Chapter 4

Maliyla's POV

I could feel the rogue's teeth digging deeper into my side; its growling could be heard as it bit deeper into me.

"Please help me, I don't want to die!" I screamed with tears streaming down my cheeks. As he licked his lips and lunged at my face, I saw his red eyes. My eyes filled with tears as I sat up straight on the bed.

'It was only a dream,' I thought to myself.

Suddenly, the door burst open, and a tall, dark figure ran in, revealing a man's silhouette. The tiny amount of light that filtered through the sheer curtains drew my eyes to his abs; he was wearing just a pair of black sweats; at least, I assumed they were black. He moved quickly, crossing the room instantly. His face was hidden in the shadows, but I could feel his intense gaze. I felt my heart racing, and I could feel my body trembling as he stepped closer, my breath becoming labored as I anticipated what was to come.

His voice was deep yet soothing as he asked, "Are you alright?"

Due to my inability to formulate a coherent response, I nodded in agreement.

The man stood just a few feet away; I watched as he tilted his head before speaking, "It was just a dream. Try not to move too much; you'll tear your stitches," he said before turning to leave.

Since I had no idea where I was or who he was, I called out after him, "Where, where am I?"

Taking a moment to pause, he told me, "You're safe; you were attacked. We can discuss the details later. For now, just rest," before exiting the room.

I lay in bed, my head spinning with questions and confusion. Although I was relieved to be safe, I did not know what had happened. Ultimately, I had no choice but to trust the unknown man and rest as he instructed.

The sounds of curtains being opened woke me from my sleep. I slowly opened my eyes to see a short woman hurrying around the room. Raising my head from the pillow, I noticed she had stopped in her tracks.

"I'm sorry, Miss, I didn't mean to wake you," the woman curtsied as she introduced herself as Jeanie, the housemaid. Jeanie apologized for entering the room without knocking but said she had been instructed to open the curtains and let in some light for me.

As Jeanie walked out, another woman wearing a white lab coat walked in. She was an older woman about five feet two inches tall with brownish hair. A pair of cat eyeglasses concealed her honey-brown eyes. She smiled and said, "Good morning, I'm Doctor Neal. I'm here to check on you and ensure you feel better."

With an understated nod, I sat up, wincing at the pain.

Doctor Neal looked up at me with an expression of concern on her face.

"How are you feeling aside from the pain?" she asked, walking toward the bedside and helping adjust the pillows.

I shifted on the bed, trying to find a more comfortable position. "I'm okay," I answered, my voice raspy from the pain and having just woken up, "It feels like I was run over by a truck."

Doctor Neal smiled sympathetically, "I know it hurts, but I'm here to help you through it," she said, placing her hand on my shoulder and gently squeezing, showing me she was there to help.

After taking my vitals, she checked the stitches on the wound bites, which had already begun to heal.

'At least I'll be able to get out of here soon,' I thought.

As she changed the wound dressing, it occurred to me that I still had no idea where I was. Looking up at her, I asked, "Where am I?"

A curious look crossed Doctor Neal's face, and she replied, "Crystal Blood Pack, you were brought here after you were attacked." She paused momentarily and then added, "You're lucky to be alive."

Despite feeling relieved, I was still uneasy about the situation. I watched Dr. Neal's' attention on my thigh as she finished dressing the wound.

"How long have I been here?" I muttered, wondering if she would tell me.

Dr. Neal looked up at me with a kind and concerned expression.

"You were brought here two days ago. But don't worry, you're safe here." She smiled reassuringly, "Rest now, and you'll be back on your feet in no time."

After packing up her medical bag, Dr. Neal walked out. The door closed behind her, and she left me in the room alone. As I sat on the bed, I glanced around the luxurious bedroom. The large bed and heavy velvet curtains gave the impression that it was expensively decorated. The walls were painted a deep navy blue, and a beautiful chandelier hung from the ceiling. In a way, I wondered who might have stayed in this room before me.

Suddenly, the man from last night appeared in the bedroom door. Despite his formal attire, he possessed freshly combed hair, a set of light blue eyes that were mysterious and alluring, and a pronounced jawline. The sleeves of his white shirt were rolled up, showing off tattooed arms, and his black slacks looked freshly ironed and creased. The scent of neroli and green tangerine filled the room as he stepped closer to the bed.

"Good morning, my dear," he said in a deep tone, never letting his gaze leave mine.

As he stepped closer, I felt shivers go through me. The closer he got, the quicker my pulse became. I knew I should be afraid, but I was strangely drawn to him for some reason. He seemed to sense this and smiled ever so slightly.

"So, what's your name, Bella?" he asked, a slight grin on his face.

My heart raced as I replied, "My name is Maliyla."

He nodded and replied, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Maliyla. I am Hector, Alpha of the Crystal Blood Pack."