The Beast's Possession
3: Wise choice.

**Kala

pov**

It had been tough. Very much so.

My life changed in a blink of an eye the moment I met Zion. He decided he didn't want to give up on me, even if that would hurt him. The man didn't care about his own pain for as long as he was sure I was happy. Unlike everyone else in my life, he didn't act like I didn't matter. Never.

He made me feel like I was the most important person in this universe. In fact, he made me the center of his universe every chance he got. The man was mad, but I loved him for that.

And that was why I dropped everything and ran to the main building when a guard at my door frantically explained how the Alpha had pulled Zion into the office and the whole pack feared what might happen next. We were ready for the day to come, but now that it was actually happening, I wasn't ready at all.

Everyone knew Bane would wake up from his state one day and demand answers. The very answers only Zion had. And Zion.. He wouldn't betray his Luna like that.

My heart sank as I got closer to the building, fearing the worst. I told him time and time again that I would be there, that I would be strong for both of us and I would stand by him, no matter how much Zion hated the idea. Rushing inside the building, I saw people standing around, impatiently waiting on the result of the conversation that was happening behind the office door.

There were too many people closer to the office, so I remained in the living room and started pacing the place, slowly losing the last bits of sanity I had. If their Goddess actually existed, she had to help my Zion. I hadn't told him I was pregnant yet, I couldn't do this alone. I couldn't be a single mom.

Just as the thought crossed my mind, tears started streaming down my cheeks. I wanted to tell him yesterday, I had gotten everything ready but after he returned from the evening patrol, Zion had been so exhausted and irritated, I didn't want to bother him.

Well, that and some kids from the pack causing havoc, so I didn't feel like that was the best moment to announce he would be a dad.

Some of the women who were gathered around, which was a rare occasion, approached me and pulled me into warm hugs, offering their support.

For a brief moment, it wasn't too bad. Until I heard a collective gasp echo from the hall and a door being shut. Even standing here I knew what was happening.

So, I stood a little taller and wiped the tears off my cheeks. This was hard as it was, Zion didn't need to see my moment of weakness, especially since the footsteps near me. I knew what was happening.. We all knew where Zion and the Alpha were heading now.

I held my breath and counted down from ten to calm myself a little. My heart leaped in my throat as Zion stepped inside the living room and froze in his step.

He stood there no longer than two seconds, but it felt like an eternity as we gazed at each other. I could feel tears fill my eyes all over again. It wasn't just fear I felt, it was pain too.

There he was, in all his glory, my mate, the powerful father of my child, still towering over everyone and bringing fear upon others with his aura alone, about to endure the torture of his lifetime only because he was a good person. Because he knew where his loyalty had to stand.

Far too soon, he collected himself and started walking closer to me. I could see the Alpha over his shoulder, but that man looked nothing like the Alpha who stood in front of us during the mating ceremony.

The Alpha I knew was a fair man, strict and feared but genuinely caring for his pack, and darn it, he was a happy man too. At least while Aife was here with us.

As Zion got closer, I barely held back the tears. He tried to smile at me, but I saw how forced the action was. He could try his best, I still could read him like an open book.

And then, he had to deliver the final blow. He was close enough to whisper, "let it happen. I beg you. Be strong for me, my lioness."

The words and the desperation that laced them nearly broke me. I knew he was heading there with no hope of returning ever again, so in a moment of pure panic, I gave him something to fight for. Something greater than himself and me. I reached out and grabbed his wrist to quickly pull his hand to my belly and hissed, "return. Fight and endure, my mate. Our pup will wait for you. Stay strong."

Each word left me with a bitter aftertaste in my throat. I sounded so desperate, in so much pain, my head was spinning at this point.

Zion's eyes widened at the realization and the decision he had made earlier faded. I could see it in his eyes - he no longer was okay with heading down to the cells to entertain his best friend's whims.

Now, Zion had something of his own, something he had always dreamed about and never let himself believe he deserved happiness like that.

Zion froze again. Completely. His hand still on my belly, eyes tearful. As his gaze met mine, a single tear rolled down his cheek as he choked out, "really?"

My heart was stuck in my throat, I couldn't utter a word so I just nodded my head. Who would have thought that a pregnancy announcement would be such a bittersweet moment.

"I'm going to be a dad? A real dad?" Zion choked out more words, completely taken by the moment. Although pain still resonated on his features, his eyes were shining with a newfound force of hope, even happiness if I dared to say.

Before I could say anything, the Alpha shoved him and growled, "move!"

Sadly, I had to admit that I flinched away in pure fear. I had seen a lot of aggression, anger and pain in my life, but I had never heard a growl like that - so powerful, so full of everything dark and scary that it shook the entire packhouse. "Fuck you," Zion hissed. I glanced at him, realizing he was holding his side that was gushing blood. Only now I noticed Alpha's claw, dripping my mate's blood.

All fear faded, it was replaced by anger and fear for my mate. The feral snarl that left me surprised even me. On an instinct, I took the position of an attack, ready to pounce at any moment. No one had the right to hurt my mate, not even his best friend.

The Alpha laughed. Honestly, his laugh caught me off guard not only because I hadn't heard it in months, but also because there was no amusement in his features.

"And what are you going to do, huh? Attack me? Come on, do it, I bet you'll get far without claws. Yeah, I heard about it. I wish I could see a fucking defected cat, come on, shift and show off your glory!" He spoke so coldly, each of his words froze my blood.

It took me a good moment to realize it wasn't the Alpha speaking. His eyes had turned completely black and cold, like endless voids. It was the other one..

I knew the chance of me taking him down was slim, but I chose to take it. For my mate, for our baby. The first bone that broke was my leg, forcing out a scream as I collapsed on the floor, preparing myself for a shift, but the process was stopped by Zion's voice.

"Kala, stop! The baby!"

And just like that, I forced the dormant beast down, calming her and begging her protection for our cub. Or pup. Only the Gods knew what I was carrying.

"Wise choice. Move," were the last words I heard as I watched the Alpha shove the love of my life towards the door to the cells and both of their bodies disappear before the veil of darkness fell over me.