before I helped Trenton.
“As you know, I haven’t been feeling good lately. Last night I went to the hospital, and I found out I need a new kidney. My blood type is rare, and yours is even more rare. I didn’t think we would be a match, but we are. The doctor told me if I don’t get a new kidney within the next few days, I will die.”
Trenton was correct, his blood was rare with less than fifty confirmed people having the blood type. Mine, was even more rare, as I was the only one who had this blood, and no one could understand it. Years ago, I was almost made into a lab rat so they could study my blood, but someone had stopped it before it began. I don’t know who, but I was grateful, nonetheless.
I knew that it was dangerous for me to use my blood or organs for another person because if something ever happened to me, I wouldn’t be able to find a match. That was the first thing that went through my head when I heard Trenton’s condition. I had wanted to say no, and I would help him find someone else, but my hesitation made Trenton panic.
“I don’t want to die!” Trenton sobbed and I immediately caved.
“Okay.” I sighed
Although I have more than paid for him saving my life when I was younger, I still felt as if I owed him a life debt. I took a deep breath and decided this would be the last thing I would sacrifice. His words afterward helped me.
“If you do this for me, I promise I will make you my mate on your eighteenth birthday. That will also be the day I will officially have you accepted into the pack.”
“Don’t worry, I will do it.”
“Also…” Trenton’s voice had trailed off and I didn’t think his request could get much worse.
“As you know, all my funds are tied into the pack and company. The surgery will cost over five hundred thousand.”
My jaw dropped at his words. I have never heard of a kidney transplant costing that much. I intended to investigate it because the amount was insane. When I heard Trenton call my name a few times, I quickly agreed and promised I would come to the hospital as soon as I collected the funds.
After I got off the phone with Trenton, I called the hospital, and they confirmed that the cost of surgery was what Trenton said. The exact amount was a little strange. Last year, Trenton’s uncle gave me four hundred thousand, but I haven’t touched it. I would need to take out a hundred-thousand-dollar loan, but the rest was the exact amount I had in my savings account.
At the time, I didn’t put too much thought into it, because after I went to get a loan, I was called by the doctor, and they told me that Trenton went into shock. With the money in hand and a hefty repayment percentage, I hurried to the hospital.
It had been afternoon by the time I arrived and was rolled into surgery with Trenton so I could give him a kidney. Before surgery, I had tried to find a different donor, because I was told if I went through with the surgery, I might not be able to receive my wolf on my eighteenth birthday. Due to how weak my body would be, my wolf wouldn’t be able to come out and I may never receive my wolf.
While I was hesitating, Trenton kept urging me, and then went into shock. The doctors then told me if I didn’t make a decision now, Trenton would die. As much as I hated to give up my chance of meeting my wolf for the first time, I felt as if I owed Trenton.
So, I went into surgery and let the doctors cut me open. When I woke up after surgery, I was told I would need to leave the hospital unless I could pay to stay at the hospital. Apparently, the funds I had paid were only for Trenton and his hospital stay. Now I also had a hospital bill on top of everything else.
When I left the hospital, I felt as if everything was falling apart, and I didn’t understand what was going on. Despite just having surgery, I called all three of my jobs and they refused to let me come in until I healed. On the plus side, they agreed to give me paid time off, equivalent to full-time hours.
It wouldn’t put a dent in my debt, but at least I would be able to recuperate at home and get supplies from the store. After leaving the hospital, I went to get a chicken and vegetable soup for Trenton. I was told he wasn’t awake from his surgery, but I wanted to get it for him for when he was hungry.
After returning to the hospital, my world shattered when I overheard the conversation coming from inside his hospital room.
“I don’t know if you are a genius or just plain cruel Trent.” Bryce Miller, Trenton’s second best friend, laughed.
“He is a genius.” Glenn Beck, Trenton’s best friend, commented with a hearty chuckle. “I am curious what Zira will do when she learns that her kidney ended up in the trash.”
At first, I wasn’t sure if I was hearing their conversation properly until I leaned against the door and continued listening. No matter how hard I tried to talk myself out of what I was hearing was my head playing tricks on me, reality slowly sank in. The soup I was holding dropped to the ground and a numbing chill fell over me.
“She would probably thank me.” Trenton responded with a firm voice, that definitely wasn’t someone who just woke up from surgery. “Zira is the biggest idiot I know. Regardless of how mean I am to her, she follows me like a lost puppy. If I tell her to go west, she wouldn’t dare go east.”
“Yeah, but you made it so she won’t be able to shift. Plus, you stole all her money. It was one thing to get her to give you the money your uncle gave her, but I heard she also got a loan and emptied her bank account.” Bryce snickered. “Don’t get me wrong, I think this is hilarious, but I do think you might have taken this a little too far.”
“I don’t care. I have no intention of allowing her to become a member of my pack. After ten years, she still can’t figure out that she is nothing but a joke to me.” Trenton scoffed. “If anyone is to blame, she should blame herself for being stupid. She even thinks I was the one who saved her.”
My breath stalled in my chest at his words. If he wasn’t the one who saved me, who was? Also, if he hadn’t saved me, did that mean I have been blindly wasting my life away for someone who didn’t deserve it? He was right about one thing, at this point, I could only blame myself.
Zira-“There are seasons in that cabinet.” Axton motioned toward the cabinet under the counter, to the grill's right.The outdoor kitchen patio was a bit of modern design mixed with rustic charm. Sleek stainless steel appliances gleam against countertops with rugged natural stone. There was also a reclaimed wood island, anchored to the space, but giving ample room to maneuver. Its weathered texture added a hint of history.Overhead was a pergola, which cast slight shadows over the patio. It didn’t cover the entire area, but its natural wood matched the wood patio, and stones in different shades, making up the pillars. It only covered half of the kitchen area, leaving an open sky to be able to enjoy the stars at night or the warmth of the sun during the day.Dangling from the pergola were many fairy lights, which I imagine would give this space a different feeling when the sun dipped below the horizon, and the stars came out. To top everything off, there was a hint of florals, which wa
Zira-My sense of sight, with the way he focused intently as he gently massaged my sides and stomach. His brow furrowed deeply, with eyes narrowed in concentration. His body was slightly tense, with his movements deliberate and precise. He seemed completely oblivious to everything around him and absorbed in his task.My sense of touch, with the gentle caress of his hands sending waves of pleasure through me, almost causing me to tremble under his touch. The warmth of his hands, and how I imagined what his hands would feel like on other parts of my body.My sense of smell, with the hint of cedar and pine scent on him. It wasn’t overpowering, but the aroma evoked a sense of ruggedness and the outdoors, which made me wonder if he had gone for a run with his wolf when I was at school. There was a slightly smoky and resinous quality, suggesting an earthly presence.My sense of hearing, by the way his breath was deep and steady. It was almost imperceptible. A quiet rhythm, with his intense
Zira-“So, how is she?” Axton asked an hour later, after Tessa stepped away, having completed my examination.“Well, she doesn’t have any broken bones, but she does have some severe bruising and muscle tension.” Tessa stripped the medical gloves off her hands and tossed them into the trash. “I have some ointment and medication that can help with that.”“I didn’t break a rib?” I asked, as I gently placed my hand where my ribs hurt.“My portable x-ray showed no fractures or breaks, but if you would feel better with complete imaging, I can take you to the hospital.” Tessa continued to put away her medical supplies while setting an unmarked pill bottle and tube on the bedside table. “I did notice that the muscles around your ribs are cramped and bruised, which is likely what is causing you pain.”“No, I trust you.” I pressed my fingers against my ribs and did feel like there was a knot there. “I just wanted to be sure.” I removed my hand from my side rib cage and placed it on my lap.“You
Zira-“Okay, well, you can either take the rest of the day off or head to class. I am going to take Zira home. Would you mind informing Jeremy?” Axton said as he scooped me in his arms, cradling me against his chest.“No problem!” Sammy moved toward the door. “I am going to head to class so I can keep up with Zira. I want both of us to get into the Academy together.” Sammy then rushed from the room, while waving her hand over her head.“Let’s go home.” Axton spoke as he carried me out of the office.Normally, I wouldn’t mind if he carried me like this, but as we entered the hall, I quickly hid my face in his shoulder. Students were present in the hall, and it was imperative that I remain inconspicuous when Axton assumed the role of the new principal. I wasn’t looking forward to them knowing that Axton was married to a student. That just sounded completely inappropriate and ridiculous.“What’s wrong?” Axton asked as if he were completely oblivious to the obvious stares as we walked pas
Zira-My eyes turned to Allie, who was now huddled in the corner of the office, with fear glistening in her green eyes. I was curious why she seemed to fear Axton, but one glance at Axton spoke volumes. He stood with his body tense, but ready to strike, with eyes that burned with an intensity, almost like an uncontrolled fire, ready to burn everything in its path.The air around him was thick, and that familiar feeling of rage moved through him, around him, and then through me. Tension radiated from his clenched jaw and fisted hands, with white knuckles. Axton’s gaze was locked on Allie, without the slightest waver. Only the slightest trembling moving down his body betrayed his unmasked fury.I felt this unconscious instinct to step retreat, but instead I stayed firmly by his side. I felt as if something was gathering inside of him, like a storm, or a dam that was about to burst and unleash something that would rattle the entire world. For the first time, I saw the true presence of hi
Zira-I don’t know why I didn’t sense him prior to his arrival, but I was happy to see him. Perhaps it was because of the level of drama or the fact that I was in a lot of pain. Thinking of my pain, I dipped my chin to hopefully hide my injuries. I didn’t know how extensive they were, but if Jeremy could notice the moment he saw me, Axton would too.“Axton Heath!” The principal shouted as he rushed toward Axton. “What brings you here? Are you here for Allie? She mentioned that Trenton would be picking her up, but if he is busy, I guess he would ask his uncle. Why don’t you take a seat? Do you want something to drink? I hope you don’t mind, but we are still dealing with an issue, but I promise I will make it quick.”I didn’t see Axton’s expression, but I heard Jeremy scoff and mutter under his breath. “Idiot.”“Oh? What is the problem?” The sarcasm was thick in Axton’s voice, and it took me a lot of effort not to look up at him.“A student injured your nephew’s girlfriend, and it refus
Zira-When the principal hung up the phone, he turned his attention to me and the others. “Now that is settled, I want everyone to tell me what happened and why you were fighting in the cafeteria.”Sammy, Leo, and Linda all started talking at the same time. I stayed quiet because I didn’t see the point in explaining anything. It was clear the principal had something against me. Also, based on his reaction to Leo and Sammy, I doubted he would believe anything I said.He did seem to sympathize with Allie, as he brought a chair for her to sit on. I was the one with blood dripping from my mouth and struggling to stand, but he didn’t care. If not for Sammy, I don’t know how I would manage to keep upright.“How are you feeling?” The principal asked Allie. “Do I need to call the school nurse?”“No, I am fine.” Allie smiled sweetly at the principal, and it kind of looked as if she was flirting with him. “Trenton will pick me up in a bit to take me to the hospital.”“That’s good.” The principa
Zira-I tried to rack my brain for how to defuse the situation, but nothing came to mind. Everyone was either insulting me or insulting the alternative students in general. Some even continued to make insults about Axton. That was my biggest issue, but I felt as if this was getting out of hand.“Linda, it is fine. Just help me up.” Allie told the girl.Linda stopped worrying about Sammy and gave her attention to Allie. She attempted to help Allie to her feet, along with another female student. With two people to help her, she almost got to her feet but then dropped to the ground again.“You need to apologize!” Linda redirected her attention to me while the other girl comforted Allie.“I won’t apologize for something I didn’t do.” I shrugged and wondered why no one could see how fake Allie’s tears were now.The tears Allie had shed earlier had dried up, but her sobs were louder and more realistic, except for the absence of tears. My focus was on Allie, so when Linda pushed me, I didn’t
Zira-“Zira, I didn’t know you started at Acadia. How have you been? I haven’t seen you since your birthday.” Allie moved toward me, with his voice coming out as a sweet melody.I was bewildered by the sudden change for a moment, and I even thought she was genuine. The way she smiled, spoke, and even wrapped her arms around me when she stopped in front of me almost made me believe she was truly happy to see me. I didn’t return her hug but just stood there in shock.“It is so good to see you.” Allie spoke loud enough for almost everyone in the cafeteria to hear.Murmurs moved through the rooms in waves, with some commenting on how Allie was hugging an Alt kid. Some admired Allie’s sweetness and how she was the best person at the school. A few also commented that they didn’t know why Allie was treating me like this, considering everything I did.I don’t know what I did, but I had a feeling that Allie might have spread a few rumors about me. Since I didn’t know what was going on and I wa
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