Daya paled at his words a feeling of unease settling in her gut. “What does that mean, Uncle?”
“I’m dying.”
It was direct and blunt, and Daya trembled even though something inside had already deduced the truth.
“How long?” Her voice came out in a mere whisper laced with distraught. Even though her eyes brimmed with tears, she didn’t let them fall clenching her hands so tightly that her short nails bit into her skin.
“The pack doctor wasn’t sure,” Jordan spoke honestly. “It could be a month, a few months, there is no way to actually tell because the poison is slow acting…”
“But you’ve been poisoned for over a month now, and it is taking its toll on your body,” Daya protested her eyes slightly narrowing. “I can see how tired you are, and when I was younger, I couldn’t tell when you were in pain, but now it is reflected in your face.”
“I’m tired,” Jordan admitted putting his head down. “I miss your aunt and now that you are not there, I miss you.” He sighed lifting his head slowly to meet Daya’s eyes. “When I first took over the pack, I was so assured that it would be great but…”
“It can be,” Daya argued sitting up bed. “After my aunt died, you let the younger generation take over although not completely. You chose Jared as the next Alpha although he doesn’t have what it takes to lead the pack properly.”
Jordan’s eyes widened at her words. “Daya…”
She shook her head slowly a slight frown coming to her face. “I thought Jared was something special when I first realized what he was to me, but I think I was excited by the idea that I would officially be a member of the pack if he marked me.”
“You wouldn’t be an outcast,” Jordan finished closing his eyes. “I’m sorry. I just thought…”
Daya laughed slowly. “We both wanted me to belong through Jared, and yet he never saw me as nothing more than a mere useless human.”
“Then he was a fool, and I believe there is at least one man who will tell him so without hesitation.”
A blush settled over Daya’s face, but she changed the subject seeing the questioning look on her uncle’s face.
“So, what is going to happen to the pack?”
“Well, I’ve given Tobias permission to challenge Jared for right of the pack, and hopefully he does it before my death otherwise…” Jordan hesitated briefly gaze narrowing.
“Otherwise,” Daya prompted her lips twisting in a grimace.
“Otherwise, you will be involved,” Jordan continued with a scowl. “I’m just worried that Jared will use the fact that you two are mates…”
“Ex-mates,” Daya interjected with a shrug of her shoulders. “When he marked Jasmine, he cut the tie with me. Besides, I haven’t thought of him until recently and that was because of the Professor’s pack along with meeting Garin. Jared merely put the idea in me that I wasn’t good enough for someone like Garin and so I tried to distance myself from him…the pack in general.” She sighed and leaned her head back against the pillow. “It didn’t work since Alpha Female Kala was my professor along with the fact…”
“She likes you.”
Daya glanced over at her uncle and chuckled. “Yeah, and I have to admit I like her too. In a way, she reminds me of Aunt Jacqueline.”
Jordan smiled, and Daya grinned at him memories filling her eyes when a knock sounded at the door before it was opened to reveal the doctor.
“Good afternoon, and how is the patient doing today?” He greeted nodding his head to Jordan who got to his feet.
“Sore, but otherwise fine,” Daya reported, and the doctor laughed walking over to the bed.
The doctor looked over the file in his hands and glanced up at Daya. “Everything looks good, but I want to keep you for one more day. You will need physical therapy…”
“Will I have full use of my leg?” Daya asked cutting him off.
“You should, but it will take some time,” he assured her. “Do you live alone, Daya?”
“Yes, I do,” Daya replied with a small frown. “Why?”
“Because I think until your leg heals, you should have someone with you, or at least, have someone checking on you daily.”
“Don’t worry, Doctor, I’ve already made arrangements,” Jordan remarked, and Daya shifted a him quick questioningly look.
“Good,” the doctor stated closing the file. “I’ll see you again tomorrow before you are discharged. If you have any discomfort or any problems, please don’t hesitate to ask me.”
“Yes, Sir.” Daya grimaced eliciting a chuckle from the doctor who patted her on the shoulder before leaving the room with a ‘good day’.
Daya turned to Jordan who resumed his seat. “What arrangements have you made, Uncle?”
Jordan merely smiled picking up the phone. “What would you like for lunch, honey?”
Daya scowled and slouched back in the bed giving him a brief glare before shrugging her shoulders. “Something small, I’m not really hungry.”
Jordan gave her a scolding look but did as she requested ordering her lunch.
“Uncle Jordan,” Daya said slowly once he got off the phone and sat back in the seat. “What have you arranged for me?”
Jordan sighed closing his eyes. “I promised your aunt that I would take care of you. I didn’t succeed with Jared, but I won’t let him use you again.”
Jordan’s voice was harsh, and Daya swallowed tears coming to her eyes. “You didn’t know what would happen.”
“No, but I knew how the pack treated Jacqueline although she earned some respect,” Jordan replied.
“She was also one of them even if a half-breed,” Daya added watching her uncle wince at her words.
“Yes.” Jordan stared at her eyes narrowed. “I will protect you even after my death.”
“Uncle,” Daya protested, and Jordan gave a weak grin.
“I like Garin.” He changed the subject with a sly smile and Daya’s face went red but her words were stalled when a knock sounded on the door followed by the entrance of the nurse.
Later that night, Jordan stood on the front porch looking out over the yard before shifting his gaze to the sky where stars shimmered brightly.
“I met Daya’s aunt in a small store where she was working,” Jordan started without looking around. “I was shocked to find someone like her working there.”
“Why?” Kala asked stepping forward pulling her jacket tighter around her.
“She was smart, very smart,” Jordan revealed. “It wasn’t until I learned that she was raising her niece that it started to make sense.”
“She was your mate,” Kala said softly.
Jordan nodded his head. “She denied it at first especially after a brief visit to my pack.”
“What happened?” Trevor asked coming out of the house closing the door behind him.
The muscle in Jordan’s jaw moved, but his words were calm when he spoke. “I’m not completely sure since she didn’t tell me about it. I heard it when someone was discussing it, and when I asked her, she merely stated that it was nothing to worry about.”
Kala shook her head turning to stare at Trevor who was looking at Jordan.
“She was amazing,” Jordan spoke softly. “I had waited for her what felt like forever, and when I met her, she was everything I had been looking for and so much more.” He gave a lopsided grin. “I wasn’t so thrilled about the fact she had a child even if she was a niece, but after meeting Daya, I had to admit she was just as amazing although I didn’t want a child coming to the pack…”
“Especially one who was completely human,” Trevor interjected walking over to him.
“Yes, I knew that she wasn’t going to be accepted even as did Jacqueline. When I suggested seeing if my old babysitter would take care of her, Jacqueline was hesitant, but she finally agreed after meeting her,” Jordan explained closing his eyes. “For those few years we were together, it was great although we had our ups and downs some pertaining to Daya.”
> Jordan gave a soft smile turning to Trevor and Kala. “Daya was a good kid even after her aunt’s death and coming to leave with me. The pack treated her roughly although they made sure that I didn’t see it even though I heard about it. Just like her aunt, though, Daya merely blew it off and she was only fifteen at the time.”
“What about her mate?” Kala asked.
“Ex-mate,” Jordan clarified in a hard tone. “That was a mistake on my part when Jared came to inform me about what he learned.”
“He would’ve learned it before then,” Trevor mentioned.
“He wanted to deny it which he honestly told me,” Jordan confined gripping the railing hard. “I thought he was just hesitant because of the fact she was human, and he was worried about protecting her, but it was later I realized he just didn’t think she was worthy of him.”
Kala clicked her tongue and turned away while Trevor gritted his teeth.
Jordan turned to him. “Trevor, I know that I’ve put you on the spot, but I promised Jacqueline I would protect her. As I admitted to Daya, I didn’t do such a good job concerning Jared, but it doesn’t mean that I will let him be able to hurt her again.”
Trevor searched his face and then nodded his head. “We will take care of her.”
“He won’t hurt her again,” Kala added her tone tight with anger.
“Thank you,” Jordan sighed in relief turning to face the yard. “I have to leave tomorrow, but I will wait until I get Daya settled in here.”
The next day, Jordan drew up in front of the pack house while Daya sat in the passenger seat arms crossed over her chest.
“I don’t think this is a good idea,” she protested for the second time since they made the turn onto the unpaved road.
“Well, unfortunately, you don’t have a say in the matter,” Jordan replied pulling up to the front and parking the car before turning off the engine. He turned to Daya who was staring at the house with haunted eyes even if there was a glimmer of hope that she tried to hide by lowering her lashes. “Trevor and Kala have already given their consent, and Garin has offered the use of his room during your stay.”
Daya felt her muscles tense at his words, but she didn’t say a word watching the front door open with Kala and Brianna exiting the house.
“I’ve got your medical records for Brianna who will be your primary doctor now,” Jordan said quietly.
Daya shifted him a quick look which he read accurately if his chuckle was anything to go on. “Even though she is a doctor for shapeshifters, she knows the human body just as well as any human doctor.
“I know that, Uncle Jordan,” Daya protested giving a stern look. “I just don’t want to add extra work for her.”
Just as she was saying this, the passenger door was being opened and Daya turned to them her mouth snapping shut.
“I do believe that is my choice,” Brianna argued offering an arm to help her out of the car, and Daya grunted but accepted the help.
“Hi, sweetie,” Kala greeted with a smile. “Brianna will escort you to Garin’s room while we get your bags…”
“What bags?” Daya interrupted with a frown.
“I went to your apartment and packed a few things for your stay,” Kelsey replied from the porch. “Don’t be too upset with me for going through your things.”
“I guess I can’t since everyone seems to be organizing my life for me,” Daya spoke sarcastically pinching her mouth together.
“We’re just worried about you,” Kala chided with her stern voice, and Daya shifted her a brief look before she returned her focus to the path in front of her ignoring the pain shooting through her, and her leg buckled underneath her, but Brianna tightened her hold getting a grateful look from Daya.
“I know,” she admitted reluctantly.
With Brianna helping her, they entered the house slowly with the others falling in behind them.
Trevor was standing in the hallway, and Daya stopped when she saw him.
“Brianna, help her up to Garin’s room,” Trevor said nodding his head to Daya giving her a smile. “Welcome to our home, Daya.”
Daya couldn’t help laughing although a sheen of tears filled her eyes which she blinked back turning for the stairs.
“We’ll get you settled then something to eat,” Brianna replied when they started up the stairs slowly which frustrated Daya.
By the time they reached Garin’s room, Daya was breathing heavily and her leg was trembling in pain.
“I’m not hungry,” she breathed out once inside the room and sitting down on the bed.
“Not eating isn’t on the agenda,” Brianna scolded before she sighed. “But you look tired, so we can wait until after you rest.”
Daya scowled shaking her head. “I feel helpless.”
“You’ve been injured,” Brianna reminded putting her hands on her hips. “And unlike shapeshifters who can shift, and heal most wounds, you are human.”
“I’m aware of that,” Daya snapped closing her eyes. “I’m sorry.”
Brianna chuckled. “I understand, Daya, but as your doctor, you will follow my suggestions.”
Daya found herself giggling until she yawned, and Brianna nodded her head. “And that’s my cue to get going, but let’s get you settled first.”
Brianna helped her to get settled back in bed, and Daya sighed once her leg was up and elevated when a knock sounded on the door.
Her uncle peeked into the room before he entered nodding his head to Brianna who excused herself after making sure Daya was all right.
“I will be back with your medicine,” Brianna warned getting a weak nod from Daya.
Jordan waited until Brianna closed the door behind her after leaving the room before he turned to Daya.
“You’re leaving,” Daya said quietly blinking up at him.
“I need to get back, but I wanted to make sure you were in good hands before leaving,” Jordan explained going over and sitting down on the edge of the bed. “Daya…”
“It’s okay, Uncle Jordan,” Daya interjected her eyes shifting over his face. “I know that you’ve done what you thought was right for me, to protect me.”
“Never doubt that, baby girl.” Jordan leaned down to kiss her forehead. “Right now, you heal and let these people look after you. I’ll call you once I get back home.”
“Make sure you do,” Daya slurred her eyes closing.
Jordan smiled nodding his head. “I will, and if I don’t see you again, remember that I love you as if you were my own daughter.”
He gave her another kiss on the forehead and then got up from the bed heading for the door when it opened by Brianna.
“She’s sleeping,” Jordan remarked stepping to the side, so she could see the bed.
Brianna nodded and tilted her head for them to exit the room. “Sleep is also good medicine,” she commented shutting the door behind them.
They headed down the stairs where Trevor and Kala were waiting.
“We’ll take care of her,” Kala promised putting a hand on his arm.
Jordan swallowed and nodded his head giving her a hand a single pat before turning his attention to Trevor.
“You don’t mind taking me to the airport,” Jordan asked catching the slight glare from Trevor who walked over and gave Kala a kiss before turning to one of his fighter wolves with a mere nod of his head.
“Let’s get going,” Trevor stated heading for the door with Jordan following another shared look with Kala whose eyes assured him that Daya was in good hands.
“Oh, Kala,” Jordan stopped at the door briefly. “Give Garin a message for me. He better not hurt my baby girl because there are others who love her just as much as I do.”
Kala started to smile. “I’ll give him the message.”
After getting her word, Jordan walked out of the house closing the door behind him, and Brianna spoke from the staircase.
“I don’t think he has anything to worry about,” Brianna uttered with a chuckle shocked when Kala d
idn’t join her.
Glancing over at her, Brianna was surprised to see the frown on her face.
“I hope so, Brianna,” Kala replied her eyes thoughtful with a hint of doubt and worry.
“Alpha Female.” Brianna watched Kala shake her head slowly one time before she started toward her office indicating she wanted some alone time.
“What is worrying her?”
A few hours later, Trevor stood in his office looking out the window before he sighed and took his cell out of his pocket.
Dialing a number, Trevor turned for his desk waiting for it to be answered.
“Hello.” Garin’s voice was harsh, and Trevor heard a woman’s voice in the background before there was a snap of a door.
“I’m guessing that you are not having a good night,” Trevor remarked sitting down.
Garin’s only response was a grunt which made Trevor chuckle.
“I just thought you would like to know that Daya is here,” Trevor stated. “Right now, she is resting in your room and I dropped off her uncle at the airport.”
“Good. If she needs anything, don’t hesitate to call me,” Garin told him.
“I won’t, but I’m not sure if Daya would appreciate it.”
Trevor was shocked when Garin laughed over the phone which seemed to get rid of the bad mood he was in.
“She won’t,” Garin clarified. “But I ask that you do it anyway, Alpha.”
Chapter 13
“Push through it,” Brianna ordered watching Daya intently who was using the gym off the side of the house. “I know it hurts but keep going. You only have five left.
Daya blew out and did another leg extension her muscles screaming at her.
“Three,” Brianna counted with each extension. “Two. One.”
Daya collapsed her leg dropping to the ground feeling like dead weight.
“You did good,” Brianna praised, and Daya glared sweat beading her forehead while she lowered her hands to rub her leg feeling the scar from the knife.
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