The Beginning: White Lilies, page 8
“Z, think, Lily is too frightened, I won’t be able to get near her to get her out. Decide, would you rather take care of Caleb or Lily?” James asked in a careful tone. He nodded over to where I was under one of the tables, trembling. Zach looked over at me then back at Caleb. “Trust me to take care of him, Z.” Zach finally took a deep breath and nodded.
He flung Caleb towards James and he hit the wall with a nauseating crunch. “Come on mongrel, let’s get you to the Lodge.”
“I told Abby we had to head home and she found a ride with someone else,” James told us.
Zach nodded again. Then James tossed a knocked-out wolf through the window and bounded out behind him.
“Come on, il mio bel fiore, come out I won’t hurt you,” Zach said while kneeling to see where I was beneath the table.
I sniffed and my wolf seemed to like the scent. He smelled safe, he smelled like pack. I gradually edged my way out. Still too scared and edgy to shift. He didn’t move, just remained knelt down with his hands out in a safe gesture. Once in front of him, I just stood there, head bowed, and tailed tucked. Wolf in me felt humiliated at being dominated by someone other than her mate.
“Oh, little flower, don’t, please, it wasn’t your fault.” He crooned tenderly to me. That’s right, he can read minds when we’re in wolf form. I tucked a little closer to him and he put his head against mine. I breathed him in and started to relax a little, he felt safe.
“That’s right il mio bel fiore, you're safe with me, let’s get you out of here.” He lifted me up. Not too hard to do seeing as I was the smallest of the other wolves. And leaped out the window with me in his arms. He sat me in the front seat of my neon and drove me home.
Chapter 12
He opened the door for me and I jumped out of the car and went to my front door and waited. Zach knocked, and after a moment my dad answered. He just stood there for a long minute.
“No, God no.” My dad whispered. I didn’t understand. He knew I was a wolf, he said he loved me and I wasn’t like them. I let out a slight whimper. “No,” Dad said. “I believed I could handle this, but... seeing you like this Lily, I just can’t do it.”
“Jimmy, she is the same sweet girl, still your daughter,” Zach said softly. I could feel my heart drop.
“I’m sorry... give me time to get used to the to the idea,” Dad said softly without looking at me. He couldn’t seem to look at me at all. Where was I supposed to go? All my clothes and stuff are here. “It’s different seeing it in person.”
“You’re being a fool, Jimmy,” Zach said sharply, putting a hand on my head to calm me. Why is this happening?
“Just go, please, I can’t deal with this right now. When Lily was human I could pretend, she wasn’t wolf, but not with her like this.”
My dad turned away and I whined again, I now felt even more broken than before. Do I have no family now? Where do I go from here? No mom. My dad couldn’t even stand to look at me. Zach placed his hand on my head. Hearing my thoughts, he knew everything I was feeling.
“Let me go inside and grab a few of her things then, she can stay at the Lodge, Connor, I, James, and few others stay there. But Jim, be warned, one day you will regret this and it may be too late, she may not be able to get past this type of abandonment from you. You could lose your daughter for good this time.”
Dad finally looked at me then swiftly away. “Take whatever she needs, I just need time. I still love you, Lil. I just can’t handle this. The night your mom left was when I saw her wolf form to, it’s just not natural.”
“Neither is a father ready to give up his flesh and blood because she’s different.” Zach snarled, then marched through the house to my room.
I waited outside I didn’t want to be near my father right now. I didn’t want to be where I wasn’t wanted. Gosh, I knew we weren’t close, but I never thought this could happen. This wolf thing is new to me too! I walked over by the road, laid down, and thought about what I would do now. No family, no nothing. I didn’t wait long before a truck showed up. I yelped and slid under the neon.
“Whoa there, Lily. It’s just me, James. I came to pick you and Zach up.” He knelt beside me., his eyes sad. “I’m so sorry Lily, but we will take care of you. When Zach called, I talked to Connor. They are already preparing you a room. Right beside Zach’s so you can feel safe. My room is across from you. So, you won’t have to worry, nobody is getting through Zach and me.” I rubbed my head on his out-stretched hand. Saying thank you.
I heard the front screen on the house open but I didn’t look up. I didn’t want to see the dad who deserted me for the second time. I knew when he went six years without coming to visit it had something to do with me. James went and helped Zach with my mess and they piled it in the back. I knew I should have helped them, after all, it was my stuff, but I couldn’t put any will power into it.
“Lily, it’s okay we don’t mind helping you.” He got down to where I was still laying and looked in my eyes. “You are family now. The pack is your family. James and I are your family.”
“Yep, and be prepared because I plan on teasing you like a little sister.” Teased James.
I couldn’t bring myself to enjoy the humor yet. But I began to make my way out from under the neon.
“That’s it il mio bel fiore, let’s get you home,” Zach said sympathetically. He lifted me in the truck and got on the driver’s side with James on the passenger seat, leaving me in the middle. I rested my head in Zach’s lap and fell asleep.
I woke when the truck stopped. We were at the Lodge, James was already out carrying some of my stuff in. Zach got out and paused for me to do the same. Then he shut the door and grabbed the rest of my stuff, I followed him in- staying at his heels. We strolled through the halls as he led me to what was to be my room. Connor was standing in the room directing some people where my belongings should go.
He turned when he heard us enter. “Lily, I’m sorry your father is being so ignorant. He will regret letting such a treasure go.” He said delicately.
I just ambled in the attached bathroom, nudged the door shut climbed in the tub and laid down.
“How long has she been a wolf?” I heard Connor question.
“Not too long, an hour and a half, maybe two,” Zach replied softly. “She will let me know when she wants to shift back if she can’t do it on her own yet.”
“Alright. I’ll leave you two alone. Call me if you or she needs anything.” Connor said still quietly, I don’t think they knew I could hear them.
“Thanks, Connor,” Zach said then I heard the bedroom door shut.
I could hear Zach trying to help unpack some of my stuff, drawers opening and shutting, the closet door opening. I got up and scratched at the bathroom door and Zach opened it, giving me a sad look. I jumped on the bed and laid down.
“I’ll let you get some sleep, I’ll be right next door,” Zach said heading to the door. I stood swiftly, panicking. I don’t want to be left alone in a strange room. “OK, calm down,” Zach said walking back over to me. I was still making whining noises I couldn’t seem to control. “Lily, settle. I won’t leave you alone.”
I whined once more and rubbed my head against his side then settled back on the bed. He sat in a chair that was located in the corner near the bed.
“Go to sleep Lily. I won’t leave, I promise.” He sounded so genuine I fell asleep almost instantaneously.
Chapter 13
I was late getting home, we went out to celebrate after our swim team just won the finals. It was a dream night, perfect. We moved so much I never really had time to make real friends, and I never did really fit in anywhere but swimming. But that night we won and I wasn’t just the weird kid, I was a team mate. I finally got home around eleven that Friday night. Only to be stopped by firemen. I ran past them screaming moms name, I could hear her ear-splitting cries from upstairs. The entire house was up in flames. The firemen seized me from behind, while I was crying and calling for my mom. I could smell the smoke, feel the heat of the blaze, I could hear my mom’s screams and they slashed through my heart.
I shot out of bed sobbing. Another nightmare, reliving that horrifying night. I couldn’t catch my breath. I shifted back to human without even comprehending. I heard someone moving over the cries coming out of me. Zach placed a blanket around me, not having any clothes on. Then pulled me into his lap rocking me back and forth.
“It’s alright il mio bel fiore, there wasn’t anything you could have done. It wasn’t your fault. I could sense your terror through your dream. You’re okay, it was a nightmare.” He whispered to me still rocking me gently. His voice was soft, soothing.
I couldn’t seem to stop crying. I lost my mom and now my dad, I am alone. Zach holding me, it was starting to quiet me down a bit. But I understood then that I would never be the same. I am tired of being weak and the one to get hurt all the time. It was time to change things.
“Zach,” I said quietly. “Will you teach me to fight?”
He must have understood because he didn’t argue he just said, “Yes I will teach you to be a strong wolf, il mio bel fiore.” I fell asleep in his arms shortly thereafter.
I awoke alone, a little disappointed Zach wasn’t there I got up and hunted my clothes down. I dressed in a simple black long sleeve dress with ballet flats. It was comfy and I needed that. I didn’t know what to do or my way around so I slowly opened my door and peeked out. There was nobody out there so I edged my way down the hall carefully. It led into the food hall. James was there, eating what looked like enough to feed a small army.
“Hey there Lil,” he called when he saw me. “Zach’s in his room to shower and change, he will be here shortly.”
I walked over and sat next to him, glad to be with someone I knew. He handed me a plate of food and got up and brought me a glass of milk.
“Thank you,” I told him, not really hungry but appreciative for everything the two boys did for me.
He nodded and then directed me to eat. I picked at more than I ate but, he didn’t seem to notice. He was looking at my hand. My hand was no longer wrapped due to me shifting, it was already healing thanks to werewolf shift heals but it was stiff, swollen, and bruised. Which probably meant it was broken before I shifted. I put my hand in my lap under the table and he gave me a sharp look. I ducked my head and played with my food.
“Hey there il mio bel fiore, how are you this morning?” Zach asked from behind me, making me jump.
He laughed and sat down next to me. “So today it’s Saturday and you wanted to learn to fight.” He looked at me and gave me a smirk.
I nodded, “I’m tired of being the victim Zach. I don’t need to be a dominant but I don’t want to be walked all over either, I just want peace.”
He nodded at me then said, “Tell you what, you tell me what happened to your hand like you said you would then we will train you.”
“That’s extortion!” I squealed. Jeez! Devious wolf!
James snickered. “That’s what it’s like to be mated to an alpha.”
“I thought Connor was the Alpha,” I said confused.
“He is, temporarily, but the magic is mine by right. When I turn eighteen in a few weeks it will be formally handed back to me.” Zach informed me. “But now, let’s not change the subject. Hand.” He narrowed his eyes at me and I groaned.
I told him the whole story of what happened with Sue in the locker room. Including Abby and I trying to hide it for a while. I made sure to tell him she didn’t want to. She was just as mad at Sue. By the time, I finished he was growling softly. He took my hand tenderly and looked it over. I flinched when he touched a tender spot. He kissed my hand and stood up and walked off. Well, where is he going?
“Zach!” I called. What is he going to do? I didn’t want to cause more problems.
“Leave him, this is what alphas do, they protect what is theirs,” James told me.
He told me we couldn’t train till my hand healed, so I headed back to my room and started unpacking. I came upon the picture of mom and me at the fair and tears fell down my cheeks. I missed her, more than anything. I can’t believe she never told me any of this. As much as I missed her I couldn’t help blaming her a little. All this wolf stuff might not have been so hard had I known years ago.
Abruptly my door opened, Sue walked in with her hands behind her back with Zach behind her. She was looking at the floor and very clearly had been crying. “I am very sorry for what I did. It will never happen again.” Then Zach propelled her out of the room and shut the door.
“Things will get better now that I have dealt with Caleb and Sue.” He expressed, sitting down beside me. I appreciate that he wants to protect me from everyone. But I can’t help but think how many complications I am causing. He held my hand in his and we just sat there. Not needing to say anything, just taking comfort in each other’s company.
“There is another pack meeting tonight,” Zach told me after a while. I just nodded. “I have to be there, but if you want to bow out tonight, I will understand.”
I shook my head, “No, I want to stay with you.” I told him honestly.
He looked pleased then nodded once. “Very well.”
We sat there awhile longer just enjoying the quiet. I was so tired, not physically, just emotionally. I laid down on the bed and drew Zach down next to me. I hadn’t told anyone that my birthday was tomorrow and now all I could think was that my mom, or my dad, won’t be with me to celebrate it. I cuddled closer to Zach and placed my head on his chest. The sound of his steady heart beat and the slow circles he rubbed on my back was soothing and I slowly started to drift off again.
I woke up to a knock at the door. “Uh, guys if you plan on making it to the meeting you might want to shake a leg,” James said then closed the door softly behind him.
Disappointed that I had to move I sighed. Zach chuckled softly and rolled on top of me, supporting himself on his arms. My breath caught. He looked down at me and his amber eyes had that scorching spark. He put one hand on my cheek and leaned down, I closed my eyes...
“Come on move it!” James shouted through the door. Zach rumbled but rolled off me and I shot off the bed. Oh, my goodness!
“Come on, before James has a fit,” Zach said holding a hand out. The warmth still in his eyes.
I placed my hand in his and let him lead me out of the room. Once outside the room, Zach gave James a playful thump on the arm. James acted like it wounded him, laughed and ran on ahead to the meeting room. I stayed at Zach’s side hand in hand until we got to the room, where he let go of my hand, pecked me on the forehead and went to stand alongside Connor. All the wolves were still in human form, but they looked shocked at the affection Zach showed towards me. I flushed and kept my head down.
Connor began the meeting by speaking to the wolves, “Alright we had two wolves disciplined today for harming one of our own, as was Zach’s right. I will say it again; Zach will be your alpha in two weeks, I will step down and retire from the pack. There is a good chance young Lily here will be your alpha’s mate, attacking her is not a way to stay in good standing. Need I remind you that you must have a pack until your alpha releases you, and never before the age of forty. Now with that said, let us commence the change!”
It went the same as the last meeting. All the wolves changed. Mine went quicker and less painfully, as it seems to do the more I make the change. Connor went around and presented his dominance, to everyone but me. Zach in his huge pure black wolf form came up to me. I rolled over just like the last time we had done this. I raised my head and gave him access to my throat. He positioned his jaw over the tender part, and it was tender tonight, thanks to Caleb. But Zach didn’t put any pressure, then he leaned up and licked where he had held my throat. He stepped back and waited for me. I rolled over, stood and shook out my fur.
Connor let out a loud commanding bark then the pack followed him out to the woods. I stayed close to Zach the whole run. With my wolf mostly in charge, she thought sticking with Zach was best and my human side agrees. The members separated after a while and went and did their own thing. Zach and I headed off towards a nearby creek. When we got there, he made me drink first then he slipped beside me and drank his fill. Then we hunted, well, Zach hunted I followed and tried to learn. He nudged me to eat first then joined me. When we were finished, we walked over to the creek to clean off and rest.
He stepped over to the edge and I pushed him in the water with my nose. He let out a yip and jumped out. He stalked me playfully, tail in the air he pounced. I tried to jump away but I was no match for him. He, of course, pinned me. We played like this for a long while, I never managed to pin him, but after about an hour I had managed to make myself harder to catch. It dawned on me then this was one of his ways of training me. I trotted to the creek and stretched out on the ground. Zach settled in next to me putting his head on top of mine. We weren’t like this long though before Connor called all the wolves back. We sprinted over in that direction, I went and snagged a sun dress, while Zach got him sweat pants. I headed over to the trees and Zach followed knowing I still have trouble changing back. He shifted while my back was turned and put on his sweats. He closed his eyes and put one hand on my back while I let the change take over with his help. Finished but still panting, I slipped on the dress and touched his shoulder, till he opened his eyes. Then he took my hand and led me back inside with everyone else. Still tired even though we had a small nap, I told him I was going to head to bed.
“Sweet dreams, il mio bel fiore.” He told me kissing my forehead.
I loved the feeling I got when he was with me. I smiled at him and headed to my room. I jumped in my bathroom to take a shower first. Put on my pajama bottoms with cupcakes all over them, they are one of my favorites, then a red tank and settled into my bed.
I shot out of bed covered in sweat, another nightmare. I walked into the bathroom and splashed some water on my face. I hate this. I hate feeling so lost all the time. I looked in the mirror and thought about how nice it would be if Zach really could fix me. My wolf was too close to the surface. My bright green eyes were letting off a soft glow, the effect of the nightmare. I turned off the bathroom light and walked back to my bed climbing in. I tried to get back to sleep but all I could see where the visions of the fire and the sounds of screams. I got back up and quietly opened my door. I edged to the room next to mine, the door was cracked. So, I opened it a little more, feeling like an idiot.
