June hiccuped at the sincerity in his eyes. Her heart skipped a bit and she nodded, not trusting her voice to serve at that time.
“Good girl.” Zeus checked her feet to ensure her shoes were properly tied before they began their morning run.
June ran two laps before they called it quits. The others were out and training by the time they got back. Zeus instructed her to go have some rest while he continued but she refused.
It was the first time she was coming out in public since the last incident. She wanted to get the unease out of the way and get some more training done. Although it might not seem like it, she wanted to be stronger.
Tara’s words didn’t go over her head. She needed to be strong to preserve her life while she tried to complete the mission given to her. So far, she’s had a terrific run. Almost lost her life a couple times too. She planned to keep those occurrences at the bare minimum moving forward.
June stretched herself while Zeus commanded his warriors. His shirt was removed and he was sweaty. No one was training her today. Everything would be on her own terms.
While she navigated that territory, Georgina walked up to her with a smile. “How are you doing, dear?” She cooed, and June smiled politely.
“I’m alright.”
“I saw the Alpha nearly break you in two the other day.” she looked her over. “Did you get your wolf?” Her eyes were eager and expectant.
June felt offended at her choice of words but maintained a tight smile. “Not yet.”
“Oh…” Georgina couldn’t hide her disappointment. “I was hoping you could join the tournament today.”
June frowned. “What tournament?”
Georgina feigned surprise. “Didn’t you know? We are having the tournament for females interested in becoming the Alpha’s mate.”
June’s voice was small. “Oh…”
“You should come. I was hoping you could compete.” Georgina said. “It’s not news that the Alpha has a special spot for you. If you make it through the rounds, he might pick you.”
“I appreciate your kind words but I am not fit to compete.” June said, “I am yet to receive my wolf and even if I do, I won’t be able to compete against the other strong females.”
“You are too humble.” Georgina said. “The others said your eyes turned a shade of white the last time.” She inquired. “Have you started hearing from your wolf? You might not be able to transform yet but it doesn’t mean you don’t have a wolf.”
June felt an odd feeling coming from the old woman. It seemed like there was some ulterior motive to her question and it brought a sense of uneasiness. Georgina eagerly awaited her response.
“Unfortunately not.” She lied flawlessly. “I wish I had a wolf. Maybe I wouldn’t be so vulnerable and weak.” June felt the beast inside her react to her words.
Good. She planned to say a lot more if that’s what it took to become stronger. It was clear that the strength she lacked was not totally her fault. If her wolf could rise to the occasion, she wouldn’t have much problem with this body.
Everyone here depended on their wolves for an extra layer of supernatural strength.
“You are too weak..” She heard Augusta’s wolf speak into her mind. “Your body is still weak. If I come forward, your human side would be irreparably broken.
It’s been a while she heard him so it came as a stunner, causing her to miss her step. Georgina held her from falling. “Easy there, child.”
June maintained her balance and wore an embarrassed smile. “Still working on my balance, you see.”
Georgina smiled. “You do that, and tell me if you experience anything with your wolf. From what I’ve seen, you might be a late bloomer. I’d love to help you walk through that process.”
June opened her mouth to say she was far from it but Georgina beat her to it. “Only when it happens.”
Georgina walked away after inviting June to come around the training grounds later in the day. The tournament was scheduled for noon. June finished her work out and made her way to her quarters.
Only then did she realise just how much time she had before the event. After spending some minutes resting, she decided to take a stroll around the Alpha’s house. For some reason, she was yet to do that since she came.
June stepped out of her room but came face to face with Zeus who was headed towards her room. “Where are you off to?” He asked, and she panicked.
“The tournament will begin soon.” She stated and he squinted his eyes.
“It doesn’t start until two hours.”
June flared her hands in the air. “I know. It’s just… I wanted to take a stroll. I might gulge my eyes if I have to look at that darned chandelier one more time!”
June slapped her mouth only after the words were out. This was it. The day she finally got into trouble. Her third and permanent death. June prepared for the worse, only to be shocked when Zeus burst into a fit of laughter.
Zeus laughed so hard, it was so contagious and she joined in too. Together, they laughed, staring at themselves and laughing some more. “Does this mean I can take a stroll?” June asked afterwards, and Zeus nodded.
“I was thinking of taking you somewhere.” June was sold on his idea. “Give me a few minutes, I’ll meet you in front.”
June nodded and continued her stroll. This time around, she was headed to wait in front of the house. Five minutes later, a sleek black vehicle pulled up in front of the house.
The sight of such a lavish vehicle reminded her of Liam Fernando. He always moved in style. With the thought of Liam came her mother, Lucy and Luis.
She wondered what was happening in South City. Did she die? Were they mourning her loss? Did Rafael survive? By the time Zeus returned to her side, her mood was soured.
The rest of the day moved on plainly as Zeus took her around the pack, showing her beautiful sites she didn’t enjoy as a result of her mood.
Meanwhile, in South City, things were taking another turn. Sharon received her final verdict and was sentenced to twelve years in prisonment for her crimes.
No matter how hard Lucy and the lawyers tried to remedy the situation, it just didn’t work. With Sheila still in coma, and the news out in the open, the judge relieved Sharon of the charges of murder but remanded her on the charges of obstructing justice and party to crime.
Luis was done with his term at school and never stopped visiting the hospital. He stopped at June’s end on the way and spent the rest of the time reading to his father.
He only spoke when it was absolutely necessary and maintained a quiet lifestyle. Carson was getting worried about him and watched him judiciously.
Meanwhile Evelyn was losing hope. Everyday she saw her daughter laying pale on the bed and depending on machines to preserve her life, she fell deeper into depression.
“You need to put yourself together, mother.” Lucy came to the hospital straight after work. “Liam is doing his best to bring world class doctors to examine her. You cannot lose hope.”
“It’s been four months.” Evelyn pointed out. “Even the public have given up. The doctors no longer visit her.”
“The other day, they asked me if I wanted to let her go.” Evelyn sobbed. “they all think it’s over.”
Just then Luis stepped into the hospital room with his book in hand. Evelyn quickly wiped her tears.
“Hello grandmother. Could I please read to auntie?” Luis asked in a soft tone. He was on his way home when he heard Evelyn loud sobs.
His intent was to comfort his aunt’s mother but he didn’t know how to go about it so he opted to read the book he brought over from his fathers ward.
“Of course! I’m sure she would be happy to listen to you.” Evelyn said with a smile and Lucy dragged him to a seat.
Little Luis sat beside June and once again read his little novelette. By the time he finished . Mrs Evelyn was fast asleep on her chair and Lucy sat at the end of the room, responding to work emails.