Chapter 9 - 5.2: Don't Let Me Go

Celeste's POVHe was silent for a second as his eyes glazed over. He's mind-linking someone. In less than a minute, there was a knock on the door before Zay peaked her head in, seeing us on the floor."Hi, Celeste." I gave her a small smile. Xavier helped me sit back on the bed as Zay pulled her chair closer. Xavier sat back on the chair he was using earlier. "Xavier told me you haven't heard from your wolf?" I nodded. "Is this something that she does, maybe? Perhaps she goes quiet sometimes?" I shook my head."Ancillary is one of my only friends in this world. She doesn't always talk on her own but she always answers me when I call to her." Zay's brows furrowed."Ancillary?""My wolf? That's her name.""Interesting. . ." I tilted my head in confusion. "It's just, most werewolves don't have a name for their wolf. They tend to feel one in the same. I only know one other werewolf who has a name for their wolf. I'd love to talk to you more about this at a different time, if that's okay?" I nodded hesitantly. I wasn't aware that people didn't have names for their wolves. I just know that mine has always been Ancillary. When I first heard her voice in my head, I was honestly scared. And then Mom told me that, that's my wolf and I should be very excited. The other kids in the group laughed at me, calling me dumb. One day I asked her, her name. And that's what she said; Ancillary. She was my only constant. Through all the hard days, the abuse from the other kids, the good moments, all of it. She's been there. "I think this may have to do with your head injury. At no point have I ever heard of a werewolf losing their wolf nor have I come across anything in my recent research. Do you mind if I check your injury?" I nodded as Zay got up. She closed the distance between us, instructing me to look towards Xavier as she brushed some of my hair aside. I realized for the first time that my hair was cleaner, less tangled. I looked at Xavier and he gave me a small smile. Did he brush my hair? I blushed, picturing the pure but intimate action. The last person to brush out my hair for me. . Well I haven't seen him in years now. "It looks good. I think that while your healing is very slow at the moment, that it's still doing decent. The cut is already less angry and inflamed. I think we should wait until you're fully healed before we worry about your wolf." I furrowed my brows. Was that a good idea? What if there was something to do now and delaying would keep Ancillary away? "I can make more calls, if that brings you comfort? See if maybe some of my mates friends have ever come across such an instance? I just don't want you to be hopeful for some miracle treatment. I do think time might be our best bet but I am willing to look for you." I nodded. She was most likely right. I hit my head pretty hard and they've said multiple times that my healing is delayed right now but not with much worry. I assume that means it's going to be back to normal eventually. Looking back, I do recall having periods of time where it took longer for me to heal; having to hide bruises for longer than I liked from Mom. "Otherwise, you're feeling okay? No more dizziness?" I nodded. She pulled out a stethoscope, instructing me through several things I guess she felt were necessary, poking and prodding and listening to my breaths. Xavier remained silent the entire time, occasionally reaching out a hand to offer me reassurance when I hesitated through some of Zay's instructions. It's not like she was doing anything bad, I was just a typically uncomfortable person. "Would you like to learn how to use crutches? So you can walk around while you're in the cast?" I nodded. I was aware of what crutches were, I had read many dictionaries and books over the years when the opportunity presented itself, but I had never actually seen them before. Zay left, coming back moments later with the bulky objects."Here," Xavier helped me up as Zay handed me the crutches. At my obvious confusion, Zay took them back and showed me how to hold them. I took them back and held them under my arms like she did. Through much confusion, hesitation, and wobbling; Zay and Xavier managed to show me how to use them. They felt uncomfortable but I appreciated being capable of moving around on my own, not that Xavier didn't remain one step behind me."You're doing very well, Celeste. I think you should go eat something if you're feeling up to it. I brought you some snacks but I didn't really get a chance to give them to you." Zay moved to show the plate of berries and something a yellowish white sitting on her desk. Xavier took it from her and motioned for me to follow him. I gave Zay a small smile as thanks and followed Xavier out of the room.For the first time, I was able to take in this part of what I'm assuming is their pack house. Zay's office was directly connected to a large living room, filled with dark furniture and natural wood walls. There were pictures on the walls. From what I can see of them, they seem to be from pack events; large groups of people surrounding bonfires or just overall having a good time smiling at a camera. In this living room, there was a large TV with multiple devices below it sitting on a cabinet. It's been so long since I've seen a TV this close and I can't recall having seen one this large before. There were several doors, a hallway, and stairs going up to what I know is a hallway of rooms, Xavier's included. "There's an entertainment room down the hall, meant to hold larger groups," Xavier said, noticing my stare flickering over the mass amount of entertainment systems. "I'd love to show you around later but I would also love for you to eat. Let's go to the kitchen." I nodded and followed him through a door to a dining room. The dining room was large, with the biggest table I've ever seen. "There's usually people in here but everyone knows you're here so they're probably out making the rest of the pack grounds look as nice as possible," he gave a small chuckle towards the end, turning back to me with a smile on his face. He nodded towards another door at the opposite side of the room and I followed him into the kitchen. The kitchen was full of white appliances and tan cabinets. There's two tile walls along where all the appliances are laid. "We have a larger commercial kitchen on the pack grounds for large pack dinners but this one does just fine for smaller dinners." Small? This place was huge and so was that dining room. He put down the plate, motioning to it, "Feel free to snack, are you hungry enough for a full meal?" I shrugged. I was hungry, sure, but I'm always hungry. I also don't tend to eat too much, purely because not much was ever available. I picked up a blueberry off the plate and popped it in my mouth. Surprise went through me as Xavier suddenly lifted me and set me to sit down on the counter. He gave another chuckle at the look on my face. I blushed and laid the crutches to lean against the cabinet. I poked at the soft whitish yellow block on the plate."What is this?" I felt silly for asking the question as I picked it up and smelled it. I scrunch my nose up at the strong smell."Cheese," he says as he takes it from me and breaks off a small piece and pops it in his mouth. He holds it back to me and I take it, giving it a small nibble. My eyes widened at the smooth but yummy taste that covers my tongue. I had heard of cheese several times but I have no memory of having eaten it. "Do you like it?" I nod as I quickly finish off the rest of the block. "There's lots of kinds of cheese," Xavier says as if this isn't basic info I just don't have the knowledge on. "My sister is a fanatic and I'm sure she would be more than happy to let you get into her collection." I smile at the thought of exploring more food. "Fair warning though, she will talk your ear off about the origins and practices. She'll do the same thing with wine but she can't drink right now, she's pregnant." I nodded, taking in the information. Xavier has a sister who's pregnant. It sounds like they have a good relationship. Xavier turns around and starts pulling items out of the cabinets and fridge. He works silently as I happily watch him cook a meal. Every now and then he sends me a smile or comes back to steal a berry while brushing a hand down my arm or leg. I was still in the silly gown but it was better than nothing. Eventually he places a plate down with several different items. "That's green beans, chicken, and alfredo pasta. The pasta is pretty cheesy, I hope you like it." He handed me a fork and I tried to hide my embarrassment as I recalled how to hold and use it. It's been so long for me but the skill remains in my head. Xavier doesn't comment, merely taking his own plate and standing beside where I sit on the counter. I take a bite of the chicken first, it being the most familiar item on the plate. It tastes different than any chicken I can recall having eaten but it's very good. Next I try the green beans, they're okay. The pasta is delicious, the flavor exploding in my mouth. I hum in enjoyment and Xavier gives me a broad smile. We eat in silence too but it's a comfortable smile. Xavier clears his plate but my stomach starts to ache about halfway through. I was full. When was the last time that happened? Xavier eyes my leftover food with a far away look in his eyes."I have to go deal with the. . ." He trails off but I know he's talking about the rogues. My heart aches at the thought of them. The thought of Mom. "I promise I won't be too long. Would you like to go back upstairs? I had one of the girls set up a room for you beside mine." For some reason I felt a little sad at the thought. I didn't understand my own feelings in this moment. "Or I can ask Zay if you two can hang out? I know you haven't gotten to know her too well yet but she's the only one you're semi-properly introduced to. .""Actually," my stomach was twisting at my thoughts. "Can I. ." I wanted to see them. I wanted to look into their eyes and know that it was them. I wanted to know that Xavier was going to do his best to make them pay for what they did. "Can I come with you?"