Zane's Point of View
"Now.. About you joining the fight today."
I fold my arms over my chest and I see Shay flinch before wrapping her arms around herself and staring down at her feet.
"Do you realize how reckless you were today?"
She goes to speak but I stop her.
"No wait. Just listen."
I wait for her to nod before I continue.
"Your dad is still in a coma; your mother is having a hard time coping without him. Dan is the packs Alpha, he had to fight, eventhough he just found his mate and would've preferred to be by her side. But he knows his duty as an alpha. You didn't need to be there. Dan was there. His beta was there, as well as the previous beta. I was there. What would've happened to your mother if both you and Dan were killed today? To your pack? What would've happened to our five year old son? If both you and Dan were killed your pack would be left without an Alpha. The next in line would've been our five year old son. Even if I would've been there to help, imagine the burden that would've been put on his little shoulders. If you were killed today, our son would've lost his mother; I would've lost my mate and my pack their rightfull Luna. I was terrified when I smelled you out there and I thought my heart was going to stop when you shifted back and that rogue tried to attack you. And just imagine what our son felt today. He is only 5. This is the first attack he's been in. And you left him. I know you are a good fighter, and you can hold your own. I also understand you want to help protect your pack but you can't do this again ever. Unless you really have no choice, you have to stay out of these fights. For your pack; my pack; and our son. We can't lose you Shay. Just think about us before you do something this reckless again. Do you think you can do that?"
I step closer to her and tilt her chin making her look at me while I wait for her answer.
I was waiting for her to argue with me, what I didn't expect was for her to bury her face in my chest and start to cry.
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Shay's Point of View
As I look into his eyes his words keep playing in my head. I know he's right and that makes me feel awful. Especially the part about our son. I didn't really think about anything except getting back at them for my dad. Which is mainly why I felt I had to fight and help protect the pack. I bite my lip to try and stop the tears but it doesn't work as a sob rip through me.
I step forward, wrap my arms around Zane, bury my head in his chest and I let the tears I've been holding since I heard about my dad fall.
Zane tenses for a moment before he wraps his arms around me and pulls me even closer. Holding me against his chest, allowing me to cry. Every now and then he pets my hair and whispers encouragements and sweet nothings into my ear all the while just holding me, allowing me to cry myself out.
After a while I start to feel a little calmer, his scent and touch helping me to calm myself. I take a shaky breath and rub my cheek against his chest.
"Thank you, I needed that."
I feel him kiss my head and nod.
"Of course. Are you okay?"
I nod and pull away reluctantly, giving him a small smile.
"I am. I feel a lot better."
"I'm glad."
We stare at each other in silence for a moment before I speak.
"You're right. I was selfish and reckless. I was angry about my dad en I felt guilty. I honestly didn't even stop to consider Zayde. Hearing you point that out... I would never do anything to hurt him on purpose.. I just didn't think any of this through. But I promise you from now on I'll stay out of it and leave to fights to you and Dan. I'll focus on keeping everyone save and calm in the bunkers and I'll focus on keeping our son safe."
Zane nods at me and pulls me closer for a hug again and I go willingly, wrapping my arms tightly around him.
"Thank you. I don't want to tell you what to do, I just really think you should focus more on the Luna's job at this time, especially with your mom so out of it and Ashley being new. Leave the fighting to us. And focus on our son. I'm just scared that he'll end up being terrified of living in on of the packs because of the attacks, he's not used to things like that and with you leaving him.. I'm sure that'll leave a bad lasting impression."
I nod at him.
"Thinking about it now, I do see your point and I know your right. I'm sorry about today. I have to apologize to Zayde aswell. I can't believe I didn't even consider him today."
"He's young, and he loves you. He'll be fine. We just need to make sure we don't put him in that spot again if it isn't necessary. Now come on, let's go get you cleaned up before we go down for dinner. I don't think you want him to see you all red and puffy, it might upset him."
He takes my hand and leads me to the bathroom adjacent to the receiving room we're in.
I wash my face with cold water a few times and dry it off.
I take a look at myself. My eyes are still a little red and puffy. I turn to Zane.
"How do I look?"
"Beautiful as always."
I blush.
"That's not what I meant and you know it."
He smirks at me.
"I know but you do. You look fine, let's go. I'm sure Zayde is on edge already."
I nod and we make our way down to the dining room. As soon as we enter I hear my son yelling and something running into me almost knocking me on my ass if it weren't for Zane's arm around my waist holding me.
"Mommy!"
I go down on my knees and wrap my arms around my son tightly. I feel his little shoulders shake as he cries against my chest.
"Your okay! I was so scared."
My eyes fill with tears as I hear his terrified little voice and I hold him tighter, kissing his head.
"I know baby. And mommy is so sorry. I'll never leave you again okay? I promise."
I feel him nod against my chest while I sit there, rocking him trying to calm him down.
After a little while I feel Zane crouching down next to us, wrapping both of us into his arms. Zayde moves away from me and snuggles into his father's chest.
"Daddy, mommy left."
I hear his soft voice and my heart constricts.
"I know buddy, she came to help me and uncle Dan fight the bad buys. But she's back now and she's okay that's all that matters. We're all still here and save right?"
He nods his little head and then looks at me and gives me a small smile.
"Can we eat now? I'm starving."
I smile at him and nod, ruffling his hair.
"Of course baby. Let's go get some food. I'm starving as well."
We all get up, Zayde still in his father's arms and we head over to the tables with the food.
As we get our food Zayde tells us about what they did in the bunker and in the game room and I smile hearing him and Zane converse as if this is a normal occurrence. As we sit down and I see people looking at the three of us and smiling I suddenly realize, this is our first official meal as a family in the pack.
My heart starts to race a little and I look up into Zane's eyes. He gives me a big smile that I return.
I know I told Zane I'd think about it. But seeing them now.. I don't have to think about it anymore. This is a kofe I can get used to. I want this. I want us.