Chapter 11 Chapter 11
ZANE
I paced my room, this time racking the deep corners of my brain. I had heard what my father said and knew that he meant it. He believed I could be better.
Being with Mariah had turned me into a person I didn’t even recognize anymore. She bullied those she looked down on, and I’d gone along with it. When had I become this person?
I wouldn’t be taking over the pack at the end of the summer like we had planned. My father had informed me that I had six months to turn myself around, for the pack, for myself, and for my mate.
“My mate…,” I whispered while rubbing my head. I had royally messed up. She hated me. She was afraid of me. I had hurt her too many times, emotionally and physically.
“Idiot!” I yelled to my empty bedroom. I could feel my wolf grumble in agreement.
I sat down at my desk and made myself a checklist.
THINGS I NEED TO DO TO BECOME ALPHA:
I looked at the title before shaking my head and crossing out the line I had written. I grabbed a new piece of paper and thought for a moment before writing.
THINGS I NEED TO DO TO BECOME BETTER:
1. Break up with Mariah.
2. Show the pack they can trust me.
3. Learn to control my anger.
4. Be kind to them.
5. Be kind to Ella.
6. Win her trust.
I looked at my list and a small smile spread across my lips.
“Let’s do this then.”
As if she had known I was going to look for her, Mariah walked in.
“Hey, baby!” She stepped into the room and spread herself on my bed.
“Come play with me,” she said in her most seductive voice.
I had to take a deep breath to keep from taking full advantage of the girl waiting in my bed. I could feel my lust growing as she took off her shirt. I turned around and walked across the room.
“Mariah, put your clothes back on. I don’t have time for that right now.”
She scowled at me before putting her shirt back on.
“You always have time, baby. What’s wrong?”
“I need to talk to you,” I replied, trying to keep my voice cool.
I sat down in a chair, and she hopped up off the bed and sat in my lap.
“What’s up, babe?” she asked, stroking my chest.
I grabbed her hand to stop her.
“We’re done, Mariah.”
Mariah laughed.
“What do you mean, done?”
“I mean we’re over. I’m breaking up with you. I don’t want to see you anymore.”
Mariah looked like she had tasted something sour.
“Zane Davis, don’t you dare break up with me! I’m the best you’ll ever have! You really think you’ll find someone better than me?”
I pushed her off my lap and stood.
“Mariah, it was fun for a while, but I need to focus on my duties as alpha and gaining the trust of this pack.”
“You promised me you’d make me your luna! Everyone loves their luna! How would that not help them trust you?”
“Mariah, this is final!” I was starting to get irritated; she just wouldn’t drop it.
“No, Zane! I’m not letting you do this! You don’t break up with me—I break up with you!”
I was done. I pulled my arm away and towered above her.
“I am your alpha! Mariah, this thing we have is over. Now leave.”
I pointed to the door, and she glared at me, fury in her eyes as she walked out of the room.
“You’ll be sorry, Zane. You’ll come crawling back to me when you realize I’m the best you’ll ever get.”
I let out a huff as she left the room, rolling my eyes at her statement.
I walked over to my desk and crossed the first item off my list before setting the pen down and smiling to myself. I already felt lighter. I made my way downstairs, knowing I had amends to make.
“Sophie?” I had my head slightly lowered and my lips in a tight line.
I looked up to see Sophie staring at me, her distrust and anger still palpable.
“I wanted to apologize to you. I know how hard you work for this pack, and I appreciate everything you do. I know I didn’t show it today, and I’m sorry.”
Sophie’s face softened, and she put a hand on my shoulder.
“Thank you, Zane. It means a lot to me that you said that.”
I smiled at her before pausing.
“Is Ella here?”
Sophie squinted at me, and I could tell she was trying to decide whether she would answer me or not.
“She’s down the hall putting away some extra plates we used this morning.”
“Thanks.” I turned to walk away, but she spoke again.
“Alpha Zane?” She looked at me again but this time with worry.
“Please be kind to her. She’s been through so much.”
“That’s the plan.” I gave her a warm smile before heading to the extra pantry and storage room down the hall. I walked in to see her struggling to get the box of plates on the shelf.
“Oh, wow. Let me help you.” I rushed behind her and set the box on the shelf.
“Thank you, I was about to—” Ella turned around and stopped speaking as she realized who had helped her. She glared at me.
“Zane.”
“Ella, I—”
Ella walked away, clearly not wanting to be near me. But I knew I needed to get this out.
“Ella, wait.”
She suddenly turned around to face me.
“What, Zane? What else could you possibly have to say to me?”
“I’m sorry.”
I met Ella’s eyes and watched her as she stood frozen in disbelief. After a moment, she shook her head.
“It’s a little too late for that.” Ella looked down at the floor, and I could see she was upset.
“Ella, I know I was mean, cruel, even borderline abusive. I messed up, and I’m trying to be better. Believe it or not, my dad smacked some sense into me.
“You don’t have to forgive me, but I’m here to apologize, to tell you I’m sorry.”
Ella met my eyes, and I could feel her searching my face for the truth. After a few moments of silence, she let out a breath.
“Thank you.”
I gave her a warm smile, and I could feel the pull toward her. I wanted to pull her close to me and inhale her scent. I wanted to kiss those lips that looked so soft.
She turned and walked away, shaking me from my thoughts.
I wanted to call after her, but I didn’t know what I would say. Hopefully, I would be able to fix what I had ruined.