Chapter 19

Zayne's POV

Jane didn't protest as much as I thought she would. She'd pouted and said she liked it there but that was all she said on the matter. Kimara had raised her eyebrows a bit when I asked the servants to pack Jane's things up but she said nothing.

By evening, Jane and I were in Hallowden.

I hadn't told Elias anything about my plan so when I showed up at the suite with a shy Jane in tow, he stared speechless for a few seconds.

“Hey there Jane." He said finally, his voice a little strained.

She waved a tiny hand at him and went back to staring at her feet.

“Jane and I will be staying here for the next few weeks." I looked around the room, “Well not here precisely. We'd need a bigger place. Suitable for a child. How soon can you find us an apartment?" I turned to Elias.

“Us? Meaning the kid, you and me?" He asked, blinking slowly.

“Yes. Do you have an apartment in town already and didn't tell me?" I asked as I motioned Jane to sit on the bed and eat the chocolate I bought for her.

“No. I stay at Marissa's when I'm in town or I book a hotel." He replied and I felt a flare of irritation.

“You stay at her place all the time?" I asked.

“She usually needs help with the children and that's the best way I can help out." He replied after a brief pause.

“Thats…quite honourable of you Elias.” I sighed, " Nothing too fancy. A small,...cottage or something.”

" What?”

" The house. We'll need something small.” I repeated. " Although not too small. We'll need rooms for the rest of the men. And I brought along a nanny for Jane. “

Elias nodded slowly, " A house wouldn't be hard to find. There's no shortage of them in Hallowden. “

" Good then. What's Marissa's schedule like tomorrow?"

He hesitated again, his eyes shifting away from me to land on Jane. “Sundays are spent indoors. Except she isn't able to get her grocery shopping done today then it gets moved to Sunday. “ He turned back to me, " Seeing as she spent the day with Bree and is currently out drinking with her, I'd say grocery shopping is gonna be tomorrow.”

" Out drinking? Hmm, didn't know she did that.” I mused.

" She usually doesn't.” He hesitated again, " But I guess Bree wore her down today.” He shrugged.

" So the best place to bump into her would be at the grocery store tomorrow. Good. I need to know what time she leaves.”

“Yes Alpha." Elias nodded. “What's the situation on Diana? Was she found?" He asked, his voice heavy with concern.

“Not yet. No one knows where she's gone." I replied, walking to stand by the window. “Ruby's whereabouts are known though so that's a start." I sighed forlornly as I gazed out at the view.

The room window faced a wide expanse of forested land. Just looking at it, my wolf squirmed to be let out to run free and howl. The memory of Ruby's first part transformation came to my mind.

Wolves don't turn fully till they turn twelve but the signs start around eight.

She'd been so scared but so brave at the same time. I felt proud as I watched her pick up the scent of a rabbit from a mile away. I watched her eyes light up with joy as she flexed her fingers and the tiny claws popped out and then retracted.

“I'd loved her, you know? Ruby.” I said sadly.

" I know Zayne. I know you did.” Elias replied, coming to stand beside me.

" Diana,....I don't know now if I ever truly did. She brought Ruby into my life. But now that I take Ruby out of the picture,.....” I trailed off. A groan escaped my lips as I shut my eyes in despair, " I've been so stupid ,Elias.”

When I opened them, he was staring at me with an expression I couldn't recognize.

" You have a chance to make this right. That's all that matters.” He said, his voice heavy.

I turned to look at Jane, “I guess so. Do you think she'll take me back, Elias?"

He tore his gaze away from me and shuffled his feet uncomfortably, “I can't give a certain answer to that, Zayne."

“I don't need a certain answer. I need to know what you think.” I held his gaze, forcing him to look at me.

He sighed, “I honestly do not know. Right now, for her, it's not taking you back. She doesn't know who you are. If her memories come back,....” He trailed off uncertainly.

" I understand.” I turned back to stare out the window.

We fell into companionable silence for a while, both lost in our own worlds.

" I'm worried she might be on her way here, Alpha. “ Elias said gravely after a few minutes.

“Who?"

“Diana."

" Why would she be? She doesn't know this place. “I furrowed my eyebrows.

" She doesn't but she might be looking for it. I haven't picked up that werewolf scent from last night again but I can't shake off the feeling of foreboding. “

"I'll place a guard over Marissa's house. “ I said, picking up my phone to give the instruction to one of the men in the other room.

" I can do it. I'm usually there anyway. And it … …” He began.

" No!” It came out more forcefully than I intended and Elias's eyes widened in shock. Jane flinched and looked up from her teddy bear as well.

“I mean," I began a lot more calmer, “I need you actively looking for the wolf. Being in her house wouldn't give you that opportunity."

Elias stared at me for a few seconds and then nodded in compliance, “Definitely Alpha." He bowed a little. " I'll go into the woods tonight and begin the search.”

" Good. And the apartment. I need it before tomorrow evening.” I commanded.

" It will be ready by morning.”