Zera dropped by Zion’s school to pick him up, as it was her day to bring him home from school. She came thirty minutes after closing, which meant there would be fewer kids in the class than if she had come earlier. Among the kids still waiting for their parents to pick them up was Quincy, which meant that Davine had yet to pick him up. He and Zion seemed to have a rather interesting discussion before she made herself known in the waiting room, and Zion ran up to meet her.
The thought of taking Zion away and leaving Quincy with no one to talk to didn’t feel right, yet she didn’t know if she could wait until his father came to pick him up. The day’s stress had dawned on her, and all she wanted now was food and rest. She didn’t know Davine’s house and wasn’t that close to him yet, or she would have suggested taking Quincy home to him and then proceeding to take Zion home.
After his revelation to her over a week ago, they had kept their relationship somewhat civil. They had shared more than “hi” and “hey” this past week, and that was an improvement and a promise of a much better future. She realised they had a few things in common: they had sons they would die for, and their children were not normal but still good kids. The bond between the two kids made her want to be a better person to Davine, and so far, her colleague has been a decent person.
Since Lionel’s awakening, she has kept an eye on him. She still remembered Quincy’s words about the old and the new. She wanted to see if there was any change with him, but so far, there has been nothing. Still, she knew that no matter what happened, she would have to protect Lionel from everyone. So far, he has been as normal as anyone would get, and there is nothing else but to hope it remains that way.
Ivan had remained rather sceptical about Lionel’s awakening; perhaps he was being more careful and observant of the change. He wasn’t as happy as the rest of them; his countenance was not that of happiness, rather one suspicious of an incoming doom. She didn’t fault him; he was the wise one, and his job was to always be on the lookout for the pack. Besides, Lionel was his brother-in-law and not an actual brother. She understood why her happiness was greater than theirs.
Lionel’s awakening has been great; the little lingering for Sesi exists because, although unmarked from her, his feelings weren’t completely taken away. He still had the memories of the good and amazing times he shared with her. But the unmarking had brought a tremendous change, and now he had more focus and drive towards life.
“Mommy!” Zion called out, having taken notice of her presence, and he ran up from his chair over to her, his arms wide open as usual.
Zera smiled, bent down, and picked him up and into her arms. “Hello, big boy!” she called out, rocking him in her arms like she normally does whenever she picks him up. It looks like you had a lot of fun today.”
He giggled and nodded. “Quincy is telling me about the seven wonders of the world. There are so many exciting places, mom, and he’s been to three so far!”
“Really?”
“Yes, can we see one wonder this holiday?” He asked with wide eyes, expecting nothing but a positive answer.
“Sure, I will speak to Aaron, but I don’t see why not.”
“Great!” He squealed and threw his arms around her for what he would call a tight hug, and it brought joy to her soul to see him this happy.
Zera set him down at his request, and he ran over to tell Quincy something. She didn’t need to listen in to know it was about visiting one of the seven wonders of the world this holiday. When he finished, he returned to her with his bag and lunch box, ready to leave.
“Won’t your friend miss you too much?” She asked, knowing she would if she was the one being left behind.
“No, he says his father is already in the school building.” Zion answered, and a second later, Zera picked up the scent of Davine from the back.
She turned to find him behind her, and she gave him a friendly smile and said, “Hello, Mr. Yates.”
“Hello, Mrs. Hart.” He said, walked over to his son, and picked him up in his arms.
Zera saw the cheerful look in Quincy’s eyes as his father picked him up. She took Zion’s hand, and together they departed the school.
They stopped at Domino’s to get ice cream before proceeding home.
They arrived at the Pack estate, and Zion seemed very excited to give Aaron the ice cream he had taken for him.
“This ice cream will make Aaron very happy; I can already tell.” She said it with a chuckle and turned off the car.
She was barely out of her car when she spotted Ivan approaching her with a furious speed, and his eyes were red, as if he had been crying and mourning.
She paused, a little taken aback. “Ivan?”
“What did you do?” he demanded, and his question threw her into a sea of confusion, and she just stared at him, unable to understand what he was asking about.
“What did I do?” she asked him, shutting the car door.
“Do not act clueless with me, Zera.” He snapped, stepping into her personal space.
Okay, there was something really wrong because, in all the years she had known Ivan, he had never looked this angry before. He was the calmest and most civilised Hart, and she would have expected this approach from Damor and Sesi, but not from him and Aaron. He had never been like this-this angry, this murderous-not at her or anyone, and so this left her confused.
She closed the door to her car and said, “I will act however I want because I have no clue what you’re talking about, Ivan, and I advise you to take a step back!”
“Why? You will kill me, too.” He spat at her.
Her eyes widen, but before she could answer, Aaron appeared out of nowhere alongside Damor. Damor placed his hands on Ivan’s shoulder and pulled him away from her, and Aaron stepped up to stand before her.
“Let go of me, Damor, or I will cast a spell on you!” He threatened, struggling to get free from his brother’s hold, and succeeded.
“Stand down, Ivan! I command you as your alpha!” Aaron ordered, and though not being held down by Damor anymore, Ivan didn’t approach them. His teeth were gritted, and the anger on his face remained. Without saying another word, he stormed away towards his quarters.
As Ivan disappeared out of sight, Aaron turned to her and placed his arms around her. “Are you okay?”
“I am; what the hell was that?” she demanded.
“Xoe is dead, and Ivan believes you’re responsible for it, hence his outburst.” Aaron answered.