Kemira

“You have been here three days now.” I gasp and look to Takoa. Has he really been in my room for three days? Why would he do that? Maybe he wanted to keep an eye on me. Make sure I didn’t cause any problems. “I see you haven’t gotten your wolf yet? That would help with the healing process.”

“No ma’am. I didn’t get my wolf when I turned eighteen.” I reply, and I swear I hear Takoa exhale in disappointment.

“Well, that’s quite normal. Usually, you don’t get your wolf until you are twenty. You just had a birthday, so it could be any day now.” I wonder why I’m due to get my wolf at twenty? Everyone I knew got theirs at eighteen. Maybe it’s a Canadian thing.

“You have healed up nicely. Your bloodwork and tests all show great improvement. I’m ready to release you. I’ll get started on your discharge papers.” Dr. Monroe smiles at me.

“Okay.” That is all I can think to say. I look around, and the older woman is smiling at me. Everyone here smiles. Well, except for the lycan king. He looks pissed and he is still on his phone. I have to find a way to get out of here before he returns me to my old pack. I’m so far away that I can really make some distance before Alpha Leopold catches up with me. Dr. Monroe steps out and the room after speaking with the lycan king.

“Hello, dear, I’m Queen Delilah. You’ve met Takoa and Chelsea. It is so nice to meet you.”

“Thank you, my queen.” I bow my head. She is beautiful with dark brown hair pulled into a bun and sparkling blue eyes. She carries herself like a queen. So regal. I keep looking at Takoa, who is pacing back and forth, typing away on his phone. Goddess, I’m so preoccupied with what he is doing. I don’t hear the queen speaking to me.

“I’m sorry, my queen?” I look between her and her son. I can see he got his eyes from his mother. The Queen smiles and looks over her shoulder at what, or rather who, has my attention. I quickly look away, not wanting to be rude.

“I was just saying we would love to have you finish recovering in the castle, where you will have around-the-clock care.”

“Oh goddess, I couldn’t impose.” I begin.

“Nonsense. It is already being taken care of. We want you to get better, and we will go from there. Okay?” Queen Delilah states, and I know I can’t overrule the queen. Yet King Takoa looks more upset with this plan.

“I will be here to help you get adjusted. You can reach out to me anytime. Oh, we probably should get you a phone. So you can reach us.” Chelsea rambles. “I will help you any way I can.”

I nod as I hear my stomach rumble. Goddess, how embarrassing!

“For starters, let me get you some food. Well, start with soup and Jell-O. Since you haven’t eaten solid food since before your arrival.”

“Let me get back to the castle so I can make sure everything is set up for you.” Queen Delilah takes my hand and squeezes it as she heads for the door.

I’m really confused about what is going on here. They all seem nice, but can I really trust them? What if they are just buying time until I’m returned to my hell?

“Here we are!” The doors open as Chelsea greets the kitchen staffer, bringing food in for me. They place the tray on the serving table. There is chicken broth and crackers. A cup of red Jell-O and ginger ale to drink along with ice water. I inhaled the broth, and I didn’t realize how hungry I was. I begin drinking the broth, and it goes down without any issues. This is the first time I noticed the bandages on my arms. At my wrists, where I recall, the chains were placed. As well as a bandage on my upper arm. I can see a piece of the bruise on my arm. Teeth marks. Alpha Leopold loved to mark my skin. He said it made me more desirable to him. I can instantly feel his breath on my neck. Whispering the disgusting things he plans to do to me. My hands begin to tremble with flashbacks. Takoa puts down his phone and is by my side in an instant. Chelsea is by my side, taking the soup from my hands. It is about to spill all over me.

“Hey, take your time. Let’s get you a straw.” Takoa speaks to me and doesn’t seem mad at me at this moment.

“I’m sorry.” I begin. “I was ...” Then I stopped. Never speak of it because no one will believe me.

“It’s okay. No worries!” Chelsea pats my hand and holds the soup up with a straw. I take a sip when Dr. Monroe comes back in.

“Okay, here are your meds to help you heal. I printed out some limits you may have while recovering, and I want to see you for a follow-up in three days. Or sooner if you feel any worse. No matter what, please let me know how you are doing. Okay?” Dr. Monroe lays the paperwork on my tray.

“Thank you, Doctor. I will follow your instructions.” I smile as she leaves the room.

“Okay, let’s get you out of here. I brought you some of my clothes. We look about the same size. So let’s get you dressed.” Chelsea pulls out a pair of leggings and a large sweater.

I turn, moving my legs over the side of the bed as Takoa walks towards the door. My gown comes open in the back. I can feel the air hitting my skin. I feel his eyes on me. Even from behind. I know I have bruises on my back. Chelsea helps put my feet through the leggings. My gown rises up, and I can see my bruises on my thighs for the first time. There are huge purple bruises on my thighs. Chelsea gasps, looking at my legs. Then I see her look at Takoa.

“We got this, Takoa, give us some privacy.” She smiles sympathetically at me as she closes the back of my gown. I hear the door slam shut as he exits. It makes me jump.

“Come on! Sooner, we get out of this hospital. The sooner we can lie in your room and binge on some movies and whatever you want to eat.” She smiles at me, and a small smile appears on my face. I take a slow, deep breath to make sure the tears in my eyes don’t break free.