“You didn’t know. She didn’t tell you, did she?” The witch says.
I lean over and kiss Angel’s forehead, her skin cool against my lips. “I’m so sorry, baby. I’m so fucking sorry. Please don’t leave me. I promise I’ll be better, I’ll make up for every horrible thing I’ve ever done and said… Just come back to me,” I say, sobbing. I don’t care if I look weak in front of these people, I just want her to come back to me.
“Her temperature is dropping. We need to get her inside. It’s cold out here and we need to keep her warm,” the girl says.
“I’ll carry her,” Talon says, quickly picking her up and holding her to his chest before striding towards the pack house. I’m left looking down at Kate’s body.
Axel pats my shoulder, “Don’t worry, man. I’ll sort her out. You need to make sure your girl survives.” I run after the witch and Talon as Axel picks up Kate.
“What about the rogues?” I say, keeping a lookout as we hurry through the trees.
“We were able to drive them away. Don’t think they’ll be back anytime soon.” He’s angry with me, I know that his concern for Angel is the only thing that’s keeping him from ripping my throat out.
We reach the pack house just as Noelle’s car comes skidding to a halt out front.
“Get her to the room now! Phoenix help me with these,” Noelle yells, digging through her trunk. Jacob comes running out of the house. He has scratches on his torso and ribs, but they’ll heal on their own in an hour or two.
“What’s going on? What happened to her?” He inspects Angel for wounds, not realising that her injuries aren’t visible.
As Talon lays her down on the surgical bed, I explain what happened to her.
Noelle and Phoenix start placing candles all around the room. They carry out the same rituals that Noelle used when she saved Angel the first time.
“Where is she?” The Alpha’s voice echoes through the wall. He rushes into the room, pushing Talon out of the way. Luna Alex is in hysterics as she looks down at her daughter.
“What happened?” The Alpha’s black eyes find mine. “Speak now, Tyler.”
Nixon speaks out before I have a chance, retelling the story in a way that sounds so much better than if I had to explain.
The Alpha moves out of the way and a few moments later we’re all seated in the same positions we sat the last time we were in this room. We watch Noelle move around Angel, muttering in a language I’ve never heard before. The only thing different is the little red headed witch who helps her.
Hours slowly pass in a haze of worry and guilt. Even though Angel hasn’t woken up yet, Noelle says that she is safe… she just needs to rest. They move her into her bedroom and the doctor sets up a drip and other various pieces of equipment around her. Alex sits on the bed next to Angel silent tears fall as she wipes the blood off Angel’s face and hands.
I stand motionless next to the doorway, watching everyone doing what they need to. People walk past me, but I’m oblivious to everything and everyone. I hear Axel say something to me, but I can’t respond, I’m unable to focus on anything other than Angel as she lies in the bed.
Axel then shoves my arm, immediately all the noise around me comes back with into focus. I shake my head and blink my eyes as his face comes into view.
“Dude, you need to shower. You have blood all over you.” He looks back to where Angel lies. Alpha, Luna, Noelle and the little witch I now know to be Pheonix are seated around her bed. Strangely, I don’t see Talon anywhere.
“She needs her rest and you need to shower. I’ll get someone to call you if she wakes up or anything.”
I look down at my clothes and hands, the dried blood is everywhere.
“Kate?” I say not even able to finish the sentence.
“She’s in the hospital. Her parents managed to get her there in time. Seems like Angel’s efforts weren’t in vain after all. Her worst wounds were healed by the time they reached the hospital. She’s in recovery. Alpha Johnny made sure that one of your pack mates keeps an eye on her.” Axel gestures for me to leave the room with him and I do. As we get to the bottom floor, he grabs my shoulder and turns his voice into a whisper.
“You need to make it right with your bro. He’s losing his shit. Nixon is trying to keep him away from everyone until he cools down, but you two need to make this right. Angel is going to need both of you when she wakes up.” I’ve never seen the man so serious before, he’s always making jokes and taunting us with the friendship he has with Angel.