Zoe awoke in her bed the following day, surprised to find herself there. She hadn't even realized she had drifted off to sleep. It was evident that Jackson had taken care to tuck her in. Her last memory was of lying against Jackson while watching a movie. She had intended to ask Jackson about going for a run today. Athena, her wolf, was growing restless and needed to stretch her legs.
Rising from the bed, she wore comfortable clothes and entered the dining room. She noticed Jennifer standing near the dining area, attempting to flirt with Chris. She laughed inwardly; Jennifer would flirt with anyone, but her efforts were wasted on Chris - she simply wasn't his type. No woman was his type. Upon entering the dining room, she immediately spotted Jackson. He held up two cups of coffee, indicating he had gotten one for her. She couldn't suppress the smile that spread across her face. This man truly knew the way to her heart.
Eric and Beth were at the table serving themselves food. She gave them both warm hugs and wished them good morning. She filled her plate and told Beth she wanted to speak with her later.
"That better include me," her sister's voice called out.
She hadn't noticed her sister approach; she was busy preparing a plate for Junior.
"Of course it does," she replied with a smile.
"Bring Azria; we can meet after breakfast. Clean up outside," she suggested.
"That's perfect; it will give the kids some time to burn off their energy," her sister agreed.
"It's a date," Beth confirmed.
She took her plate and settled next to Jackson.
"How did you sleep?" Jackson inquired.
"Great," she responded.
"Jackson, can I ask you something?" she ventured.
"Yes, anything," Jackson assured her.
"How do I get a job here?" she asked him.
Jackson's fork clattered to his plate. He was clearly taken aback by her question. He appeared to be struggling with some internal conflict. Finally, as he retrieved his fork, he spoke.
"Why do you want a job?" he questioned.
"Oh, I need money; I need to buy other things I need," she explained.
"I have money and will buy you whatever you want," he stated firmly.
"No, I couldn't do that; I still need to pay you for the clothes you bought me," she insisted.
Jackson released a low growl, his eyes darkening to black. She had learned this meant his wolf was surfacing.
"You are my mate; it is my job to care for you," he declared.
She recoiled slightly, hurt by both his tone and expression. His demeanor was beginning to frighten her. He seemed to notice this, and his eyes quickly returned to their standard, beautiful blue shade.
"Zoe, please forgive my reaction," Jackson spoke softly. "My wolf felt challenged, believing I wasn't providing adequately for you. As Luna, your role is to lead alongside me, and providing for you financially is my responsibility. Please understand that my resources are substantial, and as my Luna, half of everything belongs to you."
She remained uncertain about Jackson's explanation. She informed him of her plans to spend time with her sister.
"The king is your destined mate," her sister declared immediately.
Beth and Azria released simultaneous shrieks of surprise.
"The king is your what?" they exclaimed in unison.
She settled in to share the full story with them. It felt liberating to finally voice everything aloud. She explained her inability to fully sense the mate bond. However, she noted how it gradually strengthened as she embraced her emerging powers.
"I've always known you were extraordinary," Katelynn remarked proudly.
"I sensed a unique energy within you," Beth admitted.
"Remember what I said about The Garden of Eve only welcoming powerful witches," Azria added.
She stood silently before them, feeling somewhat uncomfortable with the flood of praise.
"Now, can we discuss that gorgeous mate of yours?" Katelynn teased, her eyebrows dancing suggestively.
"Really, Katelynn," she responded, rolling her eyes.
Their collective laughter filled the air.
Suddenly, a piercing scream shattered the moment. They jumped to attention, and she instructed Katelynn to secure the children's safety. Beth and Katelynn rushed toward the playground to gather the children. Azria remained in the garden, attempting to locate the source of the screams.
The wail of sirens pierced the air as voices called for everyone to seek shelter in the pack house.
"We need to go, Zoe," Azria urged.
As she prepared to leave, something caught her attention.
"Go ahead, Azria," she instructed. "I'll follow shortly."
Her eyes widened as she spotted a wolf pursuing another injured wolf. The wounded creature stumbled toward the garden, and she recognized it as Erica. Without hesitation, she shifted forms and intercepted the attacking wolf before it could strike again. Though uncertain of her fighting abilities, she was determined to protect Erica.
She maneuvered away from Erica, drawing the attacker's attention. The wolf followed, lunging repeatedly. She dodged but wasn't quick enough to avoid a painful strike to her side. His claws tore into her flesh, and despite her efforts to remain silent, a whimper escaped her lips. As the wolf circled for another attack, she noticed Dustin engaged in combat with another wolf. Questions raced through her mind about these mysterious attackers. Her momentary distraction cost her; the wolf had already launched another assault. Weakened by blood loss, she braced herself for impact. Suddenly, a massive black wolf - Jackson - intercepted the attack with a thunderous growl, his eyes blazing with murderous intent.
Gamma Max advised her to shift forms to facilitate medical treatment. He turned away, tossing a shirt on the ground for her modesty.
After shifting, she informed Max he could turn around. The sight of her intact clothing surprised them - a peculiarity she now recognized as an early sign of her unique nature. Max commented on the practical benefits of her fey heritage regarding clothing preservation. Despite his warnings about her injuries, she attempted to stand.
Her stubbornness proved costly as her strength rapidly diminished. Just as consciousness began to slip away, Jackson's voice reached her ears. "I got you," he assured, catching her before she could collapse.
"Max, handle this situation. Deal with the rogue and investigate their origin," Jackson commanded sharply while carrying her to safety.
"Erica," she whispered weakly.
"Cole has her at the hospital," Jackson responded, his voice betraying irritation and concern for her well-being.
They arrived at the hospital, where Jackson's authoritative presence commanded immediate attention from the staff. A nurse guided them to a treatment room, where he carefully placed her on the examination table. The sterile environment was illuminated by harsh fluorescent lights, and the sharp antiseptic scent permeated the air. A medical professional in her forties entered the room, her demeanor radiating expertise and authority.
"I am Dr. Gregory, though most know me as Racheal," the doctor introduced herself, her experienced eyes quickly assessing the patient's condition.
"I'm Zoe," she responded, an involuntary nervous laugh escaping her lips. "A dog attacked me." The peculiarity of her statement made her chuckle despite her weakened state.
"I believe I might have lost considerable blood, doctor," she added, giggling uncontrollably through her discomfort.
Racheal's eyebrow arched knowingly. "That's likely the effect of the medication in your IV," she explained with professional gentleness. "Let me examine your injury."
Her examination was methodical and precise. "The wound isn't as critical as it could have been," she observed reassuringly. "You'll need stitches, but recovery should be smooth." She then directed a nurse to gather the necessary supplies for wound care.
"What's the origin of these rogues?" Racheal questioned, her gaze shifting to Jackson, who maintained his protective stance.
"Their source remains unknown, as does their method of breaching our borders," Jackson replied grimly. "They nearly claimed the lives of both the Beta Mate and my mate."
"How's Erica doing?" Zoe asked, her speech slurring from the medication's influence.
"Thanks to your intervention, she's recovering well," the doctor assured her with a compassionate smile.
"You'll never attempt such a dangerous act again, regardless of the circumstances," Jackson declared, his tone carrying an intensity that quickened her pulse.
The medication emboldened her, and Zoe playfully stuck out her tongue. Jackson's expression wavered between irritation and amusement, his deep eyes revealing both emotions.
He moved closer, gently tilting her chin upward. "Today could have cost you your life. Never repeat such actions. I cannot bear to lose you," he expressed, his words resonating deeply within her.
The medication clouded her judgment as she reached up to touch his face, feeling an electric connection at the contact. "You're beautiful," she blurted out, a drug-induced warmth spreading through her body.
"I'll take my leave now. The nurse will arrive shortly to complete your wound care," Dr. Racheal announced before departing, leaving them amid their charged interaction.
Jackson remained silent, his gaze fixed upon her.
"Goodbye, doctor, and thank you," she called out to the retreating physician.
Jackson settled into a chair beside the bed, maintaining his hold on her hand while watching her intently. His expression carried a distinct air of self-satisfaction.
"You find me attractive," Jackson states, conveying satisfaction.
"Indeed, and I desire to kiss you," she declares. Her hand flies to cover her mouth as laughter bubbles up. The words had escaped before she could contain them.
"Is that so," Jackson murmurs, his form leaning over her, his face drawing nearer.
"You wish to kiss me," he states, his voice low and intimate.
His proximity ignites an electric current between them. Heat courses through her body, and she experiences an unfamiliar sensation of dampness between her thighs. This feeling is entirely new to her. His presence has awakened something primal within her.
The nurse chooses this precise moment to enter the room.
Jackson's whispered promise in her ear about continuing this at home intensifies the wetness between her legs, causing her to press her thighs together. Jackson inhales sharply, his eyes darkening to obsidian as his fingers rake through his hair. "You will be my undoing," he mutters.
The nurse completes the stitching and grants her permission to leave. She's prescribed bed rest for the coming days, though the reasoning behind the healing timeline remains unclear.
Despite Jackson's protests, she insists on visiting Erica before departing. His complaints about getting her home and into bed cease with one pleading look from her.
Cole embraces her warmly but winces in pain, eliciting a warning growl from Jackson.
"My apologies, I momentarily forgot," Cole acknowledges.
She dismisses his concern, though Jackson clearly hasn't, maintaining a protective stance that prevents others from approaching her.
"How is she faring?" she inquires about Erica, concern evident in her tone.
"She's stable and recovering," he responds, his gaze fixed downward. "They've administered medication to help her rest." His words carry a weight of worry despite their reassuring nature.
Unshed tears glisten in Cole's eyes as he continues. "She would have perished if not for your intervention, Zoe." His voice quivers with emotion, revealing the profound depth of his connection to his mate.
"I couldn't forgive myself if harm befell her; I should have been present," Cole laments, his shoulders heavy with responsibility. "She shouldn't be confined here. I failed in protecting my mate." A solitary tear traces his cheek, betraying his inner turmoil.
She instinctively moves to comfort him, her hand suspended briefly in uncertainty. Jackson intervenes, placing a steadying hand on Cole's shoulder, offering silent support where words might prove inadequate.
"Cole, do not shoulder this burden," Jackson asserts, his voice carrying authority and compassion. "You are honorable, and your mate understands the depths of your devotion."
Cole inclines his head, though reluctance shadows his features, his spirit visibly weighted with remorse. "I must return her home to rest. I shall check on your condition later." His words carry determination, yet anxiety clearly ripples beneath his composed exterior.
Upon exiting the clinical confines of the hospital room, she turns to Jackson, her lips curving into a subtle smile. "I succeeded in saving the Beta Mate," she declares, a note of satisfaction threading through her words.
"You nearly forfeited your own life in the process," Jackson responds, his tone carrying a protective edge.
"You're being melodramatic, Alpha," she teases, perhaps infusing more defiance into her voice than intended. With fluid precision, Jackson lifts her from the wheelchair, cradling her against his chest as he begins their journey back to the pack house.
"I am perfectly capable of walking," she protests, shifting slightly in his embrace, caught between frustration and secret pleasure.
Yet, as they traverse the antiseptic corridors, she discovers unexpected solace in his hold. His strength and steadfast presence remind her that they fight not merely for survival but for love.
"This is your consequence for risking your life," he declares, his tone brooking no argument.
She notices passersby's curious glances, feeling heat rise to her cheeks. Finally surrendering to the moment, she encircles his neck with her arms and conceals her face against him.