Avenge

I have not seen much of Ciana since she saved me. I know she has a lot of inner peace she needs to work on. As her mate, I want to take all her pain away and save her from the monster who destroyed her life. Knowing a bit about Ciana, that would not be what she wants.

I can tell Ciana is very independent. She wants to be equals not a damsel in distress who needs a man to save her. So, I will let her be her.

My wolf whimpers in the back of our mind but he knows we have to let her come to us. She needs space to think. I do not want to rush her or force anything on her.

I may not know what she felt that night and all the days that followed. I know the pain of loss. It takes a toll on you emotionally and mentally. It took me some time after Lily and then my parents. I was a complete mess.

I go to the top of the ridge overlooking my lands and the castle. So quiet and peaceful, able to clear my mind when I come up here.

I stand atop the ridge, my eyes sweeping across my domain. I am surrounded by an enchanting tapestry of sights and smells; the scents of the land are a warm, inviting mix of wildflowers and moss, accompanied by a gentle breeze. The sun is setting, casting an orange-pink hue over my dominion.

To my left is the horizon, stretching out as far as my eyes can reach. It is a sea of rolling hills and lush forests, the trees swaying gently in the wind. A flock of birds soar across the sky, their caws echoing in the stillness.

To my right is my castle. It is a grand structure, reaching into the sky like a giant arm. The towers are adorned with gold and silver banners, and the walls are lined with the flags of my people. The turrets and spires glimmer in the setting sun, and the windows reflect the light, like thousands of eyes all watching me.

The smell of the land is a heady mixture of wildflowers and moss. I can almost taste the richness of the soil and the freshness of the air. The scent of the sun-warmed grass and the sharpness of pine lingers in the background, creating a symphony of scents that calm my soul.

The view from this ridge is breathtaking, and I can feel my heart swell with pride and joy at the sight of my kingdom. I am proud to be its ruler, and I am humbled by its beauty.

The sky is turning orange and pink, and the stars are starting to appear. I can see the sliver of a crescent moon in the sky, and I feel a sense of eternity and peace envelop me. The stars twinkle like diamonds, and I am filled with a sense of awe and wonder.

The sound of the wind swirling around me is a soothing lullaby, and I feel my worries and fears slowly dissipate. I can feel the power of the land course through me, and I know that I am truly blessed. I am at one with my kingdom and I will forever be its protector.

Suddenly, the sweet smell of honey and roses fills my nose. Ciana. I turn slowly to see her approaching me.

Her dark wavy hair was hanging, softly moving in the wind. She wore tight black jeans that hugged closely to her body. A black leather jacket with a white undershirt. She looked gorgeous.

She was biting her lower lip. Sending waves of arousal through me. I knew by the look in her sweet blue eyes she was nervous. I just did not know why.

“Um, hi. I hope I am not interrupting.” Her voice was low and shaky.

“Not at all. What can I do for you Ciana?” I ask her.

“Well, there are a couple of things. May I sit?” She asks without looking me in the eye.

I ushered her to sit with my hand intrigued by what she wanted to talk about.

“Okay Zion, you are probably not going to believe me but first and foremost. Remember the other day when I found you at the gravestone?” She asks catching me off guard.

“Yes, and you saved me not too long after that,” I state.

“Yeah. Well, when you left I had a visitor.” She said taking a deep breath as she twirled her thumbs.

“A visitor?” I ask.

“Your first mate Lily.” I snapped my head at her response as she continued.

“She came to talk to me. Really put some sense back into my head I guess you could say. She told me to not let my past stop me from the future I was destined to have. Then told me to lean on you. That we both need each other.” She says voice still shaky.

“We both need each other Ciana. But I will not force anything on you.” I tell her.

“I know. I can sense that from you. That’s not my fear Zion. When I met Ethan I gave in to the mate bond. Head over heels everything and the one I thought was to be everything I read and learned about. Storied I heard from my parents. That was not the case.” She says sadly.

“I am sorry Ciana. I wish you could have never experienced that.” I speak truthfully.

“Well, second thing, Aella and I both worked very hard on working together on this. Will you please follow me?” She asks as she rises to her feet.

I simply look a bit confused but my interest has peaked. I rose to my feet and found myself following her. Steele is as intrigued as I am watching his mate in curiosity.

She led us down the ridge towards the garden behind the palace. Walking down the red bricks surrounded by all our different flowers I really did not know what to expect.

“I figured we could have a proper meal together and get to know one another.” She states as she raises her hand.

I looked at what she was motioning at and noticed a small round table with candles and plates. I was in shock.

“If you do not want to I would completely understand. I mean I have not been the greatest second chance at a mate.” She stutters off.

“No Ciana, it is lovely. I would love to. Thank you.” I say leading her to the table and pulling out her chair.

She took it gracefully and I took mine. The food smelled delicious as I took the silver metal globe off the plate.

“Bryce told me your favorite food was steak. Aella caught and killed the deer. I made you garlic buttered steak and potatoes with some roasted broccoli and some mac and cheese. It has been a while since I cooked so I hope you like it.” She says with a small smile.

A huge grin held strong on my face and Steele was yipping in joy At our mates doing this for us.

“Thank you Ciana, it looks and smells wonderful,” I tell her as I begin to dig in.

The food is so delicious. Steele has now chosen this as our favorite meal and I simply agree.

“Does it taste alright?” She asks nervously.

“It is divine. Steele has declared this our new favorite.” I tell her.

“Steele?” She questions.

“My wolf.” I tell her and she smiles and nods.

“He is beautiful. I have never seen a wolf like him.” She states looking us in the eye.

“As we have never seen a wolf as beautiful as yours.” I tell her.

A few moments pass in silence and I can tell she is feeling awkward.

“So, Ciana what would you like to know about me?” I ask her.

“Umm, I don’t know. I have never done this date thing before.” She tells me truthfully.

I find the blush splayed on her cheeks to be cute.

“Well, as you know King. But I am more than my title. I love football, black and grey are my favorite colors. Let’s see, in my older age I am laid back, younger years I gave my parents a run for their money.” I tell her, just ranting on.

“Seriously, you were a wild one?” She asks.

“Yes ma’am. I remember one time about thirteen. My mother and father used to hold summer camps for the kids. Teach them hunting skills, trusting each other to work as a pack. One cabin held the boys and one the girls. Bryce and I had an amazing plan.: I said with a chuckle.

“What did you do?” She asks me.

“We didn’t kill anyone. We covered them in honey and feathers from the pillows while they were sleeping. Then let off maybe ten stink bombs in the middle of the night.” I tell her.

“Ha, that is an ass move.” She says laughing.

“I love hearing you laugh,” I tell her causing her to blush even more.

“Anyways, my parents were furious. Of course, we had to clean it up, which took all day. Honey is not a good choice. Then we were on kitchen clean-up duty for a month, plus we were grounded.” I tell her.

The night went on telling small memories of us and I was content with this.

We finished up the evening and it was time to part ways. Steele and I were both sad to end this evening but also so glad to have had this moment with Ciana and Aella.

“Thank you for the wonderful evening Ciana,” I tell her.

“Thank you for having dinner with me. I quite enjoyed it.” She says and I can see the nerves creeping up on her again. I will be a gentleman and show her I will not force her for anything.

I slowly lean down as her blue eyes pierce into my gray ones. I press a small kiss on her cheek and give her a smile.

“Good night Ciana. Good night Aella.” I tell them as I turn and head to the palace. Leaving her in a state of confusion. I know this is the best way to earn her trust.