Chapter 4

Alpha Callan's POV

When Drevan informed me of a trespasser at the border, I wasn't interested.

I had ordered him to kill whoever it was on the spot; I’m not interested in entertaining such people.

However, he came back and did the opposite of what I ordered.

He even brought her here to our base. "Damn it," I cursed as I walked with him towards the pack clinic where the woman was currently being examined.

“Did you check her for bombs and other sample substances?” I asked randomly as we drew closer to the clinic.

“She was unconscious when we found her, so we were careful not to disturb her,”

A sigh of frustration left my lips as I realized he had been playing it safe. If she had been injured and they moved her too much, it could have resulted in more injuries, even internally.

As much as I detested spies and liars, the idea of causing harm to someone else didn't sit well with me either.

“That's fine,” I muttered as I walked into the clinic. Drevan held the door open for me, and the minute we had both passed, he released it, and it swung back in place.

The staff got up once they recognized me and began to greet me.

I merely nodded my head in response and followed Drevan as he led the way to her room.

As I neared the room, I suddenly felt some tightness in my chest, which was strange because I was an Alpha, and there was no way I was nervous.

“Here, Alpha,” Drevan announced as he stopped in front of a door. “After you…”

He bowed slightly, and I yawned as I walked further and opened the door.

The room smelled like hospitals, literally, but there was also the distinct scent of femininity, which I picked up on.

“How are you feeling…?” I started to ask, but the rest of the words got stuck in my throat as my eyes widened. “Kayla?”

Her expression mirrored mine eventually, and we both stared at each other in disbelief.

For her it was probably more since I was presumed to be dead.

“You?!!! But how is that even possible?”

“Kayla?” I called her name immediately, as I was surprised to see her after all those years had passed.

She spluttered, and I found it amusing as I waited for her to gather her thoughts.

“You are dead, well, so we thought,” she finally remarked, and I knew that wasn't what she intended to say.

I shrugged and eyed Drevan, who got the messages and immediately excused himself.

Once we were alone, I sat at the edge of her bed and took her hand in mine. “I'm alive, but it's a long story,” I gritted my teeth as flashes from my past rushed back into my head. “Just rest, and when you're fit enough, we'll talk about it.”

She opened her mouth to say something, but I pretended not to see it as I rose to my feet.

“I'll be waiting outside in case you need anything.” I informed her and then let myself out.

What were the odds that the trespasser I had wanted them to get rid of would be someone from my past?

Drevan joined me as I left the room and eyed me questioningly.

“What is it?” I rolled my eyes.

“Nothing, Alpha, but…,” he started to say, and I groaned.

“Go on,” whatever he'd say I might not like, but knowing Drevan, he'd find a way to say it anyway.

“I don't think we should trust her, especially if she's someone from your past,” he continued, and I narrowed my eyes.

He had a point about the past part, but about Kayla, I trust Kayla.

She had been somewhat of a friend, and I could see it from the onset. Even though at some point she changed, I know my brother definitely poisoned her mind, and I knew perfectly well that my brother didn't deserve her, but it wasn't my place to suggest anything.

“Have you even asked her any questions about what happened to her and how she ended up at the border?” He added when I didn't respond. “What if your brother sent her as a spy?”

I shook my head instantly. “Kayla would never do such a thing,” but even as I said that, I fought back a nagging sense of doubt in the back of my head.

“I'd advise you to run a background check on her, just to be safe.” He summarized, and I thought about it.

He had a valid point. For all I knew, Kayla could have turned into a monster all these years, and since I wasn't there, I wouldn't know. And she loves her husband too much, so Drevan definitely has a point.

Could she be working for my brother, perhaps?

A man wearing a white coat walked past us and entered into Kayla's room, breaking my thoughts.

I charged forward to go after him, but Drevan stopped me, holding me back.

“Let the doctor do his job,”

It didn't take long, and in less than a minute, he was back outside with a large grin on his face.

A scowl took over my features as I watched him. Why was he so cheerful?

“She'd like to see you,” he told me as he reached us, and I gave him a firm nod.

Drevan tried to hold me back again, but I shrugged his hand off and ordered him to stay outside.

Kayla was sitting up when I entered the room, and she raised her head, sending me a broad smile.

“Hey,”

I took the seat closest to the bed, unsure what to make of the warm welcome she was giving me. “What's going on? How are you feeling?”

She nodded. “I feel great, so…” You said you wanted to talk, and I've been curious about everything and couldn't wait to hear it.”

I shook my head in disbelief. “Well, this isn't a pretty story.” I warned as I started speaking.

“I'm listening,” she assured me, and I took a deep breath.

“Jackson was also jealous of me because, according to him, our parents always showered me with more attention, especially our father.”

“Was this true?” She asked, her tone light, airy, and soft.

“I don't know because I was always occupied with Alpha duties and warrior training; there was no space to think of anything else.”

She nodded as I spoke, and I found myself telling her almost everything.

I didn't know if telling her the whole story would be a good idea because, for all I know, she might actually be a spy. She used to be so in love with Jackson, so it's hard trusting her right now.

“What happened to you? And why were you found there?” I asked her curiously, and her facial expression changed immediately when she heard the question I asked. I could immediately tell she didn't want to talk about it.

“I was at the front line fighting hard, not knowing that it had all been a trap.” I swallowed and paused for a bit to control my emotions.

“So much has happened since you were announced dead, Susan…”

“Mom, tell me, how’s she doing?” I asked her as I was struggling not to get emotional.

“She didn't take it well; she blamed herself too much for sharing her attention. She's been treating Jackson well, but she's never around, though she said she'll be returning soon for your remembrance.” I held back the tears as firmly as I could.

Though it wasn't easy to hear such a thing.

“Why don’t you return home? Your mom and everyone will be happy to see you.”

“A lot has happened; I need to take my revenge on the person that tried to kill me first.”

“I'm so sorry you have to live far from your family.” She whispered with unshed tears in her eyes, and I shifted uncomfortably in my seat.

Unable to sit still any longer, I got up and slipped my hands in my pocket. “You should rest now.”

“But the rest of the story…” she started to say, but I cut her off.

“You'll hear it some other time,” I told her just as the door opened and Drevan walked in with one of my warriors. “Nyx, what are you doing here?”

She bowed and eyed Kayla briefly as she raised her head. “I came to see you. How are you feeling?” She asked, directing the question at Kayla even if her eyes remained on me.

“I'm fine, thank you. Callan, can we…?”

I shook my head. “I'll see you later.” At the door, I stopped and turned to face her. “You're safe here, Kayla, so you don't have to worry about anything. My home is yours.”