Chapter 91 - Two Months

*"I love you right up to the moon - and back." - Anita Jeram*

***Neron***

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months.

It had been two months since Kiya had landed in a coma. The prospects of her not waking up are becoming sharper and waking was dimming. Her absence cut her family and friends deep, and the world grew bleaker with each passing day. She still looked the same as when she was first placed in her bed; peaceful and still.

I’ve made it a habit to visit her whenever I could, whether it be once a week to a couple times a week, or whenever Onyx became unruly. The distance between Garnet and Zircon Moon had become more of a nuisance than a benefit. Five hours back to back was enough to drive a mortal man insane. Sometimes Raina would come along to see her sister with Adonis attached to her hip. How does one explain to a six-year-old boy about his aunt being in deep sleep?

I don’t know how Val and Raina do it. It would crush me as a parent.

Kiya’s doctors recommended speaking to her as normal; just because she was unconscious didn’t mean she couldn’t hear us. Onyx must’ve gained a storyteller’s tongue when I wasn’t looking, because he would tell the most fantastical stories as if Kiya were a curious child. Tales of mighty wolves slaying beasts trying to take over the world or bonded wolves working together to ascend to the heavens and defeat the gods were amongst his favorite. I hate to admit it, but his storytelling had enraptured me as well. At the end of his stories, he would whisper affirmations of love and kiss Kiya on the forehead. He loves her as much as I do, and I hoped that somewhere in her mind, Artemis was listening too.

When my mind wasn’t busy buzzing about Kiya, I focused it on my project. I was grateful to have Nikolai and Anthony at my side, aiding me in the major details and purchases while I worked out plans of both placement and disbursement. Two months into it and I’m incredibly proud of myself with the progress I’ve made. Asim was right; I couldn’t put my life on pause. My destiny is what I make of it.

I’m doing what I wanted for a change.

It would only be better if Kiya was awake to watch it all. I wonder how she’d react when I tell her the news.

Today was the second time this week I’m popping into Garnet Moon for a visit. This time, my Betas and Gammas were with me, as required for the meeting we’re having with Anthony and Nikolai. Adonis was swinging his feet in his seat, buzzing with excitement of seeing the friends he made there. Our cars rolled into the garages after security clearance from the gate’s guards. After exiting, my eyes found the distant pack hospital building, glowing under the sun’s rays.

“Hey, bro.” Kwame patted my shoulder, drawing my attention away from the building. Lorelai stood next to him, her pregnant belly rounder than it was two months ago. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.” I shot him a small smile. “Anthony is waiting for us.”

Valerian and Raina walked hand-in-hand toward the pack house. But I noticed her focus seemed to be elsewhere. Every few seconds, her head would dart toward the hospital, her brown eyes reflecting sadness and longing. Raina’s hand went to her showing belly, rubbing it with the love she could muster.

We’re visiting Kiya after this meeting, which was for certain.

Warriors were training and children were playing amid their little world as we approached the front steps where Luna Alesia stood with Ximena at her side. Adonis spotted his friends and, with his parents’ permission, he ran off to join their fun. Luna Alesia led us to Anthony’s office, where he and his father were waiting for us with documents spread across his desk. Nikolai informed me that Lyra won’t be joining us because she was visiting Kiya.

The meeting took an hour, discussing everything from the funneling of money for the grand purchase for logistics on hiring contractors. Nikolai had connections with his extended family who worked in the city who can help with the project and Anthony worked along with Kwame and Lorelai about potential hires looking for jobs. Valerian added his expertise on scouring areas that can hold many people while Raina made a list of potential investors.

Afterward, I made my way to the pack hospital, where Nurse Mei at the front desk greeted me with a smile and pointed to the elevators. Many nurses and doctors knew me by my face, since Onyx had given them a hard time in letting him stay for one night to be at Kiya’s side. Raina was going to stop by later, after tending to Adonis.

Once the elevators stopped on the second floor, I made my way to room 215. When I opened the door, I found both Lyra and Beta Jacqueline sitting on either side of Kiya’s bed. Lyra rubbed her hand with both of hers while Jacqueline was applying lip balm to her lips. Both turned their heads and offered me shy waves.

“Hello, Neron.”

“Sup, dude.”

“Good afternoon to you both.” I grabbed a vacant chair and took a seat next to the former Luna. “Any changes?”

“No. No change.” Lyra replied with a hoarse whisper, biting her lip as she tried to hold back her tears. “I miss my baby girl so much. Two months is too long.”

“She’ll wake up soon, I know it.” Jacqueline added with confidence, capping her lip balm stick and shoving it in her pocket. “She knows better than to worry us for this long. I wonder what’s going on in that brain of hers.”

“Food, probably.” The older woman chuckled as her fingers danced on top of Kiya’s. “She’s going to be so ravenous when she wakes up. What do you think she would want to eat?”

Jacqueline’s lips rose into a grin. “You know I can’t answer that! She’d inhale an entire restaurant if she could.”

A soft chuckle left my lips. “Something savory.” I suggested. “I noticed she loved to eat savory foods when she stayed in my home. Or, pasta.”

“I brought every ingredient known to man to cook her favorites, but my love has a big of an appetite as she does. I can’t win.” Lyra laughed, wiping a stray tear that escaped with a finger before turning to me. “How are you, Neron?”

“Me?” I asked, brushing a couple of hair strands behind my ear. “I’ve been good. Thank you for asking. I’m in the same boat as you and everyone else; wondering when Kiya will wake up.”

“How is that project of yours going?” The Beta asked. “Did you find a seller yet?”

“Not yet, but there are a few individuals I’ll be looking into.” I said. “Can’t rush with things like this. But, overall, it is going a lot smoother than I originally thought. I expect difficulties, but I have encountered none yet.”

“Celeste would’ve been so proud of you.” Lyra reached out a hand and patted my own. An intense sensation shot through me, coveting her warmth. Tears pricked the back of my eyes, but I blinked them away. “I don’t have any doubts that she would’ve admired you if she was alive.”

“If Mom was alive, we wouldn’t be stuck in this mess, wouldn’t we?” I asked, tapping my fingers against my knee. The women fell silent. My eyes found Kiya’s face, admiring the golden hue underneath her skin. “I miss her a lot, Lyra. There were moments I wished she were next to me, cheering me on with Nuria. I’m feeling sentimental or I’m still that same little boy who wants his mother always, but it is bittersweet. But I have comfort knowing Mom and Nuria are watching over me with our Moon Goddess.”

“There is no shame in wanting your Mom, Neron.” Jacqueline added. “I still seek mine whenever I need help. We’re adults, but mothers will always see us as their babies, no matter how annoying it becomes.”

I smirked. “That’s true. But… I also want Kiya to see what I’m doing too. I’m making Mom and Nuria proud, that’s for sure, but I want to make her proud, too. She’s taking her time to heal, but I want her to open her eyes again.”

“She will in due time. The only thing we can do is wait and pray.”

My phone beeped with its text message jingle. Pulling it out, a notification pinged on my screen from Raina, saying she was on her way with Adonis. Seconds afterward, Lorelai messaged the same, but with Kwame. This hospital room was going to become crowded in no time.

“Raina and the others are on their way.” I responded, stuffing my phone in my pant pocket again.

“Speaking of, how are things with…. you know who?” The corner of Lyra’s lips curled into a snarl, referencing two people she despised. Ashley and Steven. I exhaled a deep sigh, shaking my head.

“Raina is speaking with them, but I have heard little from them since.”

“Did you know they haven’t visited Kiya once?” She growled. “After my doctors and nurses worked their asses off to keep them alive, they don’t have the decency to visit Kiya.”

“Lyra.” Jacqueline grimaced slightly, gesturing to Kiya. “If I can feel your anger, she can too.”

“Right, right… *lo siento*.” She sighed, rubbing her temple. Ashley and Steven have closed themselves off. I couldn’t reach them, no matter how hard I tried. It was for the best, considering Kiya carved them up like turkeys. But I wouldn’t want them to see Kiya either, knowing damn well the new range of excuses they’ll come up with.

I’m disappointed, but not surprised.

“It’s alright, Lyra.” I offered her a lopsided smile. “Don’t focus your energy on that.” Lyra nodded, turning to look at her daughter again. The amount of love this woman held for her was astronomical. Blood or not, Kiya was her child, and she was her mother. Zeus himself couldn’t break their bond. As much as I should thank Kiya for the opportunity to live life again, I should thank Lyra for helping her become the wonderful woman she is today. She and Nikolai.

Mother and Father of the Year, ladies and gentlemen.

The scents of my Betas and Gammas grew in potency, alerting me they’ve just reached the steps of the hospital. That was my cue to leave. I patted my thighs once and rose out of my seat, settling the chair back from where I got it from. “The others are on their way. Five additional bodies in this small hospital room isn’t ideal, so I’ll be taking my leave.”

“So soon?” Lyra asked, cocking her head to the side. “At least stay for lunch. Lead Omega Cleo should be whipping up something right now.”

“Buffalo wings?!” Jacqueline shouted with glee, twinkling in her emeralds. Lyra shot her a glare before shaking her head and chuckling.

“Whatever it is, please eat something before you leave, Neron.”

“I wouldn’t want to impose, Lyra.”

“Nonsense! The trip back to Nevada will surely stir up your wolfish appetites. Better to take care of it now than on hour three of your trip.”

I paused, blinking for a few seconds before smiling. “Okay. I’ll stay for lunch, but not a moment after.” I sauntered around Lyra to where Kiya’s head laid. Leaning down, I pressed my lips to her forehead, smoothening out her coils. Her skin had a slight chill because of the hospital’s air conditioning, but she was still warm. I pressed my forehead on hers, basking in her presence. Onyx stirred in delight within me, prancing in my mind like a horse.

*Rest well, angel*.

I bid my farewells to Lyra and Jacqueline as I took my leave from the hospital room. Before my hand could grip the doorknob, an excited gasp cracked against my eardrums, followed by a small, almost unnoticeable groan. My head shot around to see Jacqueline’s mouth agape in shock and Lyra grinning like she was granted the world’s rarest diamond. The hospital blanket shifted with movement and the groaning grew louder.

My heart dropped and bounced back in its cavity.

Kiya’s head rolled from one side to the other on her pillow as if she was trying to regain feeling in her neck. Her hands, gripped by her best friend and mother, squeezed theirs while stretching her arms out. However, her face contorted to a grimace, groaning in disgust.

“Who the fuck put vanilla lip balm on my lips?”

Her head rolled to the side Lyra was on, eyes fluttering open to reveal her tired, but glittering browns. Kiya cracked a small smile and reached out her hand to touch her mother’s face, cautious of her IV. “Hi, Mama.”

“*Mija*… my baby girl…”

A smile found its way to my face as I watched the well-needed reunion between mother and daughter. Lyra helped Kiya sit up, albeit slowly because her body was motionless for two months, and drew her into a tight hug, mindful to not snag herself in her IVs. Lyra buried her face in Kiya’s shoulder, muffling her cries while rubbing circles on her backside. I could tell Lyra needed this—to hold her daughter after so long. Her love was too powerful to contain.

Once Lyra released her, Kiya turned to Jacqueline and pointed an accusatory finger at her. “Vanilla? You know how much I hate vanilla lip balm!”

“How did you know it was me?” Jacqueline asked, feigning ignorance.

Kiya pointed to her jean pocket. “I can smell it from here.”

“To think the coma didn’t dull your damn nose.” Both women burst into laughter after a pregnant pause, drawing each other into a much-needed hug. “I missed you, Little Bit. If you land in a coma again, I’m kicking your ass out of it.”

“Duly noted.” She laughed.

After a while, the two separated, patting each other on the arm. Kiya’s nostrils flared, turning her head to face me lingering at the doorway. For a moment, my lungs stopped working. The world dimmed around me, and all I could see was Kiya. My beautiful Kiya. Her two-month slumber didn’t dare to dull her natural beauty. We remained like this, staring at one another like the outside world didn’t matter. Onyx was screaming at me to go to her, but my legs wouldn’t work.

Was Kiya happy? Angry? Confused at why I was here? My heart prodded at my ribcage with every pump, wondering what my next move was going to be.

I got my answer when the little lady cracked a sweet smile at me, beckoning with her hands to come closer. “You’re okay… I’m so glad.”

My legs rid themselves of their pause, and I maneuvered my way toward Kiya, leaning over and drawing her into a hug in silence. Her curls tickled my face and chin, but I didn’t mind. After nightly prayers to Selene, she woke up. Kiya was glad I’m okay? I’m glad that she was okay!

Kiya sighed in relief, resting her head on my shoulder. “The madness is over, right?”

“Yes.” I whispered. “It’s over. We’re going to be okay.” I sighed, rubbing my cheek into her hair. I wanted to commit everything about her to memory. “Don’t risk yourself like this again, okay?”

“As long as you don’t do the same.”

Oh, sweet Kiya.

I would do it again.

I would die a thousand deaths if it meant your safety.