Axton-Instead of leaving to let her eat alone, I stayed with her. I watched her for a bit, just because I enjoyed looking at her. It was even better seeing how she seemed to savor every bite of food, at least for a bit until the reality of it hit me.I had made breakfast for her and although I knew how to cook, it was basic skills. It was something that an average person would eat on a daily basis. Yet, Zira hasn’t lived an average life. For her, this might be the best meal she has had in ten years, which caused my heart to bleed.I had my friend investigate her past more, but it was difficult to find any information. The little they found was enough to know that she had lived on noodles and three-day-old bread for most of the time. Ramen was the only thing she had bought but the bread was from old bread she received from a bakery near one of her jobs.Prior to a few years ago when she started working at the job, I wondered if she had eaten anything else, aside from ramen. I had talk
Axton-“Students at that school come from old and new money. Although teachers care more about your grades and academic level, many students will expect you to have money and show it off. If you don’t, you might get bullied.” I reached into my back pocket, pulled out my wallet, and retrieved a black credit card with silver letters.She seemed confused when I handed it to her, so I explained what I meant by giving it to her. “This card doesn’t have a spending limit. If you are going to go to that school, you will need this. You can spend as much as you want. No matter how much you spend, you will never go over the limit.”I thought she might argue that it shouldn’t matter how much money she had, but instead, she stayed quiet for a long time, stared at the card, and chewed on her lower lip. I didn’t know what she was thinking about, but as his expression changed from one emotion to another, I knew it couldn’t be good.I knew some of the things that had happened to her over the years, bu
Axton-Even if Zira was my fated mate and the one who truly belonged to me, that didn’t mean I loved her. I will admit I feel something for her, want to be around her, take care of and protect her, but I can’t say I was in love with her. Maybe after getting to know who she truly is, I might know how I feel.Except, the idea of learning that I wasn’t in love with her, wasn’t something I wanted. At the same time, I didn’t know if I wanted to be in love with her either. I have been a walking contradiction since the moment I felt my wolf respond to her.If I was smart, I would stay away from her, but I have never claimed to be smart. I could break the fated bond, and find a chosen mate, so I could live like a normal werewolf, but the idea of losing my connection to Zira made me physically ill.I knew it was mostly my wolf rejecting the idea because only a fated mate could truly connect with a wolf. I’m not even allowed to get near a female unless my wolf senses they aren’t a threat. A few
Axton-It wasn’t just the type that made her blood unique. It was the healing and magical properties the blood had. There were a lot of unknown variables, but I did know that her blood could bring someone from the brink of death. It didn’t work on humans or anyone with that type of blood, but it worked on other supernatural creatures.Regardless of what kind of injury someone had, as long as they get even a drop of blood, they would be instantly healed. I knew that only because when I had been a small child, Zira’s mother had saved me. I had been in a car accident that had claimed my parents’ life and it would have claimed mine if not for the single drop of blood I had received.As for my parents, they had already been dead by the time Zira’s mother arrived. It had also been that day that had allowed me to save my fated mate. When someone receives the Valdez blood, a magical link connects them and the one who had been saved must repay a blood debt.It is both a blessing and a curse to
Axton-“My blood isn’t poisonous, but it might be to her.” I said since I didn’t know what kind of effect my blood would have on her, especially with her blood type.“What do you mean?” He asked.“She has a rare blood type.” I admitted and hoped he didn’t become too curious.“Don’t worry, since this won’t be entering her direct bloodline, neither of your blood types would matter.”That did make sense, so I was no longer concerned. “Okay, so what kind of risk are we talking about?”“The amount of blood I would need from you would be a lot. The ratio between blood and medicine is five to one. Since I would be doubling the dosage, I would need a pint of blood each time she takes the medication. She would also need to take the medication twice a day for two weeks, which is twenty-four pints of blood.”I didn’t know much about human anatomy, but I knew that even as werewolves it was similar. “Is that a lot?”“Considering our body on average only has eight to ten pints of blood in our body,
Zira-After Axton woke me up with another meal, I felt more energized than I had in a long time. Not because I was woken up with food, which was a plus, but because I was excited to start a new chapter in my life. Considering the conversation I had with Axton, prior to sleep, I also felt more confident.I did feel weird about it because I wasn’t used to someone wanting to take care of me, but I at least had a better mindset now. I also wasn’t as reluctant to accept help. It might be hard for me for a while, but if I wanted to turn my life around, I needed to try.After I finished eating, my mood improved a lot more. Not only did Jeremy come to discuss my future, but the other three tutors arrived as well. Instead of staying in my room with everyone, Axton had carried me down to the living room. I was extremely embarrassed, but it seemed as if I was the only one who noticed or cared.For the following hour, I got to know my tutors on a basic level, while Axton sat beside me and listene
Zira-For the following week, I felt like a robot. If I wasn’t sleeping or taking an occasional nap when my energy levels were down, I was studying. Three times a day, Axton would bring a meal for me, and he would force me to stop studying and eat. He wouldn’t leave me alone while I was eating, which kind of freaked me out.It would be different if he had a meal with me instead of watching me eat. Other than those three times, he would come to my room twice a day to give me a bowl of medicine that looked like blood but tasted of herbs. I had asked what it was, but he refused to tell me.He would also watch me drink the medicine and tell me every time that I had to drink it all. When I drank it in the morning, it wasn’t as bad. Before bed, however, was difficult because the taste wasn’t pleasant, and it was twice as much.Axton told me it was to speed up my healing, so I didn’t complain, since after two days of taking it, I did notice I felt much better. Doctor Tessa had even told me th
Zira-I welcomed the world to swallow me whole and I prayed that it would. Unable to look into Axton’s eyes any longer, I lowered my gaze to the floor. I knew he had found out certain things about these last ten years, but I never expected him to find out anything more.I might not know how much he has found out, but I wasn’t ready for him to talk about it and reopen those wounds. I also didn’t want him to know that despite everything his family did to me, I still hoped they would accept me as part of their family and welcome me into their pack.A sane person would likely run as far away from them as possible. As for me, nope. I had continued to hope. I had even dreamed of becoming Trenton’s mate. There were days I would even look forward to seeing Trenton and his parents, even if I knew that the outcome wouldn’t be good.“I don’t want to know what you found.” I mumbled softly.“Okay, but I do want you to know something.” Axton’s voice was tender and without looking up I knew he had m
Zira-Moving to sit at the dining area, I sat on the stool closest to Axton so I could get a better view of what he was doing. While he grilled, I asked a few questions, which he answered with ease. He also explained cooking and the differences between that and grilling.When he finished cooking, we sat beside each other and ate. Our conversation was light and completely random. We moved from topic to topic flawlessly while backtracking to return to another topic.It was the most peaceful meal I have ever had. The food was great, but the company was even better. It also helped that I stopped worrying about what may or may not happen between us. Just being able to be in the moment was like a breath of fresh air.“Are you still hungry?” Axton asked when we finished what was on our plates.“No, I am stuffed.” I leaned back on the stool and placed my hands on my stomach. “I think I might have overeaten.” I giggled softly.“Well, you know the best thing to do after eating a lot?” Axton too
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