Chapter Nine: Dreams that Flutter into Nightmares

Nikoli had decided to let them take a break from questioning. Zoe could tell that the interview was taking on toll on the Alpha as well as. She never consider that this is one of the many proximations that Nikoli had to go through since he took over his father's mantle. 

That is when Zoe realized that there was a lot about the tribe that she was ignorant of. She did not even know what the Alpha's wolf looked like. 

Zoe heard the door open and shut from one of the bedrooms. She lifted her head to see the Alpha stepping out of one of the rooms. Their eyes met and a smile spread across Nikoli's face. 

It was welcoming and yet Zoe was still concerned. She had never been away from the temple this long. It unnerved her and she did not like it. 

"Well, before we proceed to the rest of the interview, I made the guest bed up for you." Nikoli said. Zoe watched his movements as he made his way back to the living room. 

Nikoli had a muscular stature that towered over Zoe's frame. Even though she remained in the chair she could tell that Nikoli was a force to be reckoned with. He was considered the strongest leader the Crescent Moonstone Pack ever had. He was also the most brutal fighter they ever had. 

Zoe remembered treating a few weres that fought against Nikoli when he was challenge for the title. He had only been challenged twice in his entire reign. 

"So to continue, what does your change have to do with your banishment?" Nikoli asked.

Zoe gulped at that question. She did not even know why she had been exiled for her new abilities, but her mother made it clear they feared those powers. 

Her breath was shaky as she tried to steady herself. 

"From what I gathered in the meeting, The High Priestess and my mother feared that the CHANGE would affect my abilities to protect the pack." She lied.

Nikoli smirked as he leaned forward on the couch. 

"Little fox, let's be clear. Mate or not, this interview has to be answered completely honestly. I would not be asking if I did not think there was a reason." 

"Other than to pry into the personal lives of your pack," I sneered.

That was a big mistake. Nikoli began to growl at the woman sitting in front of him. 

"I will ask you again: what does your change have to do with your banishment?" This time Nikoli's tone was demanding. 

Zoe paused. She did not really know what to tell the man. Zoe took a deep breath and started over.

"I believe that it has something to do with my father. I don't know much about him, but all I know is that he abandoned us. The High Priestess and my mother confirmed to me that they have fashioned an amulet that would hinder my CHANGE. They did stress they did not know how it would effect my abilities and they did not want to take that chance."

Zoe looked at him as their eyes met. Zoe was relieved to see Nikoli's eyes were still red. 

"Are you satisfied?" She asked. 

"Why did you lie?" Nikoli asked.

"I did not lie. I can't really give you an answer that I don't have. Now can I?" 

Nikoli put his hands in front of his mouth, clasping them together; he let his elbows rest on his knees. He exhaled at her reserve. 

He could understand why she was shielding herself for him. A few hours ago, Zoe found out that not only was she his destined mate but she was also a shifter. Nikoli made a note to discuss the previous shifter in the pack. 

"Last question and we are finished for the night," Nikoli said. "Do I have to worry about your safety or the safety of my pack?" 

This had taken Zoe back. She knew that she was not a threat to the pack. She had been one of its main defenses since she was able to erect a barrier around the temple. But after what happened in the shower, she could not blame Nikoli for asking.

"No. I am not a danger to the pack," Zoe said. 

Nikoli had noticed that she never answered the second part of his question but he let it go…for now. 

Nikoli stood up and gestured to the

The bedroom was at the end of the hall. Zoe stood up and followed after him. He stood to the side and let her open the door. 

There was a queen-sized bed that had fresh set sheets and blankets spread across. Zoe could smell the scent of fresh linen the moment she opened the door. There was a door that was directly across from the bed. Zoe assumed that would be the closet.

There was a dark brown nightstand and a lamp with a shade sitting on the furniture. In the corner or the room was a brown horizontal chest drawer-at least she had somewhere to put the items the ordinants gave her before she left. That was when Zoe realized that she did not have her bag with her.

"Alpha…I mean Nikoli, the bag that I came in with. Where is it?" Zoe asked.

"It's in the laundry room drying. I looked to make sure there wasn't anything that could be damaged; the rest I put in the sliding drawers in the corner." Nikoli stated.

"Thank you," she whispered. 

"So the bathroom is done the hall and if you need anything Zoe, do not hesitate to let me know." Nikoli turned to leave.

"Thank you and good night, Alpha Nikoli." Zoe said as she made her way to the bed. 

"Sleep well." He shut the door behind him. 

Now that Zoe was alone she pulled her knees into her chest. Images of the meeting and what followed replayed in her head. She was lost right now. If Elder Grace had not told her about seeking sanctuary, who knows what would have happened to her. 

I would have probably gotten swept up by the storm. Or had to climb up one of the trees and seek shelter for the night.

That thought crossed Zoe's mind as she rested her head on the pillow. Looking around the room, Zoe found that she could not get comfortable, but not for lack of trying. Her thoughts were tormenting her and as she closed her eyes she knew that sleep would not be easily obtained. 

I don't know what to do, High Priestess. Zoe could hear her mother talking with their senior. 

Tell me what ails you,Madelyn. Zoe knew it was wrong to pry but she could not help it. 

I worry that Zoe will become HIM. That tone of her mother's voice terrified Zoe. She had never heard her mother speak with such malice in her words.

Madelyn, sooner rather than later, you will have to forget him. He gave you a wonderful life along with a beautiful and powerful daughter. High Priestess Cylvia said as she patted Madelyn's hands. 

But what if she—Madelyn stopped for a moment and looked around the clearing. Zoe noticed that her mother's observation of the outside made her slightly paranoid. 

What if she is more like him than us? What can we do if she begins to—

Madelyn you must be careful speaking about things that we are not sure of. Just because HE was what he was, that does not mean that our Vi could carry his lineage. 

Zoe sighed. Of course they were speaking about her. Vi was her title graced by the Moon Goddess. She had been known as Vi in the temple the moment she created barrier from thin air.

The day she created that miracle is a day burned inside her mind. A day she continues to mourn and grieve. 

Madelyn. The High Priestess silenced Zoe's mother. Cylvia moved her slightly over to the direction where Zoe was hiding. She had squatted down in the Hydrangea bushes. 

The High Priestess fashioned the garden as herbal remedies and treatment medicines. Zoe would sometimes sneak away from prayer or when her chores were finished and relax in the garden-even though it was off limits. 

Madelyn followed the High Priestess's head gesture and looked directly in Zoe's path. When both women were staring at the young novice it was when Zoe came to the horrid conclusion. She had not hid her power signature when she entered the garden. 

She never needed to because hardly anyone visited the sanctum around this time. 

Zoe come here. The priestess called out to her. She had not choice but to obey. How much did you hear?

She shrugged. Not much, just whispers. Zoe said.

But Zoe noticed the looks that her mother and the High Priestess gave one another. They did not believe her. 

Zoe, could you head to your room? I will have some tea brewed for us. Your mother and I have a gift to give you to wear to the ceremony. We think it will look beautiful during your dance. 

Zoe's mother made no objection. Zoe smiled and quickly hugged her mother. She was happy that she was not getting scolded for hiding away and she was getting a new addition to her ceremonial dress for Alpha Nikoli's initiation. 

Thank you mother, Zoe said as she turned to the High Priestess and bowed her head. And thank you, High Priestess. 

Zoe woke up with a startle. She put her hand against her head. That was not an ordinary dream. It felt like something that had happened. She had remembered drinking tea with her mother and the High Priestess after her prayers. 

They raved about the blessings she would bring during the ceremony. Then her mother brought out a necklace box with a chain fashioned in gold. At the end of the chain was an amulet with a red crimson jewel centered in the middle. 

After that day, Zoe never took the pendant off. That was until today, when she was in a rush to meet with the Alpha and the Council of Elders. Without the pendant, Zoé had changed and shifted into the fox.

Zoe tried to brush off the thought of her mother and the high priestess betraying her, but she simply could not ignore the dream.

Especially since she was sleeping in Alpha's home seeking refuge.