ZOE
They enter the dining room and head for their seats at the front, where soft lighting bathes the elegant table settings in a warm, inviting glow. A server in her mid-thirties, dressed in a pristine black uniform, approaches with a welcoming smile and asks for their drink orders, her pen hovering over her notepad. She moves with practiced grace as she turns to Jackson, maintaining her professional demeanor. A steaming plate arrives before them, its enticing aroma filling the air just as the distinct sound of chair legs scraping against the hardwood floor breaks the ambiance. Their heart leaps at the sight of Erica; overwhelmed with emotion, they instinctively embrace her. She flinches in pain, her body going rigid, and this protective response draws a deep, menacing growl from Cole. The sound echoes through the room, raising goosebumps on their skin.
Erica, still confined to her wheelchair, is a constant reminder of the uncertainty that looms over them. The medical team's inability to guarantee her full recovery weighs heavily on everyone. She, once fiercely independent, now relies on others for even the most basic tasks. Cole, her unwavering partner, has taken on the role of her caregiver, his dedication evident in every tender gesture and concerned look.
"Mind what you're doing," Cole snaps, his voice cutting through the air with protective fury, his eyes blazing with barely restrained anger.
They are engulfed in waves of guilt, their hearts heavy with remorse for their thoughtless actions. They bow their heads in genuine contrition, their voices thick with emotion, as they express their deep regret to Cole and Erica.
Jackson's growl suddenly thunder from behind, more commanding and forceful than Cole's. They observe as Cole immediately lowers his head in submission, acknowledging Jackson's superior position in their pack hierarchy.
Choosing to defuse the tension, they focus intently on their plate, moving food around with their fork. Jackson's rage is tangible, radiating in intense waves they can almost physically feel. Cole's anger simmers beneath the surface. The strange intensity of sensing their emotions so clearly, as if they're physical entities in the air, feels overwhelming. Erica sits silently, her discomfort apparent in her stiff posture, and they can feel waves of melancholy flowing from her, pulling at their heartstrings.
After careful consideration, they decide to disregard Cole's protective stance. They place their hand gently on Erica's arm, the touch delicate as gossamer. The connection feels right, somehow significant.
They think, "If only the pain could be taken away," the thought brimming with sincere concern and compassion.
Erica's eyes meet theirs, a gentle smile softening her features. They both experience it in that moment - a warm, tingling sensation between their hand and her arm. Their gazes drop simultaneously to witness something extraordinary: a soft white light glowing between them, pulsing with gentle energy. This shared connection deepens their bond, making their hearts race with wonder and joy.
Though they have no concrete explanation for the phenomenon, they can feel Erica's condition improving through their connection. Her emotional state transforms before them, shifting from pain and sadness to an increasing sense of joy and wonder. The change is as apparent as watching the sun break through storm clouds.
When the mysterious light finally fades away, Erica's voice breaks the stunned silence, filled with awe and disbelief. "You healed me," she whispers, her words carrying through the now-silent dining room.
Jackson and Cole's voices merge in perfect unison as they exclaim, 'What?' Their shock is palpable in their identical responses, their eyes wide with wonder at the extraordinary event that just unfolded.
They remain frozen, staring at Erica in amazement, trying to process what happened. The realization hits them with crystal clarity - they used their Fey powers, a unique ability that allows them to heal and manipulate energy. The knowledge feels innate as if it's always been there, waiting to be discovered. This moment marks a significant step in their growth, realizing their true potential.
With newfound confidence, Erica pushes the wheelchair back from the table, her movements determined and sure. She begins to stand up, and Cole instantly appears beside her, his protective instincts kicking in as he tells her to be careful. But Erica, filled with renewed strength, pushes his helping hand away. "They healed me," she declares triumphantly as she rises to her full height, standing steady and strong. They are overwhelmed with a mix of disbelief, awe, and joy at the sight of Erica standing on her own.
A surprised gasp escapes their lips when she takes a confident step towards Cole, her movements fluid and natural, as if she had never been injured. Cole and Jackson wear identical expressions of shock and amazement, their eyes wide with wonder. Unable to contain his joy, Cole suddenly wraps them up in an enthusiastic bear hug and spins them around, the action pure celebration. This display of affection immediately triggers a warning growl from Jackson, his protective instincts flaring.
"Hands off, my mate," Jackson says, his voice low and commanding, leaving no room for argument.
"We are also going to have a conversation later about your actions earlier," Jackson adds, addressing Cole with an edge of authority in his tone.
Without further discussion, Jackson takes their hand firmly in his and leads them out of the dining room, his touch possessive and protective.
"What happened?" Jackson asks them as soon as they reach the relative privacy of the hallway, his voice urgent and filled with curiosity.
"That's what we wanna know," they hear behind them as Tyler, Ryker, and Danny approach, their footsteps echoing in the corridor as they join their impromptu meeting.
"They used their Fey powers," Erica says, still trying to fully comprehend the magnitude of what just occurred.
"Their what?" Ryker and Tyler exclaim simultaneously, their voices echoing with shock and disbelief. Their identical expressions of surprise would have been comical under different circumstances. Still, the gravity of the situation hangs heavy in the air.
Erica bites her lower lip, feeling guilty that she had completely neglected to inform them about this significant development. Her gaze shifts to Danny, who maintains his composure, showing no signs of surprise. She's almost certain Aliza had already filled him in on the details. Aliza had confided in Erica weeks ago about her inability to keep secrets from him, explaining how the mate bond creates an unbreakable connection that makes concealment nearly impossible. "When you're mated," she had told Erica, "keeping secrets feels like trying to hold water in cupped hands – it just slips through eventually."
Drawing a deep breath, Erica meets their questioning gazes. "Yeah, about that… I have quite a lot to catch you up with. Could we maybe find somewhere more private to talk?" Everything she needs to share feels too heavy for this hallway conversation.
"Let's go to my study," Jackson suggests, his voice carrying the natural authority that seems to come so effortlessly to him. His suggestion brings immediate relief—the study would provide the privacy they need for this delicate conversation.
They follow Jackson's lead through the winding corridors of the pack house, their footsteps echoing against the hardwood floors. When they enter the study, it is a warm, inviting space with rich wooden panels and comfortable leather furniture. They all settle into their seats as Jackson signals for refreshments to be brought in, the atmosphere thick with anticipation.
Once they're all comfortable, Erica begins her tale from the beginning, starting with the Garden of Eve. She wants her brothers to understand everything – every detail, every revelation, every moment that led to this discovery. As she speaks, she watches their expressions shift from confusion to understanding to something almost like recognition.
Tyler's gaze suddenly locks on Jackson, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Is it possible she had her powers before the virus?" The question comes from somewhere deep in his memory, carrying weight Erica doesn't understand.
Jackson's response is measured and diplomatic. "It may be; I will have to consult with Belinda." His words hang in the air, pregnant with possibility.
Ryker exchanges a meaningful look with Tyler, his expression knowing. "That would explain that night," he says, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes, it would," Tyler agrees, and something about their shared understanding makes Erica curious and slightly uneasy.
Erica recognizes the exact night they're referencing, though Jackson remains unaware. Interestingly, he refrains from probing further, choosing instead to observe her brothers' enigmatic conversation with careful attention. His calculated silence suggests he's mentally cataloging questions for a more intimate discussion later.
"Would it be possible to reach out to Belinda?" Erica inquires of Jackson, hoping to uncover more layers of this enigma.
"Indeed, it would be," he responds concisely before addressing her siblings. "Tyler, Ryker, you're dismissed. Tyler, Max has information awaiting your attention."
Her brothers depart from the study, leaving Erica alone with Jackson. As she rises to minimize the distance between them, Jackson pulls her onto his lap with unexpected tenderness. The swift motion elicits a surprised gasp from her, which Jackson silences with his lips against hers. The kiss resonates with profound passion and barely restrained desire. When they eventually separate, both struggling to steady their breathing, Jackson's eyes have darkened with yearning. "I've been fighting the urge to do that since we left the room," he admits, his voice thick with emotion.
Taking advantage of this intimate moment, she decides to raise the subject of a shopping expedition. Earlier discussions with Katelynn revealed her sister's desperate need for respite from maternal responsibilities and the children's requirement for wardrobe updates.
"Would you object to me going shopping with my sister and Aliza?" she ventures, her fingers unconsciously creating patterns on his chest. "I require new attire, and she needs to acquire items for the children."
Jackson responds by placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "That arrangement sounds ideal," he murmurs against her skin. "Additionally, you'll need to shop for something specific – there's an upcoming ball next week."
"A ball?" she echoes, surprise evident in her tone.
"Yes, the annual fall festival ball," he elaborates, his hands creating soothing, circular motions on her back. "We'll be hosting various alphas and their packs. It's also where I'll formally present you to the pack as my mate and Luna."
Her heart falters momentarily. "Does that mean you intend to mark me?" The question emerges unbidden, her voice carrying a mixture of anticipation and apprehension.
"No," he answers promptly, his tone gentle yet resolute. "That step won't occur until you feel completely prepared. My intention is to declare your significance in my life. You represent my future, my mate, my Luna-to-be, and I want our pack – indeed, the entire world – to acknowledge this truth."
"Oh," she whispers, moved by the sincerity in his declaration. His consistent prioritization of her comfort and respect for her boundaries, while simultaneously expressing his feelings with clarity, causes her heart to expand with affection.
"You belong to me, Zoe, and it's time you acknowledged that," Jackson's voice echoes with possessive dominance, causing tremors through her body. His mouth discovers the delicate area beside her lips, leaving whisper-soft kisses along her jawline. Each caress is purposeful, establishing his claim and declaring his ownership in the most personal manner imaginable. His gesture's blend of gentleness and authority reveals the depth of his emotions for her.
This man – her destined mate – awakens something primitive within her being. Each contact and kiss ignites her form, sending waves of electricity from her scalp to her feet. These sensations overwhelm her with their magnitude, unlike any previous experience. The unfamiliar yet welcoming desire building within her core startles her with its persistence. For the first time, she discovers herself yearning for physical connection, eager to explore every facet of their bond. The understanding that she genuinely desires intimate relations with him – a concept previously deemed impossible – simultaneously exhilarates and unnerves her.
Exhaustion manifests in a profound yawn, revealing her weariness from the day's emotional discoveries. Jackson immediately lifts her into his powerful arms, holding her against his chest as though she were weightless. The elevator journey to their level passes in silence, charged with unspoken intentions. Upon reaching their quarters, he places her down carefully, his touch lingering deliberately.
"I need a bath," she whispers, desiring the comforting embrace of warm water against her weary muscles.
"Not possible, Angel," Jackson replies with apologetic firmness. "Medical instructions require keeping those sutures dry. They'll be removed tomorrow, after which you can enjoy the tub as long as you desire." His words reflect a genuine concern for her recovery.
Though disappointed about the bath restriction, she settles for her preferred oversized garment and the inviting comfort of their bed. Despite her bath-related frustration, anticipation builds within her regarding tomorrow's shopping venture. The prospect excites her not merely for the shopping itself but for the opportunity to spend time with Katelynn and Aliza, experience normalcy, and prepare for the upcoming ball, where she'll be formally introduced as Jackson's mate and future Luna.