Chapter 24 DALIA
DALIA
What the hell was I thinking when I allowed him to kiss me. As I run out of the hospital, I touch my lips. It's all swollen, and I can still taste him in my mouth. He tastes so good…. So addicting. I want more. I know the strength it took me to push him away. Because no matter how much I want him, I can't let him use me. If he can't accept the mate bond, then he has no right to kiss me or make me feel special.
I'm so angry at myself for giving in so quickly to the kiss. I didn't even pull up a fight. My body betrayed me and I hate it. I could feel his touch on every part of my body he touched, his breath, his scent.
Gosh! It's driving me crazy!
All I want so bad right now is to reach the park house, go into my room and bury myself in a warm bath. I want every thought of what happened tonight to leave my head. I want to stop feeling him all over my body.
I'm startled by the sound of a car horn. I look up to see Ezekiel in one of his cars. He actually came to pick me up. But after what happened. How will I feel sitting beside him in a car? I don't know why he's always the one to come pick me up. He can send someone else to do that.
I hate being in an awkward situation, so I will rather walk myself to the pack house than enter that car. But I feel exhausted from working all day.
My eyes widened as a thought entered my mind. Leon! After what happened, I plan on taking him with me to the pack house. I don't guarantee his safety in that hospital. I quickly turn and run back to the hospital, ignoring Ezekiel. I haven't gone far from the hospital so I arrive there in no time and rush to Leon's ward. He's awake and a nurse is with him.
“Leon.” I'm panting from running. He looks up at me and says nothing. I hugged him. He needs it, I know he does. My heart is breaking for him. He's young to go through all these. I pull from the hug and touch his cheek.
“How are you feeling?” I ask. He didn't reply. I don't expect him to. I know he's handling his pain in his own way, but I wish he will let it out. I believe he will feel more relieved if he does so.
The door creaks open and Ezekiel walks in. He moves towards us. “Leon.” he calls softly. He also knows what the boy went through and he feels for him. “Do you feel better now?”
Leon nods. Guess he prefers answering to his Alpha than me. He was open to me until I told of his mother's death. It makes me feel bad.
“Have you caught the witch?” He directs the question to me.
I bite my lips, feeling sad that I won't give him the answer he wants. “No.”
He simply nods and looks away. I sit up and turn to Ezekiel. “Can Leon stay in the pack house? This place is not safe for him.”
“Why?”
“I will explain later.” Being in his presence still feels awkward but right now, Leon is more important. I really need to get over it, because we will see each other often.
“Okay.” He turns to Leon. “Leon, you will live in the pack house from now on. It's not safe for you to be alone. And I promise to find the witch that killed your mother and make her pay.”
Leon simply nods.
…..
Apparently, I end up sitting next to Ezekiel as he drives us to the pack house. When we get to the pack house one of the guest rooms is given to Leon. I want to return to my room after making sure that Leon is comfortable, but Ezekiel said that he wants to speak with me.
“I believe you saw the news. I know you weren't mentioned there, but don't worry, the council knows about you. I didn't tell them in detail who you are, but they know that you will help in stopping the war.”
“Did you tell them of my plan in catching the witch?” I ask, tired. But I want this conversation to continue.
“No. I know it's ridiculous, but I don't trust anyone. Your plan is risky, and I don't want any mistake. I don't want to lose you,” he whispers the last part. I gulp down as I remember the kiss. I quickly shove it away. I shouldn't feel giddy. He cares because of the mate bond. He has made it clear many times.
“Talking about trust. I have a strong feeling that someone is helping the witch. She can't be doing everything alone. Especially knowing that we were looking for her and then she escaped.”
“I wonder who the unfortunate idiot that's helping her is.” Ezekiel gritted.
“That's why we need to catch the witch as soon as possible.” I cut in. “She came to the hospital today.”
“What!” Ezekiel's widened eyes are on me as he takes my hand and inspect the small cut on my palm covered with a plaster. “Is that how you got this?”
He sounds scared and worried. Even though he doesn't want me, I can see how the thought of anything happening to me scares him. I think I should get used to his affection that has no acceptance.
“I told you I hurt myself. Didn't I?” I release my hand from his.
“That's ridiculous.”
I chuckle slightly. “The witch came to the hospital but I didn't see her. I felt her presence so I knew she was there. At first I thought she was there to kill Leon but that wasn't the case. I'm still trying to figure out why she was there though. I was angry that I didn't catch her so I dug my nails into my palm to contain my anger.”
He takes my hand again as he looks into my eyes, holding my gaze. I don't know why it's so easy for him after the kiss. Isn't he feeling awkward like me?
“Little monster, you can take out your anger on anything else, but don't hurt yourself.”
The tone at which he says that sends shivers down my core. What's wrong with me? He's so close, and it's driving me crazy. I quickly take my hand from him and put a little distance between us.
“I want to start working in the hospital,” I say, trying to clear the tension in the air.
“Why?”
“I just want something to keep myself busy.”
“Okay. I will tell Jerald. But don't cause any trouble there.”
I roll my eyes. “I'm not a trouble maker, big bad Alpha.”
“I can't say.” He shrugs his shoulders dramatically. I roll my eyes once again. Well, I'm glad he said yes. I thought he would want to lock me in a room instead.
“And about Jerald. I know I've said this to you before, and you said you will consider it, but you haven't given me a reply yet which I hope you do. After seeing patients in different wards and the poor treatment from Jerald. I really hope you will get a more competent doctor. I am not the only one that noticed Jerald’s incompetence. Even your warriors do. They said that most of the warriors still move around with poorly treated wounds. This kind of thing weakens a wolf. Jerald is old. It's time for him to retire.”
He sighs. “I haven't spoken to him yet. I know it won't be easy for him to leave the hospital he has worked in for years, but I think you are right. He's old and needs to rest, so the young ones will take over. Don't worry, I will definitely speak with him tomorrow.”
I nod as silence takes over. It's awkward and I know I should move, but I don't know why I'm stuck here. I look at him. He's staring at my lips and there's hunger. Real hunger in his eyes.