Chapter 25
1812 Words
Sitting here patiently waiting for Jeremy to come back with a doctor, Anthony suddenly takes a deep breath before grabbing my hand softly.
“I’m sorry for everything you’ve gone through over the last few years. I wish there were more I could do, or have done to help you. I know I’m the goofball of the group, and I joke around a lot, but I’m being serious now. Seeing my sister so closed off and dejected after her run-in with him, I can only imagine what you must have felt. He was your mate and he did all those awful things. She reminded me of you the day after your birthday. The last time we've seen you in our pack. I feel disgusted with myself for not following my instinct and pushed further when we called for you to talk to Jerr. We could have helped you so much sooner if I did. I’m really sorry.” He says, clearing his throat.
“You looked so lost, so broken and helpless. I should have known that he did something to you. We knew he liked to play around with she-wolf, but we never expected him to be this sadistic and insane! I’m also sorry we made you feel so insecure, that you couldn’t even come to us for help. We should have been there for you. Beat him to a pulp back there and then. He would have never touched any other she-wolf ever again. It must have been hard for you to keep it to yourself for so long.” He says, lowering his gaze to the floor.
“Alpha Brenton said you were getting treated for the trauma he caused you. I’m glad about that. But please, don’t ever think you can’t come to any of us if you need to. We can be jerks and sometimes say hurtful things, but when it matters most, we’ll always be here for you. You are like our little sister. We would do anything to help. And as for Jeremy, no one out of us four is guilty about what happened to you. He went ballistic when he learned what that poor excuse of a wolf did. And on your birthday no less. He feels like he failed you, in so many ways.” He confessed with pity in his eyes.
“He couldn't have done anything about it. I was stubborn and didn’t want to listen to his warning. You know this, you’ve seen me having a fit and storm out before when he tried to warn me. I don’t blame him, or any of you for not doing anything. I only have myself to blame for not wanting to listen to reason. You all tried, but I stubbornly ignored it all.” I stammered, my heart tightening at the thought that Jeremy is blaming himself. It’s not his fault.
“Don’t do that. The only guilty one is the dead bastard!” He says furiously.
“I know, but still.”
“ No but’s! He’s the only one to blame! Period!” He seethed, his face flushed with anger.
“Ok,” I conceited, a small smile etching on the corner of my lips.
Not long after Anthony and I settled in a peaceful silence, Jeremy returned accompanied by a doctor.
The doctor asks me a few questions, and I answer with my voice still raspy.
“I can sense that you have a strong wolf, but it will still take a few days for the inflammation to dissipate. When we can get back to the hospital, I’ll consult Dr. Laforet and prescribe you something to ease the pain.” He says before leaving.
I thank him and look at the few bandages he had to place on my hands. I just have been too shocked to notice how badly I got injured trying to get away from Blake. My hands are full of small cuts. They will heal faster than my neck though.
Side glancing at Jeremy, I can tell he’s tense and nervous.
Should I say something to him?
“Humm… I…” I mutter, not sure where to start.
Before I can even form a full sentence, Jeremy gets up in a swift movement.
“I’ll go see the guarding warriors and inquire on what’s happening with the attack.” He
I lift my hand and am about to ask him to wait for a second, but Anthony stops me.
“It’s going to take some time and patience. He just mind-linked that he can’t face you. He feels too ashamed for not protecting you. Sorry” He says with sympathy.
I’m not usually overly emotional, but today, I don’t care. I hate all of this.
Letting my emotion run freely, I let the tears I was holding back flow. Silently sobbing, holding onto myself.
‘I’m so tired…’
‘I know, Lana. I know it’s hard, and you want to make it right with Jer. Just give him some time.’ Sacha says, trying to comfort me.
‘You’re right. I need to be patient. I just… I don’t want him hurting for this.’
☙❧
I’ve been back in my hospital room for a few hours now. Anthony is trying his best to cheer me up and make me smile, but I just can’t.
Jeremy helped me get back here safely, but he left as soon as I was laid down comfortably in my bed.
My parents came to visit about an hour ago as well. My father was furious when he saw the bruises on my neck. He would have killed Blake if Anthony hadn't already.
My mother sobbed, holding me tightly against her.
After a while, I asked Anthony to leave. I needed to be alone for a while. I could see the reluctance in his eyes, but he left saying he’d be back in the morning to check on me.
He really is filling the role of a brother. His sister is lucky to have him.
Closing my eyes, I try to relax. Breathing in and out, practicing the exercises my therapist gave me to help with the building of anxiety I carry inside.
The door creaks open, but I don’t bother opening my eyes to see who came in. The nurses usually make their rounds around this time anyway.
But why is she lingering so long today?
I hear a chair suddenly being dragged on the floor closer to my bed. My heart races at the sound.
Who’s in my room?
“Lana… What should I do?” I hear Jeremy say.
Jeremy?! What...Why does he sound sad and exhausted?
“I should have never blamed you for being into him. He was your mate after all. I just wanted to protect you. Why didn’t you come to me after he hurt you so badly? I would have done anything to help you, to protect you. You are my little sister. Even if I was mad at you, even if we were fighting, I would have been there for you! What should I do now? I failed you so deeply…” He whimpers, breaking my heart.
Turning my head to the side, I open my eyes to look at him.
He’s got his head buried in his hands, crying. I don't want to see him so upset.
“There’s nothing you could have done to help. The damage was already done. And I was too stubborn to even listen, so stop blaming yourself for what happened.” I whisper, scaring him, making him jump in surprise.
“Lana! You’re not sleeping?!” He says, looking at me in surprise.
“No, I’m not.”
“So you heard everything I just said?” He shyly asks, his cheeks beet red.
“I did. And you don't need to feel any guilt. I don’t blame you.” I urge, my throat tightening in pain, making me wince.
“Are you ok? Should I get a doctor?” He says in a panic.
I shake my head no and point to the water bottle on my nightstand.
“You want some water?”
I nod yes, holding out my hand. He grabs the bottle quickly and hands it over after opening it.
Taking a small sip, the water quenches the pain a little.
I wiser a small thank you before giving him the bottle back.
We sit here in silence for a while, before he jumps up in his chair, scaring me.
“OH! I almost forgot! Wesley came by earlier and told me that Annabelle was fine and back in her room too. She was pretty shaken up, but not injured. I thought you might want to know.” He says with a small smile.
Annabelle! I almost forgot!
Sitting up, I try getting out of bed.
“She’s ok?! I have to go see her. What room is she in?” I croak, stumbling on my feet.
“Woaw there. Hold on! Sit back on your bed. You can’t go out to see her now. It’s way too late. She’s probably asleep by now.” He says, helping me sit down.
Looking at the clock, I see that it’s almost midnight.
“Oh… I didn't realize it was this late.” I exclaim, fixated on the clock still.
“But she was ok, right? She wasn’t hurt or anything?” I ask, shaking my head and returning to my senses.
“She’s fine. Stop worrying.” He says with a gentle smile.
“I have to ask again though. How do you know her? You seemed to worry about her so much.” He asks, eyeing me, waiting for my response.
“As I said, I only met her on my way to the safe space. She looked so scared and vulnerable. I had this urge, this… I don’t know, but I felt the need to protect her. I couldn’t leave her.” I confessed, frowning.
Why do I feel this way? It’s so odd…
“Are you sure you only met her today? She was also asking for you earlier. At least that's what Welsey told me. But the doctor told her she, and you needed to rest for today.”
“Yes, I’m sure. I guess I should get some sleep and rest if I want to go see her tomorrow.” I sigh, looking back at the clock.
“Sorry for waking you earlier,” Jeremy says sheepishly.
“I wasn't sleeping, only resting. But now I’m sleepy” I yawn, rubbing my eyes.
“Then settle down and get some sleep. I’ll watch over you for a while if that’s ok?”
“Ok. Good night”
“Good night, little sister. Sweet dream” He says, kissing my forehead before a deep slumber takes over my consciousness.
- Writer
