The Curvy Rogue

Chapter 13

**LORRY SPRINGSTONE / KELLY THOMPSON’S POINT OF VIEW**

“Dr. Lorry,” Eden says between bites, “do we still have a long way to go to reach your house? You know, my papa and the royal warriors are probably hunting us by now,” he adds, his voice tinged with worry.

Eden’s words freeze my body while my heart ignites. My confidence in our escape crumbles, and I start imagining Alpha King Jason Bentley and his army of devoted warriors finding us, mercilessly beating me for “k********g” the Alpha heir of the Southern clan.

Yet, I manage to stay calm and try to ease the tension in the air. I look at Eden as if his remark surprises me, as if there’s nothing to worry about.

“Why, my treasure, what makes you think that?” I ask, feigning disbelief at his concern.

Eden looks up at me, his innocent brown eyes wide, and explains, “Papa always says that if I ever get lost or taken, he’ll search the entire Southern clan territory and beyond to find me, with the help of the royal warriors and their tireless hounds.”

I swallow hard, realizing I’ve underestimated Eden’s understanding of the situation: a k********g by his own doctor.

But why is he letting me take him away without resistance or complaint? Surely because, like me, he feels our innate bond. I am his mother, and he is my son. It’s as simple as that!

I take a deep breath and finally respond to the anxious child.

“Don’t worry, my treasure. We’re going somewhere safe where no one will find us. It’s still a bit far, but we’ll be there very soon,” I reassure him, smoothing his hair.

Eden nods, seemingly satisfied with my response. But as he finishes his bread, I notice a slight tremor in his hands.

“Are you feeling okay, Eden?” I ask, my medical instincts kicking in.

He shakes his head, his face suddenly paling.

“My tummy hurts again,” he whimpers.

I quickly check his temperature, alarmed to find him burning up. His symptoms are flaring, likely worsened by the stress of our escape. I curse myself inwardly for not bringing more medication.

“It’s okay, my treasure,” I console him, masking my panic.

“I know some herbs that can help. I just need to find them,” I say, standing to survey the surroundings.

I scan the forest, desperately searching for the medicinal plants I need.

“Eden, I have to look for special leaves to ease your pain. Can you stay here and be very quiet for me?” I ask.

He nods weakly, curling up in the soft grass. I hate leaving him alone, even for a moment, but urgency forces me to act. I move swiftly through the underbrush, gathering the necessary herbs.

Suddenly, I hear Eden cry out in distress. I race back to the clearing, my heart in my throat. To my horror, the spot where I left him is empty. My heart pounds as I frantically search the area, calling his name in a hushed voice.

“Eden! Where are you?” I whisper urgently.

A faint whimper draws my attention. I follow the sound to the edge of a small ravine, where I find Eden at the bottom of a shallow cave. He must have wandered and fallen.

“Mama, I’m scared. I can’t climb back up,” he cries, tears streaming down his face.

“What? Did he call me Mama?” I think to myself, shaken by this innocent, spontaneous expression.

My heart leaps at hearing him call me that for the first time, but I push the emotion aside to focus on the crisis.

“It’s okay, my treasure. I’m here. I’ll get you out,” I reassure him, frantically searching for something to hoist him up.

As I look for a branch or vine, a massive black bear suddenly emerges, its small eyes fixed on Eden in the cave. My blood runs cold at the danger. Even without my wolf, my heightened senses detect the deadly threat radiating from this enormous predator.

Memories of tales about bear attacks flood back—it took several strong wolves to defeat one. And here I am, alone, without my wolf, facing this monstrous creature with only my fragile human body to protect my sick six-year-old son.

The bear lets out a terrifying roar and charges toward the cave. In that moment, all rational thought abandons me. Pure maternal instinct takes over as I leap into the cave, shielding Eden with my body just as the bear’s massive paw swings down.

Searing pain tears through my back as its claws rip into my flesh. I scream in agony but hold fast, pressing Eden against the cave wall. The bear roars again, rearing up on its hind legs to strike once more.

I brace for the impact, knowing I likely won’t survive another blow but determined to protect Eden until my last breath. As the bear begins to swing, a blur of gray fur bursts from the trees, slamming into the bear’s side.

A massive wolf, larger than any I’ve seen, engages in a ferocious battle with the bear. Teeth and claws clash as the two beasts fight, their roars echoing through the forest. I watch, mesmerized, as the wolf holds its own against the bear, its speed and agility giving it an edge over the larger predator.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the wolf drives the bear off. The massive creature flees into the forest, leaving a trail of blood.

With the danger gone, my adrenaline fades, and the pain of my wounds overwhelms me. I slump against the cave wall, struggling to stay conscious. Eden clings to me, sobbing softly.

“It’s okay, my treasure,” I whisper weakly. “We’re safe now.”

The wolf approaches the cave entrance, its golden eyes fixed on us. To my astonishment, its form begins to shift. In moments, Alpha King Jason stands before us, breathless from the effort.

“Dr. Lorry, Eden,” he says softly, his eyes a mix of relief and anguish. “I’ve finally found you,” he declares.

The pain in my back is unbearable, preventing me from responding to Jason’s call. In a desperate attempt to escape the agony, I focus on my surroundings, watching Jason frantically search for a way out of the cave.

Suddenly, I hear the fierce barking of hounds and the voices of the Southern clan’s royal warriors drawing closer.

My vision blurs as the soldiers and their menacing beasts approach our hiding spot. My body trembles with fear as I realize they’ve caught our scent. The pain and shock of everything overwhelm me, threatening to pull me into unconsciousness.

Fighting to stay awake for Eden, I manage to whisper two words: “Your Majesty,”

“Please… protect Eden,” I plead with the last of my strength.

Then darkness engulfs me.