Chapter Five

It took some time, but eventually Roxanna's eyes fluttered open. With her renewed consciousness, came back all the pain from her ribs. Her head hurt the worst, but there was also this searing pain to her left side. That bitch Maddie had stabbed her with something. It was taking her wolf, Vera some time to get her healed up. Her broken ribs would heal in a matter of hours but when something like silver touched her skin, it seared and left a scar and took time to heal from the internal damage. When her eyes focused, she could smell him again. The smell of spice and earth... Her mate. As her eyes focused on him, she was finally able to take all of him in. From his eyes to his broad chest, to his facial features that looked like they were chisled by the Goddess herself. He was handsome. Painfully so, and the fact that she still felt the pull this strongly, it meant that when she rejected him, it didn't take. 

"Hi." The male said. She didn't even know his name. Had he once again come to her rescue? This was becoming an irritating habit of his. She didn't care about mates, she didn't know if she could trust him. Did he pity her? and If he did, was he just waiting for the opportunity to rid himself of her like the rest? She took in a ragged breath and nodded. "Hi." She said lamely and nearly jerked at the sound of the school nurse as she made her way in. "Roxanne Harlowe! How did you wind up in this condition again?!" Roxie sucked in a deep breath and prepared to tell her false story when the boy put his hand up. "Those girls. Maddie, the other one? Taylor. I'm getting that right. Yes, I think I am. They have been attacking her relentlessly. At least I've witnessed it, for the last two days. Roxanna here, is my mate. I am Alpha Avery, the new Alpha of Redmoon and I demand some sort of justice for the harm my mate has suffered." 

Roxie was completely dumbfounded by the bluntness of this man. He had no right to just speak on her personal matters, and that angered her for reasons she couldn't really understand. Then again, if she wanted to challenge him, she didn't stand a chance. He's an Alpha. "I can speak for myself." She said quietly. "Very well, Roxie. Are you going to tell me you fell again? Are you going to say how you accidently stabbed yourself with a piece of silver too?" The nurse said. Her skeptical expression said it all. Even if Roxie attempted to lie now, her story would not be credible. "No, I guess not. If you say anything to them, or if they get in trouble. The bullying will only get worse." She said, attempting to reason. "It's borderline attempted murder now!" Avery roared. There was no stopping it now. 

"Do you want to file a report with the Alpha's Office?" The nurse said, asking Avery this time. He nodded his head. "I'll take the responsibility. If she is harmed again after this, I can't be held accountable for my actions." The nurse nodded. "Noted. Now let's get this one patched up. Her wolf will do most of the work but the wound isn't going to stop bleeding on it's own for a while. I'll have to use a medicinal salve." Roxie sat back in the bed and said nothing as the nurse returned with a small jar. She put on a pair of gloves and lifted the hem of her shirt. It was still actively bleeding, but the nurse wiped a way the blood around the wound and Roxie almost squealed from the chill she got when the salve was put on. It hurt at first, then the cooling sensation was making her feel better. "This will clot the wound." She said and applied a thick bandage over the top of it. 

"I'm sending you home today. Do you need help getting home? Can we call your dad to pick you up?" Roxie shook her head. "I can walk home. My father will be at work, and I'd rather not bother him." She was starting to get up out of the bed when her supposed mate pushed her back down. "I'll take you. Just wait a moment." It wasn't a question. She watched as Avery pulled out his cellphone and made a couple calls. After he was finished Avery went to scoop her up in his arms, but she refused. "I can walk." Roxie insisted. Avery had no choice but to simply offer his hand when she went to stand up. Her ribs hurt all at once with every movement she made. Roxie winced and suddenly found herself swept off of her feet and hoisted up into his arms again. "I'll carry you, stop being difficult." He demanded. 

Roxie sighed and simply looped her arms around his neck as he carried her out of the infirmary princess style. The halls were empty now. He didn't say a word as he carried her out of the school through the back entrance. There was a black SUV waiting for them when they arrived outside. He helped her into the back of the car and slid in beside her. She didn't say anything when she looked at the man in the drivers seat. She was more curious than afraid. "Alpha Avery. Where to?" Avery looked at her now. Roxie figured that if he was anything like Alpha James that the boy probably lived in a mansion, was likely very wealthy and showing up to her house.. She didn't want him to see her house. "Cherry Street." Was all she said as she leaned back against the seat. 

The SUV began moving. It was only a couple of blocks away to her house but if she didn't express which house was actually hers, there might be a chance that they could see what her house actually looked like. Avery turned towards her. "Tell me your address, I promise that no one is going to think less of you." It was almost like he knew what she was thinking. She sighed and rattled off her address and as the car moved. She did nothing but look out of the window. She wouldn't say a word. She had no idea if she could trust his man, and didn't really want him knowing where she lived. They finally arrived at the shabby two story home, for some reason her father seemed to be home. His truck was in the driveway. However, there was also a small red sportscar there too, which made her wonder about something. 

"I can walk from here, thank you." Roxie insisted. Avery must have noticed her hesitation, because he slipped ouf ot the car and helped her out. He hoisted her up into his arms and carried her up the steps of the porch setting her down in front of her door. She sighed and opened the door letting herself in. She noticed her mother sitting next to her father on the couch in the living room. He had cleaned up a bit, looking a little more like his old self, and her mother sat there with her long dark curls. She still retained her youth, and when her eyes locked onto Roxie's.... Roxie wanted to scream. How dare she just show up when it was convenient. 

"Honey, it's so good to see you! Oh, goodness. Is that blood on your shirt?! Honey what happened?" Roxie growled internally. she hated that woman, and her being back meant there was trouble near.