Don't Burn Out (Currently Editing)

Nineteen

- Kinda Edited, June 13, 2017 -

A sweltering hot, stoplight blinded us as we entered the main pack house, of course Waliyah's idea.

Our pack shouted and clapped as we walked through an aisle they created by them stepping to the sides. My stomach flops like a fish out of water, as the eyes of over six hundred pack members burn into my skin. Athena reminds me I have to get used to this kind of attention, which does not settle my stomach. It actually seemed to do the exact opposite.

Zayn and I waved and blew kisses to the little children with his arm still firmly secured around my waist.

As we walk pass Jacqueline, I pause. Zayn, noticing who I paused at squeezes my hand. It is the first time I've actually seen her so close, but I remember her face from my ceremony. She glares at me up and down. I wish she was not like this. I have no animosity towards her or anyone else Zayn may have been with before because his past is in the past and it will remain there. I will not allow his past to ruin our present or future; however, with the very same breath I do not wish for Jacqueline to feel thrown away because of me. At the end of the day and whether Jacqueline, Athena, Zayn, or I like it Zayn and I are the Alpha and Luna, and as the Alpha and Luna it is our duty to make sure everyone of our pack members does not feel as if we wronged them some how. Before Jacqueline or I can address the other, Zayn pulls me away and I drop my gaze, though I still feel her glaring daggers into my back.

'I hate her!'

I don't.

Zayn didn't say 'no' he slept with her to, and if I do remember correctly Zayn did tell her that he loved her.

'That's different. He's our mate. He was drunk.'

She is a part of our pack. How are we to efficiently run the pack when we want to kill a certain member for something that happened in the past?

I didn't wait for answer. I just tuned her out. Because, quite frankly, I really did not care about her answer. I've already forgiven her and Zayn.

-:-:-:-

I had been doing so well then the smell hit me so hard. My demons demanded the sweet burn of alcohol. While Zayn was chatting with friends I slipped away, to the very back of ballroom -- where I found Elizabeth holding two glasses of liquor.

"I knew I'd eventually find you back here." She says quietly, handing me a glass which I down in seconds. Then she hands over the next glass which I down even faster than the first. "Sorry I couldn't bring you more. It would have looked too obvious if the Beta's suicidal, crazy mate was standing in the corner with three glasses of whiskey. I already had a hard enough time getting away Niall." She snorts sarcastically, "Had a mental breakdown in front him one time and few nightmares that woke me up screaming and he never lets me out of his sight."

"Ha!" She laughs bitterly with a faux smile as she gently waves to Niall who just pops his head up as if he knew his mate was talk about him.

"I told Zayn I was going see a friend.."

"Alcohol or me?"

"Well alcohol, of course." I reply lightly as I hand off the empty glasses to a human butler.

"Oo ouch my heart, Tiffany." The blonde dramatically lays a hand over her chest.

"Sorry?" I shrug. Elizabeth shakes her head and chuckles softly.

"The boys have noticed we are gone." She gestures to our mates, whom are cautiously observing us. "Don't know whether they like us being friends or not."