CHAPTER FOUR
1553 Words
ZADE'S POV
SIX YEARS LATER
“My gifts aren't sufficient enough. His vital organs are already on the verge of failing,” Kiaus, the healer, said.
Father weakly reached for Cade's hand. “I've lived long enough, Cade. Let him be.”
“You can't just say that, Father.” I was seated on the chair next to his sickbed.
For the past year he'd been bedridden. The healers and physicians have tried all they could do, but no one has been able to heal him. He has been getting thinner by the day and barely looks like himself.
Cade and I have been running the affairs of the pack ever since.
Cade glanced at him worriedly. “I wouldn't rest until I find a cure for this. You are barely sixty yet, you have a lot of years ahead… besides, Zade hasn't given you grandkids yet.”
I threw him a look. He snickered slightly. Father choked out a weak laugh.
“Right. You always talked about wanting grandpups running about the palace. Cade would probably make up with Natty soon, and this time they may actually work things out and make pups.”
“Natty and I are over.”
Dad and I scoffed. “Says the guy who celebrated his hundredth make-up anniversary last month.”
We talked a while more, and I could feel a bit of the weight lift from my shoulders. Since we graduated from college, it has all been about pack politics and stability. I never expected it to be this way. In high school I'd hold my shoulders high because I was the Lycan's son.
It made me do a hell of a lot of stupid things, some of which I regret—and some I don't.
But reality crashed in the moment our college days were almost over. We were the Lycan's sons; he'd be gone one day, and one of us would have to take over from our father.
There was no time for friends or dating. After that night— that night when I turned twenty-one, the night I'd saved Ariel and bonded with her—I tried everything I could to fall in love, but it was effortless.
I didn't know how to tell anyone about the connection I felt that night with her. My wolf had screamed for her, but it couldn't be true.
A wolfless couldn't be my mate. So I hid it from everyone. I buried the truth behind work and clubs.
The truth that I was mateless.
I was pulling off my shirt in my room when a knock came on the door.
“Open.”
Some maids strutted in, holding clothes and shoes. Behind them was Lucia, Alpha Daemon’s daughter from Blackwood Pack.
Her smile was wide as usual, and it grew wider when she saw me. I walked to my closet, searching for my white shirt.
“Excuse us, quickly!” she ordered.
Footsteps quickly moved out and the door closed.
“You didn't inform me you were coming, Lucia.” I threw her a glare. “What have I told you about coming here uninvited?”
She sat on my bed and crossed her legs.
“Cade knew I was coming, I informed him. Surprised he didn't tell you.”
I looked at the clothes and gifts the maids had brought in.
“And what are these?”
“I thought since you are coming to my pack's party tonight, I should bring some clothes for you. And what a coincidence—we'd match!”
She picked up one of the trays. “Blue, your favorite color.”
“Cade would take my place instead. I won't be there,” I said dryly, running a comb through my hair.
She jerked up. “What! You promised my father you'd come.”
“My father is sick. I have to be by his side.”
“What are the maids for!” She grabbed the comb from my hand and placed her hand on my chest. “Zade, I already told my friends you are coming.”
I took her hands off me. “I need you to leave my room, Lucia.”
“I know a good healer, Zade! She healed my father earlier this year—a child. She would surely save your father's life.”
I turned slowly to look at her. “If this is some kind of joke I'll—”
“I promise it's not. She's my friend's daughter. A five-year-old with insane healing powers. She would be at the party tonight. You could meet with her mother and ask for her help.”
I looked at her carefully, trying to find any sign that she was lying, but she looked more serious than I'd ever seen her.
“Get out so I can change into what you've brought me.”
She smirked. “I could watch you. I mean, I've seen you naked before.”
She chuckled loudly and then left. I sighed deeply, clenching my fist.
---
ARIEL
“I want the blue dress,” Lily jumped excitedly.
I chuckled, leaning against the doorframe while watching Dad hold a red and blue ball gown. When we'd gone shopping yesterday, she'd begged me to buy the dress but it was overly priced.
She cried until we got home.
I know how Dad hates seeing his princess upset, so I'm not surprised he got the dress.
“You are spoiling her, Dad. I didn't get this treatment when I was younger.” I rolled my eyes, pretending to be jealous.
Lily giggled while Dad laughed.
“That's because I'm granddaddy's princess,” she boasted. “Right, granddaddy?”
He picked her into his arms and walked to me. “Of course you are.”
He kissed my forehead and then hers. “You both should get dressed for the party. It's almost dawn.”
He handed me Lily. “And where would you be?” I smirked. “Miss Wilson again?”
He blushed, scratching his neck. “We have a chess tournament.”
I nodded knowingly. He walked away shyly. Lily and I giggled. The thought that Dad was moving on would have scared me years ago, but now I was more than happy he was making connections with someone other than Lily and me.
Miss Potter is a great woman. She's a spinster and sixteen years younger than Dad. She'd been so sweet to us when we moved to this pack. The first year was hell, especially being pregnant with Lily, but she made sure to check up on me every day.
She is perfect for my Dad. I hope it works out.
She was close friends with the Alpha too, and because of her I'd met Lucia, the Alpha's daughter, and somehow we became good friends.
She invited us to the party tonight. Apparently she wants to introduce us to her strange boyfriend. She said he was a Lycan's son.
Lily and I took a shower. I dressed her up first, using ribbons to pack her hair into two ponytails. By the time I was done she was already bouncing with excitement.
“I'm pretty like mummy.”
I stared at my beautiful daughter, feeling my eyes sting. She was the carbon copy of him. His eyes, freckles, dimples, hair… I see him every time I look at her.
I don't regret that night. My daughter was a product of it, and I've never felt more blessed to have her. She has been the hope I never had. Ever since I saw her come out of me, I've been at peace. The nightmares were gone.
“Mummy, why are you crying?” She gripped my cheeks worriedly.
I laughed while crying at the same time. “You are so pretty, my baby.”
“Yes I am. Like mummy.”
I kissed her cheeks and then got dressed myself. It was a twenty-minute drive to the palace. The porch was decorated with carpets, exquisite cars parked everywhere, people taking pictures.
Alpha Daemon was standing by the door welcoming guests. When he saw us coming, he smiled.
“If it isn't little Lily and her mother.” He gave me a small hug and picked up Lily.
I rolled my eyes. Everyone basically pampers her. Alpha Daemon sends her gifts every week ever since she saved his life.
“Good evening, Alpha Daemon.”
“Evening. You look beautiful. I can see your mother did a good job.”
“Yup,” she nodded proudly.
He dropped her and welcomed us again before we stepped into the ballroom. It was massive, chandeliers illuminating everywhere. Round tables filled with drinks and food, people dressed beautifully—some overly dressed—talking and laughing.
“Ariel!” Tiffany squealed, walking toward me in a body-hugging cream gown, her hair in a bun.
“You look chocolate,” we air-kissed.
“Aunty Tiffy!”
“Aw, baby Lilian.”
We found a table and talked for a while before her husband called her away. Then suddenly heads were tu
rning and the crowd began to clap. Some ladies—even men—were blushing hard at something.
I frowned in confusion and turned to look.
The world went black.
Zade.
- Writer
