Chapter 3 Injured

Linda POV

"Don't you want to welcome me, Linda?"

I was doing coursework in the library when I smelled pine mixed with bergamot. It was a familiar scent, belonging to someone who shouldn't be here.

And he finally made his appearance, sitting in front of me while closing the book I was reading.

It seemed like he ignored the warning I gave him a while ago because he was here instead of staying away from me.

He grabbed my book and opened it randomly.

"What are you doing here?"

"Being a student like you, an art student."

"I mean, what did you move in for? To follow me? Jude, you know that-"

"I know you moved here to find out who was involved in your parents' murder in the past. You got information from someone and he said that the culprit was in this area so you decided to transfer campus so that the disguise would be easier and you could take revenge easily. Am I right?"

I reflexively looked around me. If anyone heard what he just said, my cover would be blown.

"It's none of your business."

"It's my business too because you're my people, Linda. Instead of figuring it out yourself, you can involve me because I might be able to help you."

I sighed. I don't know how many spies I had hired but none of them knew about the group of criminals that attacked me six years ago, which made my mom and dad leave me forever. That group of criminals seemed to be swallowed up by the earth after wiping out my family and I only got the news that one of them was still alive until now from the last informant I had. And he said that someone is right here on this campus.

"If I knew your purpose for leaving Pack Dryden in the first place, then I wouldn't have sent my men to follow you. But I would have intervened directly."

That's why I didn't tell you, Jude. You've always wanted to interfere in my affairs. It's no longer a favor, but you want to dominate my life. You're not my guardian.

"Thanks but I can do it myself."

"I won't ask for anything in return, really. As always, I'm happy when I help you."

"Can we talk about that another time? I don't have much time."

"I'll wait for you until you're done."

I sighed. Apparently even subtlety couldn't get him to stay away from me.

I packed my things because the practice appointment was in a few minutes. As for Jude, he followed me behind, unfazed by the students' stares.

Those who witnessed the game last time knew who we were, the opposing team turned friends. So I understood the meaning of their stares.

"You're joining cheer again?"

"I think your spies already told you that."

He opened the door and I walked in. It turns out that everyone has gathered. Hazel, Drake, and the others were getting ready in their places.

This is really the perfect time to create rumors and I hate it.

"You know, I'm also waiting for a decision to join the hockey team."

What? I don't understand his thoughts. At our old college he was already the captain and now he wants to drop down to a regular player position? That doesn't sound like the real him.

But I didn't want to ask any more questions and just joined the cheer team, leaving him sitting on the bleachers.

*****

I should have landed my right foot first but instead I landed my left which made me fall. My leg twisted and my arm scratched my shoe and bled. Now the ice rink floor had a new pattern from my blood drops.

"Oh my gosh Linda!" Hazel rushed over to me and checked my condition. "Sorry, I didn't hold you properly."

"It's not your fault, Hazel. Things like this happen all the time. It's just a minor incident."

I tried to stand up but my leg was still hurting and it almost made me fall again. But it was prevented by Drake who suddenly held my body. He put one hand on my waist and the other on my shoulder.

"Please help me take Linda to the campus clinic," Hazel said.

But the unexpected happened. Drake lifted my body, carried me in front of him bridal style and then left without saying anything to the others.

I was still speechless so I didn't say anything when Drake carried me out of the building. Even as we passed many students in the hallway to the clinic still in our training clothes, I could only see Drake's face without daring to look at the others.

He moved quickly, in a hurry. I didn't even realize that we had arrived at the clinic.

He put me on the bed and then got busy looking for medicine. I should have stopped him but the words didn't come out of my mouth.

As a result, when he came back, he was surprised to see that the wound on my hand had healed itself, only a trace of blood remained. As for my leg, it had returned to its original position, no longer dislocated.

Yes, I have healing abilities. Any wound whether inside or outside will heal itself shortly after I'm injured. That's faster than the average werewolf. And that ability doesn't only apply to me, but I can also use it to heal anyone else I want.

"So that's your ability?"

Now I couldn't be evasive anymore. "You're going to tell the others?"

Drake put the medicine box in his hand and pulled out a chair to sit down. "You know it's a rare ability, right?"

I know, that's why I've been trying to hide it from others including him since we first met. I didn't want to be taken advantage of because of my ability.

He held my arm that still had blood stains on it and started cleaning it. When I wanted to pull away, he held it tighter. "If you don't cover it up, people will know."

Again, it was like I was under a spell. I let him bandage my arms and legs as if they were injured. It was a good idea anyway because surely the others would ask if they saw me healed right after getting injured.

"Why did you suddenly move to Willow? Answer honestly, I hate hearing lies. I can't read your mind but that doesn't mean I can't guess if your answer is honest or not."

I took a deep breath. "For sure it has nothing to do with you. I'm not your stalker and I'm not interested in you. Does my answer satisfy you?"

"I need another answer."

I cross my arms. "Before I answer, I want to know why you're against girls. I mean, I know they're attracted to you, but it's not like you're attracted to girls. Why do you hate us?"

I could see his jaw tighten and his pupils dilate. It seemed like my question had shaken his peace.

"I'm only interested in girls who aren't interested in me."

His answer was unexpected. I thought he would answer that we were slutty like he said implicitly 6 months ago at the nightclub.

"But not all-"

"Linda, are you okay?"

We all looked at Jude who had just arrived. Again, he was there in every situation.

"As you can see," I replied shortly.

Suddenly Jude kicked the chair Drake was sitting on which made him stand up immediately.

Oh man, I don't want a fight here. Getting involved with them gives me a headache.

"What's your problem?" Drake asked vehemently.

As for Jude, he smiled wryly. "She's my people. She's my responsibility not yours. I'm here now so I expect you to leave. Thank you for your help."

I stood up immediately. "I'll go. You guys stay here and finish your business."

I thought they were going to have a real fight, but Jude came after me and matched his pace with mine.

He looked back a few times before finally whispering to me. "You know why I kicked him out? Because he's not a nice guy."

"Since when you can judge others?"

"I can give you a clue about what happened six years ago. I came here not only to follow you either, but I was trying to protect you, Linda."

I stopped my steps instantly. "Protect me from who? What do you know about my past?"

"After I found out your purpose for moving, I researched all the packs here. Judging from its reputation, Pack Houghton is the one that often makes trouble, especially their Alpha, Drake Radley. According to my confidant, he's always been obsessed with werewolves with healing abilities because they're so rare. And just now he learned that you are the owner of that ability. I'm sure he'll make a move sooner or later. So I want to warn you now. Don't go near him."

"Jude, I don't understand what you mean. What does Drake have to do with my parents?"

"You once said that you heard one of the assassins say that they were looking for a 'healer', and that was you, right? I think now you can connect what Drake's role is here. He was hunting you, Linda. He was looking for you and now he's found you."