She's Awake

Malia

It's been two days since the patrol team found Victoria unconscious at the borders. She's been drifting in and out of consciousness since then.

Victoria's eyes fluttered open, her gaze filled with confusion as she took in her surroundings. Two days of drifting in and out of consciousness had left her disoriented, but one sight brought a flicker of surprise to her face - Zade, standing by her side.

I tried not to show my discomfort towards the relief that appeared on her face after seeing Zade.

For goddess's sake, Malia! She's injured. I silently chided myself for letting my jealousy and insecurities cloud my mind

I'm caught off guard when Victoria reaches out and pulls Zade into a loving embrace. My heart sank at the sight, realizing that their connection ran deeper than I had initially thought. But I pushed my feelings aside, reminding myself to be there for Zade.

As they held each other, Zade gently pulled away and began questioning Victoria, concern etched across his face. "Victoria, do you by any chance remember what happened to you?"

Victoria's voice trembled as she struggled to find the right words. "Zade, I don't remember much. It's all a blur. I remember getting attacked, and beaten up... and then everything went dark. The next thing I remember is waking up here. I'm just grateful to be alive." Victoria mutters weakly. My gaze remains on her.

I take a step closer to introduce myself and I notice Zade's grip on Victoria's hand tightened, his protective instincts kicking in. "We'll figure it out, Victoria. You're safe now. Just focus on healing."

Victoria nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Zade. And who is she?" she asks, glancing in my direction.

Zade turned towards me, a small smile playing on his lips. "This is Malia, she's my mate. She's been taking care of you while you were unconscious." Victoria's expression reveals nothing of how she may be feeling so I relax visibly.

I stepped closer again, offering a warm smile. "Hi, Victoria. I'm Malia. It's nice to meet you, although I wish it were under better circumstances. You're welcome to stay here for as long as you need. The pack doctor will take care of you. I'm here if you need me too."

Victoria's eyes were filled with appreciation as she looked between Zade and me. "Thank you, Malia. I'm grateful for your kindness."

"You're welcome. Zade and I will leave you to rest now," I tell her.

"If you don't mind, Malia. I think I'll stay here with, Victoria for some time." Zade says instead of standing up to follow me.

"Oh, no you don't have to. I'm fine."

"It's okay. I'll stay with you, at least until you go back to sleep."

I look between both of them, trying desperately to catch Zade's eye and see if he'll change his mind once he looks at me. When he doesn't I change my mind about leaving. "Oh, no worries then. I'm sure we can both stay."

"No, Malia it's fine. I'm sure you have Luna's duties to perform. It's fine if only Zade stays, I don't want to hold you back." She smiles sweetly and then at Zade

I chuckle awkwardly, "I assure you, you're not holding me back. I'd like to-"

"You don't have to, Malia. I'll join you soon." Zade cuts me off, instantly dismissing my decision to stay. I nod sadly before walking out and slamming the door harder than I intended.

I'm not this type of person. I'm not the girl that gets jealous about a woman.

"But this isn't any woman. It's his ex and probably his first love." My subconscious chirps making the entire situation worse.

I step outside of the house and inhale deeply before exhaling as I let the fresh air calm me.

I decide to take a quick walk around the pack grounds. Hopefully, when I come back my head will be clearer and I'll be much calmer.

As I draw closer to the training grounds, I can hear the sound of training weapons clashing accompanied by the grunts from the warriors that are training. I see Elder Zelda from a distance and before I can finish contemplating the path to take in avoiding her, she begins to walk toward me.

I ignore my thoughts, turn around begin walking in the other direction. "Luna!" she calls after me and I stop before facing her.

The way she smiles so sweetly it would be hard to believe she's one of the people conspiring to have Zade take another mate.

"Zelda!" I greet her with fake enthusiasm, also making sure to drop her title. She doesn't deserve it anymore. "How are you?"

"I'm fine, How are you? With everything going on? I heard Victoria is back," she smiles and looks away briefly.

I'm taken aback by the first name basis "Victoria. You know her?"

"Oh, yes!" She chuckles "All the Elders know her. We all watched those two grow together and fall in love, they're each other's first loves, I tell you." Zelda explains and my gut churns even more. "Such a shame what happened to her, you know. Those two were like two peas in a pod. It's a miracle she's back now and at such a time too." She stares at me as she says the last part.

"Hm," I mutter weakly. I can feel my doubts and insecurities weighing on me as her words ring in my head

"I was just telling my mate how none of us can mess with fate. No matter what happens, Fate always takes its toll."

I try to muster a smile but all I can do is stare blankly and blink back tears. I can't show Zelda that her words are getting to me. She wants a reaction, and she's not afraid to show me how happy she is that Victoria is back. I'm betting all the other Elders are happy about it too.

I'm sure they're already plotting ways to have her become-

No, Malia. You shouldn't think like that.

Trust, Zade.

"E-excuse me, Zelda. But I have to go." I mutter before turning the other way without sparing Zelda another glance or waiting to hear if she has anything else to say.

"Are you okay, Luna?" I hear Zelda calling from behind me but I don't stop speed walking to the house. "You look a bit pale." I can hear the joy of knowing she got to me in her voice laced with venom. But I don't stop until I get to the house I share with Zade.

Out of breath, I keep running up the stairs. I push open the guest room door without knocking, what I see has me frozen and almost believing that what Zelda said about Fate is true.