12

"So, you're on bed rest for another week. Luna Jolene will probably have to help you bathe, I'm assuming she won't have a problem with that?"

I frowned at the nurse, she just smirked at me. I playfully glared at her as she just laughed.

"You're allowed to get up and walk for a little, but don't push it. You're on a strict, three meal, diet. Considering the fact you can't keep any extra food down. You can return to regular activities whenever you feel stronger. After the one week, your wounds should be completely healed. If not, then come back here and we'll go from there."

She smiled once more at us before handing me the papers and walking out of the room. I sighed, I quickly folded them before facing Alaricas. I rolled my eyes, he was glaring at the wheelchair with so much hatred that I felt bad for it. Even though it has no emotions.

"Sit down." I grinned.

He flashed me a glare, "I am not sitting in that. I can walk."

"What did the nurse just tell you?" I mused.

I could tell he was getting irritated, but I was enjoying this all too much. Revenge is so great.

"Alaricas, I can walk. Don't give me that doctor bullshit." I snapped.

He smirked, "The doctor said you have to use a wheelchair. So, hop in, crazy bitch."

"Listen you annoyingly cocky bastard, she is a doctor for humans. In case you haven't noticed. I am not getting into that wheelchair, I don't need it."

"This hospital is filled with humans and you apparently have a broken leg. Do you want to give them hints towards what we are?"

I clenched my jaw, damn bastard had me. I grumbled a few colorful words as I sat down in the damn chair.

Bastard.

He released a frustrated breath before slowly sitting in the chair. I had a smug smile on my face as I wheeled him out of the hospital.

"Crazy bitch." He mumbled.

I chuckled, "Annoyingly cocky bastard."

"I'll have one of my side chicks sleep with me tonight." He stated.

I raised an eyebrow, "Side chick? What's her name and rank? Maybe I could meet her. I have all night to wait."

"Uh....Stacy and she's a Delta."

"Uh huh."

I shook my head, I know Alaricas better than he knows himself it seems. He isn't one to cheat or have more than one woman by his side.

And he sucks at lying.

I carefully helped Alaricas lay in his bed, his eyes studied his room with disbelief. I smiled softly at him, I already know what it feels like for him. It's probably surreal for him, just as it was for me when I returned to this pack.

I was about to walk out when he gently grabbed my wrist and pulled me back towards him.

"Can't you just lay with me? Please?" He pleaded.

I bit the inside of my cheek, I know I won't be able to lay beside him with freezing up or panicking. I know he isn't the same Alaricas that he was just a few months ago, but I'm still afraid. I'll have flashbacks and nightmares.

He must of noticed the conflicting feelings in me as he let go of my wrist and nodded.

"Sorry....I shouldn't have asked. You're probably suffering from PTSD too...huh?" He asked quietly.

I released a shaky breath, "I guess so. I'm sorry, it's just the fear..."

"I know, I understand how you feel. Then could you just sit beside the bed? I-I'm scared of...." He trailed off and furrowed his eyebrows.

I quickly nodded, wanting to assure him. "Okay."

As I sat in the chair I frowned, I was able to lay beside him in the hospital, but I'm too afraid here. It was frustrating the hell out of me, but I knew the real reason.

He never abused me in the hospital, he abused me in the bedroom and the hall.

I bit my lip before slowly looking back at him, he wasn't sleeping yet. He was just staring at the ceiling, seemingly lost in thought.

We stayed in the peaceful silence before a choked sob suddenly escaped his lips. I snapped my eyes to him and saw tears rolling down his cheeks.

"Sorry." He whispered, glancing at me with watery eyes.

"It's fine." I smiled softly. "What's wrong? Are you in pain?"

"Not physically." He whispered.

"Alaricas..." I whispered.

He shook his head as more tears ran down his face. He clenched his fists, trying to hold back his sobs. I had no idea what to do, so, I hugged him.

He abruptly tensed up, but as I continued to hold him and stroke his cheek, he relaxed. He turned and sobbed into my shirt, it pained me to see him like this. I have no idea what caused him to break, but he did.

He wrapped his arms around me and held onto me as if his life depended on it. His body was shaking from his sobs, tears were soaking my shoulder.

"Shhhhh, it's okay. I'm here." I murmured.

It took him an hour to relax, by the time his sobs stopped, he seemed exhausted. He just laid his head on my shoulder and zoned out. I didn't mind though, I continued to run my fingers through his hair.

I sighed, "What caused that?"

He was silent for a moment before answering.

"My thoughts." He murmured.

"Your thoughts?"

He nodded, "What did I do to deserve this? W-was I cursed because I was a bastard child?"

"No, it just ran in the family. It's not your fault, Alaricas."

"Yes it is! If I weren't born then....then you wouldn't have been abused! My parents could have been happy! My pack would of been safer! Everyone would of been happier!"

I frowned, "Not everyone..."

I imagined my world without Alaricas, sure, I wouldn't have been abused. But I wouldn't have someone like him. I would probably be mated to a warrior or to some alpha who doesn't want me. I'm happy right now being beside him, even if our past was rough. He may not know it, but he's teaching me a valuable lesson.

To not leave someone behind without knowing their story or what they're going through.

He looked at me with confused eyes, "Everyone would of been."

"No. Our lives are meant to be like this, we're meant to be together. We're meant to fix each other and that's what I'm going to do. Damn it, Alaricas, stop doubting yourself. I can't understand what it feels like to know your parents hated you, but it doesn't mean I can't learn to love you."

"They were wrong for what they did, but they aren't here right now. You matter to me, but you also matter to your brother. How would he feel if he heard this? He would be heart broken to know his own baby brother is thinking like this. Don't you understand? If you weren't here then everything would be messed up and....dark."

He stared at me in shock, honestly, I just surprised myself too. I had no idea where all of these emotions came from, but I don't care. I was scared of what he was thinking, I'm terrified that these thoughts will become suicidal.

I don't want to find out what it's like to live without him. The last six months I couldn't get him off my mind and now that I know the truth, I don't want to leave him. I can't abandon him again.

He just continued to stare at me before clearing his throat and looking down.

"I just want to know why I was made like this." He whispered.

"Why my life couldn't just be perfect. Why I couldn't just love you like I wanted to."

I smiled softly and stroked his cheek, "Because whatever god is up there knew you were strong enough to lead this life. And the moon goddess knew I was strong enough to be your mate."

I wrapped my arms around him and rested my head on his head. I ended up falling asleep, laying beside him in the very room that was the main source of my nightmares.

And you know what?

They never came.