Chapter 1

I kept hearing a beeping sound.

When I opened my eyes, the lights were way too bright so I put my hand over my eyes.

I heard a sweet woman’s voice, “Hey, sweetheart, you’re awake! Let me dim the lights a little for you.”

The voice sounded so familiar, but I couldn’t place it.

I slowly opened my eyes and found an older couple sitting on either side of the bed.

I remembered seeing both of these people at my last birthday party, “Grandma?” I asked then turned to the man, “Grandpa?”

They both nodded.

Grandma asked, “How are you feeling, sweetheart?”

“Thirsty. The rogues killed mommy and daddy. Didn’t they?” I croaked. I knew they were dead, I just needed to hear it from someone else.

As soon as I saw the worried look on each of their faces, I knew they were dead.

My grandmother poured a cup of water for me and put a straw in it while my grandfather kissed my forehead.

Their hands were warm and comforting.

As I was drinking, I was informed by grandpa that they had made arrangements for me to live with them. He asked if I would be okay with it.

I nodded as I asked, “Do you have pictures of them? I want to get the blood out of my brain.”

I then looked down and saw a lot of bandages, “It really hurts. Can I sit up?”

Grandma was wiping the tears from her eyes when grandpa nodded, “We do have pictures of them. Let’s wait until the nurse gets in here before you try to sit up. I am so sorry you had to see that little one. We will see what we can do to replace that bad memory.”

I remember the doctor walking into my room and looking at my wounds. He told me it was good to see me awake and alive and they were worried about me. I asked him a few questions and he answered them in terms that I could understand. I thanked him and he left.

Only a few minutes later, I heard more footsteps.

As I was wondering who they could be, I saw the alpha, luna of our pack. They were followed by a cute little boy. He had light brown hair, adorable caramel eyes and a cute button nose.

looked to be around my age, but he walked like he already knew exactly who he was and how important he was to the pack.

That boy immediately walked to my bedside and stood beside me, staring into my eyes.

Somehow, I saw sincerity and warmth in his eyes.

As I watched him, I smiled at him. He smiled back, “I’m Isaac, the future alpha.”

I felt an instant connection as I answered, “I’m Zariah. It’s nice to meet you.”

He introduced his parents to me and I nodded in respect at them. They seemed like nice people.

Looking at me, Luna Kyra asked me how I was feeling.

Isaac startled everyone when he scowled at his mother, “She is in a lot of pain, mother, can’t you see? You guys should go home. I want to sit here with her! I can protect her!”

I suddenly felt the atmosphere in the room shift to an uncomfortable awkward.

I immediately figured out why. Alpha and Luna are busy. They took time out of their busy schedules to visit me.

Alpha Kenny got his attention and explained, “Isaac, we have other things that you need to do. Let Zariah get better and you can sit with her at her grandparents’ home. Okay?”

Isaac sighed as he put his hand on mine, “I’m sorry, Zariah. I wish I could stay with you.”

I laid my other hand on his and answered, “It’s okay. I would like for you to visit when I go home.”

Alpha Kenny chuckled at the sweet sight, “He can come over whenever your grandparents let him.”

My grandmother chuckled, “I’m sure they will be best of friends.”

After a short visit, they left.

I stared at the ceiling thinking of the warmth in Isaac’s hand and the sincerity in his eyes.

The nurse came back and put something in my IV.

When I woke up from a hard sleep, I found my grandfather sitting next to me.

I asked, “Grandpa, have you been home at all since I got here?”

He chuckled, “It’s okay, sweetie. I don’t want you to be alone at all. Your grandmother is at home, taking a nap. She also wanted to make some cookies for when you get to come home.”

Soon after, I was taken for some tests.

When I was brought back to my room, I saw the doctor was sitting with my grandpa, “Well, Zariah, it looks like you can go home. I will send some medicine with your grandpa and I want you to lay still and get plenty of rest.”

I agreed. Grandpa helped me get dressed, and the nurse brought in my medicine. After briefly speaking with my grandpa, I was carried to the car and was taken to their house… my new home.

When we got there, I opened the door to my room and found that they had gone to my old house and picked up everything in my room, plus some of my parents’ things to hold on to for me when I grew up. 

My grandma walked into my room and sat on my bed, “Do you like your room?”

I nodded, “I do.”

She hugged me, “Child, I would do anything for you. You deserve the world.”

I kissed her cheek and laid on my bed as I yawned, “I think I need to take a nap. I’m really sleepy.”

Grandma smiled, “You go ahead and go to sleep, child. We’ll be here when you wake.”

After grandma left, I found myself not so tough at all.

I put my teddy bear up to my face and I could still smell my mom’s scent on it.

I smelled one of my pillows and could still smell my dad’s scent on it.

I laid my teddy bear beside me on the bed and tears filled my eyes.