Running Wild

The New You

Staring at him, Lila took a moment to process the information that she just received. Tobias shifted uncomfortably in his seat and remained silent, as if waiting for something big to happen.

Lila looked away from him and looked down at her hands, slipping the one away from his gentle grasp. The sounds around her are still muted and distant and panic starts to settle in. Her breaths became short and rapid; so much so that the nurse rushes back in to see what’s going on.

Lila could see them moving and talking to her, but she heard nothing but her own heartbeat. Tobias stood on one side of the bed, squeezing Lila’s hand, trying to talk to her and the nurse grabbed the phone to page a doctor in.

Lila blinked a few times, slowly, and finally tuned back into the buzz around her. She took a slow deep breath upon realizing that she hadn’t been breathing, hence their cause for alarm. She looked from the nurse to Tobias.

“I’m sorry, nurse. I just got some... unsettling news. I’m fine,” Lila feebly tried to convince the nurse.

“If you say so...” As she hung up the phone, she gave Tobias a judgmental, suspicious glare. If looks could kill, he would have been six feet under. “Keep her heart rate down... it’s already working over-time!” she snapped.

“Yes, Ma’am.” Tobias responded.

The nurse left them and Tobias settled back down bedside and let go of Lila’s hand, as if he had forgotten he was holding it. He sighed heavily and rubbed his closed eyes.

“I’m sure you have ques--”

“How the hell am I a werewolf? What did you do to me!” Lila demanded. Tobias looked up in alarm. He must have suspected that she would want to rest after that episode, but he was sorely mistaken. He sighed again and leaned back in his chair, a worried and serious expression across his exhausted face.

“After I had finished the fight with Tiberius, I rushed back to you. You were unconscious and bleeding badly. I checked for a pulse, but it was weak and fluttering. I did what I could to stop the bleeding, while I called for an ambulance, but I knew with how far they were and how much blood you had lost, they would not make it in time.” He shifted in his seat, resting his elbows on his knees, his fingers interlacing between them. “I’ll admit... I panicked. There’s only a fifty percent chance that a human will survive the bite of my- our kind,” he corrected himself. “But it gave you fifty percent more of a chance than you had.” He finally looked up at her. “So, I bit you.”

Tears begin to fill Lila’s eyes and a couple fall.

“If there had been any other way, I would have done it! But I couldn’t move you because the EMTs would need to see how much blood you had lost, and my shirt was barely enough to cover all the deep wounds. And despite knowing you for only a couple of weeks, I care a great deal about you. And seeing all that blood, all those cuts...”

Lila reached out and touched his hand, still crying silently. He looked away as if to hide his own tears. She took another deep breath and let the new settle in, in an uncomfortable silence between the two of them.

What he had done was a final attempt to save her life. The guilt in his eyes made her realize that he was genuinely apologetic about it, even though his motives were pure. She furrowed her brown as the phrased Tiberius said to her comes to mind. “What an amazing scent,” she said quietly.

“What?” Tobias looked back at her. She met his gaze.

“Tiberius said it to me. ‘What an amazing scent. No wonder Tobias was staking his claim’. What did he mean by that?” Tobias just starred at her before clearing his throat.

“Before I answer that, I want you to know more about us,” He started. Lila nodded, wiping away the last of the tears, letting a numb feeling settle into her core. “When humans find out about us, it ends one of two ways...”

He didn’t need to explain.

“If they choose to attempt to survive a bite, then they become loyal to their alpha, no matter who bit them. Now, if an Alpha comes across a human that emits a particular scent...” he motioned to him at the title ‘Alpha’ and her at ‘human’. “...they pursue the human because of their predisposition to surviving the bite; with intention of courting them, earning trust and giving them the choice to be bitten or not.”

“I...” Lila trailed off. ‘So in any normal circumstance, he would have given me the choice, not taken it away from me.’ she thought. “I don’t get to choose.”

He sighed sadly and turned his hand upwards to hold hers. “I’m sorry, Lila. I wanted to give you the choice... the chance to choose how you’ll live your life, but-” Lila reached over and pressed her fingers to his lips.

“My choices are now: either I live as I am now, or choose to end my life because of what I am.” He looked at her, shocked by what she’s said. She falls silent for a moment as she withdrew her hand from his lips. “When I was pinned under Tiberius, I really felt like I was at my end. That that was how I was going to die. The pain... the blood... I came to realize that there was no way I could fight him off,” she took a sip of water. “What I saw, humans only hear about in fairytales or dream about in their nightmares. But here I was: seeing it, feeling it and now? I am IT.” She paused again, looking at Tobias. He was still silent, being incredibly patient with her. She thought for a moment before speaking again.

“Are you genuinely interested in me? Or was my predisposition for survival to make me a mate your only draw?”

He shook his head and raised her hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to the only portion not covered by bandages. “No. Maybe when I smelled it the first day in the woods, but as I got to know you, I knew I wanted to get to know the real you. My desire became what’s between us, not what my duty to the pack is. You’re so strong, so brave, smart...beautiful.” His eyes met hers and a small smile crept its way to her lips. He sounded so genuine. He smiled lightly back to her. “What?”

“I told you on our date...”

“Well, get used to it. I’m going to be saying it a lot,” he winked. They both settled into silence again, holding hands. The beeping of the monitor become the only sound.

“Lila. I’d understand if you’re mad and upset. I know this is a lot to take in, and believe me: it’s not how I wanted it to happen. If you need time and space to think and come to terms with it... I’ll stay out of the way. However...”

She glanced at him again, shifting in the bed a bit.

“What you are now means that you’ll heal much, much faster than a human. And to avoid suspicion, I’d like to hire a nurse, from our clan, to stay with you at your home. You’ve just come out of a drug induced coma after life-threatening loss of blood and surgery...you’re going to need some time to heal. To keep up your appearances as a human, do you have medical leave at work?” Lila nodded, curiously playing with some bandages on her hands trying to see if she had already started healing. He chuckled and stopped her with a gentle touch. “Not yet. You can check at home. You can stay another day and then I want you to demand to be released into in-home care. I’ll send our clanswoman’s information this afternoon.”

He began to stand and Lila grabbed his hand like a scared child. “You’re leaving?”

He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “Oh don’t worry. Your friend Amelia insisted I tell her when you’re awake. I’m actually surprised she’s not here yet...” he trailed off looking around as if seraching for her. “Anyways.”

Lila laughed quietly. She wished she had been awake to watch that first interaction. Amelia and her over-protective, flighty self, versus strong and stoic Tobias with no cushion (also known as Lila) to soften the blow. Tobias handed her a small box and she focused back on the room and not her daydream.

“What’s this?” Lila inqured.

“Your phone was a casualty. I had my I.T. department get everything off your old phone and put it into this new one.”

“Thank you, Tobias.” she said as she opened the box. She smiles seeing the very latest model in a rose gold color. She picked it up and turned it on.

“You’re welcome. I was--”

“For everything.” she cut him off.

He paused at the foot of the bed as he draped his jacket over his arms.

“You had half a chance to save my life and you took it. I’m grateful you did.”

“You’re welcome. But... don’t thank me yet. Humans changed later in life have difficulties with the first few transformations. They can be quite painful. Plus, there’s new uncontrollable urges, et cetera. The first few times, you’ll have to be contained and helped, but...don’t expect it to be easy.”

“I’m still thanking you now. You saved my life and risked exposure. I appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome.” he smiled gingerly. “Now. Text Amelia or I have a feeling I'll never hear the end of it.”

Lila laughed out loud and looked down at her phone as he quietly exited the room. Lila texted her, but didn’t hear back, so it probably meant she was already on her way.

Lila took a minute to lean back, closing her eyes and rest. But suddenly her eyes popped open: She had no idea what story Tobias had told every one. She rapidly texted him.

Lila: What did you tell everyone happened to us?

Tobias: Oh yes, forgot about that.

Tobias: We were attacked by wolves.

“Oh so original,” she said.

Tobias: Our bite marks are so similar, even experts have a hard time seeing something different. It’s why clans tend to live around heavily wooded areas with a known wolf population.

Lila: That...actually makes a lot of sense. Huh. Okay, thank you.

“LILA! You’re awake!” Lila looked up to see Amelia walking towards her smiling, her eyes full of tears. She stretched out her arms, but then lowered them and began pacing. “You have NO idea how worried I've been! I haven’t slept or worked all week! Okay, well I have slept, but not enough!”

“Mil, I-”

“Ooh, I just want to squeeze you! But shouldn’t... can’t. Bad idea. You want the window open? It s like crazy hot in here! Probably all the machines...” she trailed off. Lila watched her wander about the room talking to her. She heaved a heavy sigh and waited for Mil’s rant to end.

She seemed to have stopped to come up for air, but was still pacing about until she must have realized she was doing and finally set down her purse and bag and sat bedside.

“It’s still warm. How long ago did Tobias leave?” she asked.

“Just a few minutes ago,” Lila responded. Amelia smiled gently and shook her head whilst pulling out a bag of Lila’s favorite chips and two copies of their favorite trashy, gossip magazine.

“He hasn’t left the hospital since you came in,” Amelia informed.

“Really?”

“Cross my heart! Luke brought him some clothes, but he didn’t leave. I think he felt guilty about the wolves... Oh, Lila. It must have been terrible!”

“Terrible and terrifying. They have so much strength. After I lost my gun and my radio shattered... I really felt like it was the end of things...” Lila looked up to see Ameila crying. She reached out and touched her shoulder, offering her a reassuring smile. “I made it, Mil. I’m here.”

“I know, but we all thought we lost you...”

“Feeling any better?” The nurse had walked in. Lila nodded gently.

“Much. Thank you. But I did want to talk about an early discharge. Mr. Schmidt has arranged for an in-home nurse for me. He said he would send their credentials to help the doctor make the decision.”

The nurse looked a little taken aback, but slowly nodded, checking Lila’s vital signs and writing them down before setting the chart in the cubby at the foot of the bed. “Although I’m against it, I can only imagine how much better home sounds after what you went through. I'll talk to the doctor and she’ll be in as soon as possible. We would urge you to stay another night, if you can allow?”

“I will. Thank you, nurse.”

She smiled and left the room as Lila turned to meet Amelia’s inquisitive glare. Lila’s smile faded slightly and itched the insert point of her IV line.

“Mil, it’ll be fine. Tobias will get a certified nurse and, I'm sure, any equipment I require. Plus! You can’t argue that my couch is a million times better to sleep on than that chair.”

“I do love that couch...” she looked off in to the distance as if thinking of the couch before shaking her head and snapping out of it. “I’m just wondering if it’s wise. You just went through trauma and surgery and-”

“You can stay with me if you want, Mil.”

She smiled and nodded. Lila picked up the magazine and started to flip through it, only pretending to read it as her mind wandered.

What was going to change? The fact that she had to lie to her best friend? To her boss? That she’d have ‘uncontrollable urges’? Lila had so many questions. She knew that Tobias would walk her through it all, but she couldn’t help but think about her new lease on life.

---

The next day, Luke helped Lila home from the hospital. His expression was concerned and guilty and Lila squeezed his arm as he offered it to her in the elevator.

“Thank you, Luke.”

“You’re welcome, miss.” Formal, as always.

“Please. Call me Lila. After all, we are part of the same clan now,” she said.

He gave her a toothless grin and nodded at her. The doors opened and they walked across the hall to her apartment door. The door is slightly ajar and she could hear voices coming from the other side. One is a woman’s voice, the other is unmistakably Tobias’.

“Lucy, I’m home!” Lila heard Tobias chuckle lightly and she watched him shake his head before looking over at her. Once he was out of her way, the nurse rushed over to help, then let out a little growl.

“You could have gotten her a wheelchair, Tobias.”

“I’m sorry, Kit.”

Kit helped Lila to her bed and shooed the boys out of the room, closing the door behind them.

“Would you like to shower before we change the bandages?” she asked.

“That would be amazing. I feel terrible,” admitted Lila.

Kit smiled, nodded and helped Lila to the shower, where a small stool awaited her inside. Kit began to remove the bandages and Lila finally saw the extent of her injuries in the mirror. Tears started to fall from Lila’s face and Kit shushed her kindly.

“I’m so sorry, m’dear. But it will heal. Especially now. And much faster than you’ll expect.”

“I suppose so. I just hadn’t seen it all yet...”

Kit helped Lila get undressed and into the shower. Lila lowered herself onto the stool and closed her eyes as the warm water splashed against her skin. She washed off and cleaned her hair, with Kit’s help. She sat there for a moment, just enjoying the feeling of the water on her head and back.

“You all right?” Kit asked.

“Yes. Just enjoying this. I’m all done now. Thank you,” Lila replied as she shut off the water.

Kit helped her out, dried her off gently. As she got to Lila’s chest and arms, she patted gingerly around the scratches and stiches, the gashes and small bandage strips over the staples. Kit then towel-dried and brushed Lila’s long, wavy golden hair. Lila decided to keep it down to dry and then Kit motioned for Lila to head to bed. Lila followed her orders without any hesitation. She sat in bed, flung her legs up and sunk into the bed, letting out a low, deep breath.

“Ahh, it feels so good.” Lila said.

Kit chuckled lightly and then started to put the bandages back on. Lila watched her expert hands as they get the job done quickly and painlessly. She then stood, pulled the covers up and put an extra pillow behind Lila to keep her better propped up.

“You can come in now, Tobias. I'm just doing her vitals and IV.”

Lila flushed gently as he sauntered in and settled on the bed next to her. She may had been covered, but she had never been naked around him. He must have sensed her unease, because he raised a brow and began to stand.

“Oh, no. You can sit. Just don’t take off the covers.” Lila winked at him and she swore she saw him blush as he turned to look around the room.

After getting examined and hooked up to an IV, Kit leaves the two of them alone, closing the door behind her. Lila looked over at him as he seemed to be examining the different photos and certificates on the walls. He finally looked at her, his normal, overconfident grin on his stoic face.

“Are you comfortable here?” he asked.

“Very much so! That shower felt amazing and I missed my bed.”

“Ha. I can imagine.” he said, pressing the mattress with his hand. “I wanted to ask you...”

“Yeah?”

“Would you mind if I stayed here tonight? I just want to make sure you’re settled and Kit isn’t too demanding of you.”

“You’re welcome to stay, but with Kit in the guest room, I guess your options would be the couch, will probably end up being Mil’s... or the floor? That doesn’t seem very comfy.”

“I could sleep next to you.”

The comment caught them both off guard and he struggled with the fact that he just blurted it out. He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. “Heh. I'm sorry.”

“No, it’s all right. Um,” Lila thought for a moment.

“I don’t- that is we don’t...I promise to be the perfect gentleman! I just want to-”

“You can.”

“I can?” He seemed bewildered by her response. Lila couldn’t help but laugh out loud, quickly regretting it as the wounds on her chest ached.

“Oof. Poor life choice,” she jested. “I appreciate all that you’ve done for me. Saved my life, gave me a new lease on life, got me an in-home nurse and equipment? It’s obvious you care. But what’s even more obvious is that you feel guilty.” She looked into his eyes. He looked worried and vulnerable. “You don’t have to feel that way. It's not your fault. Tiberius is to blame, not you.” she reaffirmed.

He nodded and settled down onto the edge of the bed. He placed a hand upon her knee and their eyes met.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now. Get into your jammies. I want to watch a movie and relax.”