A Small Victory , ZAIA. It’s the following day. After what I learned from Aran, I was unable to face Sebastian yesterday. I didn’t want to talk to him, and after everything, I needed a moment to gather my strength. I didn’t want to go before him and break down. , So, instead, I put everything into preparing for his release. I don’t believe what Aran has said. I refuse to believe it. There’s just something that isn’t right. , Gerard still wants us apart. Maybe being together will help Sebastian. I can’t give up on him. I will NOT give up on him. , Gerard is in prison and that should give me some peace of mind, but Aran’s words have reinforced that worry even if I don’t believe them. , I didn’t sleep last night and for a short while, I felt like everything was spiralling out of control. I couldn’t bring myself to tell anyone what Aran had told me, because I couldn’t bear the seed of doubt in my mind. , I now stand in the council room where I have sworn an oath of truth before I tell them exactly what happened with Gerard and with that statement, I bring forward some of the notes Sebastian had received. The threats that we better stay away from one another… The sinister warnings. The Blood Born and everything else. , I finish with the confirmation of his poisoning of Sia and welcomed them to sample her blood too. , The Sable knew I wasn’t going to hold back; I have openly challenged them with my stubbornness, and there’s no time to lose., The more I read the notes, the more I look through them, it becomes clearer than ever that they want us apart. They need us apart and with every card that I look down upon; I realise that my decision must be correct. Sebastian and I, need to be together. No matter what. , “We have made our decision, Alpha.” I look at the court members as they stop whispering amongst themselves. They’ve come to a decision. , “As a combined decision, we have come to the agreement that Alpha Sebastian

/may be acquitted from prison and that you, Alpha Zaia, will not be held responsible for the events that led to Alpha Gerard King’s injury.” The man speaks clearly, glancing at the audience. , “However, we hope that you, Alpha Zaia, will make sure that you reach out to his pack and family to explain exactly what happened because we cannot afford to be at odds with his pack. Further action can only be taken once he is awake.” He finishes. , “Understood, and thank you,” I say, feeling a wave of relief rush over me. “No, we thank you for allowing us to judge this despite you being our leader.” They nod their heads in unison and I smile gently. , I knew it was a risk, to tell the truth, but for him. to be free I was willing to take it, in hopes they’d understand, and they did. One of the women now rises to her feet. , “Alpha Zaia, I think there’s a lot of changes needed in this pack, if what you speak is so dire, then we should make haste. Let’s show the goddess that we have not forgotten her.” , “I think that’s an excellent idea, Margaret,” I answer. “Let’s set a meeting with those in charge of security, training and all the important figures in our pack. Perhaps we can think of something together.” , “Of course, and I am certain you will want to release Alpha Sebastian now.”, I blush lightly as I feel all eyes on myself. “Yes, it’s hard being apart from him and knowing he is locked up when he is innocent.” , “Then we will not bother you today. I will set the meeting for tomorrow evening so everyone can make sure to have things in place so they can attend.” Tomorrow evening… I also need to meet Olivan tomorrow night… It should be okay. , “Thank you,” I say simply. I give Jai a thumbs up and he gives me a nod and a double thumbs up. Mouthing ‘well done.’ , I hurry down from the dais wanting to get him out of prison immediately. Reaching the doors to the Pack Hall I push them wide open as I step out into the light and smile up at the dreary skies. Even this cloudy day cannot dampen my mood. “Hold up!” Jai says as he rushes to catch up and I smile across at him as a sudden idea comes to mind. “I have a better idea.” , He raises an eyebrow. “Oh?” I nod vigorously. “I want to welcome him back properly… can you get him from prison and keep him occupied for at least two hours?” I ask, unable to stop the jittery excitement that’s bubbling inside of me. , He folds his arm, tilting his head. “I would have thought you’d want to see him immediately. I’m thinking you’re up to something. Does it mean you’ll cook him all his favourite dishes and I get to eat them too?” , My heart squeezes as I remember the last time I cooked for him, and I nod. “Yes… we will make new memories.” I say softly, brushing a strand of my hair back. , The past didn’t hurt as much anymore, but the memories remain. “Understood. Don’t worry, I’ll go get your man and I’ll keep him busy for the next two hours.” , “Thank you, Jai, you are the best.” I pat his cheek and he gives me a pout. “Now you’re treating me like a pet.” I chuckle at that. “No, you’re like a sibling that I never had.”, “Well, I’m happy to be so. Keep me updated if you need me to bring anything home.” , “I will, thanks!” I hurry to the waiting car and head back to the safe house. I quickly text Valerie that Sebastian will be home and ask how Sia is. , I then quickly make a list for Justin to get us some groceries from the shops, send it to him, and order a few items, including a cake topper that I want him to collect too. , We had just parked up at home when I call Agatha. Things might be rough between us, but she is Sebastian’s mother and I want her here when we welcome him home. , “Hello?” Her voice comes down the line. “Hello Mrs King, it’s Zaia.” , “Oh, hello dear… You know I’d like it if you would stop being so formal…” She sounds tired although she tries to hide it. “How are you?” , “I’m well. How are you?” , “As well as I can be when my son is locked away.” She says sadly. I smile as I enter the safe house. “Well then, you will be happy to hear Sebastian is free to leave. He will be home in a few hours, and I was wondering if you would like to be here when he does.” , “What! You mean he’s not being trialled!” “We had somewhat of a trial, however, when all the facts and the situation that took place was presented, he was proven innocent. So will you come?” , There’s silence, and she sighs softly. “I- I don’t think Aran will allow me to… thank you for the invitation, Zaia, but I don’t think I can.” , “Will you not meet your grandchildren?” I ask softly. I know it would mean a lot to Sebastian if his mother was here., “Oh, I want to, but I don’t know if Aran would be happy if I did without his knowledge… maybe I can come without him knowing… Yes, I’ll do. that. Where are you staying?” “I will have someone come collect you in two hours. Have dinner with us too.” , “Oh, I missed your cooking, Zaia! That is I presume you will be cooking!” “Yes, I will be,” I say, smiling softly. She was always a good mother-in-law. I can’t wait to cook for Bastien. , “Alright, tell your driver to wait in the car around the bed on the left. I will come to the car, but first I need to get some presents! I’m finally meeting my grandchildren! Goddess! I am so excited!” , “Well, I’ll see you soon then,” I say to the very excited woman, who no longer sounds tired, chuckling as I hang up. , “So congratulations on the good news,” Valerie says as I step into the lounge. She isn’t in here, but there’s a door on the far side that stands open and I can tell she’s got her things pretty much fully set up. “Thanks. So how have you and the kiddies been, and where are they?” I ask, taking off my jacket. , “Over here.” She says, motioning inside the room. I cross the room and peep into the lab to see them playing on the floor with coloured foam. , Once again, they are mumbling incoherently in a language that sounds like French, but it isn’t. The strangest thing is they seem to be conversing with one another, although they aren’t making sense. Hmm, I might need to switch to Spanish next! , “Mommy! Look what Aunty Velly gave us!” Sia says patting the foam. “Aunty Velly?” I raise an eyebrow as I go over to her. , Valerie chuckles. “It’s unique. I just hope Jai doesn’t hear it.” “That it is.” I smile. “How exciting!” I add to the children, giving them both a hug and kiss and prod the foam.”, Valerie turns in her chair as she removes her gloves. “I was just checking the blood samples, but I’m going to continue when I have a few more things I need.” , “Sounds good. Do you think you’ll be able to?” I ask in French. She nods. “I think so, and I will find a way.” She reassures me. , Standing up, I nod. “Well children, your daddy. will be back today, so Mommy is going to go cook some delicious food, ok? So will be good for Aunty Velly?” I can’t help but giggle at that, and Valerie gives me a look. Aunty Velly the Smelly. , I chuckle again. , “What are you thinking!” Valerie protests, but I don’t tell her. “We will be very good. We need Daddy home.” Zion says. “I have been worried about Daddy being gone.” , “Awe really?” I say, ruffling his hair. He nods gravely. “Everyone has been worried but now things are ok.” , I feel a sliver of guilt, no matter how much I try to hide my worries, they still pick up… , “Well, no need to worry. He’s coming home.” He nods as Sia bounces up and down where she’s sitting, clapping her hands in excitement. “Yay! I like Daddy!” , Me too. I give her a smile before deciding to quickly do my prep before I get changed. “Do you need help? I mean, I’m no cook, but I can chop things?” Valerie offers. , I smirk. “No, thank you, my dear Velly, the Smelly, I’ll manage,” I whisper before I rush from the room, leaving her staring wide-eyed at me. , “Zaia! Oh, girl, I’m coming for you!” She shouts as I burst out laughing. “Got to catch me first.” I taunt as I enter the kitchen. I feel light… It’s been so many days since I’ve felt this happy and serene…, Valerie is better. We are all together and Sebastian will be home soon! 1“Oh, I will!” She calls, amusement clear in her voice. , Yes, you will, because you, my girl, are a fighter. I wash my hands and roll up my sleeves, ready to prepare for Sebastian’s return…, Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.