Chapter 8

Maxwell POV

On my way. Gemma is coming now.

“I’m not going to harm you,” I raise my arms in defense. “We want to help you heal and get better. That’s all. We’re not here to hurt you or to make you do anything you don’t want to.”

Those big brown eyes are swimming with tears again, and I can’t fathom how tired she must be. I want nothing more than for her to see the pack doctor, have a hot meal and a bath. It won’t solve everything, but it’ll be a start.

Ava emerges from the hall, and my mate jumps, her gaze flicking between us with quick intensity. “Hi,” Ava says gently, smiling towards her as she pauses by my side. “What’s your name?”

Those saddened eyes cloud with terror. She clamps down on her lip so hard it almost draws blood. I don’t like the sight of it; it’s like she’s trying to harm herself, and it sets my wolf off into a murderous frenzy. My lungs take down as much air as possible to calm these waves of fury.

“I’m Ava,” she introduces herself as she presses a hand to the center of her chest. “And this is Maxwell, my brother.”

The fear that radiates from her makes my stomach churn in agony. Bile rises in my throat. “What’s your name?” she asks again.

When she doesn’t reply, Ava takes a step forward. The girl shields herself with her arms. “It’s Laura,” she answers, her voice croaky. “Just please don’t hurt me.”

“We would never hurt you, Laura.”

Laura’s eyes soften a fraction at her voice.

“We want to help you,” she tries again.

“I don’t want your help!” Laura’s voice trembles. “I don’t know you.”

I shift between my feet. “No,” I admit. “You don’t. But if you don’t get that wound checked out, it could make Laura glance down at the gash in her stomach. It’s bloody and gooey. 

I have no idea how long it’s been like that, but I can already see the infection spreading. With her Luna genes, it won’t take long for it to dive into her bloodstream and end her life.

“Please let the doctors check you over,” I say again. “Then you can have something to eat, a soak in the bath, and fresh clothes.”

Laura’s eyes glisten at me, and she releases a quiet sob. “I’m so tired.”

I glance and she flashes me the same heartbreaking look. 

This is fucking destroying me. “Then, let us help you,” I take one step towards the bed. “It’ll only be a quick check-up with the doctor. We can go at your pace; you can stop for as many breaks as you want. You don’t need to fear us.”

Ava offers me a supportive smile. Thank the Goddess I’ve said the right thing rather than letting my possessive side get the better of me.

“Okay,” she whimpers, but the word is a struggle. “I don’t want a man touching me. I don’t want men anywhere near me.”

I nod in understanding. I’m right now. “Of course.”

My leading doctors arrived seconds later. They’re sisters who have been training as healers for the majority of their lives and are wise beyond their years. I greet Gemma and Alyssa at the door and welcome them inside the room.

“Good evening, Maxwell,” Alyssa bows, then her sister—using my name instead of my title in front of Luna. “It would be best if you left the room so we can examine her within her diaries.”

I meet Laura’s eyes. Her back is still firmly against the wall. “Sure.” I nod and focus on the pair of them. “Look after her, please, and do everything you can to heal that wound.”

“Of course, Maxwell.” Gemma offers me a smile.

A few moments later, I leave the room with Ava. I begin to pace the hall, a tight sensation clenching around my windpipe. “I don’t know how I can earn her trust.”

“Patience,” Ava states immediately. “This isn’t something that can be solved within hours or days. I see the way you’ve been looking at her, and I can tell you now, the last thing she needs is to be manhandled by you.”

My jaw grits at her words. “I didn’t manhandle her.”

“No, but I can see the thought racing through your mind. You need to gauge that self-control because this isn’t about you right now, Maxwell.” She huffs and throws her arms over her chest.

I pin her with a stare. “I am using every ounce of self-control not to try and comfort her because I know that isn’t what she needs.”

“Maybe we should head to the kitchen, and give Gemma and Alyssa some time,” Ava suggests.

I shake my head. “No. I want to be here to hear what they say.”

She sighs and leans against the wall. “Fine.”

“Thank you for what you did in the woods,” I say after a few moments.

“Well, I’d be stupid not to use the powers I was blessed with, hmm?”

I nod once. “Of course, one who was blessed by our witch ancestors, while I was left with nothing.”

The corner of Ava’s lip tilts. “You were given the Alpha title. I think that’s good enough.”

Ava’s abilities to heal are only half of what my pack doctors can achieve, but she possesses greater power elsewhere. The selfless things she has done for this pack, I’ll be forever thankful for.

Thirty minutes later, Gemma and Alyssa emerge.

“Alpha,” Alyssa directs towards me. “We have healed the wound on her abdomen. It’s clear of any infection. It will be sore for a while, but with rest and good nourishment, she’ll be healed in no time.”

I step forward. “Thank you, both,” I say heavily. “I’m extremely grateful.”

Gemma gives me a soft smile. “We know you are.”

“She’s asleep at the moment because we needed her to be still and calm when we cleaned the injury. But she should wake soon, and we recommend water and a small portion of food,” Alyssa says while straightening out her white shirt.

“Of course.” 

I nod and glance back at Ava. “I’ll have someone bring food over from the kitchen. Are there any other serious injuries we need to be aware of?”

“We’ve checked her over for broken bones and internal bleeding. One of her ribs is cracked, and she has sprained ankles. 

When she has enough strength, we’ll be able to heal the rest of her, but we need to take our time and not overwhelm her Luna body.” Gemma offers me a smile.

When Gemma and Alyssa dismiss themselves, I step back into the room with Ava by my side. I don’t loom over the bed to study her injury; I trust they’ve done the best they can.

“I think we need to give her some time to adjust,” Ava comments.

“Yeah.” I glance at my sister, but her focus is on Laura. “What is it?”

Ava’s eyes start to water, and her mouth opens, but nothing comes out. 

Oh, Goddess. Her voice echoes into my head.

“What’s happening?”