Late-Night Call
ZAIA. I reach home, shifting and transforming into. human form before I slip inside and hurry upstairs to the bedroom that Sebastian and I were going to take. I flip open my suitcase, rummaging inside.
So much has happened and with no staff here, everything isn’t even unpacked as I have not had the time. I pull on a gown before I pick up my phone and select Atticus’s name, pressing the call button. Please pick up…
It rings a few times before he answers it. “Hello?” he asks. His voice is thick from sleep, and I know I’ve disturbed him.
“Sorry, you were sleeping, and I called so late …” I say quietly. “No, it’s ok. You can call me anytime and that offer still stands if you’ve changed your mind about Sebastian.”
I roll my eyes. “Really, Atticus?”
He lets out a throaty chuckle. “It was worth a shot, so what’s going on, is everything alright?” he asks, and I hear rustling as he seemingly gets out of bed.
“Yeah, somewhat. I have a question about the Sable Triquetra. What are their marks like? I mean, are they the same as ours?” I ask. “That’s an interesting question. Why do you ask? Did something happen? Or did you see someone?” he asks sharply.
“Just answer the question, Atticus. Please.” “I don’t really know. I think they are pretty much the same. I’ve not read anywhere that the symbol is different. Why do you ask, Zaia?”
I sigh, feeling uneasy. Sebastian’s mark was sharper… and in the opposite direction of the V, but again, the symbol can be seen from any angle…
“I went to visit Sebastian a little earlier, and he has a mark that looks like ours, but where ours is an inverted V, his is a V… and…”
And the Sublime Triquetra is complete… what could this mean? I don’t say that part out loud. I’m not brave enough.
He’s silent before he speaks, and I can tell he’s choosing his words carefully. “What do you mean you saw a mark now? You two were married before and as much as I don’t want to think about that, you must have seen it at some point, correct? Unless you’re implying that it’s new?”
“It’s on the back of his neck and rest assured, it was not there before,” I say, pacing my room. He’s silent for a while. “Atticus?” I ask.
He sighs. “I was just thinking about what I told you the other night, that either way, regardless. of what side you choose, both Triquetras will be completed.” He’s thinking the same as I had thought…
Deep down it makes sense, but I wanted him to tell me another solution, another reason why it could be there.
“So, you’re saying Sebastian is the last piece of the Sable Triquetra? Then they’re doomed because he’ll never choose them!” I say firmly, not wanting to even think of that as a possibility.
Please Goddess! There has to be something else! Another reason for it.
“No… I don’t think he will choose them,” he sighs softly. “But this isn’t good: We don’t know what this really means. Sebastian is strong, damn I won’t ever admit this to him, \but he is stronger than I am. If he is a Sable, then we’re in trouble. The other two Sable members are powerful to-”
“Why are you talking like he’s about to join them? Goddess! That will not happen. That can’t happen.” I won’t think that into existence. Wildcard. “Zaia…”
I sigh as I drop onto my bed. “He said when you, Valeria and I formed that triangle that night, he heard a voice that said wildcard… I don’t want to be in denial, but can it be that a sixth person was chosen simply to complete the Sable Triquetra? But it doesn’t mean it makes him bad, right? Like he can’t ultimately be forced to join them?” I ask quietly.
There’s silence, but I wait patiently, praying he’ll say no. Deep down I’m terrified… but I don’t want to believe that. I just don’t…
“I really don’t know and can’t lie to you about it,” he finally says, and I close my eyes. Why? “But he won’t choose them,” I say quietly, yet firmly.
Because he is mine… he’s one of us…
“Yes, but I think that’s something you need to talk to him about, the mark, and what it might mean. We don’t know how these things work, Zaia.
We can’t risk it, can’t risk being around him because you may only see the side of Sebastian that he allows you to see, but he can be dangerous,” he says quietly. I sigh softly, nodding, although he can’t see me. “Thank you… I will.”
We end the call, and I drop back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. Does Sebastian already have an inkling? Maybe that’s what it is? Is that why he said what he did and was acting so cryptic? I turn onto my side, feeling hopeless.
I don’t feel so strong… I’m pushing myself to keep going, but if something happens to Sebastian… if he’s somehow pitched against me The thought of it makes my stomach churn.Please let it not be so…
I grab my pillow, hugging it to my chest as I lay there. I reach one high, then hit a thousand lows.
How do I keep going? We didn’t end on a good note either. I sit up, go to my suitcase take out some clothing, and take a quick shower before getting dressed and making my way to the children’s room.
I sit on the floor between the two beds, leaning my head against Zion’s bed as I watch Sia, her breathing is more laboured than Zion’s. Gerard has an antidote…
I know Valerie has already made arrangements. for equipment to be brought here so she can begin her research, but the fact he has that answer in his grasp.
I’ll talk to Aran. He has to understand for his grandchildren, right? Only will he still consider them his when he has practically disowned Sebastian? It’s complicated.
I’ll talk to Aran first thing in the morning and get Bastian out of prison. Setting my alarm for bright and early, I close my eyes, hoping to get some sleep…
I look down at the man on the bed. The sun is shining through the window of the hospital room.
Gerard King…
Anger flits through me as I glare at him with hatred I’ve never felt so strongly before.
He is no longer hooked up to any machine and although he hasn’t awoken; I feel he has healed. faster than a human. I did study medicine a little and although I didn’t pursue it like Valerie, there are things I know.
“Put him in isolation in the prison facility. He is not critical anymore. I want him monitored throughout the day and night. No one is to visit him aside from the medical staff.” I say firmly, motioning for the guards.
“Alpha! As the head doctor, I can’t allow you to do that. He isn’t in good enough condition-”
“I don’t care!” I snarl, my eyes blazing. “He’s going to be locked up! He is the reason my daughter’s health is so fragile!” My voice rings in the room, making the guards and the doctor fall silent.
I exhale slowly as the doctor lowers his head. “Is that why Alpha Sebastian attacked him?” he asks. I look down. How do I tell them it’s more complicated than that?
“Everything will be explained soon.” I say quietly, “For now, have him locked up. The nurses and doctors may continue to do their checks hourly, however make sure you are constantly supervised. This man cannot be trusted, and he is capable of anything.”
“Yes, Alpha!” Giving them a nod of approval, I head out of the hospital with my guards. “Any update on Gaspard?” I ask Jai who is with
“No, nothing. He’s gone. I’ve sent out an arrest warrant for him and if anyone from our allied packs sees him, they will report it.” Justin says. “Excellent. Let Mr. Aran King know that you would like a word with him. Don’t mention me, or he will refuse.”
“Understood.” He doesn’t question me as he takes his phone out and walks a little away.
“Take Sebastian’s food and just fill him in on the latest happening, please?” I say to Jai, stopping in front of him. “But not what we discussed this morning. I’ll talk to him myself.”
I had filled both him and Valerie in over breakfast. He nods. “Take it easy. None of us want you to be worn out,” he says before wrapping his arms around me and giving me a tight hug. I hug him. back for a moment.
“I know, thank you. Anything from Dad? Or those watching Mom?” I ask quietly. “Nothing as of yet. Your mom hasn’t left the house.”
“Has anyone checked on her?” I ask, feeling worried. “The staff is in and out and they have taken groceries, so I’m presuming things are good.”
“Still tell Dad to check up on her if he can. “She is still your mother, and I know you care. Why not give her a call?” Jai suggests, quietly patting my cheeks.
I roll my eyes. “I know. I just don’t know what to say to her right now.” I say as Justin walks over to us. “He has agreed to see me in half an hour.”
“Thank you, then that is where I will be.” “I want to come with you,” Jai says.
“No, you need to head home. I have Justin here, we’ll be ok,” I say firmly. He nods. “Alright, Valerie needs help to set up her equipment, anyway.’
“And how is her walking going? I don’t want her overexerting herself?” I ask, feeling awful that I have barely helped her.
“Great, she’s doing good, and you’re one to talk about overexerting oneself. Once Sebastian is out of prison, we need to literally celebrate, and I mean properly. Over drinks and food, just us, deal?” he says.
I smile softly. Oh, that is a day I’d love to see. I miss those days.
I nod.
“I promise. I hope that day is soon.” “We’ve got this,” Jai says, giving me the thumbs up before he walks off.
I watch as Gerard’s bed is wheeled out of his room and pushed past me. There are two guards and the masked male nurse in scrubs nods at me, and for a fraction of a second, our eyes meet.
I almost smile wryly as I turn away. Piercing blue eyes… and there was a time I only thought Sebastian’s were that intense blue. 12
I glance over my shoulder as they disappear down the hallway and shake my head. Time to get this meeting with Aran, over with.
