Beyond The Dead

Zoo Mates

Rosi's POV

Jinx was right as usual, Serenity was so thrilled that the Zoo is running and open again. I helped with that as well. I took the same UV lights design that I made for the werewolves and helped him clear the Zoo one night while my sister slept in the empty staff room close by. It worked amazingly well, but it took quite a bit to get the animals all back in order. I helped him get some animals flown in from abandoned zoos and helped in rebuilding everything to be almost an exact replica of their natural habits. What people didn't know yet was all the changes and even how many add ons we did to bring happiness and excitement for everyone.

We also saved endangered species from other zoos that we know will be show stoppers as well as a great way to breed them. Since their habitats in the zoo now are so simular to the ones they originally come from, we are able to release some of the babies back into the wild when they are older. Another thing we're very proud of.

I did go on a short journey at one point and had Jinx watch my sister while I was gone. I circled the globe to many locations using the most high tech plane in the world. My uncle was a well respected pilot for the government and so I knew where to get my hands on the fastest plane he had. As I went from place to place I could see the immense devastation of the world we used to know. India was in absolute ruin and that broke my heart as I remembered the colorful festivals my mom told us about in stories. There were some survivors I saw, but so very few that the streets looked almost deserted during the day. Areas with small populations like much of Ireland were holding their own as they did not see many of the infected often.

Russia was an interesting calamity of it's own. Several of their cities were completely destroyed by their own government. However, they had many cities protected by the government and strict curfews to prevent new infections.

I couldn't help, but notice how much forests and wild life were finally thriving again with the lack of human interference as well. I gathered Intel and samples of all the natural habitats our animal friends would need. I looked for more open lived in habitats to make sure the replica did not totally block out being able to actually see the animals. I also brought home several samples of the things we would need without harming the ecosystem.

Since money is now virtually none existent, we just had to get enough help and I offered to pay with fresh food instead. The workers gladly jumped on board when I showed them my garden and meat supply. I had more then enough to share and still do thanks to my unique and 100% safe preservation methods. I also designed several ways to create their own food sources for all the animals that was running extremely efficient. For foods unavailable to us here, I created a drone plane that a single human can take to the location of the food we need. It would take them there and supply them with all the things to replace what was taken from the natural habitat and more if the supply looked low enough. For fish, they could take a huge tank, that was the size of the holding area of the plane, full of new hatchlings from our nursery and release them during their proper season. We just didn't have the room to build a nursery for so many food sources, but enough to supply restock of what we took. Plants were the easier, we obviously put new sprouts in their places, which I created a few gadgets to make it much easier. We had to make sure we didn't kill off their food supply or damage the ecosystem we have left.

Over all I was so impressed with all the work we did and I swear I could have won a noble prize before this whole disease crap.

I stop right outside the entrance and look around. Jinx comes up behind me thinking I didn't notice her and so I phaze in behind her and poke her sides. She yips and turns around to smack my arm pretty hard. I am rubbing my arm while we both laugh and then hug each other for a good minute. "Wait, where is Geffory?? I thought he would be here to," I said while leaning around to look behind her, not once letting out of our hug. After a minute or two,, when I was sure I didn't see him I leaned back and Jinx was pouting. "He had some important work stuff to take care of," she said in such a sad voice it made my heart ache a little. "I am sure he can go with us when I visit again," I reassured our return to her and meant every word. She smiled and looped her arm through mine as we walk in, Sereneity takes my other hand. I haven't felt so happy and giddy in such a long time.

As we walk in, Alex is there to greet us with a warm smile. "Welcome back to the Sun Light Zoo," he snapped his fingers and the new lcd lights lit up the paths to each exhibit. We created a system of colors to show which path will take you to which exhibit. It starts off as one giant rainbow at the entrance and splits into different groups down each path. For example, the purple and blue path led you to the butterfly exhibit and then splits one more time into just blue for the bird attrium. There were 16 colors all together, although I still argue that white and black are not colors. Some, if joined exhibits that worked side by side, were on the same color. At the beginning of the rainbow to the left is a gift shop, where you can trade items for trinkets and get one free plushy for each child under 18 that visits. That's right, we know they're still kids, even at heart, until they reach 18 so we treat them that way and most of them will love it. I should know, I'm finally 18 and hope I get one still since it's my birthday, I could definitely trade for one though. We put the trade list outside the entrance, around town, and online. The list gets changed once a week, depending on what Alex wants or need for the Zoo or himself. This week the number one item was car batteries. If you brought one in you could eat whatever you want and get any toy from the gift shop.

To the right of the rainbow entrance there was a restaurant where the zoo supplied one free meal per person that attends. The system we use for the animal food is the same system we use to fuel the restaurants with food. On the other side of the Zoo we had the same set up for those who enter there.

There were also two bathrooms at each entrance, one next to each vendor that accommodated up to 30 people at a time. The entrance to the restrooms are put a little deep into the wall so it wasn't right next to the other entrances, but plenty of signs to lead you to it. There were also a few bathrooms through out the Zoo itself. They all had a few full sized changing stations for babies. To the left of the restaurant is a full dessert bar with ice cream, cakes, and pies, as well as so much more. You had to trade for items there or if it was your birthday, they offer a free sheet cake to share with family and friends. You bet I was excited about that! He handed us our guides and my sister was quick to pick the new aquarium since she had never been to one. "I hope you enjoy your time here! We did keep it exclusive to certain people for the grand opening. Most of them, you ladies may even know. Today all the food in the restaurants are free, yes even the dessert bars," he paused and winked at Serenity, whom gave him a big grin. He gave each of us one last smile before going to his post again and awaiting the next arivals. "Happy Birrhday Rosi. We couldn'thave done any of this without you," He yells over to us He looked good with his shaggy brown hair, lean muscles under the tux, and bright green eyes to die for. I imagine if he was my mate for a few second then shook myself mentally and took Serenity's hand again.

"Thank you so much Alex, see you soon," I said as we walked down the red, yellow, orange path. The best part of the map was you could check off which path you had been on so you never end up at the same one without meaning to or get lost. As we made our way down the path it eventually split into just the orange path that lead into the grand entrance to the aquarium. Alice's eyes were practically about to pop out of her head. I laughed and pulled her along with Jinx inside. Even Jinx let out a gasp at the many new exhibits offered here. I smiled knowing all of this was so worth it to see the smiles on the faces of those I hold dear. As we walk through the glass tunnel full of tropical fish down to the shark exhibit. Suddenly we stopped and I smelled something so delicious my mouth started to water. I turned and saw he had added an Elephant ear stand right outside the shark entrance. I practically dragged the girls with me. "Hey Heather," I said excitedly, "can I get a cinnamon sugar base with strawberries and honey please?" She smiled big and said, "anything for the birthday girl," and began making me a fresh one.

Jinx took Serenity over to the sharks while I awaited my food. This was the first time we all relaxed in what felt like forever. I took a big sniff of the stand in front of me while watching my sister point out the white shark brought in. A small breeze swept through and my vision suddenly narrowed and I felt all hot like I had a fever. The room started to tilt like I was on an amusement park ride. During my confusion and slight blindness I felt a strong arm wrap around my waist to steady me. "Easy now," The voice was a little husky and it made me want to melt. His touch was like another heat wave, but this time it was like the spirit of fire itself was filling me with peace and warmth. I looked up to see this gorgeous man holding me steady. My eyes locked with his crystal blue eyes and we knew. He gave me a dazzling smile and picked me up like a baby. His scent was intoxicating like he was part of the forest, but still so clean and refreshing. I nuzzle into his neck and inhale a little deeper feeling my soul relax for the first time since before the disease. I was so caught up in him that I didn't even realize the giggles coming from around us. I look up at his eyes again, "my name is Rosi," I said in a small voice. So small I was not sure he heard me. He gave me another amazing smile, "my name is Zale, but you can call me, Z." He brushed my hair out of my face and felt the most amazing sensation that was like water cooling off the heat and yet again bringing me peace.

As we're getting lost in each other's eyes I hear Heather clear her throat, "your foods ready Rosi." Just like that I snap out of it. My stomach growled and he laughed putting me down. He easily towered over me by almost a foot and I could now see the amazing muscles under his black t-shirt. I took my food and he went with me to sit at a nearby table. Serenity came skipping over and sat to the other side of me, "you're gonna share, right sis?" I hand her a fork with a piece I cut off and put it on a napkin for her. I hand a piece to Jinx too since this thing was even bigger then I remembered. I look to Z and offered him a piece. He took a bit of it while it was still in my hand and my heart did a full gallop. I felt the heat in my face and looked down to hide it. He put his hand under my chin and made me look at him, "gods, you are just so beautiful." I smiled slightly shy thinking, 'me? All I can think about is how gorgeous you are.'

Jinx cleared her throat and I almost jumped out of my seat. "Soooo, who is this friend of your's Rosi," she said wiggling her eyebrows at me. I laugh and then turn to Z to introduce him. but he beat me to it. "Nice to meet two of the ladies in Rosi's life. I am Zale, but you can all call me Z and I am this beautiful woman's mate," he flashed another smile towards the girls. Serenity pouted, "no fair why does she get the gorgeous one." We all laughed and he took my hand. Jinx squeeled in excitement for me and I couldn't help but want to join her.

Z's POV

I finally found her after years of thinking I would never get a chance at love. I wonder for a moment how wide the age gap is and remembered they said it was her birthday. "Forgive the taboo, my dear. However I overheard it was your birthday today. May I ask which one we are celebrating," I give her hand a little squeeze to assure I was only curious. She smiled shyly and look up from under her long eye lashes, her stunning green eyes made me catch my breath. My gods, I thank you for this beautiful girl you have paired me with. Not only was she gorgeous I could feel her immense powers locked inside. Something that almost told me her age immediately, she hasn't released them yet. "I am 18 as of today and my ceremony is tonight," she spoke softly, but with confidence. I laughed a little, "Well that makes me about 7 years older then," I said and her eyes widened a little. Suddenly the girls all laughed and I was throughly confused. Did I say something funny? "Sorry, we are not laughing at you. We are laughing because that's how far apart my parents were in age too. My mom also met my dad when she turned 18," she said and I realized at the end her voice had slowed and she looked scared with also a deep sadness. I couldn't help but realize what she had gone through.

I touch her hand gently and reassured her, "I promise, I am not ever going to leave you alone, ever." Her sisters perks up at that and states, "excuse me sir, but she has me. She will never be alone even if you weren't here." She blushed as she said that and we all laughed again. Serenity began shoveling her food in her mouth, probably to hide her embarrassment. I shook my head a little and looked back at Rosi, "where do you plan to hold the ceremony?" She fidgeted a little, during these times we all knew how dangerous an outdoor ceremony would be. A low growl escaped my throat and her head shot up, "dear, please tell me you don't plan to do this outside at night." She suddenly looked very stubborn, "I have help coming to protect me and you know full well it has to be under the moonlight during the last hour of my birthday," I sighed and she put her other hand over the top of mine, "will you please join us." I was so happy she invited me. If anything, I knew I could keep her safe. She then asked me the obvious question, "You are a Lycan aren't you?" I gave her a bright smile and watched her melt, "you are correct, my love. In fact, I am the last of my clan from the Silver Bloods." Her eyes widened in response words just stumbling out of her mouth, "h-how did your clan fall? You were one of the strongest clans in history next to one other! This makes no sense..." I could feel my eyes go black as I explained it to her, and my nails elongated slightly, but she didn't seem scared at all. "We were betrayed by almost half our clan due to fear. They assumed the royals were building an underground bunker for them to stay safe. They assumed we were abandoning them, and I never did figure out who put that in their heads. I did have my assumptions, though. Anyways, that was the night we realized how hard it was to combat our own warriors after they turned. I killed many myself, and even now, it pains me." I looked down in shame, but she put her hand on mine again, encouraging me to continue. "I trapped most of them in the bunker we had under the church for the clan. it was for all of us, not just the royals. I couldn't save anyone else, as most had been turned quickly. So now they sit down there to either rot or find a way out." I felt the deep shame and remorse of what I had to do just to save others, and so I didn't have to kill anymore of my own. She gave we a tender smile that reassured I wasn't in the wrong for what I did.

Rosi's POV

After hearing his story, I felt a pain so sharp in my heart that it almost knocked the wind out of me. I felt his pain so loudly I wanted to take it all away from him and make him smile again. I wondered for a brief moment what I would do in his shoes and honestly, it probably would have been the same for me. A pack is family, for anyone to come between them is beyond me. Their pack wasn't just known for brute strength, but also known for their strong bonds and even stronger intelligence. Something was scratching at the back of my mind telling me that someone had been playing with dark magic. I shook off that thought for now, because I wanted our first meeting to be a joyous one.

"Let's enjoy the Zoo together. I only have 4 hours until I need to be at the location and we have so much more to see," I turned grinning at Serenity, who was obviously ready to run again. We finished our food and headed off to the rest of the aquarium. Z held my hand the whole time, making me blush whenever he caught me staring at him. I couldn't help it though, this man was so gorgeous and I could smell the lust he got when he looked at my lips. I wanted to kiss him so badly, but Celestials are to remain pure until after their ceremony or their powers could be tainted. We always found it odd the moon goddess did this, but never, ever question a goddess.

As we continued through the Zoo I smelled something off. I stopped dead in the middle of a small group of people and looked around, unsure how it was possible. "Everyone get to the nearest bunker NOW," I shouted and Jinx picked up Serenity, hitting the emergency buttons I installed just in case. All the colors on the ground turned off, leaving only red arrows to the nearest bunker. Jinx took off with Serenity, while Z stayed with me, trying to figure out what I was making everyone hide from. I rough growl broke out the back of my throat as I crouched down grabbing the two knives from my boots and standing ready to fight. Z bristled and growled loudly as he finally smelled what I did. Z stood to my right, slightly infront of me protectively while extending his nails and teeth. Three dark shadows dropped from the sky and a shiver went through my spine. "Rouge Lycans," I practically spat out as they slowly approached us. I noticed then that their hands were up like they meant no harm, but one thing I learned since the start of this virus is, never trust a Rogue Lycan. They were conniving creatures who thrived off stealing from others now that the world was in chaos. "Relax please, we are not here to hurt you," a smooth voice came from the tallest one in the middle of the group. Her bleach blonde hair braided down to her butt and her furry white wolf ears were pinned back on her head, not sure if it was from fear or an act . She was shaking a little and for a split second I let my gaurd down thinking she was scared. Then an evil smile pulled at her lips, "Z, long time no see, huh?" My anger instantly turned to shock as she strut towards Z putting a single finger on his nose making a "boop" noise. It was then I notice Z had gone back to looking human, but I didn't trust this woman. I reached around Z lashing out at her finger, almost cutting it off. Honestly, I surprised myself at how fast I did that, must be how close I was to achieving my full powers. She howled in pain as her finger barely hung on by a slice of skin, holding it close to her chest with tears flowing freely down her face. "What the f**k is your problem?! I said we are peaceful," she screamed at me and Z shifted to put me fully behind him. "Alina, please, I just found my mate and you scared the hell out of her! You have my number, you couldn't call me first," he growled back at her. I looked at him and he gave me an apologetic look that immediately made me relax. She crossed her arms pouting, trying to pretend it didn't hurt anymore and for the first time I noticed how young she is. She was only about 16 years old, not even into her full powers herself, yet the wound already stopped bleeding. I had to work very fast before it healed like that. I put my knives back in my boots and stepped around Z, "let me see," I said, holding my hand out for hers. Her two comrads stepped closer, growling, making Z bristle and release a low growl of his own. Alina waved them to step back, and they relaxed, backing up a little. She sighed, speaking to them, but looking at me, "Big brother is right, we scared her, so I did this to myself." My eyes widened, but I had to focus if she wanted to keep her finger, but Z would have some explaining to do. I felt Z relax behind me, and he stepped up behind me. Alina placed her hand in mine, her finger hanging over the palm of my hand. I gently put her finger back where it should be and then covered it with my other hand. I concentrated on finding the soul of my magic in my core and pulled it through my body and into my hands. I heard gasps but remained focused as not to mess up halfway through. "Goddess of healing and moon in the sky, I ask you fill me with your power and heal this being," a bright light shine through my hands as I concentrated. I felt a soft burn in my hands and knew it was done, releasing her hand to see her finger was perfect again. I sighed, and the world slowly began to spin until I felt two very different sets of hands steady me. "Turn.. the alarm.. off.. please," I managed between heavy breaths. Z lifted me bridal style and held me close before picking up one of my hands, and I heard his breath catch. I knew the risks of using my powers before I fully inherited them and that he saw the burns and blisters on my skin. I felt a low growl in his chest and he set me down on a bench as I closed my eyes and my world went dark.