During their teenage years, they were all used to getting questioned what they were taught and rebelled a little. When they were knocked back into place, they discovered how right their parents were.
"So what happened?" Traec asked his brother, sparing a glance over his shoulder at the door. He wanted more than anything to turn around and march back in there to hold his mate in his arms until she was completely healed.
Terrence explained his run-in with his mate, making sure to dance around his words to not anger his brother again.
"I felt like I needed to protect her. I couldn't understand until I saw you just now in the clinic."
Traec understood and realize the connection. When another family member meets their relative's mate, they feel strongly for them. Not in a romantic way, but in a protective manner.
He knew he needed to remember every little thing his mother had tried to teach him about what his future mate would like and not like.
Nobody was taking his mate anywhere, and nobody is going to touch her without his permission. He didn't dare think about what would have happened if it wasn't his brother there tonight. He turned quickly, chomping at the bit to return to his mate. All his life, Levi has had a rampant temper, so he has spent a lot of time with his wolf. They had a true understanding, and he could control him very well because of all the mistakes he has made in his life.
However, in the last hour, he has almost lost control at least four times, and it was all because of the beautiful woman resting behind that door. His brother's words echoed in his mind, reminding him that he needed to be cautious. He knew that he needed to control his temper and wolf better, or he would scare off his mate.
Doctor stepped back into the lobby, all freshened up and clean of his mate's blood and scent.
"She's going to need lots of rest to recover. When she wakes, I need to do a complete exam. She has a lot of scars and bruises, and I need to make sure she doesn't have any previous injuries that can lead to problems."
Traec nodded stiffly again, itching to return to his mate's side. He trusted the doctor tremendously, but at the moment, he needed to know that he would be the only man that was going to touch his mate.
"You can take her home with you," the doctor continued. "I'm sure she would be more comfortable in your home than in the clinic and that will save me from having to stay here overnight as well."
Traec didn't realize the doctor thought it was an option; she was staying here. She would be going to his home and not leaving for months if he had his way. He wanted to be tied to her at all times. There was no way he would be leaving her to stay here with the old man.
Traec quickly excused the doctor, promising to close up before he left. He noticed it was well past one in the morning and knew the doctor wanted to get back to his own family at this late time.
After closing the door behind the Doctor, he nearly sprinted back to the room housing his mate. He felt his stomach drop at the sight of empty sheets.
His heart started pounding erratically, and he rushed around the room, trying to catch sight of her beautiful face. Panic started fogging his mind, and he kept refocusing his body to keep the terrifying thoughts from taking over.
He finally heard a slight sound and spun to the noise. The bathroom door was closed and dark, but he knew the sound was coming from there. He pressed the door open to find his mate hunched over the toilet, her body retching what little contents were in her belly.
Traec quickened his steps to come up behind her and gently gripped her blonde hair in his large hand. The soft strands rested lightly in his fingers, almost feather-light and silky in texture. As soon as his fingers wrapped around her strands, he felt them be pulled from
his fingers.
His mate spun on him, losing her place in front of the toilet. She had huge brown eyes, the color blending into the pupil to create a melted chocolate color. His awe in her gorgeous eyes was stilled by the panic written on her face.
Her gorgeous eyes were rimmed with unshed tears, and there were small trails down her cheeks of where previous tears had fallen. She was resting back on her hands, propping her body up against her palms.
Traec's lips curved downward, seeing her wrapped arm have to hold up her weight.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I just saw..." Traec's words wandered as he studied her face intently. The initial fear of being startled didn't fade, and it made him frown. He didn't want his mate to be afraid of him.
"Are you feeling alright? The doctor said you were incredibly underweight, and we need to get some food in you when we can."
Traec's mate stared up at him, unmoving. It was as though she was frozen in time. The fear didn't fade from her face, and her mouth remained shut. He stepped closer, testing to see if she would let him near. When he stepped closer to the toilet, he noticed the contents swimming around in the bowl. White balls of fluff were lightly stained brown, but their undeniable shape and texture notified and he knew about what they were.
She had eaten some cotton balls.
He felt his jaw clench and his fists curled at his sides. His wolf growled lowly. She was so hungry she was willing to eat freaking cotton. He heard a whimper and snapped his head to his mate, who had backed herself up even more from him.