CHAPTER 51

CHAPTER 51
RAUL'S POV



Since the pack house was not that far from Cantele Lake, I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, my heart pounding with each step. Marissa’s whimpers echoed in my ears, a haunting reminder of how close I was to losing her.





Fear gnawed at me, driving me faster. The pack hospital came into view, and I pushed myself harder, refusing to slow down.




Bursting through the doors, I yelled for the medical staff. " Where is the doctor? I need help! Someone, please come quickly check her!"




The head doctor rushed over, eyes widening as he saw Marissa in my arms.
“Doctor, quickly check her. She suddenly closed her eyes and is whimpering,” I said, my voice filled with fear for my mate.




"What happened? Did she get hurt somewhere?” Doctor Edwardo asked and I quickly nodded.




"She was shot, and the bullet was laced with wolfsbane," I explained, my voice shaking.




Doctor Edwardo nodded, his expression grim. "Bring her here. We need to examine her immediately. You need to wait outside."



"No, I’m not leaving her," I growled, my grip tightening on Marissa.



"Alpha, we need space to work," Doctor Edwardo insisted. It was like Marissa also didn't want me to leave her said because her hand clutched mine tightly, her face twitching in pain. Seeing her in pain made my heart tighten in pain and I wish I could stop all of it.




"Do something now!" I roared, my eyes flashing with desperation.
Doctor Edwardo hesitated, but then nodded. "Alright, but stay out of the way."




They carefully transferred Marissa to a bed, and I stood by, my heart in my throat. Doctor Edwardo and the nurses worked swiftly, checking her wound and applying more of the special salve to counteract the wolfsbane.




He then took his stethoscope and checked her vitals. He then put it down and turned to me.




“She’s going to be fine,” He said, looking at me. “It’s just her body reacting to the wolfsbane since it’s her first exposure. She’s stressed and weak, but with rest, she’ll recover,” He assured me and let out a breath of relief even if i wasn't entirely relief.




Her temperature was still high and I could still hear her whimper a little.



"Why is her temperature so high? Why is she whimpering?" I demanded, my voice barely a whisper.




"Her body is under a lot of stress, and the wolfsbane triggered a severe reaction. She just needs rest," Doctor Edwardo explained.




“Are you sure you checked everything? You said she's stressed and I get that but I still can't understand why she’s whimpering,” I challenge, my eyes focused on Marissa.




“As I said earlier, she just needs rest and she would be fine. I think she might be having a nightmare due to the shock of the wolfbane. Just don't disturb her and let her sleep. If you'll excuse me, I still have other patient to check on,” Doctor Edwardo said before excusing himself and leaving the room.





I turned to Marissa, who weakly tugged me toward the bed. She was breathing evenly as the cease between her brows eased out She snuggled into me, and despite everything, I couldn’t help but smile. She looked so small and vulnerable, yet still fierce.





I patted her head slowly, brushing a strand of hair from her face, I admired her unique features, my heart swelling with love and worry.




I held her hand into mine, massaging it gently. She moaned slightly, tightening her grip on my hand. She really looked like she was dreaming of something severe.





“She is strong even when unconcious, maybe she wants to hold me accountable for the pain,” I said to myself, chuckling as I stared at the hand which was gripped by Marissa in a steel like grip as her nails dug into my skin.




“Maybe she's trying to seek comfort in our arms,” Jayden’s voice boomed and I hummed in reply.



I knew I had to attend to the matter at hand but I don't think I'm at the right frame of mind to do so.




“Benjamin, are you awake?” I mindlinked him, waiting to hear his response.
“Yes, Raul. Do you need something?” He asked and I sighed, glad that he wasn't asleep yet.



“Marissa's team were successful in their mission and were able to destroy the weapons but Marissa got hurt and I'm currently with her. I need you to check on her team and go with some men to get the stuff we confiscated. Prepare a briefing for the elder and if they ask of me, tell them I will be with Marissa until she wakes up,” I exolained to him.



“Alright, Raul. I update you on everything and I hope Marissa wakes up soon,” He responded and I could hear the sincerity in his voice.




“Thank you, Ben,” I let out, pulling Marissa towards me. She hugged my abdomen, purring like a cat. I couldn't help but chuckle at her. I took a deep breath to control the emotions swirling within me.




Exhaustion overtook me, and I found myself drifting off to sleep, hugging her close to my chest, liking the feeling of it.




In the middle of the night, I deep in slumber when Marissa’s body started shivering uncontrollably. I jolted awake, panic surging through me. “Doctor! Somebody, help!” I yelled out, feeling helpless as I watch her.




The medical team rushed in and began treating her, their movements a blur. I ran my hand through my hair, pacing around the room in confusion. After what felt like an eternity, her shivering subsided, and she calmed down but she looked more pale.




“What happened, Doc? What caused this?” I asked, my voice strained.




“It’s just another reaction to the wolfsbane,” Doctor Edwardo assured me but it didn't work.




I think he noticed my worried face and patted my shoulder. “It’s not serious, Alpha. The wolfbane is just making her body work overtime.”




I sighed loudly, running a hand through my hair again, my eyes glued to her.





Days turned into a blur of sleepless nights and constant vigilance. Marissa still hadn’t woken up, and her condition seemed to be stagnant with not a single progress.




Anytime I asked the doctor why she wasn't getting better, he just tells me the same story he does. I couldn’t bear to leave her side even for a second, I was even conducting meetings in her room, just so I could be there when she wakes up.




Days turned into weeks, and still, Marissa remained unconscious. Everyone had tried talking me into resting and eating but I refused to listen, stubbornly insisting on being by her side.



I know if she wakes up, she wouldn't like that I haven't been eating well and taking care of myself. I know she would blame herself but she should know she means everything to me.




Benjamin and Sabrina had came to visit as always and this time they were increasingly persistent for me to go and freshen up. Benjamin looked at me worry etched on his face.






“Raul, you need to take care of yourself. Marissa will be frightened if she was to wake up and see you right now. You look horrible. Go home, sleep, and come back refreshed, I and Sabrina promise to take care of Marissa until you get back,” Benjamin urged, pleading with me to rest.



“We’ll call you if there’s any progress, please go and rest,” Sabrina added, her eyes pleading.



Reluctantly, I agreed, knowing they were right, I needed to be strong for Marissa, so that when she wakes up, she won't have anything to worry about.




I excused myself and went home, I entered the bathroom and on the hot shower and went under. It was refrwshing and I stayed there for a while.





I freshened up, and dressed into my sweatpants. I lay down and was about to shut my eyes when my phone rang. I ignored it at first, but it kept ringing.




I hissed loudly, picking up the phone from the side table.I checked the caller ID and It was Benjamin. Without hesitation, I answered the call.




“She’s awake!” Were the only word he said, and before I could respond, he hung up.




I immediately stormed out and ran back to the hospital, my heart racing. Bursting into Marissa’s room, I found Benjamin standing by Sabrina as she fed Marissa water. As soon as they noticed my presence, Benjamin tapped Sabrina and they stepped out, leaving us alone.





“This is unfair,” I said, my voice breaking. “I didn’t take my eyes off you ever since you were unconscious, and I just step away for a while, and you wake up.”




Marissa tried to speak, but I didn't let her as I closed the distance between us, capturing her lips with mine. The kiss was fierce, filled with all the worry and relief of the past weeks. She didn’t push me away; instead, she wrapped her arms around me, drawing me closer.




In that moment, all the fear, the worry, and the exhaustion melted away. Holding Marissa, feeling her warmth and strength, I knew we would get through this together. The world outside could wait. For now, all that mattered was that she was awake, alive, and in my arms.