Returning To My Rejected Mate

After I've used the bathroom I wash my hands and splash some water on my face before I stare at myself in the mirror.

I know technically Zane didn't do anything wrong but still my mind can't help going back to that morning with the blonde in the kitchen.

I take a deep breath, rubbing my hands against my legs and leave the bathroom.

Just as the door closes I see the flirty waitress put down our food, and slipping a piece of paper over to Zane before she saunters off, swaying her hips. I see him glance down at the paper before quickly shoving it into his pocket.

I frown, feeling anger and hurt rush through me. I make my way over to the table and sit down. Zane looks at me and smiles.

"Hey. Just in time. The food just came."

I hum in response not giving him an answer just starting to eat my food.

Throughout the meal Zane keeps trying to engage me in conversation, I keep on waiting for him to tell me about the waitress and the little paper but he doesn't and my anger and jealousy grows so I either ignore him or give him short answers. After a while I hear him sigh and he gives up. The rest of our lunch the conversation mostly consist of Zayde talking and asking questions. After our lunch all three of us heads over to the bathroom before we get on the road again. When I come out I see Zane and Zayde throwing away our mess and my heart skips a beat as I see Zane slipping his hand into his pocket and throwing away the paper the waitress gave him. He's not keeping it.. My heart races and suddenly I smile. He's not keeping it, he threw it away. Relief fills me, as well as guilt for expecting the worst from him.

I wonder if maybe he'd bring it up later. But even if he doesn't it makes me happy knowing he has no intention of calling her.

As I make my way over to them Zane looks up at me and I give him a big smile.

He looks a little startled and gives me an unsure smile back. I can't really blame the guy for being confused. For the last hour or so I have practically ignored him as much as possible. Once I get

to them I place my hand on his chest on go on my toes, pecking his cheeks.

"Thank you."

"It's my pleasure. I'm glad you enjoyed your lunch."

I just smile at him, I was actually thanking him for throwing away the paper but he doesn't need to know that.

As we make our way out, I take the little paper with the number on it out of the trash as I see the waitress smile at Zane.

"Thank you for coming. I hope to see you again soon."

I stop and smile sweetly at her.

"Oh we'll definitely be back. You see with my pregnancy I keep craving fries and milkshake and your just hits the spot. And my husband as wonderful as he is drove us all the way over here just to satisfy my needs."

I see her smile straining and start to walk away before I turn back, as if remembering something. "Oh shoot! Sorry pregnancy brain, before I forget. I think you left something on our table. I'm guessing it's a number someone left for you, it would be such a shame if you lost it and kept the person waiting."

I hand her back the number she slipped to Zane and I see her face going red and the smile dissappearing from her face, while Zane's face goes a little pale.

"Thank you for lunch. You have a nice day now."

I say and turn away, making my way over to Zane and Zayde, taking Zane's hand and leading them out to the car.

Once were all settled Zane starts the car and we get on the road again.

Zane keeps casting nervous glances at me and after a while I hear him nervously clearing his throat.

"Shay.. About that.."

I shake my head and put my hand on his thigh giving it a quick squeeze.

"Let's talk about this later. Not in the care and not infront of him."

Zane looks like he wants to say something but then just closes his mouth and nods.

The rest of the trip Zayde, curious as always, keeps asking questions about the pack and Zane's family.

"Do I have any cousins?"

Zane nods.

"Yes. Two, both girls. Amanda is two and Aria is three. They're my sister, your aunt's, pups."

"Are they going to be there today?"

Zane smiles and nods.

"Oh most definitely. Your aunt is really excited to see you and your mom so she and her pups will definitely be there."

"Do they live in your pack?"

Zane shakes his head.

"No, she was mated to a delta in a pack two hours away from here. So they only come to visit every now and then."

Zayde nods and stares out the window, watching the trees go by.

I look at Zane.

"Do they know everything about us?"

He nods.

"They do. I told them about you after I started looking for you.. And then after I found out about Zayde I told them that as well.. Let me tell you. They were pissed."

He glances at me quickly.

"At me, not you I swear. My sister also smacked some sense into me. She and Megan both told me I was an idiot, trying to force you to just forget and move on from the past. She told me I was behaving like a kid and that I have to get my act together before it's to late. By the way, both she and my mom thinks that you did the right thing back then. And both have threatened to kick my ass if I ever do anything stupid again."

I give him a small smile.

"By the sound of it, I think I'll like them both. I'm glad they don't hate me."

"I'm sure you'll love each other. And no, they definitely don't hate you." "What about your dad?"

"Well, he was really mad and yelled at me for being reckless and immature. And he was.. is a little annoyed that both you and your father kept us in the dark about Zayde. He says he understands why, and that he'd probably have done the same if Annabeth was in that situation but he feels that if either of you came to him he would've helped and Zayde wouldn't have had to get to know them when he was already five years old."

I sigh and nod my head.

"I get it. I took five years from them, while my parents got to have them with Zayde. I need to apologize."

"You don't have to Shay. That's not why I told you."

Zane says shaking his head.

"I know, but I want to."

He nods but before either of us can say anything Zayde squeals excitedly.

"There's wolves running in the trees! Are we there?"

Zane looks at him in the rear view mirror and nods, smiling.

"Yes buddy. We're here. Welcome home."

I look over at the gate nervously. Not knowing what to expect. But looking at Zayde's happy face

I know I'd take anything that comes our way, as long as my boy keeps that smile.

Zane give my hand a small squeeze.

"Hey, everything will be fine okay? Everyone will love you. Both of you. This is were you belong."

I give him a small smile and nod as the patrol guards head over to the car, here we go.