Chapter 4
I wake to find my entire body heavy and sore. I try and sit up but is met with searing back pain and decide to lay down again. I rub my eyes seeking clarity and when they adjust to the light I see that I am in a hospital. I look to my right seeing my arm hooked to an IV and cringe. I hated needles, nothing that intimidating looking should penetrate skin.
Looking at my arm I see blue bruising along the inside, my ankle is killing me along with my back and head. I did fall a few times trying to get into the tree and I suppose dragging the bear was not agreeing with my ankle. If I get on that scale and I am not lighter after all this I am ending bear man myself.
A lady that I assume was a nurse walked in, " oh, good your awake. Everyone has been waiting."
I furrow my brow...'everyone?' I had no identification on me, who could possibly be waiting for me. Also thank god I was taken to a hospital and the buff boys didn't murder me out in the woods. What the hell was I thinking relaxing and passing out like that. Not that it seemed much of a choice but still. I had always been the cautious type.
The nurse walks back in with the doctor. The doctor smiles at me and says "thank you".
"For?" I go to ask and she simply smiles.
Odd.
"I am Doctor Anders, you were dehydrated and exhausted when you came in, you have minor injuries and a sprained ankle that should heal in a few weeks. How is your pain?"
"Okay" I say and she writes on her clipboard and hands the nurse a paper, she nods and heads off.
"If you are feeling up to it then you have some visitors."
I nod and she turns to leave. I close my eyes and sigh before attempting to sit again. I hear loud boots hit the floor and then a group of buff men coming into view. I recognize the biggest one as the middle buff dude from last time and he sees me struggle to sit up. I gasp as pain hits my ankle, he comes over and helps by lifting me a bit under my arms before putting my pillow up behind me. Another man walks to the foot of the bed and places a pillow under my ankle for better support.
What the fuck is happening? I guess anyone else would have been flattered but I visibly push back up against the head of the bed uncomfortable and wanting to back out of the situation. This is not normal, I am no fool and there is nothing in life that does not come at a cost. All the men stop at once and seem to back up a bit. One looking down almost hurt and I am even more confused.
"We have no intention of hurting you miss", middle guy says. "We are only concerned and trying to ease your discomfort". He concluded.
"Why?"
The men all look to one another and middle guy smiles at me. "You are not one of us, yet you push yourself to your limit to try and save him. To us it is an act beyond measure."
Us? "Oh this is because of the bear?" I say before thinking.
"No wolf." One man goes to answer and I furrow my brows at him. Middle man glares at him and he looks down.
"I might have seen some in the woods, thought they would eat us when I hid us in a tree." I go to answer and the man looks up again with renewed enthusiasm.
"Is that so?" middle man askes and I nod.
"They were very big and the bear had bled a lot so I was sure they would find us, but I suppose slipping and being completely covered in mud helped cover the scent of us." I say looking at the men.
Middle man approaches me more and asks "What bear?"
"Obviously the huge guy I dragged!"
Middle man bursts out laughing, others snicker and a few looked worried.
"I will be sure to inform him of his new title as the bear." Middle guy said and I am relieved to hear he is alive.
"Is he okay?" I ask and he nods, "the alp.... He is a very strong man." Middle man said and I see some of the other men visibly puff out their chests.
The fuck? I raise an eye brow and dismiss the odd behavior.
"Where am I?"
"At our hospital, we are a small community. We mostly keep to ourselves. There aren't many roads in and out so we don't get very many visitors. We work around the town and own most of the businesses but everyone resides here." He answers.
Jesus it's a cult, I helped a cult! The bear being the biggest among the buff club is most likely the leader. They are thanking me for bringing back a bad guy. I school my face as neutral of emotion as possible before giving a smile and asking how long I have been out. They answer two days and I feel anxiety build within me. I need to leave this shit show and go back to where the normal people are as soon as possible. I look to the men, not sure if they will let me leave and worry about the situation I have found myself in.
"Mind if I lay down and rest for a bit, my head is killing me?" He nods and the men start to leave.
"I will call the nurse to help you, see you soon" Middle man turns and leaves, halting just outside the door. He looks back with a smile and says, "Should you need anything ask the nurses to call Alec." I nod assuming it's his name.
The nurse helps me to the bathroom and I shower before throwing on some clothes the nurse put down for me. Black leggings, socks, a plain white shirt with panties and a bra that is a bit too small. Boobs spilling out at the top I sigh and just pull the shirt over.
Passing the mirror I see my reflection and ponder making myself more presentable but decided against it, I have no intention of grabbing myself a man in this freak show, no matter how good looking they may be.