Chapter 6

GOD, NOT ROLAND

ELISA'S POV

The hospital room smelled like bleach and broken promises. My head was still pounding like a drum, but my eyes? Wide open. Brain's trying to catch up with the chaos of what's happening. That’s when I remember. The man in front of me. Nathan.

Of course, it’s him.

I hate that name. It makes me want to throw things. Trust me, if I could move my arms right now, I’d throw him across the room just to shut up his dumb, concerned face. Instead, I just glared. That’s it. A glare strong enough to stop traffic.

Nathan was sitting there. On a chair. Staring at me. Like I’m supposed to care.

“You’re awake. Good,” he says like he’s been talking to me for hours. “You passed out, but you’re fine now.”

“I don’t need your pity,” I shot back, my words cold as ice, but my chest? It's doing that irritating thing where it races, because, hey, who wouldn’t be thrilled to be stuck with a cute Alpha guy who thinks he can fix everything?

His hands go up like he’s surrendering. "I’m not here to pity you."

“Right. That’s exactly what you’re doing,” I snapped, rolling my eyes. “Now, go away.”

“I'm not going anywhere.” Nathan’s voice dropped low, like a threat.

I narrowed my eyes. “Fine, stay. I’ll go back to my pack once I’m healed.”

I wasn’t sure who I was lying to—him or myself. There was no way I was going to return to the Rowblood pack, not after everything I had been through.

He leans in closer, all serious, all intense, eyes burning into mine. “No. You’re not going back there.”

I laugh bitterly, but it sounds like I’m choking. “And why not? You gonna stop me?”

“Because you’re not safe.” His voice dropped into something darker. “Rowblood’s not done with you.”

It felt like someone had poured a bucket of ice water over me. 

Roland. The memories hit like a freight train. Cold eyes. Lies. Manipulation. The way he’d used me, broken me, and discarded me. I had escaped, and was free. Not really. Not with him still out there, and that pack, like a wolf at my back, ready to tear me apart again. But, hell, I’m not about to show him weakness.

I tilted my chin up. “I don’t need anyone’s protection, Nathan.”

Nathan stepped closer, his presence a tidal wave that both terrified and comforted me. He was that close now, and I was struggling to breathe. “I’m not offering protection because you need it. I’m offering it because I can’t let them hurt you again. Not while I’m still breathing.”

I hated how much I wanted to believe him. Because this was me—Elisa the lone wolf. I didn’t need anyone. Least of all this guy.

I shook my head while clutching the blanket much tighter. "You don't even know me."

"You are right," he replied, studying me as if he could read my mind "I don't."

I scoffed, "Exactly. You don't know anything about me. So why should I trust you?"

Nathan exhaled a frustrated breath, his eyes flashing with something raw and desperate. "Because I'm not like them," he said quietly. "I am not like the people who hurt you." 

God, I had heard that line before. The whole "I'm different" routine. It always ended up with a knife in your back. Hell no. I wasn't buying it.

 "I don't need anyone, Nathan," I muttered, barely above a whisper. "I've learned that the hard way."

 Nathan didn't look convinced, and I could feel the weight of his gaze like a hand on my chest. 

"That's not true, and you know it." His tone dropped lower, almost a growl. "The Rowblood Pack won't stop coming for you. They'll hunt you down. And they won't care who gets in their way." 

"And who made you believe I would think you're any better than the Rowblood Pack?" I snapped.

"I'm not here to be believed by you," he answered with a little scoff, leaning even closer, voice now barely a whisper, "but because you really need somebody. Like it or not." 

The catch was, he was right. As much as I hated to admit it, I wanted that damn bastard here. But maybe I just couldn't afford to want anyone anymore. Not again.

“Can you just shut the fuck up man?” I cursed, desperate to push him away. “Stop pretending you give a damn. You ran me over with your fucking car.”

“Careful,” Nathan said, his voice just a little too calm. “Doc said no sudden movements for you. You’re supposed to be in bed, remember?”

I ignored him, standing up like a shot, fighting every urge to just... run.. My legs started wobbling like jelly underneath me, and I almost fell back on the bed. 

“I’m fine,” I lied, attempting to suppress the panic that was already creeping in my chest.

Nathan didn't budge; he watched me like a hawk. 

I took in a shallow breath, trying to ignore the way my pulse quickened. "I’m fine, Nathan. Really. I don’t need you babysitting me." My voice was weak, but I hoped he didn’t hear it.

I wasn’t fine. I hadn’t been fine since the day I’d been born into a world where betrayal was ordinary, not strange,

He was like an ugly nightmare that I could not wake out of.

 His eyes narrowed in annoyance. “Yeah, right. Fine. We’ll see how ‘fine’ you are when Roland’s pack shows up at your door.”

The thought of Roland made my stomach drop. He would come. He always did.

I tried to ignore the fact that Nathan had just become my de facto babysitter.

“I didn’t ask for your help, Nathan," I hissed. "You can’t fix me.”

“Too bad,” he shot back with a grin. “Life doesn’t give us the luxury of asking for anything.”

I hated the way my heart skipped at his words. But I wasn’t going to admit it,though. I wasn't that stupid.

And I was so damn sick of it.

I shut my eyes and I tried to block the flood of emotions in my chest. “You don’t even know me.”

His breath shuddered like he was fighting something. “You’re right. I don’t. But I do know what you’re running from.”

“I don't give a f*uck about you, Nathan"" I spat a bit faster than I meant to. "You don’t need to pretend you give a damn".

Nathan didn’t respond at first. He just watched me, his gaze steady and unwavering. 

And in a voice too pained to be anything but true, he continued, "I don't need you to really believe me right now, Elisa. I just need you to trust that I'm not lying when I say I'm not going anywhere." 

He raised an eyebrow and walked deliberately towards me, closing the distance between us until I felt the heat of his body against me. His gaze never wavered. "I'll keep you safe, Elisa," he said finally. "Whether you want it or not."

I felt my guard lowering down but I refused to show any weakness. I had been hurt too many times before.

“Fuck it. I don’t want anything from you,you’ve done enough” I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended. But I couldn't help it: I was no damsel who needed some guy to come running and fix everything. Not a strange idiot who had literally run me over with his car. 

"You're just a guy who accidentally ran me over: you don't get to be the hero here. I'm not your damsel in distress, Nathan." 

His lips twist into a smile - a grin that doesn't reach his eyes. "You're something worse than a damsel in distress."

I cringed, not quite sure if I had just gotten insulted. “Oh? And what exactly does that make me?” 

 He leaned in, whispering. "Everything I never wanted. And everything I cannot stop thinking about anymore."

 I froze because that's not quite how I expected it to go, and I didn't really need that today. My heart pounded in my chest as I stepped back. 

"Thank you, Get lost, I don't fucking need you," I hissed before spinning sharply on my heel. 

Before I could take three steps, the door creaked open.

Oh God, no.

Roland. 

Not this bastard. 

I freeze. 

His voice slides in, smooth like ice. "It is time to come home, Elisa." 

My heart pounded in my chest but I stood my ground. I wasn't going anywhere.

Besides… I wasn’t alone anymore, was I?

Nathan’s hand was suddenly on my shoulder, and I could feel his protective presence like a shield behind me.

"You don’t get to decide that anymore," Nathan’s voice was a low growl, his words dark with menace. "She’s not going anywhere with you."

I turned my head back at him, jaw set, and defensive posture. And for the very first time, I found myself unsure of what was gonna happen next.

Roland had a broad smile now, his eyes narrowed, a flicker of something dark passing over them. "You really think you can stop me?" he sneered scornfully. "You are nothing compared to the power I have. Nothing."

Nathan just shrugged like it was no big deal. “I don’t just think. I know I can. And I’m not going anywhere, so you better just turn around, pretty boy, before you get hurt.”

Immediately, Roland’s smile fazed. He didn’t like being threatened.

“I don’t care what you think, asshole,” Roland cursed, turning to face me. 

The tension became really intense.

Everything stops. The air. My pulse. My damn heartbeat.

Nathan’s hand grips my shoulder. His touch is possessive. Protective. Not letting go.

“I’m…i’m not going anywhere with you,” I said, struggling to pick my words.

Roland smiled, and that kind of smile makes your lower spine go flat. "Think twice about that Elisa" he says in a scary tune. "You’ll come with me Or everyone you’ve come to care about here will pay the price.".

“You heard her, she’s not going anywhere with you” Nathan growled.

“And you think you can stop me?”

“Watch me”, Nathan growls, stepping in front of me like a damn human shield.

They’re like two titans facing off. Roland's eyes flash with hatred, Nathan just stands there, like a concrete wall. And me? I’m stuck right in the middle.

“You’re nothing,” Roland sneers, his voice dripping with so much disdain at this point.

“Fuck you too, she’s not going anywhere with you and that’s on period!” Nathan’s voice is low, filled with something dangerous. Something Roland’s not used to hearing.

For a second, everything is still. The world stops spinning. But only for a second.

Before I can draw my breath, Nathan's voice breaks through the suspense. “She’s staying here. I’m not letting her walk into your trap again.”

Roland doesn't respond but gives a devilish smile and his eyes? They’re cold. Unforgiving. He takes one last glance at me and Nathan and then disappears into thin air.

Silence. Pure, suffocating silence.

Damn. 

Nathan turned to me. I mean his hand is still on my shoulder. He keeps his voice very low, like he’s trying to make sure I hear every word.

“You’re staying, right?” he asks.

I jerk back, pulling away from him. “No. I’m not staying, Nathan. I’m—”

He interrupts me. “Stop.”

I freeze. What the hell is going on with him? He steps toward me, his eyes locked onto mine like they’re trying to dig into my soul.

“You don’t get to leave,” he says. 

It’s a command. And my body reacts before my brain can.

“I don't fit in here,” I spit out, backing away from him for a second more. “This isn’t my life anymore.”

“Then make it yours”. His eyes softened slightly, his thumb brushing against the sensitive skin of my wrist. The action was almost too tender, and that. God, that didn’t make it any fucking easier.

His voice dropped into something thick “You’re in danger, Elisa. Roland won’t stop until he finds you. And when he does—”

“I will take care of it, " I interrupted him in a more assertive way than I meant to. “I’ve been handling it for years.”

“Yeah? Well, you’re not handling it now. You’re just running.” His eyes flash with frustration. “You think you can survive on your own?”

I bite my lip, the memories crashing through me. Roland’s betrayal. My pack’s indifference. This world, where the only truth is survival. I don’t need his help. I don’t need anyone.

But Nathan...

He takes hold of my wrist and for just a second, I comply. "I'm not letting you walk out of here alone, Elisa," he growls.

I look up at him, my heart racing. His grip is firm but not hurting me. It's like holding me back literally but also at a root emotional level.

 “You don’t get to decide that.”

“I just did, “ he admits, voice thick with a feeling that I know I shouldn't verify. “You’re mine to protect. And I won’t let Roland take you.”

The weight in his statement fell on me like a ton of bricks. And for a moment, I almost believed him.

But no. I couldn’t. I couldn’t give in like this.

I’d rather die than believe another man.

I tugged my arm free, this time with enough force to break his grip.

I glanced at him, the walls inside me were already crumbling. And for the first time, I felt... something. Something I can’t ignore.

“Hell, No,” I whisper, shaking my head. “I’m not some charity case.”

“Doesn’t matter.” Nathan’s voice hardens. “You’re not leaving.”

And honestly speaking, I'm not sure I want to.

“Yeah right," I mumbled, my voice sounding quiet and backed down, in a way I hated. “I’ll stay. But only for as long as it takes to get Roland off my back.

Nathan’s eyes brightened as he smiled. “That’s all I need.” he said and extended a handshake

I said nothing but stared at him.

For a moment, everything between us was still. The world outside didn’t matter. Not the pack. Not Roland. 

After about two minutes of contemplating, I finally nodded and accepted it.

"Hey, don’t think this means I’m grateful." I crossed my arms, glaring.

He turned slowly, his eyes locking onto mine. I also couldn’t look away.

"You don’t need to be grateful, Elisa," he said, his voice low. "Because you’re staying. For your own good."

"I didn’t ask for your protection." My voice was sharp.

He didn’t answer. He just closed the distance with predator-like speed, his heat vs. mine. "I’m offering it anyway."

“Well,no thank you. Just show me a place where i can stay and i’ll be good”

Aren’t you just too proud Elisa? My innerman scolded me.

 Hey, don't blame me, I wasn't about to fall for another man’s trap. I haven’t even recovered from the previous.

“You’re coming to my place. My pack. Silverton” Nathan growled.

"Hell no, You really think because you helped me, sort of. you can control me?" I was getting mad now. 

"Fine…. No." He smiled,throwing his arms up in surrender .“However……. I'm tryna guarantee you don't die today and anytime soon.”

I scoffed,trying to suppress my laughter. "I don’t need your help, moron. Besides i don’t get why you’re offering to it anyways and why you’re making me feel--”

His voice cut through me like a blade. 

"Feel what?" He asked with his eyes flickering with something raw. No. Cute. Seductive

"Nothing." I’m so screwed. Why can’t I control my big mouth?

"Liar." He was so right in front of me now, so close that I could practically smell his breath. It smelled of a combination of minty toothpaste and maybe tobacco?

There was no way I could look him in the eye right now. He was practically over me and I was pinned back to the wall. I looked at my feet and fiddled my fingers.

"Elisa." His tone softened, while lifting my chin up to meet his gaze. “If you don't trust anything in this world. Trust me when I say I won’t let anything happen to you. Ever"

Now this was funny.

 I wanted to laugh and push him away. But then his thumb brushed my lip, and I froze.

"Don't you dare," I warned..

He dropped his hand.

I was disappointed. Sort of

I don’t know if he read my facial expression because suddenly, he leaned in. and the world around us stopped.

His lips brushed mine, gentle, testing. My body went still. It wasn’t a kiss—it was a charge, a spark. Something between us snapped to life.

Our wolf.

Immediately, the kiss moved from gentle to hungry as our wolf began to possess us. Nathan’s eyes were fiery red now and his fangs were almost out. He was already shifting.

His fingers had become claws and it was roaming around my body, it was claiming me. Marking me.

“What have I done? Oh my ....i'm so sorry

” he gasped,coming to his senses and holding my hand up which was already bleeding. He was almost done marking me

I was bleeding all over. But strangely,I didn't feel any pain.

I didn't know what just struck happened, but one thing was clear.

I would never be the same.