CHAPTER 11: ZOE

"Do you want to talk about it?"

I asked my best friend nudging his side and they both laughed mirthlessly but then he hit his forehead in frustration.

"I am such an idiot."

Pulling him to a tight embrace, because I knew what he was hard on himself about. We are still young of course we are bound to make mistakes here and there, so whatever Taylor feels so guilt pressed about can be rectified. The door opened and a rush of woodsy cinnamon drew me in but I would never let go of my friend needs me right now.

"You are not. Tye we will figure this out, you made a mistake and all mistakes can be corrected. No matter what you will always have me by your side, best friends…"

I held out my pinky finger wiggling it for him to catch onto the drift and he sighed and connected our vow, kissing his hand they both mouthed in unison.

"Forever."

I gave him one of my warm hugs that in the past made want to rest in my embrace but now he pulled away, Taylor Jeff Andrews is over me. I ignored the serious angry, jealous energy blinding and imagined myself putting on my matchmaker hat.

After a short while I faced the fury that is Christian and I immediately placed myself between them. I silently begged him to calm down, I was truly surprised when he offered two room and silently observed their stare down. At the mention of food, my stomach embarrassed me by announcing its hunger.

Walking inside I stuffed my need down and tried to act normal. Excusing myself to go to the bathroom, I splashed my face with water being my thoughts to clear.

"Common Zoe. Act normal."

I chided raging hormones distracting me form Christian waiting outside, clutching my heart due to the surprised induced fear that made me fear its halt.

"Sorry-"

I tried to side step him but he pulled me in to room and I stress glancing on his edged look on his face. What is wrong? Concern washing over me the fact I could have been endanger was the last thing on my mind.

"Christian, what is wrong?"

I felt his inner turmoil, something was wrong and the worst part is. I have no idea what to- do. He released me, eyes soaring with emotion which intrigued me.

"I'm sorry."

He forced out, teeth clenched face reddening. This reminded me of the time I researched werewolf ways and customs.

A topic of mating came across, clicking on the page one paragraph scared my perception of wolves. If the wolves and man deem the female worthy of baring their pups, they would do anything to claim her. The chase insures their victory is as bittersweet as claiming their female, sometimes done forcefully if it is to ensure the survival of the pack.

The chills on my spine told me to stand still, I was so afraid but I refused to let it show. At one last ditch to calm him the door opened.

"Zoe get out."

Alden said cautiously pulling me behind him until I found myself in Chiara embrace pulling me away from my Christian.

"What is wrong with him?"

My voice still soft and shaky as my arms wrapped protectively around me.

"It is what we in the shifter community call a mating frenzy, Zoe. The wolf goes crazed if they are unable to claim their mate especially if there's competition. Usually they would force the bond or allow themselves be consumed by the wolf. In this case his demons"

He leans closer to his best friend holding her closer and he was surprised he did not hear any protest from the people observing.

"We are not really that similar to wolves, a fated will also want the bond unlike animals especially due to the fact his sixty fifth moon will be his last... His mom was an angel, dad demon but was raised by a witch. Fate grants us all with our own fated who will fight by our side and control the constant fight between good and what is evil."

So he must be an ark-angel bent on ultimate destruction promise of good.

"What do you do if it continues to get out of hand? What does the sixty fifth moon entail?"

I directed my question at Taylor and his grave expression made her certain that would not be the case.

"We put them down, if a wolf is yet to find their fated mate the wolf will get more and more agitated that being around them is dangerous."

Like a dog? A sob broke and her resolve, hell that is never going to happen.

"I put him to sleep, which should give you enough time to decide."

Loralei said her sketchy smirk made her pray to whatever ancestor or angel for his safety. Raven glared at me as if she thought I was daft because did not try to even sugar coat it.

"When he wakes. It is either be begs for death before his demon overtake control over his being or you can bond with him. Keep up."

My heart was set on the second option, never even in my wildest dreams have I ever thought some guy out there was ready for such a commitment. Since Loralei put him to sleep, whatever that means was an indication I did not have enough time.

"No one will force you, this is your choice alone."

Begging eyes asked I save a brother and the steady gaze and hug from my best friend laid my resolve, when a loud roar echoed.

"I thought you said he is sleeping."

She shrugged pouring a golden liquid in a glass. Why is no one reacting to this? Is what werewolves do to their fated mates what Christian is fighting right now? And what will happen if by some unexplained reason he loses?

"His fighting his demon, I cannot completely knock him out that would be irresponsible of me."

Answering everyone's question with a nod, I knew mom blessed this reunion and so did fate.