Chapter 20

Aliyah's POV

I woke up with my eyes fluttering open to soft silk sheets tangled around my legs.

I looked around me, this wasn't the sterile hospital room that I remembered staying in with its beeping machines and scratchy blankets. No, this room screamed luxury--- high ceilings with a crystal chandelier dangling above, king-sized bed with plush pillows, and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in warm sunlight through sheer curtains.

Where the hell was I?

I sat up too quickly before I realized that I was supposed to expect the familiar stab of pain in my shoulder from the rogue's bite, but... nothing.

I peeled back the oversized shirt I was wearing--- wait, whose shirt was this?–and stared at the smooth, unmarred skin where the wound had been festering just... few days ago.

It was gone. Completely healed, like it had never happened. My wolf, Maya, stirred inside me, she was now strong and alert, like she used to be, no trace of that fading weakness.

"What the...?" I muttered, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. My feet hit a soft rug, and I stood, testing my balance.

No dizziness, no agonizing pain ripping through my veins. This had to be some supernatural miracle. But how? Last thing I remembered was collapsing in that ritual circle, the darkness swallowing me whole.

I padded to the door, cracking it open to a wide hallway lined with modern art pieces and polished wood floors. The house was massive– open-concept design with high ceilings, sleek furniture in neutral tones, and huge windows overlooking what looked like a forested backyard. Definitely not the college dorms or the hospital. This screamed money and privacy.

Again, where the hell was I?

I followed the scent of something spicy... like stir-fry and something sizzling– bacon? –down a curving staircase to the lower level of the house.

The kitchen was a chef's dream: granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island big enough for a party.

And there he was, Tyler Deville, humming off-key to some rock tune on a speaker, stirring the vegetables in a pan vigorously. He was shirtless, grey sweatpants hung low on his hips, his black hair was loose from its usual bun and tousled like he'd just rolled out of bed himself.

"Tyler?" I said, my voice came out croaky.

He spun around, spatula in his hand, and his emerald eyes lit up like I'd just handed him the moon. "Well, look who's finally decided to join the living. Morning, sleeping beauty." He grinned, his usual carefree grin, no trace of the panic I'd seen in his eyes before everything went black.

I blinked, still processing. "What happened? How am I... healed? The venom, the ritual– it was killing me. I thought I was done for."

He waved the spatula dismissively, turning back to the stove. "Details, details. You're up, you're fine, that's what matters. Hungry? You look like you could eat a horse –or a plate of stir-fry pasta."

"Tyler, seriously. How did I survive that?" I asked again.

He plated a chicken drumstick on the plate of stir-fry pasta and slid it across the island toward me. "Magic, fate, sheer stubbornness. Pick one. Now eat before it gets cold. You haven't had a real meal in a week."

"A week?" I choked out, staring at the food. My stomach growled on cue, but my brain was reeling. "I've been out for a whole week? What the hell? Last I remember, you were chanting over that bowl, and then... nothing."

He leaned on the counter, crossing his arms over his bare chest, that smirk deepening. "Yeah, you gave us a scare, drama queen. Passed out cold after the ritual kicked in. But hey, it worked– your wound sealed up overnight, you purged out the venom. You completely healed, Aliyah. Now, sit your cute ass down and eat. Doctor's orders."

I slid onto a stool, picking up a fork but I didn't touch the food yet. I was still confused about everything. "You're dodging. What really happened? Did you do something crazy? Did you risk your life again?"

He rolled his eyes, grabbed a mug and poured coffee. "Me? Crazy? Never. Cream and sugar, right?" He slid the mug over, then leaned in closer, his voice dropping to that teasing rumble. "Or do you prefer it black and strong, like your men?"

I snorted, feeling a spark of heat despite myself. "Flirting already? I just woke up from a coma, professor."

"Coma? Dramatic much?" He hopped onto the counter beside me, swinging his legs like a kid. "And it's Tyler when we're alone, remember? No professor bullshit. Eat, Aliyah."

I took a slurp of pasta and moaning involuntarily– they were perfect, spicy and seasoned just right. "Fine, these are good. But seriously, a week? What did I miss? Is everything okay? Did anyone come looking for me?"

He snatched a piece of vegetable from my plate, crunching it with a wink. "And yeah, the world's still spinning. Nothing much has happened. Kelly and Becca have been blowing up my phone, demanding updates every single day. I told them you're fine, but they're pushy as hell, Jesus Christ."

I laughed, swatting his hand away as he reached for more. "Hands off my food, you brute. And thanks... for whatever you did. I owe you."

His eyes softened for a split second, but he masked it with a grin. "Owe me? Nah. But if you insist, I accept payment in kisses. Or back rubs. Your call."

"Keep dreaming," I shot back, but I couldn't hide my smile. The banter felt good, light, after all the heaviness. His playfulness was infectious, pulling me out of the confusion.

He jumped down, circling the island to stand behind me, his hands landing on my shoulders for a quick squeeze. "Dreaming? I've got the real thing right here. How's the shoulder feel? No twinges?"

I rolled it experimentally. "Like new. It's weird."

"Good. That means I didn't screw up the ritual." He leaned down, his breath warm against my ear. "Now finish that plate, or I'll feed you myself. And trust me, I make it fun."

I elbowed him lightly. "Can you move please? Stop breathing down my neck. Literally." I shoveled in more food, the hunger hitting me hard now. "This house is insane, by the way. How loaded are you, anyway?"

He chuckled, grabbing his own plate and digging while standing up. "Perks of being a royal beta. But don't get too comfy –I've got plans for us today. Light training, maybe a run in the woods. We need to test that healing."

"Training? I just woke up!"

"Exactly. No time like the present." He pointed his fork at me. "Besides, I missed sparring with you. Pinning you down is my favorite hobby."

Heat flushed my cheeks. "You're impossible."

"And you're adorable when you blush." He set his plate down, stepping closer until he was right in front of me, trapping me against the island. "Admit it, you missed me too."

I looked up, our faces inches apart, that sizzling pull between us igniting. "Maybe a little. But don't let it go to your head."

"Too late." He brushed a crumb from my lip with his thumb. "Welcome back, Aliyah."

Before I could respond, the doorbell rang, shattering the moment. Tyler groaned, pulling away. "That'll be your fan club. Kelly and Becca– told you they're persistent."

He headed to the door, and I heard voices– Kelly's sharp and excited, Becca's softer. They burst into the kitchen, Kelly leading the charge.

"Aliyah! Oh my god, you're up!" Kelly rushed over, pulling me into a hug. "We were freaking out. Tyler said you were stable, but a whole week? Oh my goddess, we almost died of worry!"

Becca hung back a bit, smiling shyly. "Yeah, Tyler sent us a text immediately you woke up, and we brought snacks and stuff. Figured you'd be starving."

I hugged Kelly back, then Becca. "Thanks, guys. It's good to see you. I'm sorry for the scare."

Tyler leaned against the doorframe, his were arms crossed as he watched with amusement. "See? Told you she's fine. Now, who wants pasta?"

Kelly plopped onto a stool. "Me. And spill, Ali– what happened? Last we saw, you were out cold after that ritual thing."

I glanced at Tyler, who just shrugged playfully. "Yeah, about that... I woke up healed. No pain, no scar. It's like magic, guys."

Becca's eyes widened. "Whoa. Zeen wolf perks?"

"Something like that," Tyler cut in, serving pasta on plates. "She just needed rest. Now, let's not grill her –she's barely eaten."

Kelly snatched her plate. "Fine, fine. But girl, the campus is buzzing without you. Drama club's a mess, and Jude's been sulking like a kicked puppy. I think Leah dumped his ass."

I rolled my eyes. "Good. He can stay sulking."

Becca laughed softly. "And Leah's still laying low. We think she's dodging that prince guy."

Tyler handed me a refill, his fingers brushing mine deliberately. "Sounds like college chaos as usual. You girls sticking around? I could use backup keeping this one in line."

Kelly grinned. "Hell yeah. We missed our girl time."

We chatted for a bit, catching up on gossip– Kelly ranting about some cheer squad drama, Becca sharing a funny story about a botched lab experiment. Tyler jumped in with snarky comments, making us all laugh. He was in full playful mode, teasing me relentlessly.

I have to admit, I missed this Tyler. And I missed my girls too.

The easy vibe felt normal, almost too good after everything that happened. But then, as Kelly reached for a cookie, a sharp pain pierced through my skull. I winced and pressed my palms to my temples.

"Ali? You okay?" Becca asked, concern lacing her voice.

The pain intensified into a pounding that blurred my vision.

"Shut up," I muttered, but it wasn't to them. The headache became, and instinct took over. My hand shot out and my fingers closed around Kelly's throat before I could stop myself.

She gasped, her eyes widened. "Aliyah– what the–?" She choked out.

Tyler lunged forward. "Aliyah! Let go!"

But the pain wouldn't stop, and neither could I.