Chapter 265 265

Chapter 265 265
TARA

I almost groaned in dismay as Dad walked in, and Mom followed. 
It wasn’t that I didn’t want to see my parents after another near-death experience, but I’d rather know they were resting at home. But they were just being parents, worrying about their daughter that almost died.
“This can’t become normal, visiting you in the hospital, honey.” Mom passed by Dad to sprint to my bed. 
“I’m feeling better, Mom.” I sat in bed, and she came to hug me. 
“Oh, sweetheart.” She hugged me tight. “I was so terrified for you.”
Don’t ever underestimate the mother’s hug. It wasn’t only comforting, but it was the best stress-buster and emotional comfort in the world. When your world turned upside down, you could always go to your mom, and things would be okay.
I hugged her back, burying my face in her chest, listening to her heartbeat. I felt like a little girl again. 
“I wanna go home now, Mom,” I murmured. Despite my muffled voice, my father still heard me.
“Not a chance. If you wanna get married in the afternoon, you spend the night in the hospital,” Dad said firmly.
Mom and I pulled away. When I met his gaze, pain crossed his face. I felt a sudden guilt twisting in my stomach. They were here instead of resting at home, worried for me.
“Fine. I’ll stay until seven in the morning,” I said quietly, accepting defeat.
There was a shock in his face before it disappeared. He and Mom then shared a knowing look. 
“What is it?”
“They found him.”
“Come again?” I blinked, straining to make sense of a nonconfusing sentence. 
“Someone caught Sawyer Porter.”
I gasped, shuddering in relief. “About time. So, he’s still alive?”
“Wounded, but yes,” Dad confirmed as he stepped closer to the bed and kissed my forehead.
“I bit him in the arm. Who told you, Dad?” I looked at him. What was with me in biting humans? But I was glad I did. I was not even sorry, but I could still taste his blood on my tongue, making me grimace.
“Damian.”
“Damian?” I frowned. “He was just here, and I thought he was gonna find Mad.”
“Madden was here, but he left before we arrived.”
He didn’t even come to check on me. My heart felt like breaking.
“But why?” I didn’t realize I spoke out loud until I saw the sad look on my mother’s face. 
“After what you have endured in the hands of that monster, don’t expect him to just sit down and do nothing. He’s a man with conviction. He may not be violent, but he wants justice for you and for himself.” I was surprised that my father said that. 
I nodded, biting my bottom hard enough it might draw blood, just to stop it from trembling. I drew a shaky breath as tears began to burn my eyes. 
“And it’s best he did not come to see you, honey,” Mom said gently.
“It’s just a superstition, Mom.” I wiped the tears from my eyes. 
She smiled. “Give him some time to process. I’m sure he’s eager to see you, but you have enough bad luck. Wait for a little longer, until the wedding, okay?”
“You’re right. Do you hear anything about Sylvian?” God, I hoped he was still alive.
“He’s still in surgery. Now, take a rest. No more questions. It’s your big day in a few hours.” Dad smoothed my hair. “Do you need anything?”
“Just your hug, I guess.”
He squeezed me into a hug. “Good night, Tara.”
I lay in bed, wondering how bad I would look on my wedding day in a perfect bridal gown, even the makeup artist couldn’t cover how haggard I looked. But I was grateful to be alive, and the pain and suffering were finally over. Mad and I could start our new lives without constant fear. 
“Nurse?” I called out. 
Just as I slid off the bed, the door swung open, and my cold feet barely reached the floor. 
“Where do you think you’re going?”
My eyes widened as I turned to Olive. “So, you’re my nurse now?”
“Oh, babe.” She sprinted to me and hugged me tight. “I was so worried about you. I got the message late. When I grew tired of waiting for Lynx to get home, I checked my phone. How are you feeling?”
“Traumatized. I drank dirty water, and maybe blood.”
“What?” She stared at me in shock, checking me. “Are you okay?”
“They’ve done some tests, but physically? Aside from exhaustion and a little headache, I’m fine.” I rolled my eyes. “I’m not fine. I almost died. I freaked out when I thought I was gonna die. I was so terrified. God.” I sat back in bed, my shoulders shaking as I cried before Olive. “I just wanna live. I just wanna get married to the love of my life, have a lot of sex, make babies, and spend the rest of my life with him. Not like this. I can’t even get married in peace. Why did it have to happen to me?”
She cupped my face, kissing my forehead. She then looked into my eyes. “But it’s over now, babe. You don’t have to live in fear and battle the terror living in your head rent-free. No more threats, do you hear me? It’s over. You can finally do what you want, do what you dream of, and get married.”
I nodded frantically, wiping my tears. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“I wish I could come sooner, babe.”
“I’m still scared. I’m even afraid to close my eyes. If Val was just five seconds late, I would have been dead.” I took her hand, squeezing it. “Lynx was there, too. I never get to thank him. Please, tell him, I’m grateful, and I’m forever indebted to him.”
“I’m sure he feels guilty right now for failing to protect you again. And he’s not only doing his job. He also cares about you, babe.”
“No.” I shook my head. “He shouldn’t feel guilty. He just saved my life.”
“I’ll tell him that. Do you need anything?”
“I just need to go to the loo.” I stood up, and she assisted me to the bathroom. After peeing, I noticed blood on the toilet paper I used. 
My heart rate spiked. My eyes widened. I was both thrilled and nervous, and hoping this was what I thought it was. It was finally happening. 
I cleaned up and walked out with a smile on my face. 
“Well, I don’t see that smile often after someone just had a near-death experience, and I don’t mean to remind you, babe. Should I be worried?”
“I think I just got my period.” I was still smiling, relishing the happiness I felt in my chest.
Confused, she stared at me. “Okay?” It didn’t click for her for a moment.
Elated, I explained, “Olive, I’m having my first period after my procedure and treatment. It means it’s working. I may have a better chance of getting pregnant again.”
Her eyes widened, holding my hands. “Oh, my God. Oh, my God, babe. This is a miracle! Congratulations! I’m so happy for you.” 
We started jumping and giggling. 
“After all the pain you’ve suffered, you deserve this, babe. Truly. You still get the happy ending.”
“I still have to get married.” I grinned. “Can I ask a favor?”
For a moment, she read me. “Okay?”
“I lost my phone. I wanna call Mad.” I gave her my best puppy-eye look.
“No.”
“I promise no video call. Does that even count? I mean, I deserve to celebrate this with him. We just dodged another bullet. I mean, not literally a bullet.” Although I did really dodge the bullet earlier, she didn’t have to know that. I groaned when I felt like I couldn’t convince her. “Did Mom convince you not to allow me a phone call?”
She rolled her eyes. “Fine.”