SPEAK UP, ZEKE

Zeke's Pov - The Black-Moon Reserve

A few days later

"Father, I need to speak with you in private," Zeke said as he nodded toward his Father's office, noticing Trey, the Beta, in the living room of the pack house.

"Of course, son. I'll be right in," Father replied. Zeke nodded and went into the office ahead of him.

As Zeke observed the pictures of their former Alpha hanging on the wall across from the desk, he couldn't help but wonder if he would ever be one of them. If that were the case, he realized he would have big shoes—or rather, big paws—to fill.

Zeke chuckled, feeling defeated because he hadn't heard from Jannie in the last few days. He knew she needed time to work through her thoughts, and he had to battle the urge to reach out to her every waking moment.

Zeke's Father's office had an old-school charm. It featured dark Victorian furnishings, paneled brown walls, and a grand chandelier that filled the room with a warm, dim light. Two bookshelves were built into the walls on either side of the desk, proudly showcasing centuries of history.

"What do you need, son?" his Father asked as he entered the room and closed the door behind him.

"Firstly, I need you to sit down," Zeke said nervously, trying to maintain his composure.

"Okay?" his Father replied, sitting at his desk.

"Speak up, Zeke. I don't have all day," he continued, resting his back against the chair.

"I know I should have come to you sooner, but I really needed this time to figure some things out for myself first," Zeke began. "However, I've reached a point where I realize I need your input and experience on the matter."

He paused and looked at his Father, who crossed his arms and asked, "And what is that matter, Zeke?"

"I found my mate," Zeke announced, and his Father looked surprised. "That's fantastic news, son! Who is she? When can we meet her?" He stood up and hugged Zeke, something that rarely happens.

"Well, this is where I need your help, Father: she's human," Zeke blurted out, and his Father's smile vanished.

"Human?" he repeated to Zeke as he sat down again.

"Yes. Jannie and I can't imagine a life without her. I need her, Father. But I don't know how she will fit in since she isn't one of us," Zeke continued, almost cracking up to tears.

"Oh, Zeke. Come here, son," Father said, and they sat together on the couch.

"I don't have much experience with human mates, to be honest, but I know we are given our mate for a reason. I understand you're scared, and I don't know how far you've come to terms with this girl. Undoubtedly, our lifestyle can be intimidating for a human, and there will surely be hardships along the way. But regardless, the mate bond is the strongest; it connects us through eternity." Father paused to look at Zeke, and for the first time in Zeke's life, he felt closer to him than ever before.

"But how can I mark her without turning her into a half-wolf? Can she even mark me?" Zeke stuttered. His Father placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I don't know, but someone does, and we will find that person to learn from them." He patted Zeke on the arm, and Zeke felt much calmer.

"Until then, it's wise to keep Jannie close and, if possible, have her move in with you at the house. Threats always come to our pack, and if the wrong person hears about Jannie, she could be at risk if unprotected," his Father stated thoughtfully. Zeke nodded in agreement.

"She said she needed time to work through everything, but as you mentioned, she will be better protected here. However, she's currently living with her best friend, and I don't think she wants to leave and move in with me just yet. In her mind, I'm just a guy she recently met, though she feels strongly for me. Plus, the whole werewolf situation is a massive deal for her to handle," Zeke said, and his Father nodded in understanding.

"I understand, son, and I trust you will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Just know that you have the full support of both me and your mother," his Father said, smiling. Zeke let out a sigh of relief.

His Father brushed back his short brown hair with his fingers, and Zeke noticed how similar they looked. They were the same height and weight, and their facial features—the broad jawline and narrow nose—were traits passed down through their family.

"With that said, son, I want to end this conversation by saying how happy I am to see this development in you. I knew you would come around eventually, and I'm proud to see you grow and act as a respectful young man," his Father spoke in a tone Zeke rarely heard anymore. Zeke nodded and embraced him before leaving the room.

Jannie's Pov

As the days passed, Jannie hadn't spoken to Zeke since their pizza night, and each day made her more anxious. She had told him she needed space. Although she genuinely wanted to see him, she struggled to face the reality of what being with him might mean in the long term.

Navigating her feelings and doubts was not easy. Scenarios of what life could be like with him constantly played through Jannie's mind. Perhaps she was approaching it all wrong; maybe she needed him for everything to make sense. But what did that say about her?

Jannie couldn't just abandon everything to be with him. Could she? Was she that kind of person?

Who was she, really? Was Jannie crazy for falling in love too soon? And was it crazy to pursue a relationship with a werewolf?

Where did she fit into all of this?

Oh gosh, here she goes again, overthinking every little detail and making up scenarios like the most self-centered person in the world.

"Wow, what's on your mind?" Jessie asked as she sat down next to Jannie on the couch.

"I don't know. What are my life choices? Who am I? That kind of stuff," Jannie replied. Jessie sighed and said, "What's gotten you down, Jan? Is it Zeke?" She pulled the blanket closer around her and rested her legs over Jannie's.

"What's going on? I thought everything was going great between you two," Jessie continued, her concern evident.

"It was, it is... I don't know, it's complicated," Jannie said, knowing she couldn't share the whole truth with Jessie.

"Why is it so complicated?" Jessie asked, but Jannie didn't know how to respond.

"It just is. I can't explain it," Jannie snapped, getting up from the couch.

"Hey, easy there, tiger," Jessie said, gently pulling Jannie back down.

"I don't understand what's going on with you, Jannie, and it seems you don't know either. But I need you to realize I'm here for you, no matter your need. You should call Zeke and talk things over. Knowing you, Jan, overthinking everything will only muddle your emotions more than necessary." Jessie hugged her.

"Thanks, Jessie, you're right. I should call him," Jannie replied just as the doorbell rang.

"Are you expecting anyone?" Jessie asked as she walked towards the hall.

"No," Jannie answered, following her.

"Oh, hi, Zeke. We were just talking about you," Jessie said when she opened the door.

"I'll be in my room," Jessie mumbled, quickly leaving the hallway.

"Hey, I know you needed some time, but I really need to talk to you," Zeke said, and Jannie nodded, gesturing for him to come inside.