Chapter 22
I shake my head. “No. Other than a bit of pain where I’m hurt, I feel fine.”
“That’s good to hear. If your wound hasn’t improved by tomorrow, inform me right away. Do you typically recover quickly?” she asks, beginning to numb the area in preparation for stitching. “Please lie down.”
“I’ve never struggled with slow healing,” I reply, turning my eyes upward so I don’t have to watch her put in the stitches.
“Excellent.”
The door swings open, and when I glance over, I’m relieved to see Elijah enter. Dr. Isabella is polite, but her formal manner makes conversation a little awkward for me.
“How’s our patient?” Elijah asks, coming closer to observe.
“She’s in great condition. I’m running blood tests just to be cautious. She also has very favorable hips for childbirth, which bodes well for your lineage.”
“Elijah!” he exclaims, blushing at her remark. “That’s not really appropriate.”
“Finished. Forgive me, Alpha. I was only making a clinical observation about your mate,” Dr. Isabella says as she tidies up.
“Some comments are better saved for another time,” Elijah replies, avoiding my gaze. His embarrassment is endearing, and I’m glad he feels awkward about the comment, too.
Dr. Isabella simply shrugs. “Just be sure to monitor that wound until we’re certain her bloodwork is
clear.”
“I’ll be watching her closely, don’t worry,” Elijah reassures, extending his hand to me. “Let’s get you
some rest.”
I accept Elijah’s hand and slide off the table. “Thank you, Dr. Isabella.” She gives a curt nod, and then I follow Elijah to his room. My suitcase waits in the corner, still unpacked. I let go of his hand and move toward my things, rummaging through them, but I realize I don’t have anywhere to put them yet. If I end up staying here a while, I might need to ask for my own space.
After sorting through my suitcase and deciding not to unpack for now, I straighten up. Before I can turn around, Elijah’s arms gently encircle my waist from behind, taking care to avoid my wound. He lowers his head onto my shoulder, his body tense against mine.
“Elijah?” I ask, sensing something is wrong. “What’s going on?”
Elijah holds me a bit closer, staying silent. The warmth of his breath fans across my neck, sending my heart racing. I have no idea what he’s thinking, and the uncertainty fills me with restless excitement.
“Elijah?” I repeat, my voice gentle.
This time, he lets out a quiet sigh and slackens his embrace. I seize the chance to turn in his arms, facing him and meeting his gaze. His expression carries a hint of sadness. I gently sweep his hair away from his eyes.
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< Chapter 22
His lips press together in a tense line. “When I first encountered you-no, when I first caught your scent -it felt unreal. Could I really have discovered my mate? I doubted myself. But as I looked at you, the overwhelming draw toward you was impossible to ignore.
Later, when you collapsed in that alley, fear gripped me so tightly I could hardly breathe. I hadn’t even had the chance to speak to you, and I was terrified I might lose you right then. Then you disappeared, and it struck me that I had no idea if you’d turn me away. I tried to brace myself for the possibility you might reject me. I tried to convince myself I’d survive it.”
“But you didn’t turn me away. You let me in and gave me a real opportunity. Charlotte, when you were hurt earlier, I felt your fear, and then my own panic followed.
If you simply decided not to accept me, I could manage that, but if someone else took you from me, I couldn’t bear it. I’ve only just found you, and I can’t stand the thought of losing you. I’ve suffered enough loss already.”
His confession tugs painfully at my heart. I don’t know the extent of his pain, but I wish I did, so I could help carry it. I want to soothe what hurts him. Rising onto my toes, I press a gentle kiss to his lips.
“I’ve lost more people than I care to admit. That’s the reason I’ve been so hesitant to open myself up to you. When werewolves spend much time around me, they eventually sense that something about me is off, and they leave before giving me a real chance. Deep down, I always knew that if I let you in and then lost you, I might not be able to handle it, considering everything I’ve already endured.”
I reach out and cradle Elijah’s face in my hands. “I’m afraid too, and the idea that someone is out to kill me terrifies me. I don’t want to die before I have the chance to truly be happy.”
Tears prick at my eyes. Until now, I’ve managed to appear strong, but at this moment, my defenses crumble. My fear feels overwhelming, leaving me at a loss for what to do.
Elijah gently brushes my tears away. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I will stop whoever is behind this, no matter what. You have my word, Charlotte.”
He bends down and softly kisses my forehead. For that brief instant, I believe what Elijah promises. I believe we can stop whoever is after me, and maybe I’ll get my happy ending after all. But the strange thing about moments is, they never last.
< The Mysterious Werewolf
