His Savior

Not Good Enough

~Zahara~

               The ride back to the packhouse is quiet, each of us seems to be lost in our own thoughts. I'm struggling to keep Aria at bay. She has been on the verge of exploding since Cory told us how his life has been. She is beyond angry and would love nothing more than to run to Wild Tail and rip everyone apart. At this point, I'm in agreement with Aria, but I have to be the level-headed one. As hard as it has been to keep Aria in, having Cory in my presence has been slightly helpful. He gives me a sense of calm and peace.

               When we get to the packhouse, I have people take the bags out of the car to put them into Cory's room. It is almost time for dinner, but after what happened earlier, I'm not sure if it would be best to eat in the dining room with everyone. Then again, it may be best to make sure that everyone understands that Cory is here to stay and they need to get over it. My thoughts were distracting enough that I didn't realize that Cory had exited the car and is waiting to help me out. "Is everything alright?" I shake my head a bit and grab Cory's hand to head out of the car. I reach up and kiss Cory on his cheek, loving the sparks that erupt around my mouth.

               "Everything is fine, I'm sorry. I was wondering if you wanted to have dinner with just me........we can eat upstairs. If you would rather eat with everyone else, we can do that." Cory smiles at me and intertwines his fingers with mine.

               "I would love to eat with you. We can get to know each other some more." I smile, and we head into the packhouse hand in hand. I mindlink some kitchen staff to bring up a meal for the two of us, and we head upstairs. Before we can pass by Cory's room, he stops.

               "Is everything okay?" Cory gives me a little smile.

               "Yeah, everything is fine. I just need to go to my room for a minute. Can I meet you in a few minutes?"

               "Of course, meet me on the balcony. I told them to set up out there." Cory nods at me and heads into his room. I'm excited to spend some alone time with Cory. I walk towards the balcony, and my phone rings. I quickly answer without checking to see who the caller is.

               "Have you given any more thought to my proposal?"

               "Laslo?"

               "Who else would it be?" I don't understand why he won't let this go. Wait, how did he even get my personal number? "Hello?"

               "What do you want? How did you even get my number?"

               "I have my ways, beautiful. You know what I want, I'm just waiting for you to come around." I roll my eyes.

               "I already gave you my answer twice. You are not my mate, so I'm not interested. Stop asking me about this because my answer will not change. Don't call me anymore." I hang up the phone and take a few deep breaths. Laslo will be a problem, and I need to figure out how to solve it before it gets out of hand.

~Cory~

               As Zahara and I were walking down the hall, I realized that I didn't take my pills earlier. The last thing I need is to have a panic attack while I'm supposed to be spending time with Zahara. I head to the restroom and grab my pill bottle. I take the top off and am shocked. I only have three pills in the bottle. I thought I had a couple more than that. What am I supposed to do without my pills? I haven't had an attack in so long, so I have no idea what to expect. Maybe the doctor will be able to get me a refill. It should be a common medicine that should already be in stock. I take a pill and make a note to see the doctor in the morning.

               I splash some water on my face and take a look in the mirror. I have a few cuts on my face that have scabbed up. My eyes have dark rings around them; they look sunken in. My face is thin and taunt, almost looking like a skeleton. My skin is a bit dull and not as golden brown as it could be. I always take care to keep my hair combed, but it looks extremely dry. Truth be told, I could use a haircut, and I may see about getting one soon. My brown eyes look dead, but I guess that's to be expected. My bones are visible, and I run my finger across my collarbone that is sticking out. I don't know what Zahara could see in me. I'm not much to look at, and I've been through so much. Maybe the more she talks to me today, she will realize that the best thing would be for her to let me go.

               I shake my head to erase the negative thoughts and head to the balcony. This floor is like a mini apartment, and the balcony can be found through the living space. The living space is open and inviting with the big screen tv mounted on the wall, white leather furniture, and nice art on the walls. I take a peek, and Zahara sits at a table on the balcony. There is food waiting for us. There is a small couch on the other end of the balcony that looks very comfortable. I open the door and sit at the table with Zahara. She looks a bit frazzled but smiles at me. We begin to eat in silence, just enjoying the meal.

               Zahara clears her throat and puts her fork on the table. "Have you thought about what you want to do here? I'm not sure if I should have my mom go over Luna duties with you or have my father go over Alpha duties......or maybe both." I look at Zahara with questioning eyes. She can't be serious. Alpha or Luna duties?

               "Uh, I was thinking that it would be best to find a place to work. I always enjoyed working in the kitchen so if there is an opening there......."

               "Why would you work in the kitchen? I mean, don't get me wrong, you can always go into the kitchen whenever you like. I think it's important to get you trained on your future role, but I want you to decide what that role will be." I told Zahara who I was and what I have been through, but she still acts as if I'm someone that I'm not. This pack will never accept a wolfless classified member. I know enough to know that they will want someone more to lead them. I can't let Zahara ruin her status or put the pack in danger.

               "I know that we are mates, but I know that there is someone out there that is better for you. You have to do what is best for your pack, and I understand that. You saved me, and I'm grateful to you. I just want to be able to give back to you in the best way I can." Zahara looks at me but doesn't speak. "I think you should just reject me now; the sooner, the better." The thought of Zahara rejecting me hurts me down to my core, but I'm under no illusion that I'm good enough to be by her side. I watch Zahara's face scrunch up, and her fists get balled up tight. I can feel her aura getting stronger, and it is a bit frightening. A growl escapes her lips, and Zahara jumps out of her seat and over the balcony. I turn and watch her shift into the most beautiful wolf I have ever seen. She takes off and runs into the forest.