Chapter 60

Mrs. Cole literally spoon-fed me. Despite my insistence that I could eat on my own, it fell on deaf ears. But I suppose I shouldn't be so angry. She almost lost her child, after all. She had to be anxious. She spent the day watching me, helping me with everything I needed. She didn't ask what happened to me, but I thought it would be better if I told her myself.

As she adjusted the blanket around me, I took a deep breath. "Mother," I began, my voice trembling slightly. "There's something you need to know about what happened."

She paused, her eyes full of concern and a hint of fear. "You don't have to tell me now, dear. Just focus on getting better."

"No, I want to," I insisted. "I need to. For both our sakes."

She nodded slowly, sitting down beside me, her hand gently squeezing mine. I felt a wave of emotion wash over me, the words tangled in my throat. But I knew I had to say them.

"That evening, I was lured outside the pack grounds. I thought it was Rome looking for me, but I was wrong. I was taken by rogues, bound and gagged. They... they hurt me, Mother. They touched me, and I felt so powerless, so terrified." Tears welled up in my eyes as the memories flooded back, but I pushed on. "They kept saying they were under orders, that they needed to take me alive because I was Rome's mate."

Mrs. Cole's grip tightened on my hand, her face pale. "My poor child," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I'm so sorry."

"It's not your fault," I said, shaking my head. "But there's more. I heard someone's voice, someone from the pack. They betrayed us. They betrayed me."

She gasped, her eyes wide with shock and anger. "Who would do such a thing?"

"I don't know," I admitted. "But I can identify them by their voice. And when I do, I want to make sure they pay for what they've done."

Mrs. Cole's eyes blazed with determination. "We will find them, and they will face justice. I promise you that."

"Rome and I have a plan, and I would be glad if you helped us, Mum." I didn't know what I did wrong, but Mrs. Cole's eyes suddenly filled with tears. She turned her head to the side and wiped her tears with the back of her hand.

"Mum? Are you okay?" I asked, concerned. I had never seen her cry before. What did I do to hurt such a nice woman?

She sniffed before taking my hands again, her touch gentle and warm. "I just realized this is the first time you've called me Mum since the accident. I thought I'd never hear you say that again," she paused, her voice trembling. "I'm so happy."

Her words hit me hard. I hadn't even noticed I had called her Mum, but now that I did, it felt right. It felt like the bond we had was real and strong.

"I didn't mean to make you cry," I said, feeling a mix of guilt and relief.

"These are happy tears," she reassured me, her smile bright through the dampness on her cheeks. "I thought I'd lost you in more ways than one, but hearing you call me Mum again... it's like a piece of my heart has been healed."

"I need you, Mum," I said softly. "We need you."

She nodded, her eyes shining with determination. "Whatever you need, I'm here. We'll find the ones who did this and make sure they can never hurt you again."

She gave me a hug and asked me to get some rest. When she left me alone, I couldn't stay still. I kept tossing and turning, until I finally gave up. Rome had told me my phone was in the bedside table. When I opened it, there it was. I switched it on and, without thinking, I called him. After two rings, he picked up.

"Hello, Zendaya. Is anything wrong?" he asked.

"Where are you?" I asked.

"Why?" he teased.

"Just tell me," I pretended to be annoyed.

"Sorry, little wolf, I'm downstairs."

"Could you come to my room, mmh if you're not busy?"

"I'll be there in a second."

I hung up and waited, my heart pounding in my chest. Moments later, there was a soft knock on the door before it opened. Rome stepped in, his presence filling the room with a sense of calm.

"Hey," he said, his voice gentle.

"Hey," I replied, feeling a bit embarrassed for calling him. "I couldn't sleep."

He nodded, understanding in his eyes. "Do you want to talk about it?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe I just needed to see you."

He smiled and walked over to sit on the edge of my bed. "I'm here now. You don't have to be alone."

His words brought me comfort. I felt a warmth spread through me, easing the anxiety that had been gripping my heart. "Thank you, Rome."

"For what?" he asked, genuinely curious.

"For being here. For caring."

He reached out and took my hand, his touch reassuring. "I'll always be here for you, Zendaya. You can count on that."

"Would you like to take a nap with me?" I asked, turning away in embarrassment.

He was silent for a moment before he moved to lay next to me. He put his hand around my waist and pulled me towards him. With my head on his chest, I could hear the gentle beat of his heart.

"Go to sleep, little wolf. I'll be here to protect you," he whispered.

His words were the assurance I needed to relax. "You won't leave, right?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

"I'll be here when you wake up, okay?" he promised.

With that, he kissed my forehead and pulled me even closer. "Okay," I murmured, finally feeling safe enough to let sleep take me.

My dreams were invaded by him, and I felt at ease. In my dreams, we were watching the sunset in an unknown place. The smiles on our faces were evidence of our happiness. So why did blood start spilling from the side of his mouth? My hands moved on their own to grab his face. Tears spilled out of my eyes as I tried frantically to rub the blood off, only for more to follow.

"I'm so sorry, Zendaya. I lo...."

With that, I woke up, my heart beating so fast it felt like it would burst from my chest. What the hell was that?