Natalie~
My world felt like it was blurring together as the kind man Zane made the arrangements. I stood by his side frozen, holding Jack— the wolf pup refused to leave my side even when his owner was here— while the man organized everything like he had done this many times before. The hospital director didn't even say anything to protest when Zane mentioned the arrival of a helicopter; his commanding tone left no room for negotiation.
A few moments later, the sound of helicopter blades filled everywhere around us, and I found myself being led by Zane onto the massive human machine. Jack was still in my arms as I hugged him close to my chest while my dear Garrick, who was still unconscious, was carefully strapped inside the helicopter by the medical team.
The moment the helicopter lifted off the ground, my heart felt like it had leaped into my throat. This was my first time flying and every jump of turbulence felt like my life was coming to an end. I held Jack tightly to my chest, my heart beating loudly in my ears as I buried my face into his soft fur, praying silently to the goddess— even though she never seemed to answer any of my prayers— that we all made it out alive Jack whimpered probably sensing my fears as he curled closer to me.
"It's just like riding a car," Zane said, his tone was casual, his voice cutting through the loud sound of the helicopter blades. Zane's voice was almost relaxing, but I didn't miss the way his sharp blue eyes flickered in my direction.
I managed to give him a weak nod refusing to look down through the scary window. Instead, I focused my attention on Garrick, his skin was so pale that it filled me with dread. My fingers itched to stretch and touch him, to make sure he was still breathing but I held back because I was afraid of being yelled at.
In my lap, Jack growled softly, breaking me out of my thoughts. I looked up to find Zane watching me; his face was void of emotions, and his expression was neutral as though he had practiced it, but something in his eyes made my skin crawl with goosebumps.
By the time we arrived at the new hospital; my legs were shaking. The hospital was far from the small rundown hospital Garrick had been in before. Everything here shined, from the shiny flaws to the state-of-the-art equipment. Zane seemed unimpressed, strolling through the corridors like he owned the place. Jack walked beside me refusing to go far.
As we waited in the fancy lobby for the doctors to come back and give us updates on what was going on with Garrick, Zane turned to me, his body language shifting to one of concern, "You must be worried sick about Garrick."
I nodded, bending down to pick up Jack who was whining for me to hold him in my arms, "Garrick's like family to me."
Zane tilted his head like a puppy, his lips curling to a faint smile as he said, "Family is important. Speaking of which; where did you grow up, Natalie? You never mentioned it."
His question caught me off guard, my heart beating slightly in my chest. I hesitated for a few heartbeats before I replied, "A small town...far away from here."
"Interesting. Zane's eyes lingered on me; they were sharp and calculating. " And your parents? How did they die?"
The knot in my stomach tightened as I swallowed hard, feeling the walls around us closing in. "It's not something I like to talk about."
Zane's eyes narrowed at me, and the faintest flicker of suspicion crossed his face as he watched me closely. "Understandable. But it must've been hard for someone so young."
I nodded. My nails dug into Jack's fur as I averted my eyes from him. "It was."
Before he could press the subject any further, the doctor appeared in front of us holding a clipboard; his expression was sad. "Garrick's condition is serious. We've stabilized him, but he's in no shape to receive visitors right now. I suggest you go and come back tomorrow."
My heart sank, but I nodded quickly. What other choice did I have? "Thank you, doctor. Please...do whatever it takes to save him."
Zane placed a hand on my shoulder, his touch felt light but also firm. "Come on. There's nothing more we can do here today."
I hesitated, looking back toward the hallway Garrick had been wheeled down. But Zane's strong hand and the tiredness fighting my body to shut down left me no choice but to follow Zane out of the hospital.
The drive to Zane's estate was like a blur of fanciness and disbelief. When the car pulled into the long, winding driveway, my breath caught in my lungs. The property was large, flanked by towering gates and guards who bowed deeply as we passed. The estate itself was a spread-out mansion, its white walls shining under the afternoon sun. The perfectly trimmed lawns stretched as far as my eye could see, decorated with fountains and different sculptures.
I stepped out of the car, my legs shaking in my tired slippers. Jack stayed close to me, his small body pressed against my leg.
"Welcome to my home," Zane said with a sweeping gesture of his hand, his voice was filled with pride.
The front doors swung open, revealing a middle-aged couple rushing out to greet him. Their faces lit up with joy as they enveloped Zane in a warm embrace.
"Oh, Zane, it's been too long! I thought something happened!" the woman exclaimed, her voice coated with unshed tears.
The man clapped Zane on the back, his grin was wide. You could literally see how happy he was. "Welcome back home son. We've missed you."
I watched them with a heart of envy, their affection for him was so genuine and so open. I couldn't help but wonder what it would feel like to have parents who looked at me the way they looked at him.
Then their attention quickly shifted to Jack—or rather, Alexander, as they both called him.
"Alexander!" the woman cried, she had long black hair and warm brown eyes. She dropped to her knees in front of Jack and opened her arms. "Come here, sweetheart!"
But Jack didn't move. Instead, he growled softly, pressing himself deeper into my leg. The couple exchanged looks as their smiles quickly faltered.
"I see he's still the same," the man murmured to no one in particular.
"Maybe he's tired," I offered weakly, stroking Jack's fur to calm him down.
Inside the mansion, I sat timidly on the edge of an enormous couch, afraid to let my dirty dress touch the spotless textile. Everything about the house was grand—the glittering chandeliers, the marble floors, the expensive artwork on the walls and shelves. It felt like a palace, and I felt like I was an intruder.
My thoughts kept drifting back to Garrick. Was he stable now? Was the doctor doing everything possible like I had begged him? The uncertainty nagged at me.
"Natalie," Zane's voice interrupted my thoughts. "Nora will show you to your room."
I looked up to find the woman smiling warmly at me. "Follow me, dear."
I hesitated, turning to Zane. "Sir...do you promise Garrick will be okay?"
For a short moment, his expression softened. Then his lips suddenly curled into a smirk.
"Did you know an Alpha's mark can heal fatal wounds?" he said, his voice was low and deliberate. "Seems like something your 'friend' Garrick could use right now. I suggest you call your Alpha."
His words suddenly weaken my knees; my legs threatening to give out beneath me.
Oh my goddess he knew!