slowly sat up and swung my feet over the edge of the bed. So far so good. I looked at Xavier and his breathing was even. With luck it was deep sleep, then he wouldn't notice anything.I stood up slowly and took a step. Unfortunately, my circulation was poor, which made me dizzy. But I wouldn't let that slow me down.I took another step forward, which caused the dizziness to get worse. That made me struggle.Eventually, I staggered, lost my balance, and landed on the ground with a bang.Lilia said: "Yes, I shouldn't have worried. Firstly, you are unable to escape. Secondly, you are still too weak from the last escape. Thirdly, Xavier would have found us anyway." That she couldn't even keep her damn mouth shut. That was a completely unnecessary comment.I asked annoyed: "Could you be quiet for a moment?" She did me a favor and kept her mouth shut. It may be rare, but it did happen.The fall had hurt and I was just able to catch myself with my hands. My body was definitely not ready for

I spent a week in the hospital wing before being discharged. I was fine again and the doctors were all happy. I was still considered a miracle because I had recovered so well.Melody came to me every day, which made me very happy. She did her best and always appeared in a good mood.Sarafine stopped by often too and meanwhile she avoided the subject of Xavier. Apparently she had something like sensitivity. That was very considerate of her and she provided me with information about the pack. Supposedly everyone was happy that I was getting better every day and that the pack finally had a Luna. At the same time, I didn't know if I would even accept this title. That was written in the stars.Even Jarek came by with Sarafine. But he, too, didn't mention Xavier at all. Which I found odd since he was his best friend. Nonetheless, I enjoyed his visit. It showed you that you cared about those around you.I didn't see Xavier once. Not that I asked about him, but it disappointed me nonetheless.

Our lips were only millimeters apart when there was a knock. Xavier stiffened, let go of me and took a step back. There he was again, the familiar Xavier, the cold and menacing Alpha. I shouldn't have expected anything else. Also, I should pull myself together and not let this man get too close to me. I couldn't just give in. Not after what had happened. I wasn't weak and wouldn't put up with anything.Still, this sudden cold hurt. Hardly anyone came and he kept his distance. I just didn't want anyone to know that he had a soft side. No, nobody should be able to guess that. If he had a soft side at all, who knows what that just was.Then Melody came in, she saw Xavier and stopped dead in her tracks. It didn't take long, but finally she said: "Oh, I'm sorry. I'll..." She wanted to turn around and leave, but Xavier interrupted her: "No, I was just about to leave." With these words he left the room and an emptiness remained in me. He left as easily as if absolutely nothing had happened

Anger was written all over his face. Even a blind person couldn't miss it. She just radiated from him.He said coldly, "Sit down." That was the pure tone of command and tolerated absolutely no contradiction. An uneasy feeling settled in my stomach.Would I even survive this?Lilia said, "If you sit down, then yes. Otherwise I wouldn't be sure." I grumbled and replied, "Thanks for nothing, Lilia." I could have answered that myself.I glared at Xavier, not giving up just yet. I skilfully ignored my bad gut feeling and asked: "What else?"He didn't have to think about it for a second to come up with an appropriate answer. "I'll make you do it." No, that wasn't a joke. He really would.I cleared my throat and nodded, "All right, I'll sit down. Of my own free will." I should have noted that. It made me feel less like I was his pet.I took a step back and sat in my seat. Thanks, there was distance between us. distance, which I found very pleasant.It took a moment, but Xavier sat back down

Tailoring was a dream and I loved it. My future new personal sanctuary.I would have stayed and started sewing or designing, but I had my phone back. Which meant I wanted to call my folks at home first.After all, I had just choked off my mum and hadn't even called my brother or Finns yet.So the tailoring had to wait for me. family came first.I dismissed Melody for the day and she could understand me.Who couldn't understand that either?I was in my room now, my cell phone in my hand. Who should I call first? Finn's or my brother?Well, my mum must have let my brother know long ago. Probably Finn's as well, but I preferred to play it safe. I would call him first.My mum had called a couple of times, but she'd be fine if I dealt with the other two first.I looked up Finns in my contacts and dialed his number. The hooting began and the wait felt like an eternity.Finally he answered and sounded enthusiastic: "Layla! You're still alive! Hallelujah!" He had made me laugh with that and h