His Savior

Not My Business

~Lennox~

Cory mindlinked me to let me know that they were heading in to have the baby. He said he tried and failed to get through to Nona. Nona and Zahara have grown extremely close these last few months, and I know she’d want to be there for Zahara.

I was already up when the mindlink came through. I really don’t sleep much these days. I’m constantly in pain over this mate bond. When I’m not going through it, Kieran is, which always spills over to me. Sometimes, Kieran gets in contact with Zora. It’s always a brief discussion, but it helps pacify him. I’m just not that lucky.

It wasn’t hard to find her; her scent of jasmine and orange blossom had been burned in my nose and head since I first got a whiff. I could be amid thousands of scents; hers will always stand out to me. That scent has burrowed its way into my soul, and I’m forever a slave to it. I will do anything, anytime, just for a hit of it.

Nona not looking at me was breaking my heart. It’s like she doesn’t care if I live or die. I know she’s been through so much and that I need to be patient, but it’s so f**king hard to do. Every day that I don’t spend with her, that I don’t speak to her, makes my heart break a little more. I don’t know how much more I can take. I should reject her, but I can’t, and Kieran won’t let me. The fact that she hasn’t rejected me gives me hope, but that hope is cruel.

I watch from afar as she walks out of the gym and leaves the training area. I want nothing more than to grab her and place my lips all over her. She’s so amazing, yet I haven’t been able to really learn everything about her. I watch how she handles herself around the pack and how she interacts with others. I listen to the stories Zahara tells me and sink into every word.

Nona makes her way to the clinic and walks inside. My best friend is there, having a baby. We talked about when her baby would come, how things would be. I’m going to be Uncle Lenny, and I’m excited. I can’t wait to hold that baby, but I just can’t go in now. I can’t take being around Nona right now; it’s too hard.

Len, where are you?

I went to get Nona for you. Did she make it in?

Yes, but where are you? You’re my best friend.

Z, I…..I promise I will see the baby later. Let me know when it’s time. I put up a block and turn to head back to the packhouse. I hadn’t been myself since I found Nona and was aware that she was my mate. I don’t like this version of myself; he’s broken and weak. I’m the Beta of the Wild Band Pack! I’m supposed to be better than this. I’m supposed to be strong because I have people who depend on me, trusting me with their lives. I can’t be some love-sick pup and do my job at the same time. Maybe…..maybe it’s time to let her go.

~Nona~

It didn’t take Zahara long to have the baby, and he’s adorable. I was next in line to meet and hold the baby after Zahara’s parents. They have such a sweet baby boy who they named Zion. Zahara is exhausted but happy, and Cory looks like a brand-new man.

After what happened to me, I thought I’d have more trouble with this. I was pleasantly surprised when I didn’t have to shy away from Zahara or the baby. I was able to open my arms wide and accept the child. There’s still pain there, the pain of losing my child, but I can take it in stride right now.

I pull Zion close and breathe in his baby scent. He fell asleep in my arms a while ago. I walk over to the bed and notice that Zahara is snoring softly. Cory looks at her with so much love in his eyes that it hurts to see. I still don’t understand why I couldn’t experience that type of love from my own mate, but now isn’t the time to dwell on it. “He’s asleep,” I whisper. “Do you want me to put him in the bassinet?”

“No, no. I’ll take him from you.” Cory holds his arms out, and I place Zion on them. “You're so good with him, thank you.” I run my hand along his little arm and smile.

“He’s a sweet baby. You two are so blessed.” I turn to leave the room.

“How’s Lennox doing?”

~Cory~

I’m a father now, and it’s an amazing feeling. As amazing as it is, it’s also scary as hell. I didn’t have my father there for me, so I don’t really know what I’m doing. The bright spot is that Zahara’s dad, Byron, and I have gotten extremely close over the last few months. He’s become a father to me, and I get to learn from him. I know I will be okay with him guiding me.

Zion squirms a bit in my arms, and I slowly rock him to settle him back down. My question stopped Nona in her tracks, and she still hasn’t answered me. “Nona?” She slowly turns to me. “How’s Lennox? I expected to see him here.”

“I…..I don’t know. He came and got me from the gym and I haven’t seen him since.” Nona turns and walks to the door.

“Nona, I know it’s not my business at all……but…..” Nona stops walking, and Zion squirms again. I bring him up to my shoulder and gently pat his back. Zion quiets down again, and I turn my focus to Nona. “Lennox is a good guy. I know you went through a lot, and I can’t imagine what that was like. I do know what it’s like to be a victim of Laslo’s, though. Without Zahara, I’m not sure if I would have gotten through it. I’m not trying to force you into anything, nor am I trying to invalidate your feelings. I just……I hope you can open up to Lennox. I know he can help you.” Nona doesn’t respond or turn around. I want to say more, but I don’t know what else I can say to help the situation.

“Congratulations again.” Nona walks out of the room, and I feel like a failure. I don’t necessarily think that my words hold a lot of power, but I hoped I could get through to her. I sigh and stand up, making sure not to make any sudden movements. I gently place Zion in the bassinet and cover him with a blanket. I climb back into bed and snuggle up behind Zahara.