Chapter 69 Gentle Hands
[Lysander]
I pulled the chair close to the bed and sat down, still holding Nyx's hand. The food the nurse had brought sat forgotten on the table. I'd lost my appetite.
About an hour later, Seth appeared at the door. "Captain. Alpha Blackwood secured rooms at the resort for all rescue personnel. Hot showers, warm beds, decent food. You should go rest."
"I'm staying," I said, not looking away from Nyx. "But you and the others should go. Get some proper rest. That's an order."
Seth shifted his weight. "Sir, you've been awake over twenty-four hours—"
"I'll go when she wakes up."
A pause. Then Seth said, quieter, "You really care about this woman that much."
"Without her," I said flatly, "would we have found Lilith in time? Would we have gotten everyone back alive?"
Seth went quiet.
"She gave the commands that saved lives today," I continued. "Including yours."
Another beat of silence. Then Seth exhaled. "Okay. Yeah. She was... impressive out there."
He headed for the door, then paused. "I'll tell the Alpha you'll come later. After she wakes up."
"Thanks, Seth."
[Nyx]
White ceiling. Sterile white ceiling with fluorescent lights that hummed softly.
That was the first thing I saw when my eyes opened.
My heart jolted. Where am I?
The beeping of medical equipment. The antiseptic smell. The unfamiliar walls pressing in—
Panic clawed at my chest. My breathing quickened. What happened? Where—
Then I felt it. Warmth. Solid, steady warmth wrapped around my hand.
I turned my head, muscles protesting, and saw him.
Lysander sat in a chair beside the bed, his large hand completely enveloping mine. His eyes were bloodshot, exhaustion written in every line of his face, but the moment our gazes met, relief flooded his expression.
"Hey," he said softly, his thumb stroking gentle circles on my knuckles. "You're safe. The resort medical center. You've been asleep for about ten hours."
The panic drained away instantly. Lysander. He was here. I was safe.
But—
"Lilith?" The word came out hoarse, my throat dry.
"She's in the next room." His other hand came up, brushing hair back from my forehead with infinite tenderness. "Damon's with her. The doctors say she'll make a full recovery."
Thank the Moon Goddess. Relief so powerful it made me dizzy washed through me. "The others? The team?"
"Everyone's safe. Resting at the resort." His eyes searched my face. "How do you feel?"
"Like I got buried in an avalanche," I managed, which earned me a small smile despite the worry still evident in his expression.
The door opened, and an older male Omega entered—silver-streaked hair, kind eyes, badge identifying him as Dr. Harrison. He moved to my bedside with practiced efficiency, checking monitors, pulse, temperature.
"You're recovering well, Ms. Verdant," he said after a thorough examination. "No major injuries. Mild frostbite on your extremities that should heal completely. Core temperature has normalized." He made notes on his tablet. "But you pushed your body to its absolute limit. I want you on complete rest for at least three days."
"I have work—"
"Three days minimum," he said firmly. "No work. No wolf form. Your body needs time to recover from the extreme physical and emotional stress." He glanced at Lysander. "Alpha Blackwood has arranged accommodations at the resort for all rescue personnel. Private suites, full amenities. I suggest you take advantage of them."
I wanted to argue. Really, I did. But exhaustion still weighted my limbs, and the thought of not having to deal with anything for three whole days...
"Fine," I conceded. "Three days."
"Good." Dr. Harrison set his tablet aside. "But first, you need to clean up. There's still grime from the rescue mission." He glanced at Lysander. "The bathroom has a walk-in shower. I'll have a nurse bring clean clothes and discharge papers. You should be able to leave within the hour once you're ready."
After he left, I turned to Lysander. "You stayed here all night."
"Of course I did." He said it like there was no other option. Like sitting in an uncomfortable hospital chair watching me sleep for ten hours was the most natural thing in the world.
Something warm unfurled in my chest. Something dangerous and soft that I didn't want to examine too closely.
"I can manage—" I started.
"No." Lysander's voice was firm. "You can barely sit up without wincing."
I looked at Lysander. He was already moving, checking the IV line, his movements efficient and confident. "Can you stand?"
"I think so."
He helped me up, one arm around my waist, supporting most of my weight. My legs trembled but held. The bathroom was spacious—hospital luxury, not standard issue. A large walk-in shower dominated one wall, the kind with multiple spray heads and a built-in bench.
Lysander turned on the water, testing the temperature with his hand. Steam began to fill the space. Then he turned back to me, his amber eyes steady and matter-of-fact.
"Arms up."
I lifted my arms. He pulled the hospital gown over my head in one smooth motion, tossing it aside. His gaze swept over me—not with lust, but with something else. Assessment. Concern. His fingers traced lightly over a bruise on my ribs, another on my shoulder.
"These need to be watched," he murmured. "Make sure they're healing properly."
Then he guided me into the shower, steadying me as I stepped under the spray. The hot water hit my skin and I gasped—it felt like heaven and hell simultaneously. Every muscle protested, then slowly began to relax.
Lysander stepped in behind me, still fully dressed in his hospital scrubs. The water immediately soaked through the thin fabric, plastering it to his body, but he didn't seem to care.
"Sit," he said, guiding me to the built-in bench.
I sat, and he knelt in front of me, reaching for the hospital-provided soap and washcloth. His movements were methodical, careful. He started with my arms, working from shoulder to fingertips, washing away the grime and dried blood I hadn't even noticed was there.
The washcloth moved to my shoulders, my collarbones. Not sexual. Just... thorough. Caring. Like I was something precious that needed tending.
"Lean forward."