The Beast's Possession
17: A losing battle.

**Zion

pov**

Pain. That was all I knew even in places I didn't know existed. I had no idea my ass could hurt like this, but here I was, enjoying that too.

And yet, despite the shitstorm I was experiencing, I couldn't help but worry about my best friend. Because of that leech, he was losing the battle. Day by day, I saw less and less Bane in him.

The color of his skin had turned gray, his eyes were void of emotions and that body, shit, every time I saw him I had to wonder if the leech allowed him to eat at all.

How stupid was I to worry about him while I was basically dying? Ha, that had to be one of my bad habits.

"Beta Zion," someone whispered next to me, but I was too weak to lift my head and look at who came to check on me. It had to be one of the guards, but the loud ringing in my eyes was fucking with my senses, so I wasn't completely sure. "Mhm," was all I could force out to show the person I was still here, still fighting and listening.

"I brought some water. The monster is busy taunting the Alpha in the office again, so we have some time. I have eyes on him, just in case he decides to come down here so you're covered." He spoke, nothing but genuine worry lacing his words.

I barely felt his calloused fingers grab my chin and force my head up to guide the water bottle to my lips. As soon as the tasteless liquid flooded my mouth, my tastebuds came alive. Ironic how I always complained about drinking water because it wasn't sweet, but in this situation, it tasted like the sweetest of the sweetest nectars. Better than honey. And I fucking loved honey.

"Slowly," the guard hissed as I gulped the water like I was trying to save myself from drowning. Every gulp hurt, but I ignored it all, feeling more thirsty the more water I downed.

All too soon, he pulled the bottle away, leaving me heaving and crying out for more. While in this situation, I felt like he was wronging me, he had a good reason for what he did.

"Breathe. I need to clean you up a little, Beta. Your mate snuck in to see you, we can't let a pregnant lady see the horror happening here," he muttered and pulled a rag out of his pocket to wet it with the leftover water from the bottle. My whole body froze as I tried to focus on his words. The guard carefully wiped what I assumed had to be blood off my face and tried to avoid the major cuts. Those bitches would surely leave scars since the fucker decided it was fun to cut me up like a Christmas pig and sprinkle in some silver dust to add a little spice to his doings.

"There, much better," the guard muttered and stepped away.

I couldn't look at him, so I made a sound that I hoped sounded like thank you or something of sorts. Taking his whispered, "no problem," as an answer to my sound, I assumed I came across right as I wanted to.

No later than a few minutes after the guard left my cell, I heard my mate's sharp intake of breath. Her presence made everything better, even the wet, cold cell didn't feel as cold anymore.

Barely, but I could see her drop to her knees. Then, her shaky hands came into view as she tried to cup my cheeks and help me lift my head to look at her. Goddess, how I missed looking at her beautiful face.

I both wanted to see her and didn't. She was so beautiful, so pure and perfect, but I.. I was a monster, created by a monster beyond imagination. Even if I survived this little adventure of torture and pain, I would leave with scars way deeper than those on my face and body.

I was ruined beyond repair and that wasn't what hurt me the most. What did was that this was the new me, the leftover Kala hoped would survive.

"Zion, my love, Zion, oh Goddess," Kala cried out as she managed to lift my head and look at the damage on my face.

I couldn't force myself to meet her gaze, so I looked away. This was the last thing I wanted her to see, especially in her position.

"No," she growled. "Look at me!"

I didn't want to. This would hurt her too much. She had enough on her shoulders without the shit I was experiencing. Kala was carrying our child, this stress couldn't be good for her. "Zion," she cried out. "My love, I beg you, look at me."

The pain in her voice broke my resolve. As my eyes met hers, I couldn't stop the gasp that escaped me seeing her tears. I promised her I would never make her cry, but here I was, breaking the fucking promise like this. I was a piece of shit. And yet, I also enjoyed her soothing touch on my cheek. I wanted nothing but to taste those lips again, to wrap her in my arms and hold her until the planet stopped spinning.

"This isn't your fault, stop blaming yourself for someone hurting you," Kala whispered and leaned in to press her lips to mine. Although the contact barely felt like a ghost, I still hissed in pain, instantly cursing myself for giving out how miserable I truly was.

"Oh, no, my love," she cried out.

Honestly, seeing her in this state was more painful than anything my body felt right now. At least a thousand times more. I hated the fact that I didn't have enough strength to talk and use my voice as a means to calm her down.

The moon Goddess was fucking with us all. I was sure of it. Just when I found my mate, which already felt like a miracle in itself, this is how I get to spend my life? And Bane? He was in a similar position. The Goddess gave us false hope just to fuck with us afterward.

"Don't blame yourself, Zion. I can see that you're doing that, but you shouldn't. Please. I asked you to stay strong for us and our baby, but I promise to do the same. Just don't stop fighting and I'll figure something out. I will find a way to save you from this nightmare."

Kala sounded so desperate, I wasn't sure if it was me who she tried to convince or herself.

And while I did blame the moon Goddess for this nightmare, I still hoped she would hear our prayers and stop the madness before the mad fuck lost it for good. Truth to be told, she was responsible for this clusterfuck in its roots - she was the one who started this, so only she had the power to stop it too.

I couldn't imagine someone who prided themselves as a mother, someone who cared and nurtured, to watch over the agony and pain this pack was experiencing now and still doing nothing. She just decided to turn a blind eye on the crimes that fuck committed. And instead of punishing only the criminal, she punished the innocent while he got away unharmed. Very fucking fair of her.

"Zion, listen to me. Don't you dare to give up. I'm serious - I will find a way to get you out of here and nurture you back to health. You are my mate, I don't care how you look. I know it in your eyes how you feel, you are no monster to me. You are the love of my life, the love of our child's life, regardless of how you look!" Kala hissed, taking me by surprise.

This woman.. She was something else. So pure and loving. I didn't deserve her.

Just as she opened her mouth to give me more peace of mind, the guard rushed back to the cell and blurted out a panicked, "he's coming!"

Kala, as quickly as she could, kissed my cheek and got back to her feet. "I'll be back soon," she promised.

I had no idea how, but I managed to gather enough strength to force out a few words, ignoring the pain in my throat. Although barely audible, I managed to whisper, "I love you."