Captured

{15} The Charity Auction

Zach's POV:

I kissed her. I didn't mean to kiss her, but Hunter jumped the gun and took over before I even processed what was happening. My father and Scott stood amazed at my actions, but quickly turned their attention back to the grill. It seemed everyone respected what was happening and moved on with the party.

When I released her, her face was flushed and pink, but her expression was completely shocked and confused. She didn't know what to think. Neither did I. I knew we needed to talk, we needed to clear the air.

"Come with me." I say more gruffly than I intend. Her wide eyes show hesitation and slight fear, but she nods and follows me around the side of the pack house. I need some private place, away from everyone, so I could think, so I could collect my words, so I could have this conversation. I don't realize I'm pacing until she speaks.

"Are you feeling alright?" her face shows concern. I stop in my tracks and just stare at her blankly. Was I alright? No, definitely not. She's breaking down my walls and I feel torn.

"Uh, yeah...no...uh...look I'm sorry. I can't do this." I turn and walk away. I leave her standing there. I mindlink Leah to find her. I round the corner and shift, running as fast as I could into the forest. What the f**k is wrong with me? I just left her there! No explanation, nothing!

How is she? I mindlink Leah again.

Confused as hell! What the f**k Zach? Leah's anger pushes through the link.

Can you please smooth this over for me? Tell her we will talk, but I needed to clear my head. It's a lame excuse. I'm chickenshit.

Ugh! I'm so mad at you right now. Leah closes the link and I am alone. I reach a spot in the forest that is secluded. I shift back and sit on the ground under the moon. It is only then that I realize I still have her present. Hunter was aware enough to place it in his mouth so it wouldn't get ruined. I rip open the gift to find a black and white photo. It is of me, Scott, Christian, and William at the lake. We were laughing and smiling. It is a great off guard shot. I stare at myself. I look at ease, happy. It is rare for me to have a smile on my face. I didn't even realize she was snapping pictures of us.

You could have happiness again if you learned to let go of the past. I look up from the photo to see a woman dressed in a white robe. Her hair is jet black, but her eyes sparkled a deep purple. It's Celeste, the Moon Goddess.

"How do I let go of my mother? How can I let go of what happened?" I ask in earnest.

They are at peace. You are the only one still holding on to the anger, even after those responsible have been punished. Yet, you punish an innocent. She, too, has lost a mother. Unfortunately, she doesn't know the truth. She's in the dark about many things. Who will be the one to bring her into the light? She is more than what she seems. She will need someone strong enough to help her, someone strong enough to protect her, someone strong enough to stand beside her. Will that someone be you or have I made a mistake?

"You don't make mistakes. I just need some time."

Time is running out. You must face your future or life as you know it will be changed forever.

"What?!" I see her image fade into thin air and I'm once again left alone. I hear the leaves rustling and become aware of another presence.

"So, are you just going to make a habit of this "f*****g up" thing or have you had enough?" I lower my head and run my hand through my hair. "What's that?" Scott asks, noticing the frame in my hand. I hand him the photo. "Did Sara Beth take this?" I simply nod. "This is a great picture of us. I didn't even know she was taking pictures, the sly devil."

"Is she alright?"

"No, why would she be? She shows up to your birthday party even after all of your s**t, gift in hand, gets kissed in front of the pack, then left without any explanation or clue as to what the f**k is going on. Zach, you have to talk to her!" Scott let's me have it and honestly, I need to hear it.

"I know. Let's just get through the auction and ball first and I promise I will explain everything. It seems I have some things I need to sort out first. If I'm to be good for her, I need to make amends with the past." I explain. Scott nods and we walk back to the pack house.

Another week goes by without seeing her, without smelling her, without hearing her beautiful voice. Hunter hasn't spoken to me and has blocked me out. I spent the week strolling down memory lane. I looked at old albums filled with pictures of my mother. I even had a few of Nick. My father caught me one night and we talked for hours. I finally decided to visit their gravesite. It was tough, but I felt a weight lift from my shoulders as I did so. I was ready to accept my fate. I just hope she can accept me.

I enter the auction house with a Scott, Christian, and my father, ready to spend some money and raise money for charity. This was one of my mother's favorite events and I want to make her proud. As the auction gets underway, I am anxious about the ball later on that night. I would see her there and I know I need to set things right.

Scott elbows me in the side, bringing me from my thoughts as a larger painting is brought to the stage. After the attendant sets it up on the easel and moves aside, my mouth falls open. It's me! Well, not exactly. It's Hunter. I look at the description and the picture is entitled "My Wolf" and I feel my heartbeat increase. She took this of me on one of her first nights in Mountain Springs. She has no idea it's me. The photo is breathtaking. My father looks at me.

"Is that..." I slowly nod my head before he even finishes. He smirks. "Imagine that." I give him a side glance as the auctioneer starts the bidding.

"The bidding will start at $500. Do I hear $500?" I hear a voice from behind me accepting the $500 bid. I know the voice immediately...Adam. No f*****g way he's leaving here with this painting. He knows she took it and he knows it's my wolf! Over my dead body!

"Thank you sir, do I hear $600?"

"$1000." I state with my paddle raised.

"Oh! $1000, thank you sir! Do I hear $1100?"

"$5000!" Adam shouts while raising his paddle. I grit my teeth. My father has already given me the go-ahead to do as I wish, but this piece is personal and I refuse to let him have it.

"$10,000!" I shout before the auctioneer has time to ask.

"$15,000!" Adam retorts.

"$20,000!" I clap back.

"$30,000!" Adam shoots me a smirk. The crowd begins to murmur as we go back and forth, raising the stakes. However, it is Adam's father who leans over to his son. I see his face contort into anger. I return my sights back to the stage.

"$50,000!"

"$50,000! Oh my goodness! Do I hear another raise?" She looks at Adam, who's face has reddened in anger and his jaw muscles twitch, but he says nothing, simply shakes his head. "Alright, $50,000 going once? $50,000 going twice? $50,000 going three times? Sold to Alpha Zach Turner! Congratulations!" I breathe a sigh of relief and smile.

"Great job, son! Your Luna will be so proud!" I snap my head to face him. He simply grins at my reaction. My Luna? Goddess, I hadn't thought about how her life will be turned upside down. Maybe that's what the Moon Goddess was warning me about. How I need to be a pillar of strength as she adjusts to a new world. Can I be that for her?

We exit the hall at the end of the auction. I am able to secure her other pieces along with "My Wolf" at the great dissatisfaction of one Alpha Adam Walker. I nod my head as I pass his sulking figure still sitting beside his father. I head to the main counter to settle our tab. I can only imagine the look on her face when she's given her portion of the auction. It will be enough for her to start her business. I smile knowing I could support her dream.

After paying the bill, my father claps me on the back and pulls me into the courtyard outside of the auction house. Scott trails us as we find a place to sit down.

"I just want to take a second to say how proud I am of you. Your mother would be glowing. I know you're having a difficult time with Sara Beth, but if what I have seen and know to be true, she will make a fine Luna." I nod.

"She's not the problem, Pop, I am. Every turn I seem to mess it up. I'm sure she thinks I'm crazy after my birthday and I haven't talked to her since. I was so torn. I thought I was betraying mom for being mated to a human, but the pull to her has been so strong. Hunter already loves her and refuses to speak to me until I make it right. I think—I think I've come to terms with it, but will she forgive me? I left her. I left her high and dry that night without a word or explanation." I explain. It's been awhile since dad and I had this type of talk.

"Son, let me tell you a little story about your mom and I. When we were in high school, she was a total goody two shoes, a nerd, top of her class while I f****d around and barely did any work because I was the next Alpha. Nothing mattered. I use to pick on her for keeping her nose in books instead of doing "normal" teenage things. She would get so mad at me and storm off. All of that changed when I turned 21. I found myself groveling at her feet, begging her forgiveness. I tried for weeks, months even, to get her to go on one date with me. She refused even though she felt the pull of the mate bond. She made me earn her love which, eventually, I did. She accepted the bond after I showed her the type of mate I could and would be. You will have to prove yourself to her. It won't be easy, but she feels the pull, too, even as a human. Woo her, earn her favor, make her understand you are the right choice, the only choice." My father squeezes me tight and gets up to mingle with some of the other Alphas present at the auction.

"Any words of wisdom from my Beta?" I ask, looking toward Scott.

"Yeah, don't be a f**k up! How's that for advice?" I chuckle at his words. I lean back and take a deep breath. Tonight, I will start to mend the hurt I've caused and try to win her heart.