At Death's Door

1277 Words
The next morning she heard the alarm go off once again, her eyelids fluttering as she struggled to open her eyes, every muscle in her body in so much pain that Riley struggled to sit up once she'd gotten her eyes open. She saw instantly that she'd merely been placed in her bed, left to either wake up or die, it had been of no consequence to anyone in the pack. Of course not, thought Riley bitterly as she swung her legs over and got dressed with a great degree of difficulty. It was strange she mused that no matter how much she was hurt or injured she still hadn’t died yet. Sometimes she had thought for sure it would happen, close to being dead a few times and yet she still seemed to soldier on. A bit like when she sometimes swore her eyes would turn black with purple rings on occasion whenever she was alone but that too had to be her imagination. Her chest was so tight, her coughs loud as they filled the air, Riley shuffling miserably up the stairs and going to the kitchen, her movements slow and unsteady. No matter what her condition was, she would still be expected to do her chores. Riley could have cried if she'd had the strength or energy. Instead she began to cook feeling lethargic, the table set up haphazardly as her hands shook violently, sneezing constantly into the sleeve of her shirt so it wouldn't go all over the food or drinks. She wouldn't want that now would she? She'd heal but incredibly slowly like a human did, without a wolf, giving germs to the others wouldn't be very beneficial, as werewolves didn't really get sick like humans did. Shame really otherwise she would have used that idea long ago. As usual Marcus and his friends were the first to sit down, watching her struggle with amusement on their faces. "Aww is fatso feeling terrible today" Marcus sniggered "you should exercise more often and it wouldn't hurt so much" he said with laughter. Riley stared at him incredulously. Did he really think she was in this state from his damn punishment yesterday? Part of it was responsible but it was being left on the field with the cold and rain that had done the most damage. Her aches and pains were miniscule compared to the fever she was sure she had and the shivering that was beginning to take over her as she grudgingly put down their plates, turning and promptly tripping over a leg that purposely shot out, sprawling to the floor as howls of laughter filled the air. A tear in the corner of her eye, Riley struggled to her feet and got back in the kitchen, now limping painfully as they ate and joked with each other. Jackson, one of Marcus's good mates sat there frowning at some toast that Riley had burnt on one corner, it being slightly darker than the rest of the piece of toast. He was one of the worst of Marcus's friends, everyone fooled by his good looks and charming smile except for Riley of course who'd seen his true vindictive and mean personality. "You burnt the toast you stupid bitc*" Jackson suddenly yelled, grabbing his plate and literally throwing the plate at Riley who failed to duck in time. It hit her square in the face, her nose beginning to swell as blood ran down it, Riley certain it had broken her nose as she held back her cries, the plate dropping to the floor and sending shards flying all over the floor. For some reason she was pleased to note, shards managed to hit Jackson as well though he was well and truly out of the way. That was interesting. "Clean that up already" Marcus snickered, getting up and sailing out as the others did the same. Riley wiped the blood off and felt her nose. If she didn't set it now it wouldn't heal properly and she wasn't permitted to go to the hospital nearby without permission from the Luna and Alpha, something she suspected they wouldn't give, not for a broken nose. She'd have to be at death's door to be given that and even then Riley was certain she'd have to suffer first. With a grimace she put her nose back into place, almost screaming at the pain before it subsided, still throbbing but manageable. Alpha Gordon and Luna Renae walked in, both looking at the plate shards and then glaring at Riley. "Clean up this god forsaken mess before someone trips or falls and hurts themselves" Luna Renae exclaimed, purposely stepping over them while her husband held her hand and going to sit down. Riley sighed and went and got the broom, doing the best to clean with the little energy she had, the Alpha and Luna getting angrier the longer she took. Other wolves joined them at the table, none of them so much as lifting a finger as they watched Riley struggle while they began to yell and swear at her for having to wait for their food. A small part of her wanted to poison them all, tempted to the longer they whinged and whined at her. Riley did her best to ignore them but when Alpha Gordon stood up, his arms on his hips and beginning to bellow out his anger "Riley for fuc* sake this is unacceptable and a complete disgrace. Get this done now and fetch everyone their food." Riley couldn’t help herself and began to panic, fumbling as she tried to gather up the shards with the dustpan and brush. Finally, she was done, cooking hastily and doing orders, rushing back and forth as they yelled out drink orders in their impatient tone of voice, her head hurting and her chest feeling tighter the harder she worked and the more she rushed. It felt like a tight rubber band tightening against her chest, her breathing becoming more strained and Riley wheezing the tighter it felt. Finally they were silent, busy devouring their food and tossing back their drinks while they all scowled at Riley who was completely and utterly past caring. She could barely breathe; her limbs were becoming heavy and unwilling to co-operate. At this rate she was more concerned that she'd collapse and raise their ire once again, praying that everyone would leave soon and let her be. She should have known better that she wasn't about to be let off easily, Alpha Gordon and Luna Renae remaining while the rest of those at the table sailed out of the room without a backwards glance. Here it comes thought Riley bracing herself, her vision blurry as she hung her head and waited for their barrage to start. "Riley this morning was completely and utterly ridiculous" Luna Renae began in her screeching voice that reminded Riley of fingernails being dragged down a blackboard. She winced as the Luna continued, her chest feeling like it wasn't breathing, something that neither the Luna or Alpha noticed in their rage. "I apologise" Riley wheezed, forcing the words out. Right now, the room was spinning and her chest felt like it was on fire, her entire body feeling like lightning spreading through it. She couldn't hold on anymore, she couldn't breathe, couldn't get any oxygen into her lungs. Riley passed out, her body slithering to the floor, her head hitting the kitchen counter on the way down, a large pool of blood spreading on the ground next to her. The Luna and Alpha watched speechless finally realising that something was dangerously wrong, too little too late.
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