𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐞 ⸙

2.33༊*·˚

Liam was on edge when Zayn was having his first therapy session. He expected a tantrum and for Zayn to storm from the room and not come back for hours. But Zayn stayed in the room for the full hour, and left giving the therapist a handshake and a polite goodbye.

"I'm shocked," Baela whispered, leaning against the corridor wall. "He's actually got manners."

Liam scoffed and Zayn approached them with suspicion. "What?""

"Nothing," Liam beamed. "How did it go?"

Zayn's eyes followed the next wolf who entered the room. He wasn't the only one in the pack who needed therapy. "It was awkward."

"First sessions usually are. It'll be better on Thursday!"

"I thought I was seeing her once a week?" Zayn questioned.

"Nope. You'll see her twice a week, maybe three times depending on how it goes."

Zayn slumped against the wall and crossed his arms.

"Can you come into my next session?" he asked Liam. "I just couldn't seem to speak at all."

Liam nodded. "If I'm allowed." He grabbed Zayn's hand, squeezing it tightly.

Baela smiled at their clutching grips.

"Are you hungry?" she asked, smoothing a handful of braids over one shoulder. She wore purple eyeshadow that matched her purple denim Jacket.

Liam's gaze was often drawn to her bright green eyes. Against her dark skin and purple eyeshadow, they popped beautifully.

"I'm fucking starving," Zayn said.

Liam shook his head, grinning as he followed them down the corridor. Zayn had eaten a lot for breakfast, yet he was always hungry, and so was Baela, and every other werewolf in the institute.

The only person who no longer ate like a werewolf was Solana. She didn't join them for breakfast and lunch very often now, but she was always there for dinner.

Though Liam felt as though she was wasting away, bit by bit. Losing a mate was slowly destroying her. Liam would have to talk to Zayn about helping Solana because he knew Zayn noticed too.

The canteen was busy and happy for the first time in a while. Wolves were smiling and laughing and feeling comfortable again in their Packhouse.

The lively chatter was a nice sound for both Zayn and Liam as they sat at their usual table. Solana's spot remained empty. Zayn stared at it for a moment, then checked his watch. "Should I go and get mum?"

Liam nodded to say yes. "You feel her pulling away too, don't you?"

"Yes. I should make her visit the therapist too."

The therapist was a human who knew everything about werewolves and how they lived, and their ranks, and their traits. The government gave therapists willingly, knowing that unstable werewolves caused trouble.

"I'll be back in a minute."

Zayn stood and Liam grabbed his wrist before he stormed through the canteen. Zayn turned with a puzzled look, but Liam pursed his lips, and Zayn then knew what he wanted. He almost felt as though he didn't deserve Liam's attention yet, but Liam deserved to be loved. Zayn crouched and softly kissed his cheek, then his lips. He ruffled Liam's hair and left with warmth circling his chest.

Zayn could breathe easier now that they were on good terms again. He could go up the stairs two at a time. Being with Liam gave him endless energy, physically and mentally.

He reached the third floor quickly and banged on his mother's door hard enough to startle her on the other side.

"Zayn, bloody hell," she muttered, smelling his scent. "Come in."