The Return of the Chosen

Carefully planning

Steven Ryan - Light of Day

Zion had been carefully planning ever since Catori informed him Amaralus was marking her. He knew Catori would not let him out of her sight, so he had to resort to trickery. It started by interviewing every new member of the pack and learning about their specific special abilities.

Once Zion learned this, his plan fell into play. There was no way Catori and Amaralus would become one tonight. He thought about Levi, the day he had gone for his mate, unable to resist her intoxicating scent. How, without thought, he had killed a man he considered a brother. If Catori truly thought he would gracefully bow out and allow her to be happy with Amaralus, she was insane. The Goddess had created her just for him. To Zion, even her flaws were adorable. He just knew if others were not in the way they could, work this all out. He had his doubts, of course, when she appeared before him with his son, who still had no name because he refused to let Leilani name the boy and he couldn't think of anything. So, as of now, they called him Baby. He thought about when Maddy had come along and how Tabatha had given him a stern talking to because he had not immediately taken to Maddy. Now he felt guilty because he felt no connection to this child either. He looked up and was surprised to see Emoni knocking at his office door. He was surprised to see her dressed so conservatively. Her natural black hair looked much better than the reddish-orange color she thought was so cute back in the day and she actually was much prettier without all that gunky makeup on her face. He waved her into his office, "Have a seat."

"No, thank you, I will stand." She said and only stepped just inside the door.

"How may I help you?" Zion asked,

"Can you get Sarah off my back or move to another duty? I am trying to mind my own business. I don't bother anyone, but every day she is picking at me. I ONLY WANT TIME WITH MY SON AND TO WORK IN PEACE!" Emoni was very emotional as she stood shaking, she nearly jumped out of her skin when Leilani came up behind her. "Is there a problem?"

"Nothing I can't handle," Zion commented back, his eyes glazing over. Leilani bounced the baby as she glared at Emoni. Sarah came in and she spoke to Leilani but nearly knocked Emoni over while walking past and did not bother to say sorry. Emoni said nothing and just stood with a defeated look. "Alpha," Sarah said.

"Apologize," Zion immediately said, and to his dismay, Sarah looked at Emoni, "Well you heard him spit it out!" Sarah demanded.

"Sarah, I meant you," Zion said.

The woman's eyes nearly bulged out of her head, "me!' she pointed at her own chest.

"Sarah, we live and let live in Mystic. In truth, Emoni isn't my favorite person either. Still, Catori wiped her slate clean and I stand behind my mate, excuse me," he cleared his throat, "the Chosen. I stand behind the Chosen."

"But she is all the time chatty with the males, even the mated ones!" Sarah pointed out.

"I told him about what you said about Quamir," Leilani pointed out.

"Yeah, what about that?" Sarah asked.

Zion looked at his mate. He was disappointed she was a part of this foolishness. "You also told me you spoke with Quamir and he had no issue with Emoni."

"Zion, you're so busy, let me just handle this. We can move this to my office." Leilani said,

"That won't be necessary, Leilani. Now Sarah, that apology." Zion said calmly.

"Zion you can't-" Leilani began, but Zion slammed his fist on the table.

"I HAVE BETTER THINGS TO DO THAN TO WORRY ABOUT THIS CHILDISH BEHAVIOR! APOLOGIZE!"

"Sorry Alpha," Sarah whimpered,

"Now, Emoni, you are no longer on kitchen duty. Since the Omegas there seem to have so much of an issue with you around the makes you help in the nursery." Zion said,

"What? No, she is not going anywhere near the baby. You already let her put her hands on Maddy." Leilani cursed, "I can't keep him in my office and I don't want her near my baby." Leilani whined,

Zion studied her. He hated himself for what he was about to do but he had every intention of forcing her and Talmage back together one way or another. So the last thing he needed was for her to make an unhealthy attachment to the baby. "Leilani give the baby to Emoni. We need to have a talk."

"No!" She shrieked "This one is mine!"

"Leilani" Zion growled using his alpha tone. Leilani tried to resist but she could not, so she handed the baby to Emoni.

"Emoni take the baby to the nursery. You start there today." Zion said,

The baby smelled so good to Emoni but she didn't dare sniff him in front of Leilani. Emoni slowly backed away.

"Wait Emoni, Sarah!" Zion said,

"I am sorry for bumping into you," Sarah said.

Zion sighed, "It bothers me that I try really hard in this pack not to have the Omegas treated like second-rate citizens and the first time one of you has authority, you mistreat one another. I did not see the behavior coming from you and-"

"And Sarah blah blah blah get the f**k out!" Leilani said. Sarah practically ran from the room.

"Why did you do that?" Leilani demanded.

"Lei Lei, listen, you should not be attached to him. His mother is unhinged and she is free. If she comes for the pup, I don't want you caught up." Zion lied

Leilani glared at him. "You're up to something, Zion Black." Leilani hissed, Zion shrugged.

"I don't want her near the baby and, oh, I came up with the perfect name," Leilani said with excitement.

"Oh"

"What about Zymir, you know, like Zion and Quamir together?" She smiled.

Zion looked at her and with a dark look replied, "It would be a cold day in hell first."

Leilani's mouth fell open, "Zion!"

"Has your brother left?" He asked,

"Yes, he left yesterday." She sighed, "I already miss him."

"I don't and the minute my cousin says he has done something to harm her I will rip his throat out," Zion said flatly.

"That is an awful thing to say," Leilani said,

"Yes, well, I am in an awful mood and you have me tending to your duties." He snapped.

"Zion, you can be a real asshole! You were supposed to handle this in case you forgot I asked you to when your ex went berserk and almost killed me. Is that what this mood of yours is about? Are you mad because tonight she will be mated to Amaralus and you will lose your precious," she looked around and whispered "Chosen?" She crossed her arms, "How come you can't see this is a blessing? Your bond will be severed, Zion, we can really try to make this work."

Zion laughed, "Cause you're all in, right?" He glared at her, "That's why you have a notepad hidden in your desk with him all in it?" Zion asked.

Leilani just looked at him, "You know she came to me the other night. She considers you damaged goods. She will never see you the same Zion."

"You're lying," he growled.

"You look pathetic. She wanted to know why I rejected Talmage and, just for spite, she showed me them together." She flinched at the memory, "She intends to have them both, Amaralus and Talmage her words," Leilani laughed "So while you're sulking over that woman, she be Talmage and Amaralus' come dumpster tonight." Leilani screamed as Zion wrapped his hand around her neck and began to gently squeeze. Leilani just stared at him as she felt his breath being stolen away.

"Release her Zion, now!" Luna Rochelle said, entering his office. Zion struggled with his emotions, then stepped away. Leilani looked at him as tears rolled down her cheeks, "The truth hurts like hell? doesn't it? I should know I once thought you actually cared for me." She turned and ran off. Luna Rochelle looked at her son, "What was that about?" Luna asked,

"Nothing Mom, just leave it alone," Zion huffed.

"I will not Zion. I have never seen you carry on like that. Sit down, son, and talk to me." She demanded,

"What is there to say, mother?" Zion sat back down clearly stressed, "I should never have taken her as a mate. She lied to me. She never told me she already had a mate she rejected. And I'm not blaming her. I walked her into this. I couldn't live with myself if something happened to her because of me. When Catori returned I thought that maybe she would let me have them both. I was wrong, she absolutely was not willing to budge and, after all, I discovered why she would?"

"What does that mean all that you discovered?" Luna Rochelle asked.

"Although I am Lycan and can have more than one mate. It doesn't work like that with Catori. Before and after Leilani was marked she felt everything. Every time we were together," he whispered, Luna Rochelle covered her mouth in shock.

"How is that possible?" She asked,

"She is Chosen, Mom. And although she has more than one mate, she was made to be with us at different times. So it worked both ways when she was intimate with the dragon lord. I felt the pain. Luckily, she stopped because Chenoa did too. She rejected me but I still feel her emotions. It's like we are still tied." Zion explained,

"How is that possible? If the bond is severed," she asked,

"I have no idea. All I know is every time I see her I feel closer to her and the thought of her being with another…"

"Yet you have Leilani?" The Luna asked,

"I swear I haven't touched her since Catori returned!"

"So get rid of her, Zion." The Luna said, as if it was that simple.

"Mom she didn't ask for this," Zion groaned,

"Yeah, she didn't say no to it either. That girl knew what she was getting into; she is not completely innocent." Luna pointed out,

"I know that at first, I was trying to be an honorable mother. Every day Catori slips further and further away. If I lose her…" his eyes darkened.

"This mate of hers is Lycan?" The Luna asked, "Can he not have her as well? Surely he would want his true mate if not for his wolf alone."

"No, but he is still unmatched. Mom no meddling, I have this under control." Zion stated.

"No, you don't, if that were true you wouldn't have been choking her." Luna Rochelle pointed out. Zion sighed wearily, "It was not my proudest moment."

"Have you spoken to the man? Would he take her?" Luna Rochelle asked,

"No, I haven't, because every time I see him I want to rip his throat out. It seems Catori has taken a liking to him and Amaralus Grey."

"Amaralus Grey, I remember that young man. He is a complete womanizing man w***e. He is certainly not of character and anyone that Catori should be shacking up with." The Luna rambled.

"Mother, she is marking him tonight," Zion said,

"You can't allow that." The Luna hissed.

"I have no intentions of allowing that to happen," Zion said.

"Good, take care of it!" The Luna said.

"I am," Zion said.

Good and I will take care of the other problem she thought to herself.

Catori was so excited. After today, she would no longer have to carry the pain of this wound, she would have a mate that was all her own, and would no longer have to carry her burdens alone and, once again, she would be at full strength.

Catori did not get much rest the night before, but today she and Vanessa left early to get all filled up. Vanessa was telling her how awkward it was for Kade to ask Zion if they could attend. She felt bad that Kade was caught in the middle of his loyalty to his alpha and his loyalty to the Chosen and his mate. Catori tried to focus but she kept thinking about Rivers' request. She couldn't keep putting Amaralus off and at this point, she wasn't sure she truly wanted Zion anymore.

"I am in love with my dress. What is Chenoa wearing?" Vanessa asked. Catori bit her lip.

"I did not invite her," Catori said to her.

"Oh wow, are you serious? Why would you not invite your sister?" Vanessa asked,

"Because I didn't want to spend the night drooling over Kreis. It's awkward as hell being around them and, of course, he would be her plus one." Catori said. Vanessa's face softened.

"So what the hell happened to you, Kali. In the past, you would have ripped Leilani's throat and kicked Zion in the d**k for looking at her and probably rewinded time or some s**t so the last five years never happened."

"Pretty sure I even only get one do-over. And the last one cost me a child." She flinched.

Vanessa nodded her head, "I'm sorry this has been so hard for you Catori. Zion and Kreis, then I know you miss Lusca as well. Have you tried talking to your sister? I know she loves you and I would want to know where your head was if it was my sister."

"I agree and I know I have been shutting her out, but things will be better after I mark Amaralus. I promise I just know I will feel more like me."

Catori sighed, "I am nervous though. Zion has always been a man of his word. Well, not always. He promised I would always be first. I just hope he doesn't do anything crazy." Catori said in a strained tone. Vanessa patted her knee, "Everything will be fine."

The girls enjoyed a day of pampering and Catori was in the best of moods.

Once they were back in Listeria, they tried on all the dresses they selected, trying to pick the perfect one.

"I'm wearing this to the Alpha's Ball. It's scandalous." Catori said, posing in front of Vanessa.

'Happy Birthday mama!' She heard her little men mind link her.

'Thank you, boys.' Catori said.

'Daddy let us buy you a present." Earth announced, 'Will you come to get it today?'

'Oh sweetie, of course, I will. Give me about an hour.' Catori promised the boys.

"I swear the last place I want to be on my birthday is Mystic Moon," Catori complained.

"Well, in and out. If you want, I can maybe distract Zion." Vanessa offered, as Catori looked in the mirror,

"Catori Grey, how does that sound?" Catori asked.

"Well, I kind of got used to Black but it's got a ring to it." Vanessa giggled.

Catori looked at her as her eyes filled with tears, "Vanessa, I'm really about to do this."

"Are you?" Vanessa gave her a doubtful look. Catori cleared her throat,

"Yes." She said flatly, "Whatever this tie is," Catori broke out into song, as she stared in the mirror,

"Oh come on Vanessa, you know this one," Catori grabbed Vanessa's hand and gave her the brush as she danced around humming.

"Hmm, hmm, hmm, mmm

Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm

I'm lookin' in the mirror at this woman down and out.

She's internally dyin', and knew this was not what love's all about

I don't wanna be this woman the second time around

'Cause I'm wakin' up screamin', no longer believin'

That I'm gonna be around, yeah''

"Ashanti" Vanessa squealed, "you better sing it like you mean it!" She said singing along with Catori,

"Over and over I tried (you know)

And over and over you lied (oh-oh-oh)

And over and over I cried (over, yeah)

Over and over I tried (yeah, yeah, yeah)

And over and over you lied (you lied)

And over and over I cried, yeah

I don't know why (ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)"

The girls sung and when they hit the chorus Vanessa jumped on the couch while Catori took the table.

"Rain on me

Lord, won't you take this

Pain from me?

I don't wanna live, I don't wanna breathe, tell you just

Rain on me

Lord, won't you take this

Pain from me

I don't wanna live, I don't wanna breathe, babe"

'You guys know we can all hear you, right?' River said,

Catori froze as Vanessa burst into laughter, tossing a pillow at Catori,

"Girl, you still can't sing worth s**t!"

Catori feigned innocence, "Me what girl I can sing."

"Baby no but it's okay. We love you anyway, darling."

'Catori, will you be at the party tonight?' River asked,

'What party?' Catori asked,

'Tabatha is having Chenoa a surprise birthday party,'s River said.

'No I wasn't invited,' Catori said.

'Oh, that had to be a mistake. Let me call her,'

'No River, it's okay Amaralus is having a party for me, remember,' Catori said,

'So you're going through with this?' River sounded so disappointed.

'Sorry Buddy, I have to look out for myself now.' Catori said.

'Yeah okay, happy birthday.' He said, cutting the link.

Luna Rochelle tapped on Leilani's door. She held a plate with tea cups, "I thought you might need this after what I witnessed earlier dear."

"Oh thank you, Rochelle, come in and have a seat," Leilani said,

"I will and here you are." She passed her a glass, "Now what is going on between you and Zion? I promised him I would not meddle, but I hate to see the two of you at odds. It breaks my heart." Rochelle said, sipping her tea.

"He can't get over her. The woman has moved on and he still acts like a complete ass over her. It's infuriating Rochelle. What does she have that I don't?" Leilani asked, "We might need something stronger if we are going to tackle all of this." Rochelle reached into her purse and pulled out a bottle of whiskey.

She poured a little into both their cups. Leilani gulped hers down, "Honey slow down." Rochelle said, pouring her more tea and whiskey.

"Rochelle, if you only knew what all I have been through," Leilani began to explain, she began rambling on and on about how Zion had carried on like a fool for Catori.

"He pictures her when we make love. Can you understand how humiliating that is….,

She has these big huge breasts and her booty bounces when she walks and I think he likes that…,

Dragon breath…bitch! She tried to kill me!" Leilani went on and on and suddenly her head just dropped.

Goddess I thought she would never shut up, Rochelle thought to herself as she placed their glasses back on the tray and eased out of her office, closing the door behind her. Her son was the most important thing to her in the world, so she prayed he would forgive her for poisoning his mate.

Zara entered Silver Crescent territory not long after Catori's conversation with River. He had called her to b***h about how Catori was actually going through with this thing with Amaralus. She promised she would help Tabatha set things up for Chenoa. She walked into the building where the festivities were to be. "Tabby, it looks great here," Zara said, looking around.

"Why do you need me?" Zara asked,

"To keep me company," Tabatha said as they dressed the tables in beautiful flower arrangements.

"Do you think it's weird as hell that the Chosen is not coming?" Zara asked,

"Oh, of course, wait who told you that?" Tabatha asked,

"River apparently Amaralus and her are making things official tonight. He is throwing this big thing in the human territory." Zara shook her shoulders, "Sorry honey, I figured you knew."

"No, and that's just hurtful. Catori is completely different now, it's hurtful." Tabatha said.

"We should f*****g crash the party," Tabatha said,

Zara looked at her with excitement, "Let's do it!"

"Could we even get in?" Tabatha asked,

"Are you kidding? Who is going to keep us out?" Zara asked.

"I'm in and I don't care if it's her birthday, I'm going to tell her what I think about her." Tabby snapped,

"Ewe get Sassy!" Zara said, "Now what are we going to wear?"

Catori appeared in Mystic Moon and as soon as she did, her boys came running out of the pack house. They were wearing little suits and ties.

"Oh my goodness you look so handsome," Catori said.

"Surprise!" The boys said, jumping up and down, they grabbed her hand and led her inside the packhouse to a room. There was a photographer there ready to do a photoshoot with her and the boys.

"Happy birthday Mommy!" The boys yelled with excitement. Catori had her hair and makeup done but she wasn't dressed for a photo shoot. And then Zion walked in and she nearly swooned. She completely forgot how handsome he was in a suit and tie. She was at a loss for words. "Here you are," he handed her a bag, "change so we can get started." He pointed toward the dressing room.

Catori just took the outfit and went and changed. The dress was gorgeous. It hung off the shoulders and was pretty similar to the dress she wore the first time Zion took her out. She walked out wobbling a little in high heels. "You go first." He said she took a few pictures alone and then with each of her sons and then together. Zion did the same. When they were done, Zion said, "The boys asked for a picture together but I wasn't sure if you would fe-"

"Where is Maddy?" Catori asked, frowning.

"I didn't want him to feel left out, so I sent him with his mom," Zion explained,

"Well, that does not sit well with me."

Catori said. Zion tried not to make a big deal out of it, but that was why he couldn't let her go. She loved Maddy and thought about him in every situation.

Zion mind linked to Emoni and she bought Maden. They quickly dressed him and Catori looked at Emoni, "Do you have a dress you could wear?"

"Me no," Emoni said,

"What size do you wear?" Catori asked.

"An eight, but it's no bother," Emoni said.

"This is for Maddy." Seconds later, Vanessa arrived with one of her dresses and gave it to Emoji. Catori took pictures with them and they took pictures alone. And then they all took a picture together and Zion held the baby. He stood in the middle and Emoni stood on the left and Catori stood on the right. Afterward, the photographer was able to show them the pictures, "Wow. They are great." Catori said, "They all have that same stand," Emoni said,

"And a goofy smile," Catori said,

"Hey, easy on my boys. One day that smile is going to get them all the ladies." Zion smirked.

"Do you think maybe I could have one of the pictures of me and Maddy for the Cabin? I don't have any pictures of us." Emoni asked. Catori frowned and Emoni shivered, thinking she had made a mistake.

"Zion, where are you putting these? Just out of curiosity."? Catori asked and suddenly Emoni was giving him the same frown.

"Well, I was going to hang them around the packhouse," Zion said, earning groans from both ladies.

"And how is Luna going to feel about this?" Catori asked, "Actually screw that bitch."

Emoni didn't dare cosign on that although she felt the same way.

"Ladies calm down, she can do something if she wants, but I'm sure she will understand why she was not invited to this shoot." Zion said,

"I should go. I have a busy night to prepare for," Catori said.

"Well, happy birthday," Zion said,

"Oh yes, happy birthday Catori, and thank you for letting me and Maddy share this moment with you," Emoni said.

"Your welcome, Emoni." Catori kissed the boys and left.