Chapter 18

Aliyah's POV

I groaned as my eyes fluttered open, the harsh fluorescent lights stabbing into my eyes. My shoulder throbbed badly and I felt a sharp pain spreading all over my body.

It hurt so bad everywhere.

Kelly's face hovered over me first, her brown eyes were wide and frantic as she stared at me with her hands clutched the bedrail.

"Aliyah! Oh my goddess, you're awake!" She lunged forward, grabbed my hand and squeezed it hard. "Girl, we were so scared! You were out cold for hours!"

Becca stood right behind her, twisting her hands together, her face was pale with worry. "Yeah, we found you on the path near the woods. There was blood everywhere, Ali. What happened? Was it another attack?"

I tried to sit up, but pain shot through my arm, forcing me back down. "It was a rogue wolf," I muttered but my voice was raspy. "It bit me. Really hard. And then said something about a master sending regards." I shook my head, still confused by everything that just happened.

Kelly's eyes lit with anger. "A fucking rogue? On campus? What the hell??! That's insane. Anyway, we called the college medics right away and they rushed you here to the college hospital."

Becca nodded quickly, glancing at the door. "Tge doctor administered some medicine on your wound." She said, then threw a cautious glance at Kelly, "But Ali, your wound... it's not closing like it should. Especially as a healer wolf."

I touched my shoulder gingerly, feeling the bandage under the hospital gown. Panic flickered in my chest, but I shoved it down. "It'll heal. It has to. Like you said, I'm a healer wolf. I'll be fine."

Kelly sat on the edge of the bed. "You're right, Aliyah, you're a healer wolf. But seriously, you look awful. What if it's serious? Is there something else that happened that you're not telling us?"

I flinched, though my friends didn't notice. Something else like the fact that I think the rogue wolf poisoned me with its bite?

"Don't say that," Becca snapped at her, then softened. "Sorry. I'm just... worried. You've been through so much already with the professors and the expulsion threats."

I forced a weak laugh. "Yeah, well, add rogue wolf attack to the list. Story of my life."

The door burst open, and Tyler strode in, his face was etched with lines I'd never seen before--- no smirk, no cocky glint in his emerald eyes. He looked... wrecked. His black hair was loose from its usual bun, strands falling over his forehead like he'd been running his hands through it. Behind him came a doctor in a white coat, clipboard in hand and looking grim.

"Right. We forgot to tell you that Tyler was around and he went to see the doctor." Kelly quickly said.

"Aliyah," Tyler said, his voice was rough as he crossed the room in three long steps. He stopped at my bedside, his hand carefully touched my back and he drew me close for a warm hug. "Oh, thank fuck, you're awake!"

Kelly and Becca exchanged subtle glances that I noticed. I knew I should push him away because he annoyed me like crazy but I just couldn't tear away from. I would be blaming this on my current state.

This wasn't the playful Tyler who always had a comeback for everything I said or who found it hard to be serious for one second. This was serious, he looked genuinely concerned, and it hit me harder than I expected.

"Tyler," I whispered. "What are you doing here?"

He ignored the question and turned to the doctor. "Tell her. She needs to know everything." He said in a solemn voice.

The doctor cleared his throat and stepped forward. "Miss Marcus, I'm Dr. Hale. We've run tests on the venom from your wound and we found out it's not the usual rogue poison. This is something... different. It is highly toxic and dangerous, especially for a Zeen wolf like you."

I blinked and I felt my heart skip. "What do you mean, different? I can feel it---- it's burning inside. But I'll fight it off, right? Wolves heal from this stuff and I'm a healer wolf."

I gave him a hopeful look but my stomach dropped.

Dr. Hale shook his head slowly. "Not this time, Aliyah. This venom targets your wolf directly, especially as a Zeen wolf. It is designed to erode your powers gradually. Strength, healing, shifting---all of it will fade. And then..."

"And then what?" I pressed, my voice rising. Fear clawed up my throat now.

Dying? No, that couldn't be. I was just 21, I hadn't even achieved a quarter of my dreams.

I couldn't die. Not now.

The doctor hesitated and then glanced at Tyler, who looked away with a deep frown on his face. "In a few days, your body will shut down completely. There's no antidote we know of. I'm sorry, Miss Marcus. We've tried everything--- serums, pack herbs. Nothing can heal this venom."

Kelly gasped, covering her mouth. "A few days?! That's it?! No, there has to be something! You can't j...just come in and say she's going to die, just like that!!" Her voice cracked. I had never heard Kelly's voice crack.

Becca grabbed my other hand. "Ali, we'll find a way, okay? Maybe it's just beyond the hospital's powers. Shamans, healers---- whatever it takes. We will find a way." Her own voice sounded hopeful on the other hand.

But I barely heard them. My mind spun and terror gripped me.

Lose my powers? Die?

I pictured it---- fading away, weak and human-like, no wolf to save me. No more running through the woods, no more feeling the bond's pull. And the bonds... Skylar and Tyler. What would happen to them if I was gone?

And then.... I would... die.

"No," I whispered, shaking my head. "This can't be happening. I don't want to die. Not like this." I finally found my voice.

Tyler knelt beside the bed, his hand finally closing over mine, it was warm and firm. "Hey, look at me," he said, his voice was low but steady. "You're not dying. Not on my watch. We'll figure this out. I will figure this out."

I met his eyes, seeing the desperation there mirroring my own. "But the doctor just said---"

"Forget what he said for a second." Tyler squeezed my hand, his thumb brushing my knuckles in a way that sent a faint spark through me, even in this moment. "I've known for weeks now and you're a fucking fighter, Aliyah. The strongest wolf I've ever known. Not physically but mentally. And I'm not giving up on you."

Kelly eyed him suspiciously. "Professor Deville, with all due respect, how do you plan to fix this? You're combat professor, not a miracle worker." Her voice cut with an edge.

He shot her a look but kept his focus on me. "I've got connections in the packs. Rare herbs, some very rare rituals--- whatever it takes. But we need to move fast."

Becca frowned. "The council won't allow that. Forbidden stuff could get you all in trouble."

"Screw the council!" Tyler snapped, "Sorry, girls. But Aliyah's life is on the line. I don't give a fuck about the pack rules."

I swallowed hard, I could feel the tears pricking my eyes. "I'm scared, Tyler. I don't want to lose everything? My wolf, my life... everything."

He cupped my cheek gently, "You won't. I promise. We will fight this together."

It was when Dr. Hale cleared his throat awkwardly that I realized he was still there. "Okay, well, I hope all your suggestions works for you but I have given my verdict as a lycan doctor. Anyway, I should give you some space. But Miss Marcus, rest as much as you can. We'll continue to monitor you."

He left, and Kelly stood up. "We should let her breathe too. Becca, come on. Us, panicking like this is not going to help. We need to go out there and look for solutions."

Becca nodded and hugged me quick. "We'll be back, Ali. And I promise you, we will not allow you to die."

They left the hospital room, leaving me alone with Tyler. He didn't move from his spot, his hand was still on mine.

"Talk to me," he said softly. "What's going through that head of yours?"

He tried to bring back his playfulness but I could see the pain behind it.

I bit my lip from quivering. "Everything. The pain's getting worse. What if I can't shift anymore? What if I just... fade away? I don't want to die, Tyler. There's so much I haven't done." And a tear finally escaped.

I could literally feel my heart breaking in my chest.

He shifted on to the bed, careful not to jostle me and his arm wrapped around my good shoulder. "You're not fading. Not while I'm here." His voice was serious, no trace of his usual teasing. "Remember combat class? You flipped me on my ass. That's the Aliyah I know. Tough as hell."

I leaned into him, the warmth of his body chasing some of the chill away. "That was different. You let me win."

"Maybe." He smirked faintly, but it didn't reach his eyes. "But this? We'll win for real. I won't lose you."

Our faces were close now with his warm breath mingling with mine. The mate bond buzzed between us, I should move away from him, I should push him away and stop staring at his lips. "Tyler... kiss me," I whispered. I found myself saying.

Maybe it was the hopelessness of the situation. Maybe it was the news of my possible dying. Maybe it was the realization of the fact that I had barely lived life. Or maybe it was me needing something to hold on to, to feel alive.

He hesitated, searching my eyes. "Aliyah---"

"Please." My voice was raspy.

Tyler closed the gap, his lips brushing mine softly at first, then it became deeper and urgent. I kissed him back, pouring my everything into it, my hands fisting his shirt. I saw the sparks exploding, but it was laced with desperation. His hand tangled in my hair, pulling me closer as if that was any possible.

We broke apart, breathing hard. "See?" he murmured against my forehead. "Still got that fire."

I managed a small smile, but the fear of dying didn't go away.