Chapter 57 Chapter 57
AILSA’S POV
I always thought that healing would be faster since I was a wolf but it was the slowest thing that I ever experienced.
Every time the healer walked into the room, it was to bring another herb that tasted bitter than the last. I was tired of being cooped up in the room doing nothing. It reminded me of when Lucian had me confined in the previous room.
Now, I was in his room. Everywhere smelled of him and as much as I liked his scent, I wanted to go back to my room but he didn’t want me to leave. He was confusing. For someone who had insisted he didn't want me and pushed me away every single time. Lucian had turn to a shadow that never left my side.
At first, I thought it was guilt and then maybe it was part of his responsibility as Alpha but watching him now moving around the room, bringing in another tray of food, he clearly didn't want me to refuse. I realized it was something entirely.
"Eat" He ordered softly, placing a bowl of steaming porridge on the bedside table. I stared at the food and then at him.
"Lucian, you don't have to do this, I'm not dying"
"You were close enough" He growled under his breath.
"Lucian..."
"No" His voice was firm. “I don't want to hear any complains this time because it won't stop me or make me leave. This is the second attempt on your life and this one worse than the other. I'm not taking any chances” He brushed his fingers against my cheek, he sent my pulse racing and my mark burned.
There it was again. I came to realize that my mark might have something to do with Lucian but I didn’t voice it out.
"You can't leave this room" He added. He might have become a bit softer since the incident but this dictator part of him was never leaving.
"Lucian...."
"This one is not up for debate. I think I already made myself clear on the reason you can't leave here" I glared at him.
"At least, let Lina come and spend some time with me" He hummed.
"I'll think about it"
"Do you want me to be suffocated in this room? You won’t let me leave so let my friends Lina and Damian come and see me" I saw his jaw clenched when I called Damian's name.
"I'll think about it" he said again. I sighed
"Would you at least tell me what happened to the rogues that tried to attack me and who they are?”
“I wanted to wait until you’ve fully recovered until I tell you anything”
“I’ve recovered, you can tell me everything about them. I want to know what you have done to them”
“Nothing much, they are still in the dungeons receiving treatment, when they are stronger and their wolf can heal then I’ll start with them”
“You still think all this things are happening because of my cursed mark, right?” I asked softly.
“If it were because of your mark then I don’t think it would have been happening to you, it should be happening to others. If you...." He didn't get to complete his sentence as there was a knock at the door. I really wanted to know what he thought.
He told the person on the other side of the door to enter and Aiden stepped in with a soft smile.
"You look better"
"A little" I answered, happy to see him.
"How are things with the pack?" He waved it off and took a seat.
"Just focus on recovering, everything is being handled" I had a feeling both Lucian and Aiden knew something.
"Why are you being so friendly with her" His voice was thick with jealousy.
"Come on. Don't be jealous, I'm only trying to be a concerned friend” He said clearing his throat.
"You have work to attend to, don't you?" He stood up.
"I'll see you later" He winked at me and Lucian growled. Aiden chuckled knowing what he had done. He left when the door closed, I stared at Lucian.
"Was that necessary?"
"What are talking about?"
"Don't pretend like you didn't indirectly ask Aiden to leave"
"If I wanted to ask him to leave. I would have gone straight to the point. He was trying to act like your best friend" I laughed. Watching him being jealous was actually funny.
"Why are laughing? Did I say something funny?"
"Nothing. Actually it is funny watching you jealous" I chuckled.
"I'm not jealous” he said the words firmly. How can I be jealous when I know you are mine. I would only be jealous if you weren’t. So I don't have to worry about anyone snatching you away since it’s never going to happen”
I swallowed hard. That was not what I was expecting to hear and the way he said it made my heart flutter.
"Cat got your tongue now?" He asked with a raised brow.
"N.no.... I d..don't have anything to say. I think I'll just rest" I said slowly.
"I'll come back later" He said and he turned to leave, leaving me alone with my confused feelings, which made me frustrated and aching in places I shouldn't be. I was not expecting this part of Lucian and I didn't know how to cope with it.
Hours passed and I couldn't get any decent sleep because my thoughts spiraled around Lucian's behaviour. His gentleness and jealousy. Also his refusal for me to leave the room. It was overwhelming and exhausting.
The door opened once more but this time I knew the scent instantly.
"Damian?"
He stepped in tall and confident carrying that familiar stupid grin I hadn't realized I missed. It felt like ages since I had last seen him.
"It didn't take you long to get hurt again" He teased lightly. I narrowed my eyes.
"Very funny" His smile disappeared and was replaced with concern.
"You're angry with me" He said quietly. I didn't answer.
He moved closer, pulling a chair and sitting beside me.
"Did I do something wrong?"
"You're really asking me that?" I asked him annoyed.
Damian only seemed to show his face whenever I got into trouble and it made wonder if I did something to him.
"I know you think I have been avoiding you but it's not like that"
"Did I ever say you were avoiding me?" I queried.
"You don't have to say it, I know what you are thinking. I haven't been coming to see you like I used to even before you were injured. The truth is I stayed away because…….” he exhaled shakily.
"Because I like you, Ailsa" My breath froze.
"I don't just like you" He continued.
"I can't stand seeing you with him. I can't be close to you when I know your heart is with the Alpha. He even had me...."
"Damian" I cut him off but he didn't want to stop.
"No" he said firmly his eyes locking with mine.
"I needed time to clear my head, to see if staying from you would help me forget about my feelings but I couldn't stop thinking about you every damn day"
My heart stuttered.
Then leaned forward, brushing his fingers against my hand.
"I can protect you, Ailsa. You are always getting hurt and it's because of Lucian. You need security and I can give you that" I shook my head. This was wrong and it was not Lucian's fault that I get hurt.
"He's my mate" I said quietly.
"It doesn't matter. He can have another mate, you can reject him" I pulled back in shock of what Damian was suggesting. I didn't believe he was uttering this words.
"I can't do that Damian. Why would one suggest something like that. You know how bad it is"
"I'm saying all these because I'm concerned about you. Lucian would never accept you, not when he has another mate"
"What do you mean he has another mate?” I asked in annoyance.
I don't understand why he would be lying against Lucian just because he wanted me to reject him. I didn't even know Damian again. It seemed like he had become a different person overnight.
"Let's not talk about Lucian right now. I know you feel something for me" I shook my head.
"The only thing I feel for you is what a sister feels for her brother" I said firmly.
"Ailsa ..." His voice dropped low.
"I care about you" He leaned in and I could feel his breath close to mine, I wanted to move away but he moved faster than me and his lips touched mine.
My eyes widened, he cupped my cheek gently and I was about to push him back but my arms hurt like hell and my mark throbbed painfully.
The door slammed opened and that was when Damian jerked back. I froze as we both turned to see Lucian standing at the doorway, rage rolling off him in waves so strong that the roof felt cold.