Leo's POV
MATE! My wolf howled making my head feel like it was about to split open, I shifted back to my human form and ran to Lilly, she fainted but after checking her vitals she seemed to be okay. I picked her up in my arms trying to be as gentle as possible. I carried her all the way back to the pack house and up to my bedroom. Dom walked in as I laid her on the bed and covered her up with a blanket.
"Woah, what the fuck happened Leo?" Doms expression full of concern.
"I shifted for her and I guess it was too much, I brought her home taking the back way so no one saw but I dont know how long I can keep this a secret." Dom looked at me his eyes narrowing: I'll go out and keep watch and if anyone knows I'll take care of it. Worse case scenario, if something happens I can warn you and maybe give you a chance to get her a way from here.
Dom left the room and went down to watch the area while I mind linked William and told him to go help Dom.
I sat near the bed for a while watching Lilly sleep, she looked so peaceful this way, her cheeks were flushed and her lips full and pink and all I wanted to do was curl up next to her and wrap my arms around her. If her passing out was any indication, I will likely never get the chance to hold her now. I held her hand for a while but needed to stretch. I walked out the french doors to the balcony and got some fresh air while taking in the scenery around me which was mainly forest. I looked out as the many men and woman of the pack walked around the surrounding property and dread hit me at my core Someone saw, someone had to have seen I heard a loud whimper and turned to see Lilly trying to sit up, I ran to her side just thankful she woke but worried about her condition, as I reach her side I tried to help her sit up but the second she saw me she winced pulled away with fear in her eyes.
"D.. d.. don't touch me" the fear on her face and in her voice sickened me, the thought that my mate feared me or hated me made me want to vomit and all I could do is give her space: Please Lilly, let me help you? I tried to reach for her arm.
"No! I just want to go home, please take me home!" She pulled her arm and groaned in pain. I stood up and held out my hand to help her up but she refused. She tried to stand but was in too much pain from falling for the second time. She finally gave up and hesitantly reached for my hand. I took it as gently as I could.
"Dom, William, we're coming down stairs, I need to get Lilly to the car without anyone seeing." I said through the mind link and they immediately acknowledged. I walked her out to the car and helped her inside. I started heading back to the city periodically looking at Lilly to check her mental state.
"Lilly, are you okay? Do you want to ask me questions?" She kept her eyes on the road but just shook her head.
The longer we drove in silence the more my heart felt like it was breaking when she finally spoke: I can't handle this, would I give birth to puppies and would it be like a litter, like 10? I don't have 10 nipples Leo, What in the fuck is happening? Am I losing my mind? She started to hyperventilate and I slammed on the breaks and pulled over, I reached over and grabbed her body which was now shaking, pulling her over and onto my lap, I put one hand on her back and the other across her chest to help slow her breathing. I leaned my forehead to hers: Breath, in your nose, out your mouth, slowly. I breathed with her in an exaggerated way to instruct her breathing and she followed, she fell to my chest and quietly sobbed while I held her.
"I thought you were in the mob. I wish you were just in the mob" She said muffled by my chest and I couldn't help but silently chuckle. She looked up at me with tears in her eyes and I cupped her face: I love you Lilly.
She pulled away and slid back to her seat and back to silent as I started the car and kept driving. We made it back to her house and it was starting to get late when I helped her to her door. She opened it and walked in leaving the door open so I followed her. Standing in the living room looking at her, I could tell her energy had been zapped from all the stress within the last few days. The corner of her mouth curled and she gave me the slightest smile but I knew it was enough to have hope. I came close to her and put my hands on her arms and was about to kiss her when one of the bedroom doors flung open.
"Lilly!" a man walked over and kissed her cheek, a low growl started to form at the back of my throat and I could feel my muscles tense, just as I was about to grab the fuckers neck I felt Lilly's warm hand run up my back, but my eyes never left the mans. She walked between us cupping my face in her hand and pulling my head to her as I continuously made eye contact with him until I felt her warm lips on mine as she pulled me into her and my eyes closed. I could feel my wolf calming. She pulled away to study my eyes before leaning forward on her toes to reach my ear as she whispered: Leo he's my brother, my very human brother. She nuzzled her nose into the crook of my neck as I inhaled her calming scent and I slid one hand up her back and the other around her waste she let out a cry of pain: Shit, Lilly are you okay? Where does it hurt? I pulled away instantly to support her from doubling over.
"My back and my ribs" She pointed to the spot and without hesitation I lifted her dress making her squeal in embarrassment. "Jesus Lilly, why didn't you say anything, this is bad, really bad" Her ribs were dark purple, almost black wrapping around to her back She must have fallen on some rocks I picked her up and laid her on the couch Hearing my wolf whimper in worry: I'm fine Leo, really.
"No, your not fine you're all purple and black and it looks like you broke a rib or two. Your on bed rest, no arguments, and I'm staying here till your better, I can stay on the couch but I'm not leaving till you're okay." I looked at her and did not waver in my expression so she took me seriously.
"I cannot do that I have to start work tomorrow. I need to work" She cannot be serious, good lord she is stubborn I cupped her face with my hands and leaned in: I am your boss and you will not step foot into the office until you're better. I can bring some stuff here and we can work together but that is the only compromise your going to get so take it or leave it. She shook her head but eventually sighed in defeat before stating: Fine but I don't have to like it or you for that matter. She tried to get up and storm off but couldn't even make it off the couch.
"Sis just stop being stubborn and listen you him" Hmm I actually like this kid!
I grabbed her again and lifted her up to take her to her bedroom which she directed me to as I walked. I nodded to her brother and carried her up the stairs to her bedroom and laid her down on the bed, I carefully removed her cardigan and then unzipped her dress when I noticed her face getting red and her breathing become heavy: Hey its okay, to werewolves, being naked is not sexualized at all, its just a part of life, you have nothing to feel embarrassed about.
I could tell that my words didn't comfort her so I grabbed the blanket at the end of the bed and laid it across her body, she turned on her side away from me and I felt my heart sink, I lowered my head and decided I would go make her some food. I started to get up from the bed but her arm reached behind her and she grabbed my hand, she started to pull me and didn't stop pulling my hand until it was across her chest and under her chin putting me directly behind her: I feel really confused, scared and angry right now and although I recognize the fact that you have caused these feelings I also recognize that you're the only thing since all this started that makes me feel better. I know that we need to talk about all of this and I that I will need you to answer all of my questions especially the ones from earlier but right now I need you to hold me and let me feel calm for just a little while.
Within minutes she was asleep, no doubt exhausted by the last week not understanding her own body let alone the past few days of stress that I caused. I held her in my arms and after a while I felt us breathing in unison, I brushed a few stray hairs out of her face and kissed the side of her head, she rolled over and snuggled into my chest slipping her arm under mine and around my back. After years of looking for my mate and then years of feeling like I'd never find her, she was here beside me at last and I didn't want to close my eyes for fear I would wake and she would be gone. I felt my body relax and after a while my eyes became heavy and I drifted into sleep holding her.