Chapter 36 A friend indeed
My eyes fluttered open and I sat up slowly, realizing I had fallen asleep. I looked around for Cora and saw her sitting on the couch next to the bed, her head resting on the edge of the mattress.
She was still asleep. The sight of her made a small smile tug at my lips. She had been there for me so much over the past few days, never leaving my side when everything else was falling apart.
My heart ached at the thought that it should’ve been Layla sitting there. But now, I didn't even know if Layla was really my sister anymore. It was as if she had been replaced by a stranger, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t wrap my head around why she had suddenly started behaving so strangely.
"Diana? You’re awake?" Cora muttered, stirring from her sleep. She lifted her head, blinking away the grogginess as she looked at me.
I gave her a warm smile. "Yes, I just woke up."
"That’s good. I’m happy to see those eyes open," she said, stretching her arms over her head with a wide yawn. She leaned forward, searching my face. "How are you feeling? Are you okay? Do I need to go tackle a doctor in the hallway?"
As soon as she mentioned it, I took a mental scan of my body. The sharp, stabbing pains that had been radiating through my chest and limbs were gone. Instead of the heavy, bruised feeling I expected, there was only a slight dullness.
"Actually," I whispered, surprised myself. "I feel… better. The pain isn't really there anymore."
"Your wolf must’ve been working overtime while you were sleeping," Cora said, her eyes lighting up with relief.
Her gaze drifted towards my stomach and her expression softened into a gentle, knowing smile. She reached out and patted my hand. "Everything is going to be alright, Diana. Don't you ever feel like you’re alone just because that mate of yours decided to be a complete idiot and abandon you. He’s the one losing out, not you."
Before I could respond, she hopped onto the bed and sat cross-legged next to me, making the springs squeak.
"You’ve got me now," she said firmly. "I’m going to take care of you and your pups. Mostly because I love pups, and I’m selfish like that." She leaned in, her eyes dancing with excitement. "Just imagine it! A bunch of cute little fluffballs moving around, tripping over their own paws, spreading their little cuteness everywhere. I'll probably spend all my money on tiny squeaky toys."
I couldn't help it, a genuine laugh bubbled up in my chest. "Cora, they aren't even here yet and you're already planning to spoil them."
"Someone has to," she teased.
"Thank you," I said, my voice turning serious. "For being here, for the food, for... everything."
Cora waved her hand dismissively. "Stop right there. Don't thank me too much. What are friends for, if not to keep you company in a boring hospital room?"
The door creaked open and a doctor walked in, followed by a nurse carrying a clipboard. He offered a polite nod as he approached the bed. "Good morning, Diana. Let’s see how you’re holding up."
He performed a few quick checks, shining a light in my eyes and checking my vitals. He looked at the charts with a puzzled but impressed expression.
"Well, you’re free to go home now," he announced. "To be honest, your wolf's healing strength is nothing like I’ve ever seen. It’s remarkable how fast those tissues knit back together." He paused, looking at my midsection. "It’s very possible your unborn pups are the reason behind it. They’re giving you an extra boost of vitality to keep their home safe."
My hand instinctively moved to my stomach. "Thank you, doctor."
He gave me a warm smile before leaving. After he left, Cora clapped her hands together. “Did you hear that? You’re fine! That means we’re going out for breakfast.” She pointed at me. “And the bills are on me.”
"Cora, no," I protested, starting to climb out of bed. "You’ve already done so much. I can take care of myself. Besides, aren't you late for work? You've been here all night."
She rolled her eyes and grabbed my arm to steady me. "Pish posh. Alpha Warren can wait. Your health and my stomach are way more important than filing papers. Now, go change out of that hideous gown. It does nothing for your complexion."
I smiled, my heart melting at her stubborn kindness. I went into the small bathroom, changed into my regular clothes, and we left the hospital together.
As we walked down the road, Cora glanced at me. “So… what are you going to do next?”
I sighed, looking down at my shoes. "I don't know yet. But... I think I have to resign from work."
Cora stopped dead in her tracks, her mouth dropping open. "Resign? In this situation? Diana, why?"
"I don't think it’s safe anymore," I said, my voice trembling slightly.
"Those wolves who attacked me... They knew where I worked now. If I go back there, I’m putting everyone else in danger. What if they come back and hurt a customer or the other workers just to get to me?"
Cora opened her mouth to argue, but saw the look in my eyes and stopped. She let out a long breath and nodded. "I get it. You're thinking about everyone else. That’s just who you are." She bumped her shoulder against mine. "Fine. But that means I’m helping you find a new job. Maybe something with less getting attacked in the job description."
We finally reached a small, cozy restaurant on the corner. As we walked in, a tall, well-built man looked up from a table and waved us over.
"Diana, meet the man, the myth, the legend, my mate, Marcus," Cora introduced him with a flourish.
Marcus stood up and gave me a friendly smile, talking to me as if we were old friends who had just seen each other yesterday.
"Finally! Cora hasn't stopped talking about you. How are you holding up? She told me everything that happened."
"I'm doing much better, thank you," I said, feeling a bit shy but grateful for his easygoing nature.
He smiled. "I'm glad you are, I have breakfast prepared just for you guys already." He looked towards the entrance of the restaurant. "You guys can have fun and spend time here before customers start coming in."
He leaned close and placed a soft kiss on Cora lips and forehead before walking away.
After a while we were done eating, Cora looked at the watch on her wrist. Realizing she was already late for work, her eyes widned but she didn't look worried.
"I have to run before Alpha Warren actually fires me. But listen to me. When you get home do not open the door for anyone. Not the mailman, not a talking squirrel, nobody! If anything, and I mean anything, happens, you call me immediately. Got it?"
I smiled and hugged her. "I got it. Go to work, Cora."
"I'm serious!" she shouted over her shoulder as she began jogging out of the restaurant. "I have the ears of a hawk! I'll hear you!"
"That's not even a thing!" I called back.
I watched as she left the restaurant and took in a deep breath exhaling softly.