CHAPTER EIGHT

Raven’s eyes fluttered open before she slowly stared at me. For about 20 minutes, we are lost in each other’s eyes, not a word said but a lot understood. The beeping sound from the life support machine did nothing to the thumping sounds booming in my heart. I slowly looked away from her, feeling guilty to have judged her wrongly and selfishly rejected her.

“Alpha…”she said in a very low voice that I could barely hear well.

“Shh, please don’t try to say anything” I whispered. “Just nod at my question and I’ll understand you” I told her in a cool voice. .

“Whe. re a.m i” She managed to stutter out, I smiled at her stubbornness as it was amusing, even on a deathbed, she still had to be this stubborn.

“You are at the pack hospital but don’t worry, you will soon be discharged” I quickly added seeing the discomfort on her face.

I could tell she was feeling dizzy and maybe a bit confused but that could not stop the question ringing in my head from stumbling out.

“Why…why did you save me?” I asked as I was filled with so much regret. ”I was wrong to abandon you, Ravel. I realize that you’re my true mate, and I promise to make it right.”

But all I received from her was silence. I could tell she was doubting my words as she pierced at me with judging eyes while I just let her. 

"The assassin..." she said in a low voice.

“Don’t worry, we will find them,” I promised her. ”you are under my protection now, no one will hurt you again”

Raven slightly closed her eyes and nodded before drifting off to sleep. The only thing I could do was just stare at her. The sound of her slow breath was evidence that unconscious form, even though it looked so faint and peaceful, she was still here with me.

I was surely going to make whoever was behind this pay for their sins, no matter how important they are.

Staying up all night, just looking after her, her slow unsteady breaths was all the push I needed to realize how important she is to me.

I just need to find a way to prove myself to her. I have to prove to her that we can make it work. I had to win her trust and show her that I was interested in committing to our bond. I know it is not going to be easy at all, but I’m determined to make it right.

As Raven lay on the sick bay, I can sense the pain and mistrust she has for me. I wanted to hold her hand,to offer comfort, but I changed my mind immediately, unsure if she would welcome my touch.

I was still angry with the sound of the machines around us beeping steadily, a reminder of the fact that I failed the moon goddess. I knew I had to find the assassin, to make sure they pay for their crimes.

“Alpha Parez?” a tiny voice interrupted my thoughts.

I turned to look at who it was and a wow escape my lips at the furious and determined look on a woman. Maria is my park best female warrior but seeing her looking furious was a surprise as she always made sure she has her emotions in check.

"Yes, Maria?" I asked, with a low voice.

"We've found a lead on the assassin," she spat, venom in her words as her eyes locked on mine. "A witness saw someone suspicious lurking around the area where Raven was attacked and a coin was seen on the ground, we hope it belongs to the assassin. We're tracking their scent now hoping it leads us well"

My heart raced with anticipation. "Take me to the witness," I growled, my wolf eager for justice.

Maria nodded and led me out of the hospital room, leaving Raven to rest. I assigned a few bodyguards with her as I knew I had to be careful or I might lose her finally.

I quickened my pace, my senses on high alert. The hunt for the assassin had begun, and I would stop at nothing to bring them to justice.

As we approached the witness's location, I could sense the tension in the air. Maria nodded to me, and I took a deep breath, preparing myself for what was to come.

The witness, a young man named Jake, was pacing back and forth, his eyes wide with fear. "Alpha Perez, I'm so glad you're here," he said, his voice shaking.

"Tell me what you saw, Jake," I said, my voice calm and reassuring.

"I was out for a run when I saw someone lurking around the area where Raven was attacked," he said, his eyes darting around nervously. "They were wearing a black hooded cloak, and their face was obscured. But I saw their eyes, Alpha. They were cold, calculating...and familiar."

My ears perked up at that last part. "Familiar?" I repeated.

Jake nodded. "Yes, Alpha. I've seen those eyes before. They belong to someone in our pack."

My heart raced with shock. "Who?" I demanded.