Chronically in love

Chapter Three (Zoe)

Nalia is feeling guilty. I can see it in the way she flicks her eyes away when they meet mine, the way she is being painfully nice. After my stupid run yesterday, my body decided to punish me and I have been at a steady nine since I woke up. Nalia called off work for me and is keeping me company as I pout.

I have had enough, "Out with it Nalia. What's going on with you?" She bites her lip and looks at her hands, tangled in my blanket. "I have a big favor to ask."

I stiffen slightly, whatever it is I will do it, I owe her so much. "So, you know my job right, how I have to leave sometimes?" I nod, not really sure where she is going with this. " I've been assigned to be a diplomatic for the werewolf king, I have to go to his castle and I really don't want to be alone."

I know what she is asking and I have to do it. I have to, but there are issues. "What about my accomodations, how long will we be there?"

"The job will be anywhere from a few months to a couple years, Zoe it depends. And as for your accommodations they just made a completely new kitchen that has never been cooked in for the guests. There will be no chance of cross contamination."

I sigh, "When do we leave?" She throws herself across the bed to hug me. "A week from now. Thank you Zoe, thank you so much."

She leaves too the kitchen to make a phone call and I stare at the wall. I can't believe what I just agreed to, I owe her so much, but I still can't believe what I just agreed to. I can do my job anywhere so that's not a problem, but that means I am going to be around so many supernaturals for possibly up to a year! How am I going to survive this?
______________________________________

I am all packed and ready to go, my bags contain my clothes and swimsuits, my boxes hold my books and the few remaining photographs I have of my family. I have a lunch box where my medications are stored, and my wheelchair and crutches are in Nalia's car. I don't have any pets or really any friends besides Nalia so it was relatively easy to pack up my life, my apartment will continue getting paid for until I move back into it. 

I slide into the car in the front seat and wait for Nalia. I am already regretting my decision to wear shirts and a tank top. The sun is nice and warm but I still shiver. My knees are wrapped tightly as today is a three and there is supposed to be a lot of walking. After a thirty minute car ride, we arrive. The castle is huge and beautiful, with big windows and a dark interior. There are wolves waiting for us and when I open my car door a random man walks up to me. "You honor us with your presence, it is a pleasure to meet you." He smiles at me and his eyes change color, letting me know his wolf is right there on the surface, making my fear rise an unhealthy amount. I shove it back and try to repeat what my therapist said, not all wolves are the same, Zoe.

I am incredibly confused, do they not know that I am a human? What is going on here? "Um, thanks? I guess?" Nalia is laughing at my embarrassment and I feel my face turning red. More wolves are bringing our bags and boxes in and the wolf from the other day, David? Daren? Daniel? I do not remember, I was too busy having a panic attack last time to listen. Great first impression, Zoe.

Nalia grabs my hand and we follow him into the castle, the outside does not match the inside, the outside is dark but beautiful, the inside is warm, comforting, happy, it feels lived in and like a home should feel. The walls of the giant room we walked into are a soft blue and there is a large chandelier providing light. Many wolves walk around and when we walk in, all eyes turn on us. There are whispers, I catch "Is that her?" and "Finally he found his-" I stop listening and there are also many staircases, I wince just looking at them. My joints are going to hate me.

"The king is this way," our guide proclaims, "He wants to officially greet you." We walk, and walk, and walk some more, until we are in the throne room, there are so many wolves that are all staring at us and I am feeling panicky again, at least I am until my eyes land on the king. He sits on a large black throne, there is a golden, slightly bigger, throne right next to his that probably belongs to his mate. He is talking to a man with brown hair and when we enter he turns to look as well at the human and vampire show.