She's the Devil in Disguise

16

^^Alec

Zena's POV

"What are you thinking about, Zena?" I turned to Sophie. "I can sense your emotions, so I have an inkling, but would prefer if you verbalized it." I simply looked away. "I know you have the ability to speak, but are choosing to be mute. Are you trying to spite someone or is this a defense mechanism?"

My eyes peered out the window to observe the greenery. Even though it was beautiful, it made me sad. Nature reminded me of Acacia, who I didn't have with me. That evil replica of me stole the one thing I treasure most in the world. I needed my wife back and would do whatever to assure my sanctuary was back in my possession.

"Even friends..." I faced Sophie. "You turn them away. Ellio, Vera, Tatia, Cara, Ina-" She stopped at sensing my detached emotions. "You don't even want your family members around. The only person you allow beside you is Hailey. Everyone, including your parents, is dismissed. Why are you closing yourself off? So many people love you and wished you'd allow them in."

Instead of offering her a verbal response, I allowed her to gauge my emotions. Sophie cleared her throat as she quickly picked up on the vile and dark thoughts I had for others. She then scribbled something down and bit the inside of her cheek.

"You're older and almost no longer considered a child. The best option would be to get Dr. Linda, but they thought it'd be best for you and Yeira to have spoken to different people." I squeezed my fist at her name. "And since we have history, they thought I'd better be suited for the role." She then sighed. "Z, I can't help you if you don't open up. Your parents love and are there to support you. Please don't shut everyone out." Sophie looked down before standing up. "I'll get Hailey to take you away." She walked to the door, but stopped at a sound.

"Everyone claims to understand, but they don't." I stared out the window. I noticed Sophie sit back down. "I agree that I'm not the only one whose mate has been taken. But, no one here lost a mate-"

"She's not dead-"

"Let me speak." I sternly spoke. "No one lost a mate to someone they trusted. I trusted Yeira and allowed her to be close to Acacia. I allowed Acacia to be alone with her, multiple times. Acacia would comfort and soothe her. We went on a mission together, where she got alone time with Acacia. I allowed that because I had faith and trust in my kin." I sneered. "But, I was wrong. I made a mistake and that mistake will soon cost Acacia her life. There is a guilt buried inside me that I can't get rid of, no matter what anyone says."

"Zen-"

"I'm the reason she was violated by Jethro. Why she almost died from not finishing the bonding ritual. Why she was almost killed when facing off against Lilitu and my grandfather. Why she was taken by Yeira. I'm the constant that brings so much death, destruction and misery to her life. I'm a cancer to her, but the problem is... I can't let her go." I whispered the last part.

"You don't need to let her go."

"I should if I want her to be safe. She's safer the farther she's from me. Yeira got that right with Hana." I muttered. "And no one can assign the proper blame."

"You're not the problem-"

"I know I'm not." My eyes narrowed at hers. "Yeira is the problem. And that problem needs to be eliminated." I stated. "My parents aren't of the same opinion. Mum will defend Yeira to her grave. She sees a miniature version of maman and can't help, but love that psychopath."

"Zena, they love you just as much." Sophie urged.

"Don't insult me." I sneered.

"I'm not-" Sophie then dropped her notebook.