CHAPTER 21

Damian and the rest of the Shadow pack sat in impatience and anxiety. Damian could still not recover from Iliana abrupt behavior when he called her. It bothered the whole pack; the third month –the month they return– was near. There have been no reports, no calls, no returned texts or returned call from Samuel, Stuart or Iliana. Neither have there been any report from Jack. Damian fought the worst thoughts he could he think of—what if they’ve been discovered? What if they’ve been killed? What if…? Questions ran through his mind and the mind of the entire pack as well. He thought it wise to reach out to other packs about it but had to keep to himself as he figured that other packs may have no knowledge of the newly resurrected Shadow pack. Damian had never faced such an internal conflict before.

A suggestion to send more Shadow pack spies to Silver Creek was proposed, however it was rejected by Damian as there was no information regarding the others at Silver Creek. Damian, as well as everybody in the Silver Creek only hoped and prayed that they are well.

“Well done, Rachel!” Rajesh commended as the crowd cheered Iliana’s act. Iliana had already brutally scorned herself from within; all the commemorations made her feel worse than she felt. She stood at the center of the stage looking at the lifeless bodies of her comrades–members of the pack she supposedly killed. Iliana begged to be swallowed by the grounds of struck by a stray lightning bolt from the heavens.

“Clear the bodies.” Rajesh ordered. The bodies of Stuart and Samuel were being pulled away. Where will their bodies be taken to? Iliana wondered. There was nothing she could do to persuade the pack about having her lay the bodies.

“WE ARE GLORIOUS!” Rajesh exclaimed and the crowd, the pack cheered on. Rajesh exclaim was followed by transformations and random howling.

Iliana placed her hands on her temples and closed her eyes. It was not too long before Alexander came for her. He held her close to him and led her through. They made they way to the bottom and out of the meeting grounds. The ravaging howls echoed violently through the night; it felt like an Armageddon.

They made it out of the forest and to the town. Iliana leaned onto Alexander. No words came out of her mouth. There was nothing. They arrived at the motel in low spirits. Iliana managed to move herself out of Alexander’s hold.

“Rachel, are you okay?”

“…” No response.

“Will you be okay?”

Iliana could not hear what Alexander was asking; it was as if she was underwater. She could barely even see; her vision was blurry. She knew Alexander was right in front of her but she couldn’t see anything else, just the blurry image of Alexander. Suddenly, the world began to move around her but in slow motion. Everything was slow. She felt her body meeting something hard. It felt comfortable and warm. She could hear a heartbeat and a voice calling her name. A soothing voice. Before she knew it, everything and everywhere was silent and dark.

10:23am.

Iliana sprung open her eyes to the bright image of her environment. She felt the presence of somebody familiar. She adjusted to a sitting position and observed her environment.

“You’re awake.” Alexander said leaning to a wall nearest to the bed.

“W-What…happened?” Iliana asked while rubbing her eyes. “The last thing I remember was…” She kept her head low. “…the execution.”

“The execution happened two weeks ago. You’ve been out for that long.”

“Oh.” She lifted her head, then suddenly widened her eyes. “What did you say?!”

“The execution was two weeks ago. I almost thought you were dead.”

“TWO WEEKS?!” Iliana exclaimed with shock.

“Rachel…” Alexander stared her in the eye. She looked lost to him. “Don’t worry. You’re fine. I believe you were a little too overwhelmed. We were all worried about you. Rajesh and the others came to see you the other day but I…did not let them in; I figured you might not like to know that a company was here for you.”

“How long have you been here?”

“How long have you been asleep?” Alexander countered.

Iliana just realized that she is in the third month and is expected to return to the Shadow Creek. She scoffed at the thought. “Pathetic.” She said to herself. She managed to get out of bed only to be caught in Alexander’s arms.

“Be careful, Rachel.” Alexander said looking deep into her eyes.

“Thank you, Alexander.”

“You must be starving.” Alexander observed. “Get dressed.” Alexander said as she came out of his hold. “I’ll be waiting for you outside.” Alexander left Iliana alone.

Alexander stood by the door of Iliana’s room, intently observing everything that passed by.

“Alexander.”

“Sophia, what is it this time?” Alexander asked Sophia who appeared in front of him.

“I came to see Rachel. Is she awake yet?”

“Yes, she is.”

Sophia’s brows were raised. “That’s good news! Why haven’t you told anybody?”

“I just found out.” Alexander replied “Is that all you came here for?”

“Yes. Why?”

“It seems…odd. For as long as I have known you, you are not the type to…do this. It seems fishy.”

“And so does this. I did not mean to disrespect you.”

Alexander scoffed. “I am not disrespected but surprised at how you care for another person and compare it to me doing what a mate is bound to do.”

“We both know that—” Sophia was interrupted by Iliana who emerged out of her room. “Rachel!” Sophia greeted with a hug. “We have been so worried about you.”

“I am fine.” Iliana said as she broke the hug.

“Now that I know you are awake, everyone will be relieved. Come, we have so much to talk about." Sophia said as she gleefully tried pulling Iliana away.

“Actually…” Iliana stopped pulled her hand out. “Alexander and I have somewhere to be.”

Sophia glared at Alexander who nodded in response. “Then I’ll come around later.” Sophia let out a disappointed expression. “Alexander, there’ll be a meeting this night. Your presence is required. Bring Rachel along.” Sophia said as she walked away.

“I don’t like her.” Alexander spoke.

“Alexander, I think she’s very nice.” Iliana chuckled holding Alexander’s hands and staring at his eyes. “Thank you.” She softly intoned which was followed by a hug. Alexander reciprocated the gesture.

“Let’s go.” Alexander said as he walked hand in hand with Iliana.