Chapter Thirteen
It's been a couple days and it's safe to say the swelling has gone down.
My face is bruised, well I assume it is.
I don't want to look in the mirror. But the swelling has gone down.
The painkillers Axe got me are doing wonders for my ribs.
Plus, the cream is actually working for my bruises.
It's taking time but I know they'll heal.
Axe has been putting the cream on me. Feeling his gentle fingertips slide against my sensitive skin is giving me a sensation I don't want anyone to make me feel.
As for school and work, I haven't been there.
I know I need to get back to it but this bed has become my safe space.
I've been thinking and I might go to a hotel to finish my healing process, look for an apartment and to be by myself.
As generous as Axe has been, he is still a stranger to me.
I can't stay with him. My plan has always been to leave the pack.
If I mention that to the alpha, I don't know how he'll react.
I decide I should talk to him now. I want to be out of the pack area as soon as I can.
Being smack down in the middle of the pack residency isn't doing any good things for my mental state.
I get out of bed and slowly make my way out into the hallway.
Walking has gotten a little easier. It still hurts but I've been practising walking around in the room to keep my blood pumping.
I smell out Axe's scent and come to a door.
To raise my fist and knock will just cause me more strain so I call his name.
The door opens immediately and he looks surprised to see me standing here.
“What are you doing out of bed?” he asks.
“I need to talk to you,” I tell him, and he nods, leading me to the chairs in front of his desk. “I'll stand.” Sitting down and getting back up will just be a nuisance.
“Am I getting an explanation?” Axe looks intently at me.
“No,” I murmur, looking down. I'm not going to tell him anything. I really do want to put my werewolf life behind me. “I want to thank you for saving me. I appreciate everything you've done for me but it's time I go.”
“What?” He frowns, his eyes becoming as big as saucers. “What are you talking about?”
“I need to go. I've got school and work. Thank you, Axe, really.” I turn to walk away. I'd really like to run out of here since it feels awkward, but my body keeps me moving slowly.
“Elora.” Axe grabs my arm and stands in front of me. “Are you insane? You are not going to work or school. I can clearly see you're in pain every time you take a step.”
“Axe...”
“You aren't going.” His eyes are hard with authority. Why does he care?
“But...”
“You will stay until you are healed and able to look after yourself. Now go back to bed,” he says firmly. I can feel the weight of his alpha strength through his words.
“Okay,” I mumble.
There's a difference when a pack member tells me what to do because I don't have to listen to anything they say.
But when it's the alpha, my wolf can sense his power and submits, which of course makes me submit.
I go back to bed and get comfortable, figuring I'll give it another week before I think about leaving again.
For the past two days I've literally watched tv and been on my phone, thankful for the charger Axe gave me.
Amelia has been texting me a lot, even prying into my life which she usually doesn't do.
I understand why though; I've never taken three days off school in a row before.
I told her shit happened and I'm trying to find an apartment as well but I'll be back at school soon.
I don't want her to worry. Amelia also lets me know that when I'm not at school, the three monstrosities take their bullying bullshit out on a lot of people.
Someone really needs to put a stop to their behaviour.
But maybe high school is their peak in life.
In a few months, they'll end up in shitty jobs if they can hold them.
I'm snapped out of my thoughts as I hear hammering footsteps through the house. My door gets flung open and standing there looking mighty is beta Dashiell. His eyes focus on mine and they darken the longer he stares. He looks angry. Axe appears behind him and walks into the room.
“Did you do this to her?” Dashiell roars, turning to Axe while gesturing to my bruises. Shit, my face may be purple but if Dashiell saw my body, he'd probably go ballistic.
“How dare you accuse me of that?” Axe bellows, stepping closer to Dashiell in a dangerous stance.
“This is Elora Raines. Her father came to me yesterday and told me she was missing, yet here she is. What are you doing with her?”
I'm stunned when he says my father reported me missing. My father literally chose his bitch mate and vile son over me. Why would he care where I am?
“He didn't hurt me,” my soft voice speaks up and they both turn to me. “Axe saved me.” When I say that, Dashiell's eyes widen.
“She's staying here while she heals. Now piss off because your accusation has made me lose my patience,” Axe speaks, an air of ruling around him.
“What should I tell her father?”
“Tell him he'll see me when he sees me,” I speak up. I don't plan on going back to my father's house but I haven't told Axe what happened so I might as well lie until I get out of here.
“Okay. Axe, can I talk to you for a moment?” Dashiell asks.
“My office.” Axe walks out but Dashiell looks back at me.
“Are you okay?” The corners of his eyes crease in concern as he stares at me in sympathy.
I simply nod and he leaves the room. He cares too?
Is it an authority thing? The leaders have to protect their pack?
I don't understand. What I know of Axe's father, alpha Manson, was that he was strict and despised rogues.
Why are Axe and Dashiell actually humane and sympathetic people?