The Beast's Possession

**Zion

pov**

It wasn't too promising, but Bane claimed he would return home as soon as he could. There was something wrong with him, even he admitted something had happened. Other than a few superficial details, he wasn't willing to share everything completely and I just had to take it.

I promised I would look after the pack and Aife until he got here even though I wasn't sure why I had to make that promise in the first place. I was his second in command, clearly it was a part of my responsibility.

I did a quick run around the pack, checked on people and guards, and then, returned to my bedroom.

Since Aife was taken from the hospital and brought to hers and Bane's room, there wasn't too much for me to worry about anymore and I could focus on my little spitfire.

Unlocking the door and opening it, my eyes instantly fell on her small frame, spread across the bed. I had to hold back the chuckle of amusement, seeing how she clearly loved to take up as much space as she could.

I tip-toed inside the bedroom and locked the door again. I needed this moment of privacy more than ever and knowing that the pack was safe meant no one could take this from me.

Kicking off my shoes and pulling my shirt over my head, I neared the bed. Once I stood right next to it, I contemplated removing my pants, but decided against it. There was no saying if Kala would appreciate waking up to a half-naked man next to her.

Never in my life had I felt this nervous about getting in bed with someone. Maybe the anxiety had to do with the fact that I was actually about to sleep next to my mate, maybe it was something else, but I had to get rid of that feeling. They said she needed my scent and warmth, so that was what she would get.

I tried to be as quiet as I could as I slowly slid under the covers and laid on my side. The questions in my mind were overwhelming my ability to act so I stalled a little.

All I wanted was to wrap my arms around her and pull her so close, we could become one... But that was what I wanted. I had no idea if she felt the same.

The answer came to me in a rather unexpected way. Sensing my presence, Kala moved closer to me, grabbed my hand and tossed my arm over herself. "I'm cold, please warm me up," she muttered, moving even closer than before.

I hated how weak and helpless she sounded, but I would be a liar if I claimed I didn't enjoy and appreciate the attention she was giving me. How freaking selfish was I?

"I'm so cold," she repeated and her body instantly started shivering.

Tightening my hold around her, I couldn't get rid of the feeling of helplessness. How was I supposed to act, what was I supposed to do to help?

The last thing one wants to see or experience was the pain of their mate. And Kala was mine, in all senses of the word, yet I couldn't be the man she needed right now. There was nothing I could give or offer but my presence.

"I know baby, I know. They told me you'd be cold and will need me to keep you warm, so try to focus on that. Just try to focus on getting better, please," as I spoke, my voice broke mid-sentence.

I felt like an absolute failure. She was the one suffering, she was the one who risked her life to protect mine, yet I acted like I was in pain.

Never had I thought that the Goddess would ever bless me with a mate, so I never considered what behavior would be appropriate next to one so now that I was simply hit with the fact of her existence.. Honestly, I felt a little lost.

"So, so cold," she repeated. At this point, even her teeth started chattering and body shivered so violently, I seriously thought that getting her to the doctors would be better.

As the idea popped in my mind, I quickly opened a mind-link.

*"Doc, got a second?"*

It didn't take long for him to answer. *"Beta Zion, how may I help you?"*

*"Okay, quick question first so I know I'm not interrupting anything important. How's Aife? Is she okay?"* While my mind was gone, focusing on the conversation, my body acted on its own and pulled Kala even closer.

Deep down, I still had this insane fear of her, slipping right through my fingers and running away to never be found again. She had no idea how important she was to me, how much I needed her and how desperately I feared the day we might be apart.

*"Luna is okay, she just needs some rest, that's all. Whatever your mate did, it worked. We think she will sleep and tomorrow, she'll be as good as new. The hospital is quiet, we don't have anything urgent to do, so I'm all ears. What can I help with?"*

I felt like a massive weight just fell off my shoulders. Bane wouldn't have to worry too much, he could take the time to heal and return as strong as ever, so at least that was good.

*"What can I do to help my mate? She's freezing up, her body won't stop shaking and I'm growing very worried here. The only thing she has told me so far is that she's cold. What do I do to help her?"* Although the doctor couldn't see me, as soon as the questions spilled out, I held my breath, eager to listen to anything he might suggest.

After an awkward pause, the doctor finally spoke. *"You need to lay on top of her, Beta. That is the best way to share your body heat and since she will be trapped between you and bed, you'll provide warmth to her entire body. Hope this helps, I need to go. Apologies."*

As soon as he cut the mind-link, I chuckled. Talk about uncomfortable.

But alas, instead of focusing on everything else, I did as I was told. First, I pulled my arm off Kala and nearly gave into her whims when she whimpered and cried out. "No, don't go."

"I'm not going anywhere, baby. I just mind-linked the pack doctor, he told me it's better if I lay on top of you to keep your entire body warm. Don't worry, I won't take advantage of the situation and force myself onto you. For now, all that matters is that you get better," I whispered, a little unsure if she would agree.

I was a firm believer that consent mattered the most, but I also knew that I wouldn't let her reject my attempts to help. If the doctor told me I had to do it - I would, with or without her consent. Her health came first so this would be the only, or possibly the rare occurrence when I didn't care about her opinion.

But to my surprise, she agreed. "Okay, I'm just very cold."

Carefully, I moved so I could lay on top of her and keep her warm. For most part, I hovered over her as there was no way I would force my entire body weight on her. After a few minutes, she wasn't shaking as badly and appeared like she was slowly coming back to her senses.

"Why did you do it? Why did you risk your life for me?" I had to ask before she fell asleep. I needed the answer more than I needed my next breath.

Her eyes were closed, but I swear, I felt like Kala was gazing into mine as a beautiful smile spread across her lips and she whispered, "maybe I don't want to, but I love my mate."