Page 21 of Two Years Gone

“I know why I feel it and she doesn’t,” Zane said quietly.

“Well! Do enlighten me,” I replied, not attempting to hide my sarcasm.

“My wolf didn’t accept my rejection of her. He still believes she is his mate.”

“I guess we know who is the smarter of the two of you,” I clapped back.

Zane looked down at the floor again, and I let out a sigh.

“Son, I don’t understand what happened. If you still feel the pull toward her, if your wolf still wants her, then why are you messing around with Mariah?

“I know that girl. She isn’t anything near luna material, even if she is beta-born. Which means you weren’t thinking with your brain when you chose her, am I right?”

“I don’t know what to do. Ella makes me so frustrated. She doesn’t want me. She doesn’t want anything to do with me, and I don’t know how to fix that.”

Zane shrugged. I could see he was bothered by the fact that she wasn’t as affected as he was.

“Have you maybe tried being nice?” I replied.

Zane looked up at him with his eyes wide.

“Instead of what?”

I snorted.

“Zane, I saw the marks on her arm. I saw how she responds when you are near. You’ve been cruel to that girl. She is afraid of you. I wouldn’t be surprised if she thinks she hates you.”

“Well then what do I do?”

“Change.” I looked my son in the eye.

“What do you mean, change?” Zane looked confused.

“Become the alpha I know you are meant to be. Be kind. Be protective. Listen to your pack.

“Act from clarity, not anger. Don’t demand respect and fear, earn it. Do you see me grabbing pack members’ arms and yelling at them for every little thing?”

“Well, no…,” Zane replied. I could see those wheels turning.

“Show Ella and everyone else the amazing man you are.”

I stood and hugged my son.

“Until then, I won’t be stepping down and giving you the leadership of the pack. They are good people and deserve the very best alpha.”

Chapter 11

ZANE

I paced my room, this time racking the deep corners of my brain. I had heard what my father said and knew that he meant it. He believed I could be better.

Being with Mariah had turned me into a person I didn’t even recognize anymore. She bullied those she looked down on, and I’d gone along with it. When had I become this person?

I wouldn’t be taking over the pack at the end of the summer like we had planned. My father had informed me that I had six months to turn myself around, for the pack, for myself, and for my mate.

“My mate…,” I whispered while rubbing my head. I had royally messed up. She hated me. She was afraid of me. I had hurt her too many times, emotionally and physically.

“Idiot!” I yelled to my empty bedroom. I could feel my wolf grumble in agreement.