Broken But Not Forever

Once inside the packhouse, Eli put Violet down. Her wounds were almost healed so instead of asking the doctor to look at them she asked about her best friend. "Dr. Gable, how is Cora?" She asked as soon as she saw her.

"She is resting now. We have given her many drugs. She has suffered a lot of blunt trauma to her face and trunk. She has a broken nose, cheekbone, collarbone, and many broken ribs. She is also suffering from a pretty severe concussion. She is very lucky." Tears were silently falling down Violet's face. This is all my fault Violet thought to herself. How could I let this happen. If I hadn't been so distracted. I should have taken care of the mating bond well be for this. Agony was written all over her. Eli wrapped his arms around her middle and squeezed "this is not your fault princess. Cora is a strong women and she will heal."

"Can I see her?" Violet looked at Dr. Gable desperation present in her guilt-filled eyes.

"Yes, but only one at a time and I am afraid Alex hasn't left her side." Dr. Gable opened the door. Violet saw her soul sister lying in the bed looking so fragile and broken the tears were now streaming down her face. She turned to see Alex looking at Cora with worry and regret. He looked at Violet and walked over to her. He leaned down and put his head on her shoulder. That's when Alex started to cry.

"Alex, are you okay?" Violet asked in bewilderment. "Why are you crying?"

"I am so sorry Vi. It is all my fault. If I hadn't fallen for Liz and her fake mate bond everything would be different." Alex wept. "You could have died..."

"Alex, stop, this is not your fault." Violet said, pulling away. She looked at him closely. He is so tall now, at least six feet and such broad shoulders. He looked like the man he had just become.It felt like a lifetime ago they celebrated his 18th birthday. I guess in wolf years he is a full male now that he has phased, Violet thought to herself. "Alex, I am sorry I couldn't protect you from her. I should never have allowed her to stay here in the first place."

"Violet," Alex said, looking over at Cora on the bed. "What if Liz had killed her?" He then rushed over to Cora's side grabbing her hand and kissed the top of it.

"Alex, do you need to tell me something?" Violet asked cautiously.

"I found my mate Vi, Tada!" Alex gestured to a sleeping Cora.

"Can you explain everything to me please?" Violet asked, sitting down in the arm chair on the other side of the bed, in the small room where Cora was healing.

"Well, it happened rather fast, Vi. When you asked for someone to get her out of the cabin, I just went for it. As soon as I got close the smell of honeysuckle and jasmine engulfed me although it was slightly tainted with the cooper smell of her injuries. Then when I touched her it sent tingles all the way up my arms and I knew I would never let anything happen to her ever again. She was awake when we left but she passed out before I could even talk to her about it." Alex looked at Cora intently. "I just want her to wake up so I can explain to her what is going on. I want to nurse her back to health."

"I don't think you will have to explain much to Cora," Violet said with a grin.

"True, that woman is so smart." Alex looked over at Violet with a terrified look "What if she doesn't accept me? It's not like humans date guys who have just turned 18. Violet, will she say no."

Violet sat there thinking of what to say. "Alex, Cora is a wonderful woman. She is strong, independent, a brilliant businessman, and pretty open. You must know that she will not do any of the things you will want to do right away because you are, whether you like it or not, still very young in society's eyes."

Alex looked into Violet with intensity "I am not asking for anything but companionship until we both understand this bond better. I will never force her into this being more than a deep friendship." He took a deep breath "Unless of course her feelings change. I am pretty irresistible" Alex winks.

Violet smacked him upside the head for that comment. It's nice to see a bit of the old Alex coming back, Violet thought. "Alex, why don't you go get some rest? You must be tired, the sun is coming up and you will want to be refreshed when she comes too."

"umm Violet I hate to say this but you are still covered in blood and you smell something fierce. I think you should go. I will link you if she wakes up. After you are done I will rest." Alex stated bluntly. Violet looked over at her friend. She was bearly recognizable with her face being all black and blue and swollen. It was killing her the idea of leaving her there. "Violet, she won't be alone. I promise." He looked down at Cora a mix of sadness and admiration shown on his face. "Now go you are over powering the scent of my mate and it is not a good smell." He paused and then said softly "plus you look like hell and deserve some rest."

"Thanks for keeping it real Alex."

"I always got your back sister." He responded.

Violet left the room and saw her mate sitting in a chair with his head up against the wall and snoring. She walked over to him and whispered: "Wake up sleeping beauty we need a shower and a nap." Eli opened his eyes and nodded.