Chapter 2 - Summers

My eyes fluttered open, and I winced as bright light almost blinded my vision. I closed my eyes immediately, raising my hands over my face.

I heard a faint sigh and the sound of someone pulling the curtains down. I dropped my hand slowly as I observed my surroundings. The room looked expensive. It was furnished with things that probably cost more than anything I owned. The sweet scent of something hit me immediately.

It was a delicious scent of rain, earth, and forest. I finally realized where it was coming from. It was Reid's scent. I've never been near a werewolf whose scent was this overwhelming,  not even my dad.

I tried to sit up, and I immediately winced at the sharp pain. Reid was at my bedside in seconds.

“Easy there, you broke a few ribs from your impact with the tree.” My eyes almost fell out of their socket.

Broken ribs?

Those fools were paid to give me a few injuries, not totally kill me off. I gritted my teeth as I tried to sit up. Reid's hands gently found mine. My breath hitched as I stared at him.

I got lost for a few seconds. His eyes were dark. They seemed to hypnotize me almost immediately as I found myself staring at the dark, stormy swirls of his eyes without having any intention of breaking the gaze. His lashes fluttered, casting a faint shadow on his sharp cheekbones that seemed to be in perfect facial harmony with his jawline.

He was fricking handsome.

I could swear that I forgot to breathe for a few minutes as his hands still lightly lay on mine, the contact sending sparks flying through my body.

His face card was lethal. As much as I hated his family, I had to admit that to myself. Immediately, I snapped out of my trance and brushed his hand off me, my eyes flashing with anger before I could control my emotions, but Reid didn't notice.

I winced as I tried to get up again.

“You need to let me help you. You have been blacked out since yesterday, and I thought your wounds would have healed before you woke up, but I guess those bastards roughed you up pretty badly. I should have ripped them apart when I got the chance.”

I couldn't let him know I was part human and werewolf, so my healing was slower than necessary. I didn't meet his gaze as I allowed him to help me sit up.

My chest screamed, but I bit my lip, trying to make sure no sound slipped out.

“Thank you,” I managed to say. I decided to test my luck and find out how much he was willing to be comfortable enough to have me in his pack.

“I'll be leaving by evening. I have something important to do. I'm sorry for the inconvenience…”

“No, no, not at all. I'll suggest you stay here for a few days until you get better. I doubt you can make it far in this condition.” I fought the urge not to smirk. I was definitely not leaving anytime soon, but he doesn't have to know.

“Thank you. I was trying to find my uncle. I mistakenly wandered into the forest until those rogues decided I might look like their next meal. I'm genuinely grateful for helping me.”

Reid stared at me with an expression I couldn't decipher.

“You don't have to thank me, ok? It's my duty as your ma…” he paused immediately as if he was about to say something he shouldn't.

“I mean, it's my duty as the Alpha of this pack to make sure things are in order.”  I forced out a smile while I tried to stop myself from hurling something at his annoyingly handsome face.

“Let me go and arrange how your meal will be prepared since you're awake now.” I nodded with a small smile. He smiled back at me gently, and my smile drained off my face immediately. The door shut behind him.

I placed my hand on my midriff since my chest was off limits for now as I scanned the room. It was neatly arranged, the soft bedding enveloping me. I could tell that I wouldn't have much trouble falling asleep on it.

I wanted to reach for my phone and tell my uncle that I've successfully caught Reid's attention, but I fought the urge.

I need to study my surroundings first before I take a risky step like that. I stayed in bed, not daring to move until the door opened and a lady in a maid's uniform stepped inside with a tray of perfectly plated food. She placed it beside my bed with a polite smile, and I smiled back at her as she retreated. I tried reaching for it and immediately relaxed back at the smarting pain.

The door opened again, and Reid stepped inside. He stared at the food and stared at me before he finally spoke up.

“Should I help you with that?”

“No thanks,” I interrupted immediately, and I almost winced. I was doing a terrible job at hiding my hate for him or anyone related to him. As if trying to prove that I didn't need his help, I leaned forward. If my bones could talk, they would be screaming in protest, but I ignored it as I managed to pick up a cutlery, which immediately fell out of my hand as I couldn't endure it anymore. A small wince escaped my lips, and Reid was beside me in seconds.

He was really fast when it came to changing his position.

“Let me help you with that,” he said softly as if I didn't just turn him down a few seconds ago. I wanted to refuse the meal at that point, but I was too hungry. Besides, the food looked way too appetizing for me to waste it.

I let out a silent curse and forced out a smile.

“Sure.”