Chapter 2 The Wake

Chapter Two: The Wake

Demons warp the truth so we can embrace the lies.

Ella’s POV

“I love you Ella,” Liam says as he kisses my forehead. It is the first time he has told me that and I feel like I can’t breathe. We had only been seeing each other for three weeks now, and he has completely consumed me. I have never felt like this before. “I love you too,” I whisper as I look up into his eyes. I know it’s too soon for these kind of feelings but I mean every word that leaves my lips. I am madly in love with Liam Knight.

My eyes dart open and panic floods me at full force. It takes me a moment to realize that I still had Xavier in my arms. Looking on the wall I see that it’s only three am. Thank God, that means I only fell asleep for a few hours. I know I need more sleep to keep going the way I have been but I am so close to reaching my goal. I will get Xavier far away from all of this. I look down and my heart swells at how beautiful he is. His mouth starts moving and I have learned this is his indicator that he’s hungry. I pull out my breast and have him latch on. Instantly he starts feeding. After a bit his mouth opens and milk starts to pour out. I smile at how much of a little piglet he is becoming.

“That’s right little one, rest well we have a long trip ahead of us,” I whisper to him as he starts to close his eyes once again. Before I know it, I fall back asleep holding on tightly to my world.

The morning slams by quickly with the nurse coming in scorning me for falling asleep with Xavier again.

“Ella hunny we have talked about this. It really isn’t safe for you to fall asleep with the baby. Anything could happen and you wouldn’t even know it. What would you do if he accidently slipped out of your arms? I know it’s not easy letting him go but I really wish you would consider the nursery for a couple hours just while you sleep,” the nurse says.

I know they are just doing their job and warning me of the dangers of holding him while I am asleep, but they have no idea what dangers I have seen. My thoughts immediately turn to the idea that he is much safer in my arms than in a nursery while I try to get some sleep.

Not that they understand that and why would they. To them I am just a new time mommy who doesn’t want to let her baby go. My face turns red as I apologize yet again, promising that this will be the last time. Which technically isn’t a lie since I have demanded to be discharged with Xavier.

The nurse comes in with some forms I need to sign before we can get the ball on a roll. I stop at the question that says driver. I know that this is going to complicate things and I know the hospital’s policy. It isn’t the first time the question has been asked, but I have been able to easily advert the attention to other pressing matters. I decide it is best to answer it truthfully considering the nurse is going to try and wheel me down to my ghost driver.

“Ella I strongly discourage you from driving yourself and Xavier home. You lost a lot of blood during delivery and there may still be some lingering side effects due to it. Technically you shouldn’t even be leaving the hospital so soon, but I won’t get into that topic with you again,” Dr. Chavez is calmly explaining to me for the third time. I know that he means well but the less people I have to come into contact with the better. It truly is safer that way for everyone involved. I smile politely at the Dr.

“ I understand your concerns Dr. but like I said before I will be fine I promise and I truly don’t have anyone that would be able to drive me.” I state to him, he sighs and exits the room looking sad.

Dr. Chavez’s POV

I scratch my head as I approach Mindy. “This patient is cryptic at times it concerns me a bit. I feel like there is a lot more behind her politeness and smiles. I can see the fear and sadness in her eyes and it breaks my heart. I wish there was a way to help the poor girl,” I state to the nurse.

“I have heard her cry and have seen the tears more than once since she has been here. I try to get her to open up but she simply won’t. She’s such a sweet girl and an attentive new momma. She is adamant about leaving today but I will try and persuade her to at least not drive herself,” Mindy says with sincerity.

With that Mindy walks away. I don’t know what story Ella has to tell, but I sense it’s not a pretty one. I have seen many patients come and go, but she is quite the puzzle indeed. Many times I have thought about calling the authorities but the woman seems to be so fearful I was afraid she would up and vanish. She isn’t fully healed from the blood loss and I insisted on her staying at least a week to regain her strength, but Ella looked like she would jump out the window before she stays another day. The best I can do now is hope she finds her way and makes it safe with her baby.

Ella’s POV

Next comes in nurse Mindy. She has been so kind to me, It truly makes me miss the simple conversations with people. She definitely is a chatty woman and I have enjoyed the distraction. I have learned she has been divorced twice and has two children. She genuinely smiles every time she talks about Avery, her daughter and Emmett her son. I have learned about the horrors of some mommy groups and the joys she has with her play dates. She has told me repeatedly that she would love for Xavier and I come visit her home. I smile and agree but know that will never happen. Come this time tomorrow I will be in another state completely. I truly will miss her. In a different world I could see us being good friends.

“Hey hun, the Dr. told me you would need to sign this paper before we can release you. It’s a waiver stating that since you are discharging early and will be driving yourself, you understand it’s against the Drs. orders and accept full responsibility once you step out of the hospital. I hate to even bring this paper in here, are you sure no one can pick you up? Heck if you want I can drive you guys myself,” she exclaims.

“ You’re too sweet Mindy, but honestly I will be fine,” I say with a fake smile plastered to my face.

I take the paper from Mindy and sign it before she can protest any further. Mindy looks so sad as I hand her the form. Before she walks out of the room she stops and hands me a piece of paper.

“This is my number, if you need anything Ella, even if it’s just to talk please don’t hesitate to call,” she smiles weakly at me and before I can utter a word she walks out of the room.

Just a couple more hours and we can finally leave. I start to pack up our room, even though I didn’t bring much. I would rather be ready the moment they give me the ok. Xavier starts squirming in his little crib and I decide to go ahead and feed him now that way we can get some distance before stopping to feed again. If it wasn’t for all the benefits of breastfeeding I would have considered bottle feeding to save some time.

Honestly my favorite part is the skin to skin. There has never been a greater feeling than having him snuggled up to me and providing him with what he needs. The way he puts his tiny little hand around his face, and stares at me with his beautiful wide eyes. How he nods off into a milk coma every time he is completely full. I don’t know how I will ever tire from watching him. Only a day old and already filled with so many little expressions and movements.

Finally the time has come. Xavier and I can leave. Anticipation mixed with fear and excitement consumes me as I say my goodbyes to the staff. Taking a quick glance at the room that offered us sanctuary in such trying times, a smile forms on my face. That is a habit I have formed these past several months. No matter how short a time, I always take a moment to appreciate the places I have been silently thanking the walls for providing safety. I buckle Xavier in his car seat and kiss the top of his forehead.

“It’s time my sweet prince,” I say to him as we exit towards the elevator. One step closer I tell myself. Once the elevator doors open I enter and push the G for garage. I grab my keys and head out of the elevator, each step feeling more accomplished than the next. As we make it to the car I remind myself of the steps I had seen in the video to securely fasten Xavier’s car seat into the car.

They made it seem so much easier in the damn video I think to myself. I had already secured the base before I arrived here but for some reason I can’t get the car seat to latch on the bar. Repeatedly going over the steps I realize what I was doing wrong. I finally get the seat to latch to the base and smile down at Xavier.

“Silly mommy was skipping over an entire step,” I say as I chuckle.

“Don’t worry baby boy just a few more hours and we will be there,” I whisper as I kiss the top of his head. Closing his door I sigh in relief. I really did this, I got us to this point. I feel like I am on top of the world at this moment. It was a short bubble of happiness though, for when I turn around my entire body freezes.

“tsk tsk Ella, you won’t be able to get away that easily,” Liam says gritting his teeth.

Liam’s POV

Why the fuck would she hide something like this. Eight months, eight fucking months of trying to find her and this is what I find. Part of me wants to storm back into the hospital and tear apart anyone who stands in my way of getting back to my mate. Did she already have the baby? Is it a boy, a girl? My mind can’t stop spiraling with so many unanswered questions.

Why did she run in the first place? We spent four months together and the next thing I know, she vanishes into thin air. I constantly replay that day in my head. Trying to figure out what caused everything to spiral downhill. No matter how many times I relive that day, I can’t seem to find a clue of what went wrong.

I woke up before she did and just watched her in awe. Even after four months together I still couldn’t get enough of her. Her beautiful chocolate hair covered her face. I carefully swept it behind her ear and her sleepy eyes looked into mine. The smile on her face was true and genuine. “I love you Ella,” I said as I kissed the top of her forehead.

“ And I love you Liam,” She said before snuggling into my chest and falling back to sleep.

I have replayed that moment in my head multiple times a day. She looked so genuine when she told me she loved me. Was it all a lie, and for what reason? Many of the pack members have told me to ask the moon goddess for a second chance mate, but I won’t do that. Ella, it is now and always that I will want Ella. I know it doesn’t seem healthy but without her I am not whole. Even after everything that has happened, I would take her back in my arms if she asked me to.

It took me resorting to finding a witch to track her down. I don’t like messing with witches. They always have some kind of hidden agenda and the price is a lot higher than simple money.

Aleigha was her name. She told me when the time was right she would collect what’s hers. With those words she vanishes. After three weeks she finally calls Carter and reminds him that payment will be due when she sees fit. Always so fucking cryptic witches are.

Luckily after doing my research I was able to find out she is not a sinister witch so I will gladly pay whatever price I must. I couldn’t believe after all this time, I finally knew where she was hiding. Just to find out she has been in an entire fucking state away and apparently carrying a child. I have to figure out what to do. I know my anger gets the best of me most times and in this case, I have to stay calm.

I decide the best plan of action is to go to the parking garage first. Maybe I can find her scent and figure out what vehicle she is using. With luck her car will be here. I know it is a longshot but it’s the only option I have right now. It doesn’t take me long to find her car. Smart girl had gotten a new vehicle, which makes sense why my scouts never got a ping on her old one.

I give Carter a call back and apologize for being such a dick. I know none of this is his fault. He has been right by my side trying to help me. Even to the point where he hasn’t had much time with his own mate. Once this is all said and done I’m going to need to give him some time off so he can spend some much needed time with his family.

I tell him that I located Ella and plan to bring her back to the pack house. Or at least that is what I am hoping. I don’t give him the details of why Ella was here in the first place. That is information I will be keeping to myself until I figure what the fuck happened. Carter knows not to utter a word, not even to his mate about what is going on and with that I bid him a good night.

I sit in this parking lot for ten fucking hours without even a hint of Ella returning to her car. Son of a Bitch I bet she is leaving the car behind and taking another route of transportation. That thought crossed my mind in the beginning, but I was grasping for straws. I couldn’t just sit in front of the hospital waiting for her to come out. I don’t know what it will be like seeing Ella after so long, but considering she upped and left I’m going to assume the reunion isn’t going to be a happy one.

I am about to pull my phone out when it hits me. The smell of lavender and honey fills my nose. I whip my head around and see her entering the parking garage. Even from a distance she is as beautiful as ever. She’s carrying a car seat, making my heart feel like it’s being squeezed. Whatever the sex is of that baby, that’s my child. Sorrow consumes me over the fact that I have a child and didn’t even know. How can she be so heartless? Not only did she run away , she took my child right along with her. Is that the reason she ran away? All of the what ifs start running through my mind as my eyes focus on her every move.

I stay in my car and watch her carry the baby to the backseat. She is so focused that I can hear her talking step by step of how to fasten the seat. Then I hear it. Baby boy. A son, I have a son. Pride fills my heart. Even not knowing what my child looks like I am over joyed. I exit my car and walk towards them as she continues to shuffle around in the back. My heart starts pounding uncontrollably. Mixed with hurt and anger I take bigger strides to get to her. Right as she turns around I see the fear in her face. Why the fuck is there fear?

Seeing her face turns my emotions from anger to confusion. I feel like I am about to lose all control at that very moment. I can hear her heart quicken, or is that my own? Fuck at this point I don’t even know.

“tsk tsk Ella, you won’t be able to get away that easily,” I say through gritted teeth.