Chapter 47 46
Darius’ POV
I didn’t know how long I’d been pacing this damn hallway. But time meant nothing anymore. All I could hear was the echo of my own footsteps.
Sam had come to me a few times, trying to talk sense into me. “You should sit down, man. She’s going to be fine,” he kept saying. But I couldn’t, how was I supposed to sit down when the person I loved most was lying in there because I couldn’t control my own wolf?
That’s the thing about werewolves. We’re protective, possessive, territorial when it comes to our mates.
I ran a hand through my hair, the hallway had grown darker now, the moonlight seeping through the window. I finally stopped pacing and just stood there for a moment, trying to breathe. Then I reached for the door handle and opened it slowly.
The room was quiet and quite dark. She was still lying there. I turned on the lights and walked closer, and then I saw her eyes flutter open.
My heart almost stopped. “Soraya,” I breathed, with widened eyes. I didn’t even realize I was crying until a tear rolled down my cheek. I I couldn't even remember the last time that had happened.
“You’re awake,” I said.
She smiled softly.
“I’m so sorry,” I whispered. “I hurt you so badly. I did this to you. You were bleeding, and you were in so much pain, all because of me. And I—”
“It’s okay,” she whispered and then lifted her hand slowly and brushed her fingers against my face.
“I’m okay,” she said.
And just like that, I broke all over again. Because even after everything I had done, she was still the one trying to comfort me.
“You were bleeding… Soraya, I just froze there. I was terrified. I didn’t know what to do. I can’t believe I did this.”
Then she smiled again. “It’s okay, it's not your fault” she said.
Her hand lifted slowly to her cheek, touching the place where I’d clawed at her. Her eyes widened a little. “The wound… it’s gone.”
I couldn’t help but smile softly. “Mm. We summoned the healer,” I said quietly. “She healed you… so the wound’s gone now.”
“Wow,” she whispered, smiling. “That’s cool.”
Her small laugh filled the room, like nothing had happened. I just stared at her for a second, amazed at how she could still smile after everything.
She looked at me curiously. “What did she use?”
I cleared my throat. “Some special kind of herbs,” I said. “Oh, speaking of that…”
I got up and moved toward the drawer, pulling out the small bottle Esmeralda had left for her. I came back to the bed and sat down beside her again, holding it up. “You have to drink this, mm?”
She tilted her head. “What is that?” she asked suspiciously, eyeing the bottle. “It doesn’t look like it’ll taste good.”
A small chuckle escaped my lips. “I don’t think it will either,” I admitted. “But it’ll help strengthen you. That’s what the healer said.”
She wrinkled her nose, making that face again.
“You drink it, okay?” I said softly. “I’ll get you something really nice to eat afterward.”
Soraya gave me a look. “But I feel fine,” she said. “I don’t really have to drink it, do I?”
“Yes, you do,” I said softly. “You have to drink it, okay? I’m pretty sure the healer said you should so you'd be completely fine. And…” I exhaled, rubbing the back of my neck. “I’ll feel really guilty if I don’t get you to drink it. Since I’m the one that put you in this condition.”
She sighed and tilted her head slightly. “Stop feeling guilty, Darius, okay? It’s not your fault.”
I looked at her, and she continued softly, “It’s not your fault your wolf gets out of control. And I know it must be really hard for you.”
For a moment, I couldn’t speak. I just stared at this fragile, brave girl who had every right to be angry or afraid, but instead was comforting me.
I swallowed hard. “Why?” I asked quietly.
Her brows furrowed slightly. “Why what?”
“Why did you still come to me,” I said. “When my mom was trying to stop you? You wouldn’t have gotten hurt if you’d stayed back.”
“Well, I came because I knew I could calm you down. And if I didn’t, and someone else got injured and I’d feel guilty. At least this way, I could do something.”
“Now stop sulking,” she added, teasingly.
Was I sulking? I chuckled, shaking my head slightly.
Then she reached for the bottle, twisted it open, and sniffed. Immediately, her face scrunched up. “Eww, Darius, it smells terrible.”
I couldn’t help but laugh quietly. “Yeah,” I said. “It probably tastes just as bad too. But you’re drinking it anyway.”
She gave me a little glare.
“Okay,” I sighed, standing up. “I’ll get you something to eat first.”
I made my way down the hallway, then down the stairs to the kitchen. The warm scent of cooked meals hit me immediately. Chantelle was there, already arranging some things on the counter. The moment she saw me, she straightened up quickly.
“Alpha,” she said, wiping her hands on her apron and walking over. “Do you need something?”
“Uh, yes,” I said, glancing around the kitchen. “Soraya’s awake, and I want you to send food to her.”
Chantelle’s face lit up. “She’s awake?” she said, smiling brightly. “That’s wonderful! Of course, Alpha. What should I make for her?”
I rubbed my neck, thinking for a second. “Well, I want something really nice for her. Is there chicken?”
Chantelle nodded eagerly. “Yes, there is. We actually have a lot of dishes made already.”
“Good. Then I want her to have chicken with some rice and sauce,” I said. “And add a glass of juice and some fruits as well.”
“Yes, Alpha,” she said with a respectful nod.
I turned to leave but paused. “Make sure it’s sent quickly.”
“I’ll just heat it up and send it right away,” she promised.
I gave a small nod and headed back toward the stairs. I went back to the bedroom, and the first thing I noticed was that the bottle of herbal medicine was still sitting untouched. I sighed and walked closer, stopping at the edge of the bed.
“You still didn’t drink it, huh?” I asked, raising a brow.
She looked up at me, a small guilty smile forming on her lips. “Well… I was waiting for the food,” she said softly. “Maybe I’ll drink it and then eat, so the bitterness goes away.”
I folded my arms. “You really don’t like bitter stuff, do you?”
She pouted, her nose scrunching slightly. “I don’t.”
I stared at her for a moment, this was a different side of her. I’d seen her stubborn, angry, and shy side. But this was the first time seeing this soft, playful, expressive side. And gosh, it was beautiful. She was opening up to me more, and I loved it.
“Hmm. Okay,” I murmured, sitting beside her.
Not long after, there was a knock on the door, and Chantelle walked in carrying a tray. The smell of food filled the room instantly—warm rice, sauce, grilled chicken, and fresh fruit. I found Soraya staring at the tray. Soraya's stomach growled softly, making me chuckle.
Chantelle smiled, setting the tray down on the table beside the bed. “I’m so glad you’re awake and fine, miss,” she said warmly.
“Thank you,” Soraya replied, giving her a small smile.
“Thank you, Chantelle,” I said with a nod. “You may leave now.”
She bowed slightly and left the room quietly.
The moment the door shut, I turned back to Soraya. “It smells really nice, don’t you think?”
She was already staring at the food like she could eat it with her eyes. Her stomach growled again.