Broken Bear(9)

Lily tried to smile at him, but she was scared. Her eyes housed fear. But with Phoenix, she was safe. She wanted to stay by his side. She couldn’t leave him. He’d protect her, just as she’d watched over him.





Chapter 12 Lily





Lily could barely speak. She wanted to tell him what happened, to explain. It wasn’t her fault that she wasn’t here on time. She wanted to be there for him. It didn’t matter. She was here now.

There was anger brewing behind his eyes. She saw the shock in his face, though he thought he was hiding it. Lily knew he was being careful, since the attendants were always watching him.

He pulled the chair up beside her wheelchair. “Whatever happened, I’ll make it right,” he whispered after they left.

“It’s finished,” she lied. He already had enough of a burden. She wouldn’t give him more. “I’ll heal. It’s only a few broken bones.”

“Your face,” he said, wanting to reach out and stroke her cheek tenderly. He was afraid he’d hurt her with his big clumsy hands.

“Yeah,” she choked out. “I don’t feel much like talking. Could I just sit with you for a while?”

“I’ll protect you. I’ll keep you safe. I’m sorry I couldn’t save you this time. He’ll never hurt you again. You’re safe with me.” He knew who it was. Her ring was gone, and the look in her eyes said it all.

“I know. I knew I would be.” She closed her eyes and slumped in her wheelchair, the pain medication making her tired.

Lily woke in Phoenix’s bed. He was sleeping in the corner chair. He’d lifted her up and moved her at some point. She remembered none of it. When the attendants came to take her out of his room, he asked for more time. She was sleeping peacefully. He didn't want to wake her; she'd been through enough.

Lily watched Phoenix as he napped. It warmed her to know she was in his arms, if only for a moment. She was falling for the man that she still barely knew. Their time was together, always together, but rarely talking.

She couldn’t move by herself, but with the need to use the bathroom facility, she had to wake him. She felt like a nuisance. In her own room, the nurse came to help her. “Phoenix,” she said softly.

He stirred, looked around as if on guard, and then turned to look at her. Something was different. His eyes…

“Phoenix?” She tilted her head, not sure what she was seeing.

His eyes glowed in an almost greenish tint, and then faded back to his normal color. It reminded her of when lights hit an animal’s eye. She watched him shake his head and come out of whatever daze he was in.

“Are you okay?” He jumped up to check on her.

“I am; it’s okay. I just need to use the bathroom. Could you call the nurse? I really shouldn’t be here taking up your space.”

“It’s okay, I’ll be leaving soon. Take all the time you need.” He walked to the edge of the door and asked an attendant for help. Lily needed a hand.

“You’re getting out?” Lily questioned him. How did she not know? Was he really? Or was he just saying it so she wouldn’t worry about him?

“I’m going to talk to the doctor. Everything will be sorted out, and then I’ll watch over you. He won’t come near you again, Lily. He won’t ever touch you again.” His shoulders were broad. On seeing him standing, Lily realized just how tall he was. Lying in bed, his size seemed different. Yet, standing, pacing, she saw him again how she saw him that day in the hospital when he tore off his gown. He was a mass of muscle, a wall of strength. His size spoke for itself.





Chapter 13 Phoenix





Phoenix sat in the office, daring the doctor to ask him tougher questions. He’d answer whatever she threw at him. His focus had shifted. His mourning was still tucked away, but his territorial protective nature had stepped up front and center. His angel had been hurt, and she needed him to stand guard at her side. He’d do whatever it took to get released. And then he’d hunt his prey. He’d take out whoever did this to her. She never told him, but he knew. He’d just have to figure out how to find him.

His mother was an accident. He knew that now. This wouldn’t be. He’d shred the man for what he did to Lily. No woman deserved that.

The doctor studied his face. “Why the sudden change?”

“It’s time.”

“It’s the girl,” the doctor stated.

“What’s your point?” He didn’t have time for this. She either did it his way, or he broke free and started his hunt.

“And your mother?”

“An accident. A tragic accident. I’ll be tortured forever that I couldn’t help her, but I realize there was nothing I could do.” Matter-of-fact answers, almost rehearsed, the doctor noted.