Chapter 21
Elijah handles my injury with care, cleaning it and applying a fresh bandage. He presses a kiss to the skin nearby, his eyes filled with concern as he looks up at me. I run my fingers through his hair and give him a reassuring smile. “I swear, I’m fine. It’s just a scratch.”
With a sigh, Elijah stands. “I know. The thought of losing you terrifies me. I wish I had been there.”
“I managed on my own, and Lucas was a huge help. I’m really grateful he showed up.” Although I’m still rattled, I want to soothe Elijah’s nerves.
“I owe him an apol
might’ve been a bit too hard on him,” Elijah admits, raking a hand through his
hair.
“You can apologize anytime!” Lucas calls from the other room.
A smile tugs at my lips. Naturally, Lucas is eavesdropping; my apartment isn’t big enough to afford much privacy.
“We need to get out of here. It’s too dangerous for you to stay. They know your address, and you’re far too exposed.” Elijah grabs my hand and starts leading me out of the bathroom. “Dr. Isabella can check your wound once we’re back, just to be safe.”
“Alright, but I need to pack a few things first.” I slip my hand from his grasp and pause.
“Lucas can do that for you. I want you out of here as soon as possible.” Elijah reaches for my hand again, but I withdraw.
“I’d rather pack myself. I get you’re concerned, but you and Lucas are both here. Besides, I can handle it. I doubt they’ll try anything again so soon.” Grabbing my suitcase, I begin to gather my belongings.
Lucas arches his brows with a sly grin. “You’ve got yourself a feisty one.”
Elijah mutters something I can’t make out, but I pay him no mind. I know he means well and wants to look out for me, but it comes across as overbearing. Plus, I don’t appreciate Lucas rummaging through my personal things. I don’t feel comfortable trusting him to pack my necessities, either.
Once I finish gathering my belongings, Elijah insists on loading everything into his car. I don’t object, since my side is still aching. Thanks to my wolf healing, it should mend quickly, but I prefer not to aggravate it any further.
As I prepare to lock up, I hesitate, gazing back into my apartment one last time. This space had long been my refuge, but now, standing here, I feel no comfort at all.
The mismatched furniture only reminds me of pain and rejection. It’s as if I’m completely exposed and unwelcome. After a final glance, I close the door and lock it, uncertain when-if ever-I’ll return.
Before long, we arrive at the packhouse, and a sense of security washes over me. I’m not sure if the person who attacked me knows I’ve been staying here, but having others around is reassuring. Elijah ushers me inside, with Lucas following close behind.
“Well, would you look at this!” A cheerful voice rings out the moment I step in. I search the room and spot a tall, curvaceous blonde with striking green eyes. “I can’t believe you’ve kept this treasure hidden from me all this time.”
15.49
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“Emma, this isn’t the best moment. Charlotte was just attacked,” Elijah says, stopping at the base of
the stairs.
“Oh, you poor thing!” Emma hurries over and throws her arms around me.
I flinch a little as she hugs me tightly. “Hello.”
“Emma,” Elijah chides softly. “She’s injured. Please be gentle.”
Emma releases me and cups my cheeks, squishing them slightly. “I can’t imagine anyone wanting to harm such a lovely face.”
I give a nervous laugh, unsure what to make of her affectionate nature. She does seem genuinely kind. “It’s nice to finally meet you. Thank you for lending me your clothes. I can wash them and return them
soon.”
Emma steps back at last. “Don’t worry about it. Just focus on getting better. I have plenty more clothes to spare.” Elijah shoots Emma a serious look. “We’ll have plenty of time to chat on tomorrow’s trip.”
“You’re coming too?” I remind myself to ask Elijah what exactly is planned for tomorrow. I hadn’t realized I was so out of the loop.
“Absolutely! Elijah needs his right hand for backup,” Emma says, giving us a wink.
“That’s why I’ll be present as well,” Lucas adds, narrowing his gaze at Emma.
“That’s exactly why both of you will be there,” Elijah says quickly. “And I appreciate it.”
Emma smiles at me and teases, “You’ve got yourself a real sweetheart.”
“Come on, Charlotte. Let’s get you checked by the doctor,” Elijah says.
Dr. Isabella draws my blood while I sit on the examination table. Elijah is still arranging my belongings in his room, so only Dr. Isabella and I are present.
“Your injury looks pretty clean, so it should mend well. I’d like to add a couple of stitches for extra security. I’ll also test your blood for toxins, in case the knife was coated with something,” she explains. After finishing the blood draw, she covers the spot with a bandage. “Are you experiencing any lingering side effects?”
AQ
< The Mysterious Were
