Chapter Twenty-one: Rogues.

Amelia 's P.O.V

I woke to the rays of sunlight showering on my face and I try to sit up but groan when I felt my head pounding and my right arm heavy. I swallowed the lump in my throat and surveyed where I was. It was my room, I also notice the IV drip in my skin and the sling over my shoulder. Doctors had been here, and someone had changed me when I slept. My sheets weren't the ones I slept in yesterday and the scent in them told me it was new.

There was a glass of water on my nightstand so I breathed deeply and tried to pull myself up in a sitting position. My head swamped and I close my eyes to fight the nausea. Once clear, I grabbed glass of lukewarm water and gulped it. Then I glance at the bedside clock to see it was 9 in the morning. Last night event replayed in my head…

Reality hits me hard once more and I succumb to the instances of all supernaturals existence. If there were werewolves, sure will there be vampires and all other mystical beings. We read about them, watch them in movies and claim they were all myths without giving the thoughts that maybe they were after all real. If this was the life I am meant to start living, then I need to brace myself defensively for it. I almost got killed from stupidity, I really shouldn't have gone to the party when my guts told me not.

I'm honestly lucky when Stark saved me from Andrew who was a vampire. I shut my eyes as the image of his head being ripped off crossed my mind but then, if it wasn't for Stark, I would also have been dead and gone.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed and slowly slid onto the balls of my feet. I grab the cold white pole of my IV drip and slowly made way to my bathroom. I walk to the large mirror and observe my state.

My usual straight blonde hair was now wild and untamed, spiraling out of the ponytail I tyed to the party. My face looked fine, other than the red bruised hand mark round my neck from the choking I got last night. The large bandage wrapped around my right arm in a sling, hanging just below my breast had me wrinkling my nose in irritation. I tried to move it but found only my forearm could rotate without pain. So the pain had to be my shoulder.

I wanted a bath so badly but the IV drip I was hooked on and the bandages would make it difficult. I walk back into my room and just as I did, the door opened and Eva walked in.

She stopped and smiled widely when she saw me. “Oh, hey. I didn't know you were awake?“

“Hi…” I paused and eyed her, unsure of the words to say to her.

We hardly talked or had conversations, just greetings anytime I passed by. She's usually always busy making preparings for our meals.

“How do you feel?“ She asked, walking closer to check me over as I sat on my bed.

“I'm okay, just… a lit dizzy.“

She sat down beside me and I actively avoided her gaze.

“You hit your head pretty hard.“

“What else?“ I asked.

“Broken shoulder bone, few broken ribs too. Normally every werewolves heal in less than few minutes but yours isn't. You should heal completely within two to three days so we gave you some medicines to numb the pains in the meantime.“

Wait. I frowned and look down. “But why don't I heal like every other werewolves? Is there something wrong with me?“

She sighed and started removing the IV drip. “I need you to stop having the thoughts like that, there's nothing wrong with you. You heal faster than the rate a human does, I'm just not sure why you don't heal quickly like werewolves do. The reason could be that you recently shifted.“ She said, trying to reassure me and I exhaled.

You are special. The words suddenly rang in my head and I mentally scoffed at it. I don't seem to believe the 'special' word anymore.

“Do you need me to help you with anything?“ Eva asked and I shook my head.

“In that case, I should take my leave now.“ She stands up and walked to the door while I got lost in my thoughts.

I used to think I was special when I was young because I heal faster than any human could ever. Just for me to unexpectedly shift to a wolf.

I hear Eva call my name and I raise my head from where it was on the floor to see her at the door entrance.

“I know I haven't been there for you like I promised, I've been swamped here and there with duties. I just want you to know that I am here anytime you need someone to give you the listening hears.“ I nodded and managed to let out a small smile.

“Thanks.“ She returned the smile and left.

I don't know why everyone keeps assuming I need someone to confined in. First Stark's mum, then Lily and Now it's Eva….

Oh goodness, Lily! I left her at that party.

I look around the room for my phone and spotted it on my dressing desk. I got up and walked to it, grabbing my phone but then my heart sank when I chanced upon multiple missed calls. Fifteen from Stark, Ten from Tyler and three from Lily. Ignoring the first two because I know why they called, I dailed Lily's line. It rang and rang to no avail. Meaning, there was no answer.

I really hope she was okay.

Heaving a huge sigh, I put the phone away and strip off my clothes and the sling, I had to careful of my arm movements, but I managed. I walk into the bathroom, brushed my teeth and entered the shower. The warmth of the lukewarm water was embracing and comforting. I felt the irritatons wash away as my body slowly came to life with each passing moment.

Wrapping a bathrobe around me, I walk out of the bathroom and my eyes widened in suprise when I saw Stark in the room, armed crossed at his chest as he sat on my bed. Dark and tired eyes met mine, making my breath hitch in my lungs. A firm frown was his only features and yet it surprised me he didn't have any wrinkles with the amount of grimace on his face.

His dark hair was tousled and my hand twitched to run it through the curls. White shirt ruffled with some unbottoned went half way down but his trousers were neatly in place.

“H-Hi.“

I spoke up, shifting from one on foot to the other awkwardly when he didn't say anything and just continued to stare at me silently. It was always so difficult to guess what was going on his head.

“What the fuck were you doing there last night?“ he asks and I shiver as his voice, deep filled my ears. I took in a deep breath and got closer to him but almost staggered back at his heavenly scent.

I gulp. “I'm sorry.“

“Sorry's not enough!“ He suddenly yells. “Answer the damn question.“

My breath catches in my throat as memories of Helena yelling at me flash through my mind and I stagger back, taking few steps away from him.

My throat feels suddenly so dry that it was almost difficult to get any words out, but I managed to explain. “I went with Lily. She didn't want to go alone and pleaded for me to go with her.“

Shoving his hands in his hair, he stood up and starts pacing back and forth for a while before snapping his head towards me.

“Why didn't you tell me? Do you know what would have happened if I was a few minutes late from finding you? Or— do you hate me that much— that you wanted me to suffer?“

I've never seen Stark this angry before— so angry at me.

I swallowed the lump in my throat as I felt my eyes begin to water. “I didn't know something like that would happen."

He took a long stare at me and slowly the anger melts off his face. He exhaled deeply and moves closer before raising his hand to cup my cheeks gently. Goosebumps prickled at my skin and I press my head futher into his touch.

“That place is a territory for Rogues.“he says. “Something worst could have been done to you.“

“Rogues?“ I whispered.

He nods. “Yes, rogues. Not only that— there are other deadly beings lurking around. I will tell you but I insist you get dressed and get back to bed.“

I chewed on my bottom lip and nodded before pulling away.

“Are you okay?“ he asked, his voice quiet.

“I'm fine.“ I say and began making my snail pace to the closet. I got dressed in some white tank top and jeans before putting my sling back on. Once done, I head back to my room.

A smile makes its way on my face when I saw Stark sitted on my bed, heads down and tapping on his phone. As if sensing my presence, he raises his head to look at me and I slowly made my way to him. He makes space for me by shifting to the far end of the bed. I climb on it, resting my back on the bedboard and my stomach embarrassingly growls at the sight of a tray of food on my nightstand.

Stark chuckled, the sound making my heart flutter then went ahead to carry the tray of bacon sandwich.

“You need to eat.“ he says placing the tray on my lap.

I smile shyly. “Thanks.“

My attempt at eating took time, not wanting to rush myself in fear of nausea and the neverending gaze of Stark's eyes was on me all the while. He had hardly moved as I ate, a sigh leaves his lips as he explained what a rogue was.

“They are lone wolves.“ he began.

“Rebels and without a pack, either kicked out or ran away from their pack to live on their own in the wild. They are usually dangerous and threats to packs.“ He exhaled loudly and pauses.

“I know, I know I wasn't thinking right, I shouldn't have yelled at you. You are allowed to have fun. I need you to be extra careful, you can't just trust anyone.“

I've never seen Stark like this before— so concerned for me. His voice was gentle and my heart squeezed at his tone. Does he feel pity for me? Hell no.

“You are right.“ I say and paused, grabbing the cup of juice and gulping it down before continuing,

“I shouldn't have gone to the party. It was careless of me.“ I say, staring down at my now— cold meal. I lost the appetite to eat anyway.

Werewolves.

Mates.

Vampires.

Rogues.

Right, This is the life I'm meant to start living. A dangerous one and what happened yesterday proves I need to accept reality and be careful. I cannot let something like that happen ever again, what if there was no one around to save me. I can't always depend of the safety of others. I need to show him that I can manage myself.

I inhaled, letting my pulse slow for a moment before swinging my legs over the side of the bed. I held the tray of unfinished food and stand up.

When he didn't say anything for a long while. I held my breath and looked down at him. My words seemed to surprise him. His eyes was widened a fraction before a wrinkle appears between his brows. There's something in his eyes— sadness or pity, I can't seem to place my hand on it.

Eventually, he sighs loudly and slowly, hesitantly, stands up. His knuckles knock mine and he grabs the tray from my hand, dropping it on the nightstand. Then proceeds to intertwine his fingers into mine.

Strange.

I frown at the sudden gesture, feelings erupts from within me and i can't but wonder what was going through in his mind. Although my wolf was just purring at his touch and I had the vision of swatting her horny ass away.

“What happened?“ He asks and I frown, confused.

“At the party.“ he clarifies.

I open my mouth to start talking but then I notice his eyes go distant and he straightens up, head tilted like he was listening to something. His grasp in my hand goes tight and I watch as his eyes go dark.

I wince and try to pull my hand away from his tight grip. “You are hurting me.“

It takes him a second to hear my words. When he does, he glanced down to our hands and abruptly pulls away.

“What was that all about?“ I ask, frowning while stretching my aching fingers.

His jaw tightened as he stared at me. “Something's happening at the main pack house but don't worry about it, I just need you to do something for me.“

I nod slowly. “Okay…” Something in his voice, his expression makes me skeptical and uneasy.

“Stay inside, lock the door and please don't leave this room till I get back.“ He told me and with that, he was gone.