I forced a smile. “Great. Really hydrated and energetic.”
Ziamara shook her head.
The nurse chuckled. “Eager to leave?”
“You could say that.”
“We’ll see about that. I’m Maggie. Do you have any questions?”
“I just want to get home.”
“Hopefully tomorrow. Let me check your vitals and talk to the doctor on duty tonight. It looks like you have plenty of people to take care of you when you’re discharged.”
“Yes, and they’ll keep a close eye on me.” I smiled again. “But like I said, I feel great.”
She pulled out a thermometer and took my blood pressure and temperature. Then she stuck a thing on my finger that she said measured how much oxygen is in my blood. “We need to draw some blood to check your electrolytes since you’ve been getting IV fluids.”
“Okay.” I held out my arm and she drew the blood.
Ziamara’s eyes turned red, and she turned away before Maggie could see. “I’m going to send this to the lab and consult with the doctor. I’ll be back. Just push the red button if you need anything.”
“Thanks.” I waited for her to leave and turned back to Ziamara. “What was that?”
“What?” She picked at a nail.
“Your eyes. Why’d they turn red?”
“Shh!”
“Fine. Read my thoughts.”
She held my gaze.
Why did your eyes turn red at my blood? Werewolf blood is poisonous to you.
Ziamara played with the nail again. “I’ve been building up a tolerance.”
“You can do that?”
“Seems to be working.”
“Has anyone done that before?” I asked.
She shrugged.
“You worried about the pack?”
“It’s complicated.”
“Tell me. I can keep a secret.”
“Promise not to tell Toby?”
My heart raced. I didn’t want to keep anything from him. “Why?”
“He’ll be worried about me getting hurt.”
“What?” I exclaimed.
“But I won’t,” she said quickly. “You know how he worries about the pack.”
I nodded. “Tell me what’s going on.”
She leaned close and whispered in my ear. “I want to be able to drink Jet’s blood. It’s what vampires do with their mates. He’s willing as long as it doesn’t hurt me.”
I stared at her. “Have you?”
“I’m up to about ten drops.” She sighed. “It’s still a long way from drinking, you know?”
“Right. But I thought the taste was gross to you guys.”
Ziamara shrugged. “I got used to the scent living with the pack, and that was the first step. Also, love-saturated blood always tastes better—and he does love me.” She grinned.
Sasha sat up. “Blood? Huh? Is something wrong with her blood?”
“Nobody said blood,” Ziamara fibbed. “But Victoria’s awake, and she feels better.”
My roommate stretched. “Good. So, you’re okay?”
“Never better.” I paused. “Well, that’s not true. I hate being here, but you know what I mean.”
Sasha rubbed her eyes. “Why’d you run off like that? What happened?”
Ziamara arched a brow at me.
“There’s this guy. He, uh… Well, he’s kind of an ex. It’s really complicated.”
“Maybe you need a break from guys. You’re still getting over Carter, aren’t you?”
“We’re friends.”
“Right.” Sasha snorted. “That always works so well after a breakup.”
“We are friends.”
“If you say so.” She gave me a look that clearly said she didn’t believe me.
I opened my mouth to defend myself, but quickly closed it.
Maggie returned. “Sorry, hon. The doctor wants to keep you for observation overnight. Can I get you anything to eat? It’s too late for a meal to be brought up, but we have a kitchenette down the hall, and I can grab you something.”
Disappointment washed through me. I just wanted to head back to Moonhaven. “No, thanks.”
“The good news is your friends can stay the night here if you want.”
“You don’t restrict visiting hours?” I asked.
“Not unless you want to kick them out.” She winked.
I shook my head, trying to think of another way out. Sneaking out was a possibility, but I was too tired.
“Holler if you need anything.” Maggie left the room.
Sasha rose and stretched. “Want me to sneak you some pizza or something else better than hospital food?”
“Can you sneak me out?”
She shook her head. “If they want to keep you a little longer, I’m sure it’s for a good reason.”
“Are you a doctor now?” I asked.
“Ha, ha.” She turned to Jacey and Cheyenne. “You guys hungry?”
Cheyenne muttered nonsense and rolled over to the other armrest. Jacey didn’t budge.
Sasha turned to Ziamara. “You wanna come?”
Zia glanced at me. “You mind? I’m kinda hungry. We can bring you back some.”
I shook my head. “I’m not hungry, but go ahead. You guys eat.”
“You sure?” Sasha frowned.
“Yeah, go. I need some sleep, anyway.”
She grabbed my hand and squeezed. “Okay. We won’t be long. I promise.”
“No worries. Maybe you’ll meet a cute guy.” I smiled.
Her face lit up. “Yeah. Let’s go.” She woke the others and they all hurried out of the room.
“Have fun.” I closed my eyes, hoping I’d be able to get some more sleep. With all my aches and pains and the fact that I’d just woken up a little while ago, I didn’t hold out much hope. The same beeping that woke me continued.
A voice from deep within told me to try, anyway. Now I recognized it as my inner wolf. It was the same voice that had shouted at me while I was dating Carter, but didn’t know I belonged with Toby. I’d found it annoying at the time, but now I was grateful. I hadn’t taken things too far with Carter, although I had still managed to hurt him.
I felt bad for him. He was a pawn to his own father, and I knew how that felt—to be nothing more than something to be used by the one who had given me life. Carter deserved to find someone who loved him as much Toby did me.
My muscles relaxed, and I moved to a state that felt halfway between being asleep and awake. Though aware of being at the hospital, I dreamed.
When I felt a kiss on my cheek, I thought it was a dream.
“Look at those bruises.” That sounded like Toby’s voice.
My eyes flew open. Toby and Soleil stood at the side of my bed. Was I still dreaming?
His expression softened and he took my hand. “Are you okay?”
I nodded, my vision blurring with tears.
“What happened?”
I swallowed. “Franklin.”
Toby’s eyes narrowed. “He did this to you?”
“He didn’t walk away unscathed, either. I’ll bet he’s still walking funny.”
“How did he find you?” Soleil asked, worry covering her face.
I rubbed my swollen eye. “They’re living over here.”
“And I let you go without any other wolves.” Toby shook his head. “Some pack leader I am. Some fiancé.”
“You’re the best.” I squeezed his hand. “Don’t blame yourself.”
“Where is he now?” Toby demanded.
“I have no idea.”
“Does he know you’re still in town?”
I shrugged.
“You didn’t tell him where we live?”
“Of course not.”
“Good.” He sat on the edge of the bed. “When are they letting you go?”
“In the morning. They just want to keep me for observation.”
He glanced around the small room. “Where’s Ziamara?”
&nbs
p; “She and the others went for something to eat.”
“That means I can’t stay long. It would be hard to explain why I’m here.”
“You could say you were in the area and Soleil told you I was here. That she ran into you somewhere.” I squeezed his hand harder. “Please don’t leave.”
He ran the back of his fingers along my cheek and stared into my eyes. “Trust me, Victoria. I don’t ever want to let you out of my sight again.”
“I’m not sure if that’s sweet or creepy,” Soleil said.
Toby shot her an annoyed expression.
She shrugged. “Well, at least you don’t sneak into her room and watch her sleep. That would definitely be creepy.”
Footsteps and female voices sounded in the hall.
Toby jumped up from the bed and stood next to Soleil.
The girls all came in. Shock covered Sasha’s face. “Professor Foley?”
He nodded. “I ran into Soleil, and she told me Victoria was here.”
“Wow, you’re a dedicated teacher,” Sasha said. “So, how are you? You know, after being missing.”
Toby flinched. After rescuing him, I understood why. He’d been tortured by jaguar shifters, waiting to hand him over to his father who wanted to kill him personally.
“You look great.” Soleil smiled.
“Is it true?” Sasha asked. “Were you abducted?”
He nodded. “But it’s over now. I’m just glad to be back to home and work. Well, this room is pretty full. I’ll get going.” He turned to me. “I hope you feel better Victoria.” He glanced at me with longing in his eyes. “I’ll be in the waiting room,” he whispered. “Bye, girls.”
“Bye,” we all replied.
I watched as he left the room, wishing he didn’t have to, but we couldn’t let anyone think we were together. Not if he was going to keep his job. There was no way anyone would understand—or believe—our past.
Sasha sighed. “It’s so hard to believe someone that hot is a professor.”
The corners of my mouth twitched. It was hard to disagree.
She yawned. “I’m going to try to get some sleep. You up to shopping tomorrow if they let you out early enough?”
I shuddered at the thought of running into anymore of my old pack. “I have to get back and work on my homework.”
Ziamara gave me a knowing look. She probably wanted to get back to Jet, too.
Chapter 13
Victoria
I drove through the gate at Moonhaven and pressed the remote to close it behind me. It was already dark outside. Lights shone from inside the mansion, and as I parked next to the camouflage Hummer, I could see a small group still around the body.
Alex trotted over as I got out of the car. He nuzzled me, and I rubbed between his ears. “What’s going on?”
He didn’t reply, of course.
As much as I wanted to see Toby, I was curious what was going on. After Sasha fell asleep, Toby had come into my hospital room and filled me in on everything he’d learned, which wasn’t much.
Alex stayed at my side as I made my way over to Gessilyn, Killian, and a handful of witches I didn’t recognize.
Gessilyn turned to me, tightening her ponytail. She was covered with dirt and grass stains.
“How’s it going?” I asked.
She sighed. “We’ve been running spell after spell, trying to figure that out. So far, all we know is that the body was cursed with black magic.”
“That’s what Toby told me when I was in the hospital.”
Gessilyn gave me a double-take. “What?”
“My old pack found me in Seattle. I got into a bit of a scuffle, but I’m fine.”
She stepped closer and studied my face. Gessilyn’s fingers traced my tender bruises and then she held her palm over them and closed her eyes. “They’re still looking for you—with renewed vigor now.”
Dread washed through me, but did I really expect a different answer?
“You were engaged to one of them?” she asked.
I stood taller. “I’m engaged to Toby. He’s the only one—ever.”
She arched a brow.
“Fine. My father pledged me in marriage to Franklin long ago, but I never agreed to it. I was running from the wedding when I was murdered.”
Gessilyn nodded. “It all makes sense.”
Another pretty blonde turned to us. She pulled some straight hair behind her ears. “Who’s this?”
Gessilyn put a hand on my shoulder. “This is Victoria.”
The blonde’s eyes widened and she smiled. “You’re Victoria.” She threw her arms around me.
I gave Gessilyn a confused look and then hugged my new friend.
“This is my sister, Frida,” Gessilyn said. “My family played an important part in helping Toby to find you.”
Frida stood back and smiled. “It’s so nice to finally meet you. We can all relate to your family problems. We walked away from the coven we grew up in.”
Another blonde, this one with curly hair, turned to us. She looked a lot like Gessilyn and Frida. “Victoria? So great to meet you.” She threw her arms around me. “I’m Roska, the youngest of the family.”
“It’s a pleasure.”
“Let me introduce you to the rest of my family,” Gessilyn said. “Hey, you guys!” She introduced me to her parents and siblings, all of whom also engulfed me in warm embraces.
Johan, Gessilyn’s father, raked his fingers through his hair. “I’m quite unfamiliar with the type of dark magic surrounding this body.” He frowned. “It’s clearly been cursed, but we can’t read into what type of curse it is or whom it will affect.”
“So, we could all be cursed because of it?” I asked.
“I can’t rule that out, given all the strange things going on, but it could also be aimed at someone in particular. If it’s been here a while, it could be for a former resident.”
“That’s what we all hope,” Roska said. “You have a really special pack here. It feels more like a family than the coven I grew up in.”
I smiled. “I think so, too. It’s all Toby—he’s done all the work. “I can’t wait to be part of it.”
Gessilyn’s brows came together. “What do you mean? You’re every bit a part of it as anyone else.”
“I still live at the Waldensian.”
“Doesn’t matter,” Frida said. “You could live on the other side of the world, and you’d be in the center of everything here because Toby holds you in his heart.”
My face flushed, and I glanced to the side. “Speaking of him, I should get inside and let him know I’m here. Do you guys need anything? Something to eat or drink?”
“Thanks,” Nora said, “but Brick just filled us up. I don’t think I could eat for another week.”
I laughed. “I believe that.”
They all returned to the body and I headed inside. The television blared from the living room, but I went to the kitchen, where I heard Toby’s laughter.
He, Brick, Sal, Dillon, and Soleil sat at the table, eating crumb cake with a red sauce drizzled over the top. Brick and Soleil sat next to each other, their fingers interlaced.
Toby was in the middle of telling a story and hadn’t noticed my arrival. I slid into the seat next to him and smiled as he shared about a run-in with a newly-turned vampire. Sal grinned at me, but no one else showed any indication that they saw me. Toby leaned over the table, his story growing more intense.
I grabbed a slice of the cake and took a bite. The warm, sweet taste of cherries exploded in my mouth.
Finally, Toby finished his story and sat back, his arm brushing my shoulder. He turned to me, his eyes wide with surprise. “How long have you been here?”
“Long enough to hear most of your story.” I smiled sweetly.
He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me from the seat, spinning me around. “It’s so good to have you back. Did you get your projects done?”
“Mostly. My stats professor is pretty mean, though.”
“Oh yeah? I’ll need to have a word with him.” Toby pressed his lips on mine and devoured my mouth with sweeping strokes of his tongue. Breathless, I gave myself to the kiss and returned the passion with equal intensity.
Dillon cleared his throat. “I’m going to see what movie the others are watching.”
Toby let go of me. “No, we’ll take this elsewhere. I want some time alone with this beauty.”
I giggled. He took my hand, and we ran out of Moonhaven.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“Somewhere quiet.” He led me toward the woods.
“Like old times.” My heart warmed, remembering so many secret dates in the woods our old packs used to fight over.
“Exactly. Only this time, we aren’t breaking any rules.”
“Those old ways were ridiculous, anyway.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” He stopped and pulled me close, gazing into my eyes. He ran his thumb over my knuckles. “Where are you keeping the ring?”
“Here.” I pulled the necklace out from underneath my shirt. “I can’t wait to show the world.”
“Me, too. That’s the only part of you being in my class that I don’t like.”
I pressed my lips against his. “At least I got assigned to your class. Otherwise, we may have never run into each other.”
He shuddered. “Don’t talk like that. Let’s go into the woods. There’s a brook I want you to see. It reminds me of the one we used to like.”
My heart warmed. “All we need is a picnic.”
He ran his fingertips along my jawline. “All I need is you,” he said, his voice husky.
Chills ran down my back, and I shivered.
“Come on. It isn’t too far away.” He led me through the woods.
My mind raced, remembering all the times we’d sneak away in the other woods—and the memories were so fresh and crisp, as though I’d never had them stolen in the first place. There were a few that hadn’t ended so well, but most were wonderfully sweet and romantic.
After a few minutes, I could hear the sounds of water bubbling. “We must be close.”
“We are.”
A lump formed in my throat and tears threatened. After everything we’d been through—so many against our relationship—we were finally safe together. He had officially proposed, and now it was only a matter of time before we could marry.
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