Chapter 8

Bella's POV

I woke up to the sound of voices. I was still in a daze, but something was smelling really good. Just then, I felt someone getting closer to me. Gathering all the little strength I had left. I threw a punch that landed on someone's jaw. A man's chuckle and a sharp gasp from a woman made me open my eyes. My eyes widen in disbelief. It was him, the God Warrior I have saved! He was still smiling as he rubbed the spot where my fist landed.

"What a mean right hook you got there." He smiled broadly. Goddess, he was so handsome. I was hopelessly mesmerized by his looks. "Sorry," I whispered. I had never been at a loss for words before. "I...I thought I was still with the rogues." He stretched his hand trying to touch me, but he curled his fingers before he reached the strand of hair he seemed so focused on. I realized then that the Dr. had left quietly, and it was just the two of us.

"You're safe now. Do you want me to contact someone for you? A family member, perhaps?" His eyes lost some of their sparkle at that moment. He must find me troublesome, but he went to look for me. I thought the mad rogue had killed me. "How did you find me?" Who are you?" He turned away from me thinking about how to answer. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to," I said. He turned towards me again.

"You can call me Chad. Of course, I went out looking for you. You saved my life." I wanted the Dr. to come back. I wanted to ask her if my baby was fine. He noticed how I pressed my hands protectively on my abdomen, and my cheeks reddened. "Your baby is fine. The Dr. told me." My face got even redder. I thought doctors were sworn to their patients' secrecy. He also seemed to read my mind. "Don't blame the Dr. This pack is a military base. Everything has to be run by me. We're on the outskirts of the main city." He said gently. He must be their Colonel, for sure. He folded his arms across his chest. Goddess, he was so strong.

I was trying to sit up when he moved swiftly to assist me. He grabbed my hand and put the other on the small of my back to pull me up in a sitting position. When our bodies touched, the same sparks I felt in the cave came back to life again. It was like a powerful current emanating from him sipping through my veins. Our eyes met for the first time, and it was as if time had stopped. My breath came in soft pants as he caressed my hand with his thumb. He smelled so good. I fought the need to bury my nose on his broad chest. It didn't help that our mouths were dangerously close. A knock on the door brought me back to reality. Chad cleared his throat and let go of me.

"I see she is awake." Dane strolled in looking cheerful. I looked around for something to throw at him, in case I needed to. Chad chuckled again, guessing my intentions. Goddess, he reads me so well. "It's okay, Dane came here just to apologize. Right, Dane?" Chad gave Dane a stern glance.

"My apologies, Miss...? He looked at me waiting for me to fill in the blank. "Bella, my name is Bella," I said. "Miss Bella, quite a fitting name." Said Dane. I swear I heard a small growl coming from Chad. Dane cleared his throat before continuing. "It was never my intention to harm you without concrete proof. I wish I had approached you differently. I'm just grateful that you're back safe and sound." I nodded in acceptance. He at least sounds sincere. "I'll leave you now, I wish you a speedy recovery." He did a military salute and left.

Later, a nurse walked in with a trade of food. Chad grabbed it quickly and placed it on the high table next to my bed. He put the table across the bed and put away the plate covers. He also took the wrappers off the utensils. "If there's something else you want to eat, don't hesitate to ask." He said courtly. The nurse's mouth hung open. She had probably never seen Chad, the fierceless Colonel being so attentive. He was just grateful that I saved his life.

That afternoon, he had moved me to a suite at the top of the hospital. He insisted that I stay until I was fully recovered. The Dr. was concerned about my pregnancy. I hadn't been eating well lately, and she didn't think making a long trip back to the South would be advisable. I couldn't just tell them I could use my ring. Chad hadn't left my side since I woke up. Dane came for him about an hour ago, but he promised to come back soon. He still wants to know why I was alone in the forest.

I was dreading that talk. The embarrassment I felt just thinking about telling Chad about my mate's betrayal was overwhelming, but I had to. What other plausible explanation could I give him? The soft knock on the door announced his return. I went to open with quick steps. My eagerness to see him overpowered any embarrassment I might feel. His towering figure made me take a breath intake. His golden eyes met mine, and like before, they made time stop. "May I come in?" He asked with a husky voice after a few seconds. I stepped aside and let him in. Once inside, he looked at me appreciatively. I was wearing an elegant, long-sleeved silky dress in bronze color. It hugged my upper body to perfection. It was flowy from the waist down, falling below my knees. I knew the brand. This dress was expensive.

"Thank you for the clothes. You shouldn't have to." I smiled at him. He was about to say something, but he just waved his hand like it was nothing. 2 people came in at that moment bringing carts with deliciously smelling food. They organized everything on the dining room table. After they were done, they bowed and left. Every now and then, I see people bowing to Chad. The customs of the North are a little strange. I chuckled. Chad was sitting across me and looked at me amusingly.

"I like seeing you smile." He said as he piled food on my plate. I love how attentive he was to me. Jasper could take some lessons. Thinking of him, my face saddened. It was time I told Chad everything. "I know you have lots of questions, Chad. You might have noticed already that I'm marked." I touched the mark on my neck. One that in the past, I had always felt proud of. "You also know that I'm pregnant." His face turned serious, and I saw his Adam's apple rise and fall. "My mate is Alpha Jasper Holloway of Riverbank Pack." I heard a clatter on his plate. My eyes became watery all of a sudden. I do not wish to go back to him. He has a mistress. It would be better if I reported him to the council and the Lycan king. I'm not going to overwhelm Chad with all my troubles.

I wiped the tears of my eyes, and Chad was behind me in seconds. He put his hand on my shoulder and squeezed it lightly, sending the strength I needed to continue. I almost told him everything that Jasper did to me, but I still haven't even processed it myself. "We haven't been seeing eye to eye lately. I don't even think he knows I'm pregnant yet. I don't even think I want him to know. Jasper and I are fated mates. We were together for five years!" I felt Chad tense on my back, but he didn't say anything. "He's just not who I thought he was. Would you ever hurt your mate's feelings, Chad?"