Bonus Scene #19 - Zane’s 17th Birthday (Part 2)

Bonus Scene #19 - Zane’s 17th Birthday (Part 2)
Tori’s POV

‘Do you think Zane’s going to love this? I mean our father didn’t exactly say what Zane truly wanted. All he said was that he wanted to throw Zane a surprise party,’ replies Rune who was equally part curious and equally part excited.

‘Beats me Rune. But I’ve learned along ago to never question my father’s request when comes down to something in general.’

Rune just huffing before moving to curl up within my mind.

Luna Alyssa and I, along with Jake, Zak, Alex and Aaron all helping to put together a small, little party that’s designed specifically for Zane. Zane still fairly new to the pack as was Nova and Ashe, yet unlike them, Nova and Ashe each had Taos and Fawn while Zane only had my father, his mother long since dead. Having taken her own life the night Zane didn’t return.

‘Don’t forget us. Zane has us too,’ whispers Rune. A slight hind site for me as I often forgot that mom had asked for me to treat Zane like family, yet it’s been hard when all Zane did was hide within the house.

‘Maybe give him a job within the pack. Something only Zane can do that doesn’t require him having a wolf,’ suggests Rune.

At the mention of that, do I instantly blink. Rune’s words hitting a cord. A nerve. And one I hadn’t stopped to consider. ‘You know Rune… Your right. I’ll talk to dad later and ask his opinion.’

Rune just purring in happiness as if he’d just given me the best clue a wolf could ever ask for, and without making things weird or awkward. The two of us soon returning to what we’re currently doing. Decorating.

\~~~~~~~~~~
Zane

“Goddess…” I moan. Austin currently working on kissing my neck. My body still trapped beneath his as Austin works on exploring my body. His cock pressed gently along my thigh. A clear sign he was slightly aroused.

Austin quick to purr. “You like that baby boy? Do you like when I work on kissing your neck?”

“Y-Yes…” I moan, my head still tilted back.

“Yes what?” whispers Austin. Austin still nipping me gently. The nip sharp, but not one that would actually break skin. Austin adamant about marking me, but only once I turned 18, and one I’d honored until then.

“Yes daddy.”

A growl soon reaching my ear, and Austin’s hand then glides up and under my shirt. His touch light. Gentle. While the palms of his hands were a tad rough from him using them to train. Austin currently in charge of training Ashe, who would then become the pack’s new Gamma. A position that would’ve been Tori’s if it hadn’t been stripped from him because of Elder Marcus.

Even when a twinge of jealousy then rises within me, and one I try and squish. Ashe already mated to Taos, yet, for some odd reason, I didn’t like him being with Austin. A feeling that Austin quickly notices and attempts to question my sudden change.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I mutter, because it’s true. I was just being dramatic again. “Nothing’s wrong.”

“Don’t lie to me. I can sense it all over you. Your thinking about something instead of focusing on me. Do I need to remind you of who I love?”

At the mention of that, do I instantly gasp. “Love?”

Austin just quick to pull back. Not by lots, but just enough so our eyes were still locked upon the other. My body still pinned. Even while staring into the eyes of a man who gave me everything without thinking of what the consequences might be for him or Luna Tori. My eyes quick to shift. A task I fail when Austin caresses my cheek. The touch light. But one that draws my focus back. His voice soft. Honest. And one I find hard to ignore.

“Yes Zane, love. I love you. Just like I will always love Tori and my grand pups. Yet, unlike them, you now hold that special place beside the spot I once reserved for Layla.”

My eyes suddenly wide.

Austin once telling me all about the Luna Games. Of how the Elders at the time had initiated the games in hopes of claiming Tori only to fail. How Kian’s Rogues had attacked as well, and Rhain had taken it upon himself to remove Layla’s heart. My own heart still hurting for them.

“Austin… I… no… I could never replace the love you once held for Layla. She’ll always be your first. I’m just your second.”

“No Zane. Yes, granted that Layla was indeed my first and for that, I’ll always hold her close to me, but you, you’re the new part of me and the beginning of a new chapter for the both of us. So please, don’t let her memory shroud what we currently have.”

“Oh Austin… my sudden mood change wasn’t because of her. It’s because I’m jealous,” I finally say. My cheeks now red from total embarrassment.

“Jealous? Why?” asks Austin with genuine confusion.

“Yes. Jealous. I’m jealous because you spend so much time with Ashe. Granted, I know he has Taos and Taos him, but I can’t help but think that you regret being with me.”

“What?” replies Austin. His voice soon sounding surprised. His hand quick in tilting my face. My eyes back to his. “Listen here baby boy, I will never, ever regret being with you. As for Ashe, his Gamma training is almost done. He’s taken well to the trainings I’ve given him. Trainings that were once meant for Tori. Thus, you have nothing to worry about my love. No need to be jealous. I’m 100 percent yours.”

My eyes suddenly wide. Austin’s confession a bit of an eye opener but one I honestly needed to hear. As mates were never able to lie. “You… you mean that?”

Austin just smiling. “I do. I’m all yours.”

Our lips then locking again yet, before I’m able to press further does Austin then pull away once more. The two of us soon standing and a wave of disappointment slowly begins to rise. A disappointment that Austin clearly sees.

“No pouting. I promise I’ll make it up to you. But for now… its time for us to see Tori and the others.”

“Why?”

“You’ll see. Just follow me.”

Blinking, I simply shrug and move to follow. The two of us soon reaching the pack house. The pack house clearly silent or so I think. The two of us careful when entering the house only to hear the words I’ve been dying to hear.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZANE!”

My eyes instantly wide when noticing all those within the house. Luna Tori now standing beside Jake, Zak, Alex, and Aaron as well as Luna Alyssa, Alpha Chase, the pups, Ashe, Taos, Fawn, Nova and of course, a few others like Milla, Jordan and Elijah. Austin quick to approach. His hand soon touching my back. Our eyes quick to lock.

“I know it’s not the same without your mother, but I’m hoping with you as my mate, that you’ll begin to feel more included with those around you. Because believe it or not, we all love you Zane. Now and always.”

His words now making me smile. My eyes soon finding Tori’s, and all those who stood within the room. “Thank you. This truly means a lot to me. Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. Your family. And family celebrates family regardless of blood.”

And no sooner do I hear the words, does a genuine smile begin to rise. Family. My family. Now and forever.

A/N: I know, not very exciting for this one, but many of you were a little opposed to Zane and Austin during the original book so I tried to keep it kinda PG. But don't worry they'll have plenty of time in book 2. The Shadowbound Prince.