.45. The wolf.

Camilla rushed inside the house, dragging a huge bag full of toys after her. She quickly made her way to the bedroom, organizing and placing the plush toys where they seemed to fit in the best. Some of those she brought to Zane's bedroom, making the setting seem more alive. The young woman rushed back to her room to pick up the big wolf toy before she went to the hospital to see her mate. She could feel the uneasy feeling spreading through her body, but instead of being paranoid for nothing- Camilla chose to ignore her inner voice.

Within a few minutes, she hopped downstairs, glad to show off the great mood she was in. Every other person looked at her as if she was insane- Camilla wasn't the happiest person around the house, nor did she smile enough for others to understand her kindness.

After reaching the hospital room, Camilla took a deep breath. She kept reminding herself that she was luna-to-be; therefore, she had no reason to knock on the door. The young woman ran inside the room uninvited, freezing on the spot.

Her eyes greedily took in the muscular, scar covered back in front of her. Some injuries still looked very much fresh, and the male winced at each movement. Camilla kept staring, well aware that Zane would feel her eyes on him, but the male didn't seem to care either- too busy with trying to get dressed without any help. The young woman feared that he would lose balance- Zane was unnaturally pale and seemed weak, out of energy. Camilla dropped the toy and slowly approached him, helping Alpha get the shirt over his head. Slowly, her hands grabbed onto the soft cotton and pulled it down, hiding awful things left on his back.

"You're awake," Camilla whispered in awe. She was delighted to see him awake, at somewhat better health.

Zane nodded his head and turned around to face his mate. The male's eyes searched for hears and locked them under his gaze. Zane had an idea why she decided to appear out of nowhere- probably about to leave him, the pack, and memories about her family here.

"I am. It would be best if you didn't come here.. not after all those things I did to you," Alpha sighed, averting his gaze in shame. Zane could keep acknowledging his mistakes, begging for forgiveness, and trying to change for the rest of his life. Yet, there was another problem. No matter what he would do- he couldn't take back the things he had said or did to Camilla.

She was from another dimension- pure and kind-hearted. Each kiss they shared made Zane lust for more. Camilla was addictive as a person could be, and all those mixed emotions, fears, doubts, and many more emotions blinded him. His muscles tensed, making Zane hiss in pain as the male broke some of his wounds open. He wanted to tell Camilla so many things, but he couldn't. If anything, it would bring more pain and suffer over Camilla than any words or actions of his.
The young Alpha suddenly found himself overthinking how drastically his and her life changed as soon as Camilla was out of the cells. Of course, he tried to stay around his mate for as long as she needed him, yet as soon as she opened her eyes- he fled. Zane wasn't able to admit that he was terrified of rejection and her possible reaction. Nobody should, nor could, take a person who imprisoned them kindly. The young Alpha didn't let his guard down- avoiding her or working and drinking the days away in his office. He managed to keep an eye out on her- ensuring that other pack members were respectful and there was someone by her side. Zane wanted to be the one to accompany her everywhere, but the male knew how wrong it would be. In his eyes, Camilla was a free spirit that valued her freedom too much, but being around him would make her feel caged once again. The young Alpha didn't expect to come face to face with his mate this soon. Zane hoped that they would have some more time until he gathered enough courage to explain himself.
*"The fuck is there to explain? You fucked up, hurt her over and over again without realizing it. You're an idiot."* It wasn't the inner voice of his wolf, in fact- Xavier was as silent as never, now, when Camilla was near. Zane couldn't stop cursing himself, wishing the worst death upon himself for the ways he had wronged his mate. Despite all of that, he could finally look back at her, searching for emotions in her eyes and finding none. It was the day when Alpha Zane Snow would be rejected by an Omega. And Zane accepted it as his fate- the male was sure that he deserved that.

"Listen, can we forget everything that happened in the past few weeks, please? I brought you something and kind of wanted to leave it here, but since you're not asleep anymore. I might as well hand it to you without hiding." Camilla smiled awkwardly. She didn't miss the desperate look in his eyes; the young woman knew that Zane suffered because of his actions, but this time he would have to work his ass off. Sitting in front of her door, waiting for miracles to happen, wouldn't be his lucky way out. Camilla wanted to see an actual effort; he had to show everything he felt with actions before any words would be spoken out loud.

"You brought me something? But why?" Zane nervously bit onto his lower lip; the male seemed puzzled and confused. First of all- Camilla entered the hospital room without knocking or announcing that it's her, which was very unlike her. Now, she brought him something that might be as much of a blessing as it could be a curse. The young Alpha felt how his palms became sweaty- he hasn't been this excited and worried since the third grade. Camilla managed to make Zane feel like a little kid, no matter what or how she did.

"Don't ask too many questions and close your eyes." Camilla eagerly commanded Zane. She was taken aback by a surprise when the male complied with her demands without any resistance. Was this the way how the mighty Alpha showed off his care for her? Or was this yet another show with a completely new mask hiding his real face?

Camilla shook her head, getting rid of all assumptions and suspicions attacking her mind. Instead, she quickly picked up the huge wolf plush toy and handed it to her mate. "You can open your eyes," she whispered, still fearing the reaction Zine might have.

Instead of a frown or puzzled facial expression, Zane stared down at the wolf and smiled. He genuinely smiled, his eyes sparkling as if he just remembered one of the warmest childhood memories. "Is this really for me?" Zane questioned the young woman, trying to convince himself that no one, but him, would ever hold this precious thing.

"Yes, I saw it at one of the games when I went to Amusement park with Aiden. You know, to get things off of my shoulders and breathe a little. He helped me to win it since I suck at throwing darts. Before you say anything- just friends, besides, he found his second chance mate." Camilla bubbled like a pot; she closed her mouth as soon as Zane pulled her into a gentle hug.

"I know I'm too bold right now, but I'm pretty sure that a hug might be the best thank you I could give. Thank you for being here with me all this time and still keeping me on your mind while you're out of the room." Zane inhaled her scent, and his body relaxed- nearly everything. Every little part of him was the content of having Camilla as close as she was now. He held onto the silly looking plush toy and gripped on it as if his life depended on it.

"No problem," Camilla whispered, slowly getting out of the male's grip. She ran to the door without taking a glance back and disappeared. Zane thought of following her, but that would lead to an even more complicated relationship. He wasn't sure if there was any relationship in the first place, but a fool could keep on dreaming.

*"You're losing her,"* only now did Xavier speak up with a hint of sorrow in his gruff voice. The wolf couldn't keep his emotions in check; whenever it came to his mate- he would become vivid in seconds, mostly if the reason for her distress was the human part of him. Sometimes, Xavier couldn't accept the fact that he would lead the rest of his life in misery- their mate would leave them sooner or later. For the wolf, it was a matter of time, nothing less or more.

*"I know,"* Zane let out a deep breath, hopelessly staring at the plush toy as if it was the best thing ever happened to him. Camilla might leave, there was no reason to deny it, but she would leave something behind. Even the plush wolf meant so much to the young Alpha- it was like a ray of hope since she found herself thinking about him. For fuck's sake, all this time, Zane couldn't calm down, feeling intense levels of jealousy whenever the warrior was around, yet he did nothing but good for them. First, he helped Zane to open his eyes and see the truth before it was too late, and now, he helped his mate to win a silly plush toy for Zane.

*"So you're not going after her?"* The wolf growled deeply, pissed off at Zane's wild nature. The male looked like he was about to cry out in happiness for a damn toy, but he wouldn't follow the one that brought real joy in their life. Camilla gave them a reason to live and fight to become a better person- Xavier didn't want to let go of that. He didn't want to let go of Eden.

*"I won't, and that's better for now. I wronged her, so I have no right to run after her and demand something. I might be a fucking fool, feeling happy and giggling over a pretty ugly thing, but it holds a value beyond any limits. She thought of us while she was supposed to relax and spend some quality time with her friend. I trust her. Whatever decision she would take- I'd accept the consequences. I've been stupid and spontaneous for too long; it's about time to man up. We will give her space and leave all doors open, no more avoiding her bullshit. If Camilla is ready to open up, we will do anything for her to feel safe and loved." Zane explained everything to his wolf, completely missing the part where he spoke about love with such ease. The young Alpha promised himself years ago that he wouldn't be weak and fall for someone. Zane kept the promise and went strong until he faced her. The fierce, challenging, and independent woman that wanted nothing to do with him. Perhaps her resistance was one of the things that drew him closer to Camilla- whatever it was, Zane was grateful for it.

*"Sounds like you're giving up to me,"* Xavier snarled. The wolf wouldn't accept any kind of defeat; he wouldn't allow Zane to destroy the only thing he ever cared about. Eden didn't give two shits about Xavier; she was distant and silent- all thanks to Zane.

*"I won't give up,"* Zane replied sharply, slowly making his way out of the hospital room. He wasn't supposed to go anywhere for a good two weeks, but the Alpha had many responsibilities and places to be. First of all- Zane wanted to take a shower in his bathroom rather than trying to fit into the tiny hospital shower. He did need some help to get upstairs; the pain kept weakening him and even simple tasks required a lot of willpower to happen. As soon as he stepped in front of his bedroom door, Zane kindly thanked the guard that helped him and offered the male a day off. Stepping inside, an intense wave of Camilla's scent hit Zane unprepared, and he adored it. A couple more plush toys were placed all over his room, making the seemingly heartless male smile.
*"I told you she's not indifferent; we just need some time and a whole lot of patience. I will become the mate Camilla deserves even if I have to give my life for her. One day she might give me a chance, and I am ready to drop on my knees in front of her. If that's what it takes- I shall beg."* Zane snapped back at Xavier, letting his emotions take the best of him. The male didn't think of consequences; draining himself of energy was the worst idea ever. Zane tried to get closer to his bed but collapsed on the bedroom floor as soon as he took the first step.