Chapter 7

Chapter 7

ZAIA.

It’s been four months since that day. I wish I could say life is perfect, but it’s far from it. I am still weak despite doing my best to remain healthy for my babies.

Mom knew someone who had helped us create fake IDs, and we had managed to be accepted into a new pack. She explained to the Alpha that my mate had rejected me and I feared for the lives of my children. Leaving out the fact I was the Luna of an enemy Alpha.

We had little option, and I was grateful when we were accepted into the pack. The Whispering

Mountain Pack is a rival pack to Sebastian’s.

Not only that, but it is also in an isolated location, only open to other packs on rare occasions. Since

it doesn’t tie in with any large city areas, no one has any need to venture on to the pack territory.

Mom had chosen it for this reason. Plus, this is a pack where Sebastian would never think to look for me, if ever he decides to. The packs are sworn enemies.

The Alpha of this pack also has a reputation for opening the doors to his pack to those who need a safety net.

In this way, he has won the loyalty of many.

I know it is risky, and sometimes I wonder what he would do if he found out our truth, but we didn’t have any other choice.

We learned Sebastian was watching if I left the country, too.

I go by Zaia Walton now, taking on Mom’s maiden name. After all, even if people didn’t know Sebastian’s wife’s name, everyone knows Hugh Toussaint, my father.

I found a job here at the local florist. It’s not much, but it’s enough to keep me distracted from my sadness. I didn’t want to draw attention to myself by choosing a high-profile job, although there were many positions that would have worked perfectly for me.

Mom also found a job at a small bridal boutique. We are both earning enough to live comfortably

enough, and we’ve managed to save some for when the babies arrive.

We are both excited and have already begun buying little titbits here and there, although I decided to leave the babies genders a surprise.

We have happily blended in and although when we first came here, everyone was wary of us; we are now a part of the pack and fit in as if we have been here for many years.

I know back at his pack, Sebastian is happily living with Annalise. He’s probably already forgotten about me and removed every memory of me from that house, but for me, I truly loved him deeply and it isn’t as easy to move on.

I sigh heavily, looking at the chrysanthemums in my hand as I start to arrange them in the bucket that I’ve already filled with water.

I place a hand on my swollen belly as I stand up again, sighing heavily.

“Careful there dear,”

I turn as the shop owner, Mrs Watson, enters from the back holding freshly cut roses. She’s an

elderly woman in her seventies.

“Oh, I’m alright, here - let me help you.” I say, walking over to assist her.

“I’ll handle these. You go get the daffodils from the back. Do you know every year, for the last five decades, it’s my shop that gets the order from the Alpha family to decorate the Pack Hall for the

New Year’s Eve Ball.” She says proudly. Her white hair falls around her face in tight curls and the wrinkle lines that cover her face speak of memories of a long life.

“That is amazing. Are we going for a certain colour?” I ask, still assisting her with the roses and helping them over to the table, where she would trim the thorns.

She pauses and nods. “Yes, in fact, the Alpha was rather insistent this year on a colour theme. He

usually allows me to choose whatever I want.” She chuckles. “I wonder…”

“Oh, a theme! That does sound exciting.” I say, smiling, but no matter who I talk to or how I occupy myself, the gaping hole left by Sebastian’s rejection forever remains.

“Violet, so we will bring out the Bellflowers, wisteria and geraniums, oh I have a lovely stock of hyacinths.” She continues. “It’s a big event. Alphas and guests from other packs will attend.”

I listen quietly, wondering if there will even be a slight chance of someone we know coming. I would need to find out and if there is, then Mom and I will need to make sure no one sees us.

My phone begins ringing and I take it out, ‘UNKNOWN NUMBER’ I look at Ms Watson.

“Oh excuse me, I need to take this.”

“Go ahead dear, after lunch perhaps you can help me with the arrangements for the ball.”

“Of course!” I say as I step out onto the cobbled streets.

The Whispering Mountain Pack is a breathtaking place. Unlike Dark Hollow Falls, it is filled with nature and beautiful scenery. With a stunning backdrop of snowy mountains and a waterfall that could be seen from afar.

“Hello?” I answer the call.

“Hi, how are you?” Valerie whispers.

It’s always lovely to receive a call from her. I don’t call her just in case someone else picks up the phone, but when she gets the chance, she does call. Mainly to make sure I am up to date with all the prenatal care and instructions she has commanded me to follow.

She may not be here but she’s been there guiding me and offering me pregnancy advice.

“I’m well, just working at the shop. This is such a nice place. I hope someday you can visit. Is

everything alright, you don’t usually call during the day?” I ask. She doesn’t sound like her usual self.

“I am… but we have a slight issue.” She murmurs, keeping her voice low.

My heart thumps as my nerves begin to get the better of me.

“What is it?”

“Jai somehow saw the pregnancy report, and-”

“What!” Fear envelops me and I grip the low fence that runs along the side of the flower shop.

“Calm down, Zaia, I’ve handled it. He told Sebastian, but I managed to lie and said to him that you miscarried because of the rejection.”

My eyes widen. “You… what did he say?” I don’t know why, but I want to know.

“Well, he looked more upset than I thought he would.”

“D-did he believe it?” I ask, placing a hand on my belly protectively. I am five and a half months into my pregnancy and because I am carrying twins, my belly is rather big already.

“I think so, but Jai didn’t.”

I close my eyes, feeling sick as she continues. “But don’t worry, I’ve talked to him and he understands.”

“A-alright,” I say, hearing footsteps I tense. “Well, I have to go, but please call me again when you have more time.”

“I will. Sebastian’s parents have just returned. This will be interesting.”

“Thank you Val, for everything.” I say, truly grateful for having such an amazing friend.

“Never thank me. What are friends for?” She says before she hangs up and I frown.

Mother-in-law is back? I knew from Valerie that although Annalise had moved into the mansion, that she is still not Luna and that Sebastian is keeping the divorce a secret.

I wonder how his parents would take it.

I turn as none other than the Alpha of the pack comes into view. A smile on his handsome face, his

dark grey eyes are glittering with warmth and his light brown hair flops over his forehead. He’s tall, over six feet for sure, perhaps almost as tall as Sebastian.

He fills out his shirt well, the fabric straining against his muscles.

Alpha Atticus Payne is 26 years old, single and an Alpha that his entire pack loves. He is nothing like how Sebastian or his father portrayed him.

“Zaia, I was looking for you.” He says, his voice is deep and husky.

I smile smoothly, despite how I feel. “Oh?”

“Yes, how are you doing?”

“Great.” I reply, seeing how he’s observing me sharply. “Oh! Mrs Watson told me about the ball. It sounds lovely.”

That makes him smile, and he nods, crossing his arms. “Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that. You should definitely come. I think it will do you good too. You should get out more Zaia.”

“Oh, I don’t know, I mean, I won’t really fit in…” I trail off helplessly, not knowing how to politely

refuse him.

I know he flirts lightly and has taken an interest in me, but I have always brushed it off. I don’t understand why as I am a pregnant single mother.

“No, you won’t, because you were born to stand out.” He winks at me and my smile fades as my heart skips a beat.

“Alpha, I-”

“Atticus, Zaia, call me Atticus.” He reminds me for the umpteenth time.

I nod, unable to bring myself to do that.

I don’t think he’ll be smiling at me if he knew I was the daughter of a rival alpha and the mate of his greatest enemy. Even if it is a rejected mate.

His phone rings, and I am relieved for the distraction.

“Yeah?” He answers the phone, a frown now settling on his brow. “Wait… what?”

He takes a few steps away from me, and his shoulders are tense.

What is going on?

“Really? Well… Yeah, that’s fine, up the security plans around the venue and pack grounds. We can never be too careful. Why now? I mean, he has always refused every invitation sent to him… good… Yeah, hold a meeting, let’s discuss this in person.” He hangs up and turns back to me. His

playful mood from earlier is gone.

“Is everything alright?” I ask.

“Yeah, it will be. I just have something to take care of. I really want to see you at that ball, Zaia.”

I nod, not knowing if I really will go. “I hope it all gets sorted soon and I’ll keep it in mind.”

He looks down at his phone and nods slowly. “Me too. He’s never wanted anything to do with us, or

considered my offers, but now… he’s possibly interested in accepting the invitation to the New Year’s Ball.

I look up sharply, curiosity filling me.

“Who?” I ask, an unsettling feeling wraps around me as I wait for his answer.

“Alpha Sebastian King of Dark Hollow Falls Pack.”

My heart thuds, my eyes widening and I look up at Atticus to find he is watching me intently.

“Is everything alright, Zaia?”

I gulp, trying to force a smile, “Yes, I… I’ve heard of his reputation, Alpha Sebastian King is quite known for his power and reputation.” I lie, feeling uncomfortable under his sharp gaze.

I must be careful. “Yes, he does have quite a reputation.” He murmurs, his gaze is unsettling but I’m far more terrified that Sebastian will find out about the babies.

I must avoid him at all costs, there is no way that I can risk him finding out and taking them away from me. My babies are all that I have left, they are my reasons to live.

“Don’t let it unsettle you, the pack will be well protected, and I'm certain he isn’t a baby snatcher.” Atticus jokes lightly, making me freeze, and I realise I’m clutching my belly.

“Oh… No it’s just something I do when I'm distracted! We must make sure the pack is indeed safe.”

I reply, brushing it off as I force a smile.

He nods slowly, but it is his next words that send a shiver down my spine.

“Oh absolutely, we can’t have the enemy walking around unwatched.”