7

"Please, don't. No more." I pleaded.

Alaricas laughed, "I'll stop when you learn your lesson."

I screamed as he kicked me in the ribs again, the pain shot through me, making it difficult to breathe. My wolf whimpered and refused to give me any strength as he continued his assault. Why can't I fight back? I'm an alpha's daughter for crying out loud! Why am I so weak?

He went to kick me again, but I grabbed his ankle this time. I growled softly and pulled, causing him to fall. I scurried to my feet and started running down the dark hallway.

"Get back here!" He screamed.

I looked back only to see a laughing Jefferson, his eyes gleamed with hatred. In his hand was a silver whip, covered in blood.

"You're too late!" He cackled.

I furrowed my eyebrows before tripping over something. I looked up to see Alaricas laying on the ground, his eyes wide and lifeless.

"No!" I cried.

"Poor little Alaricas! No family! No friends! No mate!" Jefferson sang.

I sobbed as I cradled him to my chest.

"No no no no no." I continued to mumble.

"Hey, Jo, wake up."

"No! He's gone!"

"I'm right here, wake up! Come on!"

"Wake up!"

I kept shaking my head as I cried.

I screamed as I sat up, I started panicking as the doctor ran in. She looked at Alaricas and furrowed her eyebrows, but when she saw me she immediately grabbed me.

"Hey, relax! You're okay! Jo! You're okay!" She said, trying to calm me down.

"Sedate her." A nurse complained as she checked Alaricas' vitals.

The doctor flashed her a glare, "That isn't how you handle someone who has her issues."

The nurse rolled her eyes until she noticed who I was. She paled and quickly walked out of the room.

After a few more minutes I finally relaxed, I collapsed in the chair and sighed. I looked over as Cain walked into the room, a concern look on his face.

"You okay, kid?" He asked me.

I just nodded, too tired to answer. The doctor gave me a worried glance.

"Her nightmares are returning." She whispered.

Cain sighed, "She just needs time."

I started to fall asleep again as Cain picked me up. I didn't know where he was taking me, but I was too tired to care.

When I woke up I frowned, the hospital room was exactly like Alaricas' except I was in the bed and there no trace of him. I looked over to see Cain sleeping on the couch, snoring softly as always.

I sighed and ran my hand through my hair as the memories of last night came rushing back. That nightmare scared the shit out of me. Seeing Alaricas beating me then seeing Jefferson and Alaricas' dead body was too much. I groaned as I rubbed my head.

"You're up."

I snapped my head up to see the doctor walking in, except she was wearing casual clothes. She smiled softly at me and took a seat.

"You're not working?" I asked.

"Nope, I had the night shift last night. How are you feeling?" She questioned.

I shrugged, "Tired and freaked out."

"We have to figure out what to do about those nightmares. They're not healthy."

"I know, but nothing seems to work."

I sighed and looked at Cain, "How are you two?"

A smile appeared on her face as she looked at Cain. "I didn't realize how much my rejection had hurt him. He just seemed so broken. I explained my issues to him and he just...kissed me."

"Are you two dating now?" I asked excitedly.

She chuckled, "Yeah, I'm giving him a chance."

Once I had breakfast I went back to Alaricas' room. I was told by his other doctor that they did see some improvement. His wolf was starting to heal him a little, but it was barely anything.

I slowly crawled into the bed beside him as he started shaking and whimpering. I wrapped my arms around him and sighed. After a few minutes he relaxed, I chuckled as he nuzzled his face into my neck.

"You're okay now." I whispered as I ran my fingers through his hair.

For the next three days Alaricas slept, not once did he open his eyes. Throughout the nights I would lay beside him, calming him down from whatever nightmare was torturing him.

Each day the bond grew stronger, I could feel all his emotions. During his nightmares I could feel the large waves of fear, it wrapped around me until I had to block the bond. Whenever I touched him sparks would ignite between us. My wolf would howl in either joy when he relaxed because of our touch or in pain when he was screaming.

He went from whimpering to screaming, which caused him to choke on the breathing tube. The doctor was relieved when he was breathing on his own with the oxygen mask. Everyone was glad to see a good improvement. Now, we're just waiting for him to wake up.

I sighed as I gently stroked his cheek, my head resting on my hand and my mind full of thoughts. I sometimes found myself quietly crying at the thoughts of him dying. The guilt slowly ate away at me, driving me nuts. I would silently pray that he would live so I can apologize and know the truth.

His brother was often in the room, but now had to take over the pack since there was no one else. Him and Cain would often switch, giving each other an equal amount of time to rest.

The doctor, Cain's mate, would stay in the room during the day and watch over Alaricas. If it wasn't for her, he would have died from the breathing tube. Times like these I'm thankful for her constant worrying.

I sighed and stood up, needing to grab something to eat before I pass out. I went to walk away when someone suddenly grabbed my wrist.

I snapped my attention over to Cain's mate who seemed stunned. I then slowly looked at Alaricas to see his eyes open. He was looking at me with tired yet pained eyes, silently pleading me to stay.

After staring at him for a good minute I smiled and gently hugged him. He was shocked, but eventually relaxed and hugged me back.

"I'm sorry." He whispered. "I'm so sorry."

I smiled as I cupped his face, "We'll talk about it when you're better."

He frowned, "B-but I abused you."

"I know, but now isn't the time to talk about that. You can explain the curse later."

His eyes widened, "Y-you know?"

"Yes, Eduardus told me. I'm just confused right now, not angry. Now, you need to rest. Okay? I'm going to grab something to eat."

"Wait...Jefferson...h-he's going to-

"He's dead." I quickly stated.

He blinked, "How?"

"Cain killed him."

He relaxed and started to close his eyes, "I-I have a lot I want to tell you."

I just watched him as he fell asleep again, visibly relaxing against the pillows.