Zeke

I awkwardly sat at the foot of the table, whilst Roger was at the head with his wife on his right. They were both staring at me, waiting for my explanation. I gulped down the lump in my throat and decided to just tell them straightforward. "The pills are wolfsbane. They help keep my wolf at ease, so I don't rampage. They calm me down"

Stephanie nodded, soaking it in. Roger didn't even blink. He stared at me- scrutinizingly glared at me. "And why would you need help with that?" Roger questioned. Stephanie didn't step in. She stayed silent, looking curious as well.

I rested my elbows on the table and slightly leaned forward. "When I was younger, my sister and I ran away- I'm sure you've heard the story. The first pack we were at got attacked by rogues. The rogues were after Piper under the command of ex-Alpha Terence and my father. During the attack, one of the rogues was viciously hurting Piper. I had this gun that shot silver bullets laced in wolfsbane. I killed the rogue. Then, during the attack involving Alpha Caleb, Terence, and my father; I was the one that shot Terence" I informed them.

"What do your murders have to do with anything?" Roger inquired.

I opened my mouth, before closing it again. "Well-" I started. "Those two incidents happened before I shifted. I guess it shook up my wolf a little. He's aggressive- more aggressive than an Alpha who found his mate in a group of men. My first shift was the only time I've shifted. I kinda blacked out. I remember craving blood. I couldn't control it. I attacked my own pack. They injected me with wolfsbane. I was drugged up for about a month after my first shift. Then I started taking these pills"

The two shared a look. "What would happen if you did shift?" Stephanie asked softly.

Shrugging, I ran my hand through my hair. "I plan never to find out" I answered honestly. "The pills don't harm me. They just weaken my wolf so I won't struggle to fight him off. But all drugs come with side effects. This drug just happens to be a bit addictive- which is why Ashlyn has them. Nick figured she's the only person I talk to, so he gave them to her"

"Is it safe for others to be around you?"

I nodded my head in confirmation. "The pills won't make me randomly freak out. I'm not a danger to others if I'm taking them. In fact, I feel like others would be safer when I'm taking the pills. But I can only take one a day. And I try to limit myself. I don't want to make them a daily thing" I told them.

Stephanie smiled at me. "I believe you. Would you like to stay for lunch? I can whip up some sandwiches" she offered.

Knowing that Roger was still examining me, I shook my head and smiled back at Stephanie. She nodded and walked into the kitchen. "I believe you. But I don't trust you. I've never heard of pills like these. You might not know all the side effects. I don't want you near my daughters" he said sternly.

I was expecting that from him. Roger didn't like me in the first place. I knew he was waiting for an opportunity to forbid me from associating with Ashlyn. I'm not sure he knows that I also talk to Valerie. But he did say daughters, so maybe he does. "With all due respect, Mr. Peters, I have never given you a reason not to trust me" I stated.

"You took Ashlyn away from the pack house, alone. You got her attacked by rogues" he hissed.

I slowly nodded. "True. But I was also the one that saved her from those rogues. I was the one that helped tend to her wounds. And after that, I helped her train to be able to protect herself" I defended.

"You killed a lot of people, Mr. Kingsley. As a father, I do not like the thought of my daughters being friendly with a murderer" Roger pointed out.

Now, I'm sure he knows that I've talked to Valerie as well. "Nick has killed people. I bet you've killed a person before- even if it was only one person. Murder is murder, Mr. Peters. We all have our reasons to fight and kill. It is obvious that you have heard the rumors. But everyone that has died at my hands was a threat to my pack, my friends, and my family. I kill to protect" I argued.

Roger leaned back in the chair and continued to stare at me. "Thank you for stopping by, Mr. Kingsley. If you see Valerie at the packhouse, please tell her that she is wanted home" he said stiffly. And now, I'm getting kicked out. Maybe it is best if I stay away from them. So far, my buttons have been pushed and I've almost gone on two rampages while near them. It might not be safe for them.

I nodded in understanding before saying a quick goodbye and walking out the house. "Zeke!" Stephanie called out for me. I turned back to the house. "I know Roger is a bit harsh on you. It's just that, he's a father. And fathers are always very protective over their daughters" she explained and defended her mate.

Smiling at her, I shook my head. "It's no problem. I understand" I stated before continuing the journey back to the packhouse. As I got closer, I could make out the silhouette of someone standing on the porch. I sighed, slowing down my pace. Her face was all healed up, not a single mark. Valerie stepped forward as she saw me. "Your parents want you home"

I walked up the steps and into the house. "Zeke" she said, pulling me back outside. "Look, I'm sorry for the questions. They weren't appropriate. I don't want you mad at me because I was stupid enough to believe some rumors" Valerie blubbered.

"Your parents are worried about you, Ms. Peters. Please, head back home"

Valerie huffed, clenching her fists. "My name is Valerie, not Ms. Peters. Don't be such a jerk!" she snapped. "I apologized for the questions. It was insensitive. It was stupid; and I'm sorry. I-"

"I have work to do. You have parents to talk to. We're both busy at the moment. So let's go our separate ways and attend to those businesses" I suggested, walking into the house. I heard her growl in anger before she punched the house and walked away.

I walked to the stairs. Of course with my luck, I passed by Caroline and Nick. "Why are you so cold to the girl? I thought you two were friends" Caroline asked.

Shrugging, I stopped walking up the stairs. "It's for the best. Trust me. Her father doesn't approve of our friendship anyway" I informed her. I wasn't going to tell her about me not wanting to be near them because I would just get a lecture out of that. Caroline frowned. "I should finish unpacking. There's still some boxes" I jogged up the stairs to my bedroom.

I pulled a box out from the corner and began putting crap into the closet and drawers. After an hour or so, a knock sounded at the door. "I'm busy!" I called out.

I heard the door open. Thalia walked in with a small smile on her face. "That's rather rude" she lightly chastised me. She gave me a quick hug before setting down on my bed. "How are you, Zeke?" she wondered.

"Good. I'm just unpacking" I pointed out, motioning to the scatter of junk. "How are you?" I asked.

She nodded. "I'm very worried. I witnessed a young man- one who I consider my son- be quite impolite to a young lady" Thalia said, raising an eyebrow at me. I sighed and sat down next to her, ready for the lecture. "I was best friends with your mother. She was a wonderful woman. Always wanted to raise her children the right way. I'm not sure you remember, but when we would go out, she would point out the couples. She was telling you what was right and wrong to do in relationships" Thalia informed me.

My mother was teaching me all about that stuff when I was younger- not even a teen yet. She always told me to hold the doors open and make sure I listen. Even if what they say don't make sense at the moment, listening is key. One of the few things that has been imprinted in my mind about her. "But I'm not in a relationship with Valerie" I defended.

Thalia nodded in understanding. "That's true. But was it still okay? She might have offended you, but she was really sorry. And you just blew her off" she said, waving her hand as she spoke the last part.

"Her father doesn't want us to hang out"

The woman rolled her eyes. "That is her father. She decides whether she wants to obey his wishes. Not you. Maybe Valerie is rebellious. Look, she is one of the few people that has been civilized with you. Don't lose that" Thalia kissed my cheek before giving me a smile and walking out.

What a coincidence that Valerie was about to knock on the door when Thalia opened it. "Does your dad know you're here?" I blurted. Thalia shot me a look- practically glaring at me. "Come in, Valerie"

Thalia nodded in approvement before fully walking out and closing the door behind Valerie. "I talked to my dad. He can be a jerk sometimes" she told me.

I sighed. "It's not just about your dad. Maybe he's right. I'm not good. I'm still dangerous and I don't want to rampage and hurt you" I confessed.

She plopped down on my bed. "I've seen you rampage with Collin" she said, reminding me about the asshole who was still locked in the cellar. "You didn't hurt me" Valerie pointed out. "Honestly, I don't care what either of you want. In case you haven't noticed, I'm not the most obedient person"

I chuckled, bumping her shoulder with mine. "Did he talk to Ashlyn?" I asked.

"Yeah. She got really mad. She even packed a bag and walked out with Leia" Valerie informed me. "We both vouched for you. We both trust you. Our father is just overprotective. Friendships are between two people. I've heard that a bond between two should never be broken by a third"

"You're wise for a kid" I teased.

She shoved me. "I'm turning 16 in a couple weeks, jerk. And you're only three years older!" she huffed. I grinned, ruffling up her hair. "Things will calm down with my dad. He's worked up over nothing. My mom will make him see our way" Valerie told me, going back to the previous topic.

I could already imagine Stephanie scolding her mate. I've seen it before. Roger isn't a bad guy. He's just extremely protective and cautious when it comes to his family. "In the meantime!" Valerie chirped, clapping her hands together and snapping me out of my thoughts. "I kinda need a place to stay. I don't want to go back and get yelled at and put on lockdown" she admitted.

I motioned around my room. "We can always build more floorbeds" I stated. She laughed, grabbing a pillow and swinging it at my stomach. "What was that for?" I questioned, throwing the pillow back to where she grabbed it.

She shrugged and hit me with the pillow again. "It's not like it hurts. Mr. I Have Amazing Abs" I laughed and lifted up my shirt. "How is this even possible?!" she exclaimed, poking at my stomach.

I laughed and stopped flexing. My stomach just looked flat. "Are you jealous of my stomach?" I questioned. Valerie actually nodded. "You can train with me, if you'd like. I have nothing better to do anyway" I offered. Ashlyn will probably skip out on training and stay with Leia for the next month or so. Which leaves me with no plans.

"Oh! Another thing to rebel against my father!" she piped up, nodding excitedly. I rolled my eyes at her. She's going through that phase. "It's not a phase! I'm just trying to get a little payback. He was mean to one of my friends" she stated.

I pinched her cheeks. "Aw. Valerie wants to be my friend" I cooed. She growled, swatting my hands away.

"No one would want to be your friend even if you were threatening them with a gun"

I raised my eyebrows and let out a chuckle. "You are a violent child" I stated. She huffed and grabbed the pillow ready to hit me. I caught it and rolled my eyes. "Fine. You are a violent almost 16-year old" I corrected myself. She rolled her eyes, but didn't hit me with the pillow again. "So sassy" I muttered.

"Shut it, jerk!"  

_______________

"Sometimes you have to get knocked down lower than you have ever been to stand back up taller than you ever were"

-Black Veil Brides

This is the only book that I'm writing that isn't ending soon. Which means more time to write this book. Which means more updates. And yeah. A lot of people have been asking about Zeke's mate. I have had her planned from the beginning. I already know who and what I want her to be. So I'm excited about that. I love you guys!

Kayyyyzzz Byeeezzz

~A.J.