6: More Bad News

CARLOS

Ever since I took over as the Alpha, bad things have been happening. First, it was my father, and now I almost lost Cameron. All because of the damn rogues. A word about the passing of the great Alpha of the Green Hill pack, aka my father, has spread, which puts our pack in the line of vision for unseen attacks.

Four days ago, I was in the arena training when we heard a scream. Strangely enough, we weren't able to scent the vile creatures, which means they had masked their scents. And the most disturbing thing is they were able to break past our magical barrier unnoticed, which means they have to be dealing with a witch as well. And though Jeremy and our other witches have reinstated the boundary, I am still not confident that we won't get attacked again. It's a common thing when an Alpha dies and a younger person takes over. Challenges arise, both internal and external. Luckily, none of my pack members has attempted anything. Not even my brother.

Looking at a clueless Cameron, I can't help but wonder if it's the universe giving me a second chance with him. If I had been a minute late, his throat would have been torn off. The kind of fear I felt that day was paralyzing. I knocked the rogue off him and gathered his bleeding, limp body in my hands. I could feel like life was draining out of him. And I was so paralyzed in fear of losing him, that I missed the rogue which flew behind me, ripping Juliet apart.

And for the last four days, I have been beating myself for that, as I waited for him to wake. I knew he would blame me and I do blame myself too, so I was prepared. But now that he is awake, he doesn't remember that horror, I am not eager to tell him about it. Call me selfish, but I would rather not be the one to break his heart and tell him that the only person who loved him is dead.

“When can I go home, Carlos?” My mate asked sadly. I looked at his bruised body helplessly. He will at least need a week to recuperate.

“I will ask the doctor, little one.” He didn't seem satisfied with my answer. He grunted under his breath, thinning his lips. “You need to completely heal first.”

That was my way of saying I don't know what to do with you once you leave this hospital, and I will need time to figure it out. I was thinking of asking the witches' for help. They can accommodate him for a while as I try to figure out how to deal with my pack and council. I am yet to make my stand on my choice of mate and at this particular point, I don't need to make the pack members fear for their safety more. And mating Cameron will do that. They need to keep hoping that their Alpha will find a dominant she-wolf to rule beside him.

“A word, Alpha.” The pack doctor Beatrix gave a look that said all is not well. And I think Cameron deciphered it as well because once I pushed my seat back and stood, he whimpered attempting to reach out for my hand.

“I am coming back,” I assured, leaning to kiss his forehead, and stepped outside with the good doctor.

“What is, Bea.” She and I have been friends since childhood and went to school together as well.

“Those last scans we have done suggest that he has an intervertebral hemorrhage.” She said pitifully. For a minute, I just stood there staring at her, wondering if I had got him back just to lose him again.

“Carl,” She prompted, pulling me out of my reverie. I blinked, begging her to save him. “We need to operate on him promptly before it's too late.” She said urgently, making me nod.

“Do you think that's why he has lost his memories?”

“No,” she said calmly. “But let's see what happens after we stop the bleeding.”

“Okay,” I breathed.

“I will get the team ready,” she whispered. “But you should go say your goodbyes, just in case.” My eyes widened.

“Do you mean….?” I couldn't even bring myself to say it out loud. My palms suddenly became sweaty, and my breath began coming out in short pants. I was close to hyperventilation. This has to be my punishment for rejecting him. Why else would I think he was safe, only to have him in the blink of death again?

“Come down, Carl.” Bea rubbed my back soothingly, but it didn't help. All I felt was the need to empty my guts. “You have to go in there,” she attempted to steer me towards the door.

“I can't,” I sobbed, feeling totally helpless. “I can't say goodbye, not to him.” I whimpered, leaning against the wall, and slid down until my butt touched the cold concrete. I pulled my knees in and buried my head between them. “I can't lose him…” I began chanting aimlessly. “Anyone but him.”

“I will do my best, Carlos,” Bea promised. “But I don't have time to comfort you.” She drawled dryly. “So get your ass up, march in there, and tell him anything you would want him to know. So, that if this goes south…”

She didn't finish her thought. But she didn't have to. She wanted me to say goodbye to Cameron before it was too late, for she had no guarantees that he would leave her operating table.

“Go,” it's the last thing she said before I watched her stiletto-clad feet saunter away. I took in a deep breath and exhaled through the mouth a couple of times, and then stood. But despite how much I had prepared myself internally, I broke down the instant I saw his face.

“Am I going to die?” He asked softly, making me increase my strides towards him. I climbed into bed with him and laid my head on his chest.