CHAPTER 18: ZOE

Waking up felt like a long awaited dream. Staring at the man I thought I would never see again brought back so much heartache. It's funny how my heaven was him and opening my eyes to see his gorgeous face made all the difference. I will be his fated love him like none other and the glow in his eyes shared the same sentiment.

"Ah. Zoe you awake!"

Hanna cried out holding the door open for, Loralei, Chiara and Raven before attacking me with a hug. Laughing, felt foreign to me, something long forgone and laughing at that moment made me hold on to the memory. Taylor stepped in and I felt the blood rush through my brain as the silence dragged.

"I am so glad you are alright."

Seeing his face brought guilt ten folds and more over. The images of Jorden's lifeless form flashed and soon everything happened like a movie. This was my story, I do not deserve to be happy... One of my best friends died because of me, no she died instead of me and that makes me feel like I somehow cheated death again. The sadness in his eyes expressed a whole lot but the hug he gave me expressed more than the pain. Relief, joy and pride. I tried to save her. The words trapped by the endless abundant guilt.

"It is not your fault."

Suddenly a rush of pent up sorrow came up and I big girl cried of his shoulder. That moment it was just us, we were both grieving the loss of our best friend. Wiping my tears away I faced a room full of amazing people and I smiled genuinely. Brushing tears away, this was no way the end of the story. I needed to be strong, there is no way I got this far to allow the overwhelming depression to suck me into its dept.

I'm going to be strong ma. 'One story ends today, and another begins tomorrow'. Picking myself up, I allowed myself the sadness today but tomorrow would be a new day. Convincing myself I held my hands open for the body I missed and with that single embrace, I knew by his side I can do anything. the moment the touched Christian I felt nothing, saw nothing it was as if he blocked me for some reason?

"Um. Everyone it is getting late, I am sure the love birds missed each other."

Hanna shooed everyone out giving me an 'inconspicuous' wink and a thumbs up. I was unable to hold the laugh back as my head fell back into his chest but still I saw nothing and felt nothing from him, which is strange. I focused on his steady heartbeat, the way his chest rose and fell, I even focused on the bob of his Adams Apple tracing its trail... He is still the same just different, closed off perhaps his over wanting me? The door closed and everyone was out of ear shot when Christian pulled my stunned body to rest above his.

"I do not give you the permission to die or leave me."

Sincerity lined his face with all kinds of seriousness as he kissed my forehead as his final declaration. Our energies swarmed and intertwined forming a shield. Noticing the same, although calmer energy as the one that saved me I knew fate brought us together and there is no way of escaping it. Still, just because I know his honest about his feelings what about the other emotions and feelings his blocked out as if his hiding a sin?

"I do not give you the permission to die or leave me."

I opted not to ask him as ruin this feeling that distracted me from the fact my best friend is dead and it is all my fault. I sealed my declaration with a kiss on his lips. Outside was dark, the room dark with soft candles setting the mood of romance? I wanted his as much as I desired a shower. A desire which broke a tender embrace. Delivering a final kiss I broke away, getting on my own two feet and strolled to the bathroom. Setting the water to my desired temperature, I did my business and walked out with a towel wrapped around me.

"I thought you were gonna join me."

As if he let go of all control he pinned me on the wall, hands stroking, fingers exploring as I felt the towel drop. Returning the same amount of passion and enthusiasm as I wrapped myself around him as he dropped me on the bed. Blinded by lust and passion I was turned on by the way he starred down my very naked frame, waiting for him. Stripping his shirt I felt the magnificence he kept hidden, unzipping his pants unveiled more to the imagination.

***

Waking up the next morning, my hand searched out for a body which pulled me closer and we stayed that way until my stomach growled. Mood ruined and the hard body moving made me disappointed and I shuddered in anticipation when he kissed my cheek then shoulder.

"I will go get us breakfast."

Slipping into the bathroom once more getting my business done, I wore my blue sundress the showed off by curves and styled my hair to a natural pony. When he got in I had already made the bed and I was just fluffing the pillows.

"This was supposed to be breakfast in bed."

Setting the tray on the dressing table with more to choose from than necessary. Giggling I flopped on the bed and he handed me a bowel of mixed fruits.

"Hand me three stakes of pancakes, with maple syrup and that coffee over there. I swear you will literally be my favorite person and i will go as far as to say the world."

Rushing to hand me breakfast I laughed and brought him closer for a kiss. Laughing at his enthusiasm I went back to eating, when an exited Hanna rushed in with my favorite ice cream.

"We have a long day ahead."

Squealing I grabbed one spoon and laughed when Raven and Loralei shooed Christian out. The girls tossed themselves on my bed and we got to discussing things I missed out on while I was in my 'coma'. It is weird actually I remembered before and after but I have this feeling I was missing something important. It does not help that everybody is the same yet vastly different, everyone is talking at me as normal but they have their shields like Chris...

"Rumor has it you went all the way with Christian."

The ladies squealed and I blushed a little wishing the attention was derailed from me. To absolute delight Chiara broke the attention bomb to Hanna.

"The mutt clearly wants you."

"Hanna are you going to give him a chance?"

"You seem to be really cool, clearly above the glorified dog I hope you know we all think you can do better."

The girls nodded and I felt the mood shifted and for a moment Hanna looked troubled, before braving a smile.

"Thank you. If it is any constellation these this short time I have got to spend time with you was truly magical, I love the atmosphere and you guys for making me feel welcomed. But unfortunately I am leaving soon and I would hate to give him false hope."

The ladies frowned and I was surprised to see Raven upset at Hanna's sudden proclaim to departure. Holding her gaze I questioned her but she shook her head and smiled holding my hand.

"The only reason I came was because you called me, I didn't expect to meet these amazing people along the way although I thank the ancestors I did. I will always come when you need me, as for Taylor I do not see how things will work out and you out of all people should understand the burden of responsibility."

A blue light emerged and a memory or vision materialized. The overwhelming pulses of energy driving my system closer and closer to insanity, then nothing. Looking Hanna dead in the eyes a tear fell.

"You knew?"

Nodding she smiled, her hand holding mine in a gentle grip.

"We all did."

Raven joined the sentiment and I gave all of the ladies a hug.

"I have my ancestry's magic coursing through my veins."

I awed.

"But it does not explain you leaving."

Rubbing my ring she smiled encouragingly and I stared at her gorgeous features. Oregom needed her, she is still a healer, a sister and a daughter. Understanding she has responsibilities, there is no way I could ever keep her away from those who needed her. Nodding with understanding, I managed to catch a tear before it fell and fell into her embrace.

"Asia gave you this ring, to ensure I am there when I am needed."

"You always needed. Thank you. For not giving up on me."

***

Christian informed me during our cuddle session, Hanna is the first one who recognized the small amount of energy I stored before my epic drain. He did not know when grieved he released a large amount energy that I instinctively absorbed.

"She showed me a way to see your light."

He said brushing his lips on my forehead bringing me closer as if afraid I was going to disappear. I allowed his warmth to embrace me in his protection, closing my burning eyes an image came to mind and before I could decipher it sleep captured me.

***

Taylor steeled his decision and decided to leave with Hanna. Although I was upset and a tad depressed, there is no way I would ever stopping from finding his happily ever after. He finally found his destined mate and he was willing to prove, he can be her strong protector. Taylor was relieved his infatuation with Zoe allowed him the grace to find and soon will treasure his Hanna.

"Oregom is a fantastic place and if Hanna kicks you out feel free to crash at my house."

We laughed and exchanged hugs and he granted. I was surprised to see Christian show a new type of respect for Taylor and my mind was blown when he shook his hand. Surely I must have missed out on a lot, after Hanna created a portal the both walked in and I was excited about their adventures together.