All Chapters of The Orphans of Blue Ridge: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

She’s soft and soothing as she talks. “My arm is the worst.” I whimper slowly. “I can see that you’re not wearing the brace Dr. Morrison gave you.” “It made it worse.” My voice is nearly panicked at the thought of being in trouble for my defiance. “Easy Day. I know I haven’t been the father you’ve needed when you’ve gotten yourself into trouble but I promise you, just as I promised your mom, you will not be spanked. Honesty is far more important. Nothing you admit to will be punished.” He tries to calm me as I cry. “Can you tell me anything else?” Dr. Pierce presses me further. “My head. I’m dizzy. Everything is blurry so I don’t want to see. My neck. You and dad both touched a spot. It feels like something is stabbing me and my ribs. On the side I’m not lying on. They didn’t feel that bad until I held my breath but now.” I can’t place into words the level of pain that I’m currently experiencing. “What about your leg?” A younger sounding voice interrupts. “It only bothers m

“It’s okay to be afraid, Damian.” She consoles as she brushes her fingers along my temple. “Your papa needs to change his position for multiple reasons. The most important one is the effect his position is having on your breathing. I will not lie to you, this will hurt but I promise it won’t be nearly as bad as what just happened.” She tries to console me but I’m finding her brutal honesty difficult to handle. I squeeze down on my father’s arm even harder as I struggle not to panic. “It’s okay to be afraid. The biggest thing she needs from you is to concentrate on what she tells you to do. Cooperation will help you.” He emphasizes what has always been difficult for me in these situations. “What I need, papa, is for you to raise straight up slowly. I need just enough space to slide my hand down his arm to his wrist. Damian, it’s imperative that you don’t attempt to move your arm or wrist on your own. Let me do all the work.” She explains calmly. “Are you ready?” Dad asks but I don

I pant heavily in an effort to work through the pain but the slowed pace, while comforting, has allowed it to build to an unbearable level. “I know you’re hurting. I’m sorry for the length of time it’s taking to get to the IV.” “I’m not in any hurry for that.” I choke out between breaths. “Try to relax. This should help.” I’m surprised to hear Dr. Pierce behind me. Before I can roll towards dad, a warmed flannel sheet is laid gently across my waist. I sigh as I duck my head down onto my father’s arm. I can feel the warmth of the sheet slowly moving from my waist up onto my chest. Dad helps me lift my head as a pillow is placed back on the bed. It’s as I get settled into a combination of the pillow and the crook of his arm that I feel my arm being gently placed on another one. The other pillow that was tossed during my fight has been laid back on my side and now cradles my arm. “As hard as you’re trying to keep your injuries a secret, Demetri knows.” “I know.” She sounds ashamed

“Papa, do you think you could give him some space so I can sneak in a cuddle?” Silently he moves seemingly without care to my current state of mind. I want to scream at him to stay but something stops me from doing so. “Take my hand, Damian. I’m sorry for not asking you directly but I don’t think you’re capable at the moment to understand why I want to explain why your ideas won’t work in this way.” She leans over top of me, nearly laying on top of me without the pressure. She finds my right hand and takes it into hers. “Squeeze my hand young alpha. The brace will keep you from hurting me.” I follow her directions but I simply hold her hand instead of squeezing it. “I know it’s hard to accept. Everyone and I do mean everyone is afraid of this site. I promise if there was a less traumatic way of doing it I would. This is truly a site of last resort.” “Why can’t we try something else?” “You need your father’s help as your past trauma has created a fierce fight or flight response

“The only way you’re going to let me finish what Damian needs is for me to agree to something.” She sounds so incredibly scared right now. “Please don’t barter your son’s care.” “He won’t go without care and neither will you.” His statement is as gentle as it is resolute. “You would force it if I don’t agree to it?” “I’m sorry but yes. You need care and if your arm is bad enough that Angela is trying to restrict what you do then, similar to how I have forced Damian I will force you.” “You can’t do that. I’m an adult at nineteen.” “No ma’am. You are considered an adult in the manner that you can join the warrior program and travel to other packs in search of your mate but you can be forced into the hospital and receive care until you turn twenty-one.” “I don’t understand. Eighteen is adulthood.” “Not for werewolves. There is a grey area created mainly for those who are orphaned or choose to go rogue.” “You would force me to undergo surgery.” “If that’s what it takes to fix