Chapter 49 Bound By Duty And Desire
Zayne's POV
The next time I opened my eyes, instead of Red in my arms, I was alone, the space beside me had gone cold meaning Red had been gone for a while which only made my frown deepen.
Unlike when I first woke up, I was in a much better state, the memories of what happened in the forest came rushing back. I remembered Kael struggling to heal me because of the poison whose source was unknown and the Pack doctor coming to check up on me was the last thing I remembered. But I feel so much better now.
Pushing the blanket away, I stood but the door opened and Xavier entered before I took a step. He frowned in disapproval which sometimes made me wonder who the Alpha was.
“Where do you think you're going?" He asked, “Luna's order was clear, you do not leave this room…and I'd rather not offend her.” he finished, glaring at me.
It was my time to frown, “What are you talking about? Where's Red?" I asked.
He shrugged, "She's busy," he replied, like he couldn't hear how ridiculous he sounded. “She threatened to have my head if you as much as step out of that door unless she says so."
I chuckled, wishing I'd heard her say instead of having the man who was supposed to be my Beta threaten me.
"Can you hear yourself?” I asked him, "my mate in the Pack but I can't see her and you're here to stop me?” I chuckled dryly, and attempted to move but he was quick to stop me.
I took a deep breath, trying to control the urge to throw him against the wall. The door opened again and a part of me hoped it was Red, instead, Tristan entered, carrying a tray, which he placed on the table before coming to stand beside Xavier.
"Judging by his expression, I guess you told him about what Luna Alyssa said.” He said, his voice barely above a whisper…which was pointless knowing I could hear them clearly.
But if what they were saying was actually the truth…my chest tightened just at the thought. Did she not want to see me? Was she angry about something I did? I thought about what I could've done but nothing came. The next thought was if she met my parents…which was a possibility but something inside knew that wasn't it either.
“Before you see Luna Alyssa, there's something you need to know." Xavier said.
My heart clenched, that didn't sound good, but it was better than guessing.
They looked at each other before turning to face me, “it may sound…”
Kael growled loudly, tired of them beating around the bush. "Get the fuck to it!” And when they finally did, I understood why the warning in the beginning was important.
"So you want me to believe that my mate,” I started, running a hand through my hair. “That I've been with for months, is some kind of healer?"
They nodded.
I laughed, not just any kind of laughter. The one that said it was either I'd lost my mind and was hearing things or they were playing some type of prank on me. But they didn't laugh.
“You're not joking?"
They nodded again. I sat on the edge of the bed as Xavier explained how he'd brought me back from the forest, had the doctor check me but he couldn't do anything because according to him, there was poison in my body…one I was aware of. And it was quickly spreading, making it impossible for anything to be done.
“I can't explain it,” Xavier said, "one minute her hand was glowing and the next, the wound was closing, as if it was never there."
My hand unconsciously went to my chest, which was now perfectly fine.
"Fuck!” I managed to say. "That's not possible, she's not a white…" I paused again, thinking back to how I've never actually seen her wolf.
It was a sore topic for her, hence why we never really spoke about it. It now made sense how she was able to handle Leon, who was a warrior, without any help.
“This is…” I trailed off. I could think of several words to describe it but none of them felt right.
"Fucking unbelievable? Insane?” Tristan offered. "It was the most amazing thing I've seen in years.”
"I still don't understand how though,” Xavier started, looking deep in thought. "The last of the white wolves was killed years ago in the war…and if anyone had survived, we would be aware.”
He had a point, their entire pack was wiped off years ago leaving no survivors…which doesn't seem to be true anymore, seeing how Red was hale and healthy. “Who else knows about this?" I asked.
“She also healed the warrior who was affected, but I made sure he wouldn't say anything." Xavier replied. “Mel and Lori also knew something was wrong, but not in detail."
I nodded, “keep it that way…at least until we figure out what is going on."
They nodded, but they still didn't move. Tristan brought the tray he had placed on the table earlier. “Luna made it herself, and she said to make sure you finish it…even if I have to feed you.” He muttered.
I let out a sigh, collecting the tray from him and the food was gone in a matter of minutes before I stood up, unable to sit still, knowing Red was out there, probably over-thinking things…something she does when things get too much.
“You're not leaving, Alpha." Xavier said, his voice firm, but not as confident as when he spoke earlier.
My face burned, and my hand formed a fist. “Get out of my way before I hurt you." I warned, struggling to keep Kael from taking over.
But he stood his ground, “you nearly died, Alpha." He reminded me, like I'd forgotten. “You threw yourself in danger…that wasn't your job. It's my duty to protect you and not the other way around…so you're going to rest until I'm sure you are fine.” He finished, equally raising his voice.
I let out a loud growl, the sound vibrating off the walls. Xavier flinched, but still didn't move. I stepped into his space, my eyes burning gold. “You seem to be forgetting something Beta,” I snarled. “I am your Alpha.”
His jaw tightened, but I didn’t give him a chance to talk.
“I’m not going to sit back and watch the people I’m supposed to protect die,” I said slowly, “It is my duty. Mine.”
Kael surged, my heartbeat slamming against my ribs. “So get out of my way,” I warned, voice coming out low, “before I stop asking.”
This time, he didn't have a choice as he quietly moved out of the way but not without glaring at me…that would be dealt with later.
I dashed out of the room like someone was possessed. The first place I checked was the childcare where I met my sister and even Mel, who was supposed to be with Red at all times.
“Where is she?" I asked, ignoring their greeting and the surprise on their faces
“She said she wanted to be alone." Mel replied, "I'm sorry, Al…” she continued, but I was gone searching everywhere I thought she was going to be, running around the Pack house, not caring that I nearly ran into some members.
"She's in the library.” I heard Xavier sat just before I went crazy. "Don't say I didn't warn you though.” He added.
Using my wolf's speed, I was there in a matter of seconds. And there she was, sitting on the couch, sleeping comfortably with Lori beside her.
“Alpha, she just fell asleep.” Lori said before I began questioning her. Tristan had mentioned how according to Red, they were now friends.
I nodded, taking a deep breath…the heaviness in my chest was now gone. I didn't even notice when Lori left, my eyes not leaving her as I sat in the empty space beside her.
I wasn't sure how long I sat there, just looking at her until I began dozing off. Red stirred beside me, blinking up at me, voice soft but wary,
“What are you doing here?”