Chapter 71 I Need Some Space
The healing ward carried the heavy scent of blood, herbs, and tension. Alberto lay unconscious on the cot, his face pale, the fresh lashes on his back seeping through the bandages Mira had applied in haste. His breathing was shallow, each inhale a small battle. Mira sat beside him, her hands glowing faintly as she worked to ease the worst of the wounds, but her focus wavered. Her eyes kept drifting to Fernando, who stood at the foot of the cot, arms crossed, jaw clenched, staring at Alberto with a mix of fury and guilt he refused to voice.
Mira attended to Alberto in silence, not speaking to Fernando. She changed the blood-soaked cloths, applied fresh poultices, and adjusted the infusion line feeding slow-healing draughts into his vein. Her movements were precise, but her lips pressed into a thin line. She did not look at the Alpha once.
Fernando was equally silent, pissed beyond words. His wolf paced beneath his skin, snarling at the memory of Mira's lips on Alberto's, at the healer's bold claim. He had stormed in expecting betrayal, but the scene had shattered something deeper. He stood there, fists clenched, the bond pulling him toward Alberto even as anger kept him rooted in place.
Hours passed in that strained quiet. Mira worked tirelessly, wiping sweat from Alberto's brow, adjusting bandages when blood seeped through. Fernando paced occasionally, then stopped, staring at the floor or the wall, never at her.
Alberto stirred finally, a low groan escaping his lips. His eyes fluttered open, blurry at first, then focusing on Mira's worried face.
"Mira," he whispered.
She leaned closer. "You are awake. Do not move too much."
Fernando rushed forward immediately, relief and anger warring on his face. "Alberto—"
Mira stepped between them in a flash, her small frame blocking the Alpha's path. She glared hard at Fernando, eyes fierce, unyielding.
"Stay back," she said, voice low but sharp.
Fernando halted, shock flickering across his features. "Mira—"
Just then, the door opened. Darius walked in, his stride purposeful. He ignored the thick tension hanging in the room and went straight to Alberto's side, kneeling to check his pulse.
"How are you feeling?" Darius asked, voice calm.
Alberto managed a weak smile. "I am fine."
Darius glared at Mira and Fernando in turn. "You are both respectable people in this pack. Leaders. Healers. If you cannot keep your business handled like proper adults, then do not disturb others with it."
Mira's glare softened slightly, but she did not move.
Darius continued, voice firm. "You should also know when to stop. This fighting, this anger—it helps no one. Especially not him."
He gestured to Alberto.
Alberto tried to sit up. "Darius, careful. You are speaking to the Alpha."
Darius met Fernando's eyes without flinching. "If I cannot speak sense to the Alpha, then no one can."
Fernando snarled angrily, stepping forward. "It seems you all held a meeting and decided to disrespect me today."
Mira interjected, voice cutting. "Then act like you are worth the respect and regard we offer. Stop behaving like a lost pup throwing tantrums."
Fernando's eyes flashed gold. "You dare—"
Darius stood between them. "Enough. Both of you."
Alberto coughed weakly. "Please..."
The room fell into uneasy silence, the bond and loyalties strained to breaking.
Mira returned to Alberto's side, checking his bandages.
Fernando turned away, staring at the wall.
Darius remained, a silent guardian.
The healing ward carried the sharp scent of blood and medicinal herbs, the air thick with unspoken words and unresolved anger. Alberto lay on the cot, his back a throbbing map of lashes, the bandages Mira had applied already spotting with fresh red. His face was pale, but his eyes were clear as he looked around the room. Fernando stood near the foot of the bed, arms crossed, jaw tight. Mira hovered close, her hands still glowing faintly from the healing she had attempted.
Alberto shifted slightly and winced. "Darius, help me sit up."
Darius moved immediately, sliding an arm behind Alberto's shoulders and easing him upright against the pillows. "Easy. Do not tear the stitches."
Both Fernando and Mira rushed forward at the same time, hands extended to help.
Darius stopped them with a sharp look and a raised hand. "No. Once you two figure out your shit, then you can come closer."
Fernando's eyes narrowed. "You do not even know what happened, and you are siding with Mira already?"
Darius laughed, the sound mocking and short. "I do not need to know what happened between two grown adults. You are both childish. Acting like pups fighting over a bone."
He turned to Mira. "And I am disappointed in you for submitting to Fernando's tantrums all this time."
Mira's cheeks flushed, but she said nothing.
Darius finished adjusting Alberto's pillows and stepped back. "There. Comfortable?"
Alberto smiled weakly. "Thank you."
He looked at the three of them. "All of you, leave. I need some space."
Fernando's voice softened. "Am I included?"
Darius answered before Alberto could. "You are the origin of him being in this bed. Keep going and do not turn back."
Fernando's jaw clenched, but he turned toward the door.
Mira started to follow.
Alberto called her back. "Mira, wait. We need to speak."
Mira stopped, glancing at Fernando's retreating back, then returned to the bedside.
Darius nodded to Alberto and left, closing the door softly.
The room fell quiet.
Alberto looked at Mira. "About the kiss..."
Mira sat on the edge of the cot. "I am sorry. I should not have."
Alberto took her hand. "You caught me off guard. But why?"
Mira's eyes filled with tears. "I have cared for you longer than you know. When I saw Fernando hurting you, punishing you, I lost control."
Alberto squeezed her hand. "I care for you too, but what do you mean by me being your mate?" Alberto asked curiously and Mira laughed out.
"I'm the last of my kind and we are forbidden to have a mate so I made that up to infuriate Fernando and make him act right. I figured out if he has a competitor, he will hasten up in claiming you" She explained with a smile while Alberto shook his head in shock.
"I'm starting to believe Samael that said everyone in this pack is crazy" Alberto said while Mira nodded her head as she gave him a peck on his forehead before leaving the room.