Chapter 109

Arya.

As I woke up, the world around me slowly came into focus, blurred shapes and muted colors sharpening into clarity. The harsh, sterile scent of the hospital room assaulted my senses, and for a moment, panic threatened to overwhelm me. My eyes darted around the room, trying to make sense of where I was and why.

And then I saw him.

Tyler.

Relief flooded through me, washing away the tendrils of fear that threatened to engulf me whole. "Tyler," I turned towards him, my voice trembling as I struggled to form the words that lingered unspoken on my lips.

"Hey, Little One," he said as he kissed my forehead.

But then, like a floodgate opening, the memories came rushing back. The chaos of the southern border, the fight with Alison, the searing pain as Robert's blade pierced through my skin. "Shit!" I cursed, my heart pounding in my chest as my hands instinctively rested on my stomach. "My baby."

Tyler's grip tightened around my hand, his eyes filled with understanding. "You and the baby are both fine, Arya." he murmured.

Fear, relief, gratitude—a kaleidoscope of sensations that threatened to overwhelm me. I needed to know, needed reassurance that my baby was safe.

"Are you sure?" The words trembled on my lips, the uncertainty echoing in the silence that followed. Tyler reassured me with a smile.

"Yes, Arya," he said. "I am."

"What happened?" I asked. "I was about to kill Alison when Robert stabbed me." After that, everything went blank.

Tyler's gaze met mine, his eyes soft with understanding as he reached out to clasp my hand in his. His touch was warm, grounding, a reminder that I wasn't alone.

"I found you unconscious when I got to the southern border," he began, his voice a steady anchor amidst the chaos of beeping monitors and distant voices.

"And then what?" I prompted, my fingers tightening around his.

Tyler hesitated for a moment, his gaze dropping to where our hands were intertwined. "When I tried to take you to the hospital, Robert attacked me," he started, his jaw hardened and his voice tinged with anger at the memory. "But I killed him before he could do anything else."

I felt a surge of anger bubbling up inside me at the mention of Robert, the betrayal still raw and throbbing beneath the surface. Finally, I didn't have to deal with him anymore. I felt a sense of peace settle over me at the thought.

"He was wasting my time, Arya. Besides, he stabbed my mate," he continued. "Nobody does that and lives to talk about it. I didn't even get to punish him like I wanted to."

I chuckled softly, rolling my eyes at him. "You and your ego," I teased. "You should keep it in check, Tyler."

"If my ego will protect you, I'm not keeping it in check," he said. "But in my defense, it's not every day that I get to fend off a beta with a grudge."

I snorted, unable to suppress a smirk. "Fair point," I conceded. "So, what about Alison?"

At the mention of her name, Tyler's expression darkened, his jaw tightening with barely concealed anger. "She came at me after I killed her father," he explained. "Challenged me out of rage."

I frowned. "And did you spare her?"

Tyler shook his head. "No," he replied firmly. "I didn't spare her. She was keeping me from getting you to safety, Arya. Another quick death I would've loved to savor."

I swallowed hard, the reality of his words sinking in. Alison was gone, and while a part of me mourned the loss of the fact that I didn't get the satisfaction of killing her myself for all she put me through, another part couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. She had been a threat, and now she was gone.

"Besides," Tyler continued, softer now, more introspective. "She was asking for it."

I glanced around the room, taking in the flowers, the cards, the pastries on the sideboard.

"Natalie brought those," Tyler's voice broke through my reverie, drawing my attention to the pastries. I followed his gaze, my heart twisting at the sight.

"I wish I could see her," I murmured, my fingers tracing the delicate petals of a nearby flower. The thought of Natalie's warm smile, her infectious laughter, brought a bittersweet ache to my chest. "I miss her so much."

"You will, love." Tyler's voice was gentle, his eyes softening with empathy. Despite the gravity of our situation, his presence offered a glimmer of solace amidst the chaos. He understood the depth of my longing, the ache for familiarity in a world that had been turned upside down.

"Thank you, Tyler," I said softly.

"What for, Little One?"

"For saving my life," I replied. The memory of that terrifying moment when Robert stabbed me crossed my mind. I thought I might never see him again.

Tyler's expression softened, his eyes scanning my face as if searching for something. "It's my duty, Arya," he said firmly. "I shouldn't have left you alone for that long."

I shook my head, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "You had pack business to attend to," I insisted, knowing full well the weight of his responsibilities as an Alpha. "I understand."

But Tyler wasn't convinced. With a determined look in his eyes, he scooted closer to me, taking a seat on the edge of my bed. "I could have taken you with me," he murmured. "Taken you to all the places I went."

I couldn't help but laugh at the thought. "I might have died of boredom," I teased gently, reaching out to cup his face. "But at least I'd be bored with you."

His response was unexpected yet tender. He took my hands in his, lifting them to his lips as he stared at me intently. The brush of his lips against my skin sent a shiver down my spine, igniting a warmth that spread through me like wildfire.

"I'm sorry, Arya," he whispered, his breath ghosting over my wrist. His eyes bore into mine, filled with an emotion too profound for words.

Leaning forward, I closed the distance between us, my lips brushing against his in a soft, lingering kiss. "There's nothing to forgive," I murmured against his lips.

He kissed me back with a fervor that left me breathless, his arms pulling me closer until there was no space between us. "I love you," he whispered.

"I love you, Tyler," I whispered back.

Before we could lose ourselves in each other completely, a knock at the door interrupted our moment. "Doctor Drew," a voice called from the other side of the door.

Tyler glanced over his shoulder, his grip on me loosening slightly. "Come in," he called out.

The doctor entered the room, his expression brightening as he took in the sight of us together. "Arya," he greeted me with a warm smile. "I have good news. Your tests show that you and the baby are in good health. You'll be discharged today."

Relief flooded through me at his words, a weight lifting from my shoulders. I turned to Tyler, a grateful smile spreading across my lips. "Thank you," I said softly, as I faced the doctor.

Tyler's eyes softened, his gaze filled with an overwhelming tenderness. Leaning in, he pressed a gentle kiss to my lips, his touch reassuring and comforting. "It's time to bring you home," he whispered.

I chuckled softly, feeling a sense of complete peace settle over me. I had Tyler by my side, and my baby in good health. I had a new family. I chuckled, happiness flowing through my body at the thought. Everything turned out alright. I said a silent prayer of gratitude to the moon goddess.