Chapter 41

Ashlynn

I awoke with a start, momentarily forgetting where I was. My back was sore from laying awkwardly over the side of Dawson's hospital bed. My fingers were still entwined with his, my head next to his ear. I hadn't moved an inch it seemed. I immediately realized I had woken because there was some ruckus in the hallway outside Dawson's room. I looked up to the window and saw a strange man at the window, that I'd never seen before. The nurse was talking to him and pointing back down the hallway. I slowly stood and walked towards the door, I closed it softly behind me as I stepped into the hallway.

"Is there a problem?", I asked the nurse, although my eyes were on the man standing there. He was tense and angry. He was definitely a werewolf and definitely an Alpha. It was clear he wasn't used to being told no.

The nurse turned to me, keeping herself between the Alpha and myself. "This man claims to know Dawson. He's not on the visitor list. He refuses to leave and he refuses to allow me to call Alpha Gabe to get permission for him to see Dawson."

"I see," this left me in a bit of a situation. I have no idea who this man is or what he wants. My eyes still on him, I calmly asked, "Who are you? What's your relationship with Dawson?"

He looked me up and down, a strange look on his face. "I'm Alpha Chris. I'm from the Godsend Pack. I assume your Ashlynn?" His voice held a hint of anger and regret both. I wasn't sure why. I know the Godsend pack or someone from it was responsible for what happened to Dawson. His confession made me angry. I'm sure it was all over my face, as I suddenly felt my self get hot and my Alpha aura pushing forth.

Alpha Chris suddenly had a knowing smile on his face. "Ah you're an Alpha female. I see now. A relation to Alpha Gabe no doubt?"

"I'm not sure how that's your business. I am fully aware you are responsible for my mates condition though, so I suggest you leave." I had my arms crossed over my chest, my eyes steely with anger. "You don't belong here."

He nodded his head in understanding. "I just came to see how bad he is. I can't say I expected this," he indicated towards Dawson's window with his head. "I am not responsible for this miss, but one of my pack members is. It's being dealt with."

"Oh I'm sure it is," I said very sarcastically.

He raised his eyebrow at me. "You're a bit feisty, aren't you. You're lucky you are who you are, I'd not take kindly to your mouth if you were on my territory."

"Well I'm not on your territory. You don't belong here. I am curious to know how you are dealing with this whole situation? It's your pack that decided to start this over some crazy she-wolf, who is a liar none the less. She wasn't even part of your pack at the time, which makes this all the more curious." I stood my ground, not afraid of this guy one bit. The anger and turmoil inside me, was pushing my wolf forward. I'm sure he could see it in my eyes. I was fighting her to stay back and stay calm.

"I am sorry about this Ashlynn. They are both being punished. I have them both in my dungeon right now, while we decide what is appropriate punishment. If your mate dies, they will be executed, that is our way. Until we know his outcome, I cannot make a decision. I came here to see the state he was in, also to allow me to know how to proceed. Your Alpha would not tell me. The last thing I need is a war over some crazy bitch," He seemed genuine. He ran his hand through his already messy hair in frustration.

"Well you have seen him and now you know. Please leave." I was firm in my answer and turned to go back into Dawson's room. I heard him grunt at my response so I turned back to look at him.

"You're tough young lady, I will give you that. I can't blame Dawson for choosing you over Bonnie. She's a crazy wolf for sure. I will take my leave. Will you ask Alpha Gabe to update me on his condition?" He nodded towards Dawson.

"I think you will know his condition. If he dies, it will be war. I can assure you. Have a good day Alpha," a quick flash of fear went over his features before he gave me a tight lipped smile. He turned on his heel and left. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, then went back to sit with my mate.

A few minutes later, the nurse came in and handed me a cup of coffee. She then began making adjustments to the machine and checking Dawson's vitals.

"How do you think this is going?" I asked her, motioning towards the machine.

"It's to soon to know, but the filter does seem to be catching some silver in it. So I feel like this is a good sign. I have never had to do this for a werewolf before, only humans. Dialysis I mean. It is usually for those in kidney failure, so to use it to filter silver is a whole new experience for me. Dr. Cortez says he has done it in the past, but every outcome has been different," she turned back to what she was doing. I looked over at the clock on the wall. It was nearing midnight.

I sat there thinking that I needed to go home. I had work tomorrow. If I started early enough, I could get done before late afternoon and get back here. I didn't like being away from Dawson to long. As I sat there looking at him, I heard a tap on the window and looked over. Cody stood there. He motioned for me to come out. I stood, kissed Dawson softly on his lips and gave his hand a squeeze.

As I walked out the door, Cody came up to me and gave me a hug. I'm pretty sure that's the first time he's ever touched me in any way other than a hand shake or a pat on the back. It took me back for a second, but then I hugged him back. It was nice. His hug was warm and reassuring and at that moment, I couldn't hold back my tears any more. He held me for a few minutes, rubbing his hand on my back in comforting circles, whispering to me that it was ok and to let it out. Once I felt I had my tears under control I pulled back, wiping the tears from my face.

"Why are you here?" I asked. Cody gave me a big smile.

"I brought you dinner. Your Mom said you love her pot roast, so she packed some for you. It's probably still warm," He held up an insulated lunch bag. "Also, I'm sending you home. I will stay with Dawson tonight. His mother will be here in the morning, she's coming from her home pack in Idaho. She's going to stay with him till you're done working. We will take shifts Ashlynn. You don't have to worry about him being alone." He gave me a soft smile. "Now go eat and then you get yourself home and to bed." He said this with the authority of the Beta that he is.

"Thank you," I turned and gave Dawson one last look through the glass window and left to go eat in the waiting room, before my hour drive home. I was really hungry, my stomach growling smelling my Mom's pot roast. I hadn't eaten since breakfast. I ate as fast as was reasonable, then drove myself home. I fell into my bed exhausted, asleep before my head hit the pillow.