Chapter Nineteen (Zaid's POV)

I didn't tell Scythe about what happened in town the other day.

I had no right to violate Kyler's privacy like that. I could tell that the thing with Ash had upset him. When we got home, he went straight to the guest room and slammed the door shut. It was now Saturday and he still hadn't come out, even for dinner. I noticed Trisha leaving meals outside his door, though, so he was eating, he just didn't want to be around people.

I didn't bother him about it. Although, I didn't have time, even if I wanted to.

Today was the day.

I sat on the end of my bed, staring straight ahead and trying to contemplate how fast things were moving. Today was the day I was going to take the mating ritual- Goddess help me if I get sick halfway through. After that was the alpha rite, which was definitely going to put a strain on me. All my energy was going to be used up in one night. I'll be bedridden for days, I thought miserably, burying my face in my hands.

I peered past my fingers to look at my stomach. It wasn't large- after all, it had only been a couple weeks, but the small mound there was a reminder of what was happening to me. I squeezed my eyes shut, tipping my head back and taking a deep breath.

Suck it up, Zaid.

This isn't about you anymore. Nothing is about you anymore.

It's about the pack.

It's about Scythe.

It's about the pups.

Time to quit being selfish. I sighed, nodding to myself and repeating those things in my mind as I rose to my feet, changing into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt before I went downstairs. Everyone was working hard to clean the house, cleansing it.

It was tradition.

The day a new alpha comes into place, everything must be cleansed. The house should be cleaned down to the smallest corner- which was going to take quite a while seeing how big the plantation house was. The old food would need to be thrown out, replaced with fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and fresh meat. The cars and bikes would need to be scrubbed down. The backyard would need to be trimmed, but the woods left alone. That was the domain of the Goddess and She would cleanse it Herself.

As for the pack itself, we would do our own cleansing an hour before the ritual.

Part of me wanted to make it a little more authentic and head to the lake to cleanse, but there'd be no way I'd make it there and back without getting sick. Not to mention, I was still weary of the woods after the run-in with Jack. Who knows? He might be hiding out there again. Or Ash could be camping out in the woods during his stay here.

I shuddered at the thought and went to the kitchen to start cleaning there. Trisha was already piling the old and rotten food into boxes that she would toss to the animals in the woods. Xina was scrubbing the table, her black hair pulled back into a loose flying bun. She looked up and smiled at me

"Hey, Zaid. Come to join the party?" She asked, putting a hand on her hip. I nodded.

"What do you need me to do?" I asked. Xina hummed, scanning the kitchen before her eyes landed on the key rack.

"Ah. There we go. How about you go wash down the bikes? Alek and Kylan were supposed to, but for some reason, Alek detested and went to work in the basement with Ugo." She mused. I didn't mention anything about the relationship between Alek and Kylan and just nodded, taking the keys off the hook and heading out to the barn.

Thalia was cleaning off the deck, washing down the swing there. I saw Ivy splashing soapy water on the Raptor that sat in the driveway. I wondered where Scythe was, but no doubt he was probably doing something that was a little more tedious, like moving the furniture around.

Since he was also going to become the alpha alongside me, he was probably picking where everything would go. That was another perk of being alpha. What you said was law and no one could argue. Sure, you could have opinions thrown in, but in the end, you made the decisions.

And my first decision was to set Adam free.

I grimaced as I walked into the barn, heading for the bikes to take them out into the yard where I could spray with the hose.

Adam had been held in the panic room for the past couple weeks and he looked about ready to go insane. His hair was a bit longer and the stubble on his face gave him an older appearance. He refused to eat what we offered, but obviously he was eating some or he wouldn't have made it this long. I was angry that Nyt wouldn't let him go still, claiming he deserved to suffer for what he did to me.

As if that man cared.

He only wanted an heir, not a son. He didn't care, so long as he had someone to carry on his legacy. Well, boy, did I have a surprise for him.

I kept myself content with that thought as I uncoiled the hose from near the house, turning the water on. It shot out, spraying on the bikes. I just stood there, watching the water spray out. A steady melody started to play in my head as I watched the water cast a rainbow across the grass as the sun beat down.

It took me a moment to realize what I was humming and I shook my head quickly.

It was the song that Jack had hummed when he kept me in his trailer. That was the last thing I wanted on my mind. I forced the song out of my head and started to hum Sweet Home Alabama. I relaxed for only a moment as the song played around in my head, until I realized that someone had put a radio out.

I turned to see Scythe dropping a boombox on the picnic table in the yard. He was wearing a snug black tank top and camo shorts, showing off his long muscular legs. Sweat glinted down his face as he wiped at it with a bandana that he used to keep his hair back.

"Figured you could use some Alabama spirit." Scythe said with a wicked grin, making his Southern drawl far too thick. I rolled my eyes, turning away from him with a smirk. He came up behind me, putting his arms around my waist.

"Ain't you a doll? Just standing there all wet for me." He mused in my ear. I shrugged him off, snorting.

"Not now, Scythe. Save that enthusiasm for tonight." I replied. Scythe pouted.

"I don't wanna wait until tonight." He complained. I laughed.

"What are you? A kid? Do something productive." I scolded, turning away from him again to spray the bikes before I set the hose down, reaching over to grab the rag I planned to wipe the bikes down with. I had just stooped to grab the rag when I felt a spray of water hit my backside. I gasped, whirling around to see Scythe twirling the hose that rained down in circles.

"You didn't."

"Oh, but I did, beautiful. Are you going to punish me for it?" Scythe asked. I lunged for the hose, but he twirled it out of the way and sprayed me in the back of the head. I yelped, then whipped around and snatched it away. Scythe winced, then gasped as I sprayed him in the face.

"Whoa!"

"This is supposed to be a spiritual cleansing." I declared, putting a hand on my hip as I aimed the hose at him still, watching it drench him completely. Scythe huffed, shoving the hose away before shaking his hair out, squeezing the excess water from his bandana.

"I am spiritually cleansing. You're dirty." He replied with a playful grin. I rolled my eyes and lowered the hose, but Scythe snatched it away and sprayed me. I gasped as the water hit my face, then the rest of me as Scythe waved the hose around, whooping about revenge. I lunged at him again, grabbing the hose from him, but he put his arms around my waist, lifting me off my feet.

"Scythe! Put me down!"

"Drop the hose!"

"No, because you'll spray me, you jerk!"

"Will not!"

"Will to!"

"Oi, Bonnie and Clyde, stop flirting and get some work done, and if you spray me with that hose, I'll maul you both." Scythe set me on my feet as we turned to see Kyler coming around from the other side of the house, wearing a pair of rolled up blue jeans and a gray wifebeater. Scythe smirked, taking the hose from me and making me scowl.

"You sure? I thought cats liked water." He mused. Kyler glared.

"I'll shove that hose so far up your ass, you'll look like a plaza fountain."

"Is that a challenge?"

"Guys. Quite screwing around," I commanded, taking the hose from Scythe and dropped it to the grass as I went to shut the water off, "We already have a ton of work to do. We can't afford cleaning up any blood. Kyler, could you do me a favor and bring another rag so I can clean these bikes up?"

"Sure, where do you keep them?"

"Kitchen. Fourth cupboard from the fridge on the left, near the seasonings."

"Got it. While you're at it, train your mate." Kyler drawled, then turned tail and went to the back door as Scythe watched him leave with a scowl before turning back to me as I scrubbed the dried mud off the frame. Scythe walked over, getting on his hunches beside me.

"How long is he going to stay with us?" He asked with a snort. I frowned.

"Not sure. I guess until... after, uhm..." I didn't quite know how to say 'after the pups are born' without feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable. Scythe seemed to understand anyway. Another reason why I adored him.

"Well, yea. After that, I'm sure he'll be well on his way to Alaska." I answered. Part of me felt a little sad to know that Kyler was going to be leaving us. Sure, he was totally obnoxious, rude, arrogant, snotty, and cocky, but Kyler had his moments. He could be caring and sweet. He also seemed secretative, but he had his reasons. Judging from the encounter with Ash, I guessed that Kyler had some painful experiences that he refused to repeat.

"Good," Scythe said, sitting back on the grass and resting his arms on his knees, "One less thing to worry about." I gave him a look and he held up his hands in defense.

"I don't hate the guy, but... I dunno. You guys seem buddy-buddy." He said at last. I blinked and looked at him, raising an eyebrow.

"Are you jealous?" I asked. Scythe scowled.

"He's a cat."

"And you're jealous, aren't you? Jeez, Scythe."

"I'm not jealous!"

"You know, we're going to be mated tonight. I want you to know that no one else grabs my attention like you do, Scythe. Kyler's just a friend. A really good friend. He's just watching out for me, that's it. I really rather he not, but he seems to insist upon it. We saved him. He's just paying us back. You don't have to worry." I explained calmly. Scythe stared at me for a while, then leaned in, his lips brushing mine gently before he pressed more firmly.

I moaned at the feel of his lips on mine, his hand reaching up and brushing through my hair. He pulled me closer, his tongue dipping out and into my mouth, toying with mine. I shivered and dropped the rag, turning to reach my arms around his neck. He slid his arms around my waist now, pulling me into his lap.

Of course, it didn't last long when I heard Kyler clear his throat.

I moved away from Scythe, who was rolling his eyes in irritation, rising to his feet as I did the same, taking the rag from Kyler.

"Thanks." I said. Kyler shrugged.

"Don't mention it. Anything else I can do? I'm bored as hell and, I dunno, I feel like I should do something other than lie around." He replied.

"Wow, a cat that doesn't sit in the sun all day." Scythe exclaimed sarcastically. Kyler shot him a look, pursing his lips before looking at me.

"I'm tempted to neuter your mate. Put a muzzle on him." He muttered.

"I'm working on it." I answered. Scythe snorted indigenously before he went to the boombox to change to the next song, which happened to be Wolf Pack by the Vaccines. I cocked a brow at Scythe, who shrugged and came back over, snatching a rag from Kyler, who hissed at him. Scythe got to scrubbing my father's Yamaha while Kyler seemed to tentatively scrub Lars' yellow Lamgorghini, which needed serious cleaning judging from all the mud caked on it.

I went to scrubbing my bike, listening to the song.

"So, are you both ready for your whole ritual thing tonight?" Kyler asked innocently.

"Why? Wanna watch?" Scythe retorted. Kyler scowled.

"Never. I couldn't possibly imagine how gross it would be to watch two wolves go at it like bunnies. I prefer clean porn."

"Oh, please, like cats are any cleaner. If anyone's gross, it's you guys. I bet you lick your own-"

"Let's talk about something that doesn't make me want to punch you guys," I interrupted sharply, "Like, how about the fact that Scythe and I are going to become the alphas of Blood Rain and Luna and we have to choose one name or the other, or a new one completely?"

"Oh, that's right," Kyler mused, "So what? You gonna stick with Luna so your old fart of a father doesn't have a cow?"

"No," I answered, making Scythe look at me curiously, "I plan to take the Blood Rain name." Scythe's eyes widened.

"Uh, Zaid, that's not such a good idea-"

"I don't care. We're not keeping Luna."

"Are you sure? Don't you want to think about this a little more?"

"Not particularly, unless you wanted a completely new name. Anything other than Luna is fine." I replied. Kyler whistled, making Scythe glare at him.

"You have balls, Zaid. I like that." He commented. Scythe rolled his eyes.

"Because you have none yourself." He retorted.

"You aren't going to have any when I'm finished with you." Kyler returned in aggravation. I sighed, dropping my head against the side of the motorcycle while Kyler and Scythe argued without interruption.

It was like living with a couple of kids.

Couldn't they agree on anything?

"How does your alpha rite thingy work anyway? Do you have to drink pig's blood or something and sacrifice a baby?" Kyler asked. Scythe smacked his forehead, then rubbed his temples before he dropped his fists into his lap.

"No. For your information, it's a sacred rite in which the two heirs come together and take the oath of the Alpha. It's basically just an old speech that we have to repeat under the light of the full moon. After that, we give our pack the title it will bear until the next rite takes place. From then on, the pack is known by that name and the alphas are in position." He explained. Kyler hummed for a moment, then laughed.

"You guys make a big deal about a valedictorian speech? Anyone could do that." He responded with a smirk. Scythe groaned.

"Goddess, you make people homicidal. It is a big deal! The oath is sacred. It's been passed down through generations and generations of wolf packs everywhere. It holds a special meaning and those in nature understand it. Obviously you're mentally handicapped if you don't comprehend it." He snapped. Kyler snorted.

"Right. I, Kyler Mercy, declare myself the new pack leader of Herp Derp, a vicious pack of man-eating wolves. Oh, would you look at that? I'm the alpha now!"

"I'm getting sick and tired of your sarcastic bullshit, you know that? No wonder Jack tormented you."

"Bitch, please. This isn't bullshit, this is my personality in its purest form. Jack was just torked that he couldn't get me to submit."

"I could easily make you submit-"

"Ew, gross, get away from me, you mangy mutt. I'm a purebred snow leopard. I don't want you tainting my virgin blood with your dirty genes."

"I'm going to strangle you with your own tongue."

"I'd like to see you try."

"Gladly."

"I'm going to kill you both!" I snapped. They stared at me for a moment, stunned that I'd finally snapped. Of course I'd snap if I had to sit there and listen to the obnoxious arguing that kept changing topic. It was worse than a presidential debate. At least their arguments held meaning. Scythe and Kyler just seemed to do it for shits and giggles.

"Well," Kyler huffed dramatically, "I was just sharpening my irritation skills for when we meet up with Jack again. I wanna rile him up so bad, he'll be the one giving spontaneous birth." I glared at him and Scythe gave him a weird look, then it hit me what he said.

"Wait, what?" I asked. Kyler blinked as if realizing what he said and he looked at Scythe, who stared at him in disbelief.

"My bad." Kyler said sheepishly. Scythe glared and threw a rag at him. I frowned.

"Scythe, what the hell? We're not going to meet up with Jack again... Are we?" I asked. Scythe looked away. I stared at him, then at Kyler, who was innocently trying to avoid my eyes as he scrubbed the side of the bike.

"What the hell have you guys been talking about? In case you haven't noticed, it includes me too and I would like to know what you guys are planning behind my back." I demanded. Kyler sighed and looked at Scythe, who glared at him.

"You have a big mouth." He stated.

"So I've been told." Kyler replied. Scythe rolled his eyes, then looked at me.

"It wasn't anything official, Zaid. I was just thinking about... Well, everything. We don't know what we're going to do when... when our pups come. I don't know even know how to help a female give birth, let alone a male. We need someone knows what they're doing. I want someone who will be able to help the pups be born alive. I also want someone who'll give you more of a chance to live through this. I don't want you to die, Zaid. If you died, I wouldn't be able to live with myself. I need you. And the only person who's had experience with male pregnancy is Jack Runningwolf." He explained gently, but I still felt a sliver of irritation and fear go through me with a smidget of shame.

"I don't want to die either." I managed. Kyler peeked at me past his hair.

"You won't die." He answered.

"We won't let you." Scythe stated, giving me a hard stare that told me he was utterly serious. I felt a twinge inside me, a lump forming in my throat for a second before I nodded, looking down, then back up.

"Do you think... Jack would really help? What if he says he will and he doesn't? What if he ends up killing me or the pups? Kyler, you told me that half the pups in Jack's care died, even within the first few minutes of being born." I said nervously. Scythe snapped his head to look at Kyler, who held his hands up in defense.

"Yea, but that was years ago and he's improved each of the three times the wolves gave birth. I'll admit; his success rate is so low, it makes the Pit Boss look tall, but it's better than nothing. Would you rather have a group of panicking wolves run around trying to figure out how to do a C-section without killing you or the pups?" He demanded, dropping his hands onto his knees. Scythe and I shared a look that said we really rather not risk it. Kyler nodded in understanding.

"Exactly. Jack's good, I'll admit it. I've watched all three times he performed surgery on the wolves in his care. He has all the supplies, the necessary tools and knowledge to do it. I get your freaking out, though. Jack is crafty. He'll probably tell us that you need to stay in his care to recover, which makes sense, but he'll use that time to hide you and move you where he wants. He'll do it with the pups too and he'll have you so heavily guarded, the US government will be jealous. We just need to be two steps ahead of them."

"How are we supposed to be ahead of a genius?" Scythe asked in irritation, grinding his teeth together. Kyler smirked.

"That's where I come in. See, this is what I was thinking, and ask questions if something confuses you. We'll take Zaid to Jack, wherever that may be, about a week before he's due. Jack will be thrilled to take Zaid back, of course, he won't do it for free. He'll ask for something in return and I have no doubt that he'll ask for one of your pups. Just agree to his terms and you'll be wheeled in. Seeing as Scythe is your mate, he'll also go with you. My job is to keep hidden and out of sight. If Jack asks you about me, just tell him that you set me free with a bike to Alaska. Wing it."

"Meanwhile, I'll be hiding out in Jack's facility. I'll keep a low profile until after the surgery. After you're stable, I'll jump Jack and kill him, that way you don't lose a pup or yourself." Kyler finished, nodding matter-of-factly. I stared at him.

"By yourself? Jack could kill you!" I exclaimed. Kyler surprised me by smiling.

"If I had to choose between ruining a family and their future generations or dying, I'd choose the latter. I won't have anything to go home to after. Besides, I won't let myself die until I'm positive Jack is dead. Once he's dead, Scythe will get you and the pups out. He'll head to a hotel in a nearby town, not straight home, just to be on the safe side. Once the coast is clear, head back home and that should be that." He explained. Scythe frowned and looked at me.

I knew what he was asking and my answer was no. I was not okay with this.

Sure, Kyler seemed perfectly fine with it, but I wasn't. Kyler had done so much for us up until now, feeding information, trying to protect me. I wasn't about to let him die for me either.

I didn't say anything, just sighed as I went back to cleaning off the bikes. Scythe and Kyler did the same for a few more minutes before I spoke again.

"And until then? What do we do?" I asked.

"Take care of yourself," Kyler informed, "Don't eat shitty foods, even if you get a craving. Stick with vegetables and thoroughly cooked meat, and don't give me that look. I know we carnivores have the tendency to devour raw meat. I know I do. How do you think I've been living the past couple days up in my room? Did I mention you have a mouse infestation upstairs? Sneaky little bastards, but not sneaky enough."

"Eugh." Scythe shuddered, resting his forehead on the bike, making Kyler smirk at him, then turn back to me.

"Don't go around doing rough things. Don't pick up heavy stuff. In other words, don't be stupid. Just chill for about the next two months and about a week before you're due, we'll let Jack know that we're in need of his sadistic help." Kyler confirmed. My stomach clenched as Scythe and I gave him a sour look.

"Oh, right. His professional help." Kyler corrected. I rolled my eyes and went back to scrubbing, but I hear Kyler say under his breath:

"His professionally crazy, mental, sadistic help."

Ugh.