CHAPTER ELEVEN - Gone

Peter's POV 

As I stood outside, facing the wardroom door, my face turned pale, and I could feel my soul crushed into a state of pain and anger.

I took a step back and looked at my right arm which was stained by Anna’s blood. I couldn't help the tears that ran down my cheeks; then I began pacing slowly to and fro the passage hall. 

Anna can't die… she can't, but If she does… I swear to the Moon goddess, my parents will pay dearly for it, I will make it my life’s mission to see them suffer as she is suffering now, I promise.

I furrowed my brows in anger and clenched my fist as I deepened myself in the thought of what I’d do if my mate died.

“Peter!” I heard a voice call me from a distance.

I cleared the tears in my eyes quickly before I turned to meet Thea running towards me with tears in her eyes.

I couldn't let anyone see me in tears… not even my sister.

Along with my sister, I saw my brother, Jackson, or as I usually call him, Jake, walking behind her.

As Thea came close to me, she wrapped her hands tightly around my waist.

“I’m so sorry, big brother.” She spoke to me, her voice cracked.

“Everything will be alright.” She whispered to me.

“Hey, man,” Jack spoke to me, before giving me an embrace.

My eyes filled up with tears again and I let out a silent sob as they hugged me.

After a few seconds, we broke from the hug, and Jackson let out a sigh as he stared at me.

“Are you okay?” He asked me, looking at my pale face.

“I’m fine bro.” My voice sounded low, “I’m just worried.”

“Thea told me she's your mate… and our…” He paused, placing his hand on my shoulder, “Should I say, step-sister?”

I nodded my head a little in affirmation.

“I’m so sorry man, for what Mum and Dad did to her,” Jack spoke with his face etched with sadness.

“Don't be,” I spoke, furrowing my brow in anger as he mentioned them.

“This is all my fault,” Thea spoke, taking a step back with her tone lurking with regret. 

“If only I hadn’t taken her to the mall, Anna would still be safe back in the mansion, far away from that whore. I wish I could go back in time.” Thea sat on the hospital bench, burying her face in her palm.

My heart sank as I heard Thea blame herself for Charlotte’s doing.

“Thea, don't blame yourself, it isn't your fault. If there's anyone to blame, it's Charlotte. She orchestrated this and she's going to pay.” I said to Thea, walking towards her before placing my palm on her shoulder.

*Creak*

After some time of silence between us, the sound of the door opening echoed through the hallway and I turned to see a nurse walking out of the wardroom. Her face was etched with concern and her eyes were fixed on me.

Immediately my eyes were set on her; my heart leaped up in curiosity.

“How's she?” I asked quickly.

The nurse let out a sigh.

“Your Highness.” She spoke, her voice low and sober, “We’ve managed to stabilize her health rate, but I'm afraid her injury is serious; the claws pierced into her neck, went deep, and caused an internal bleeding.” she told me, making a slight chill run down my spine.

“But she will be okay, right?” I swallowed the lump formed in my throat before speaking.

“Most likely… Yes, we have some medication she can use to stop the internal bleeding.” the nurse told me.

“Alright, thank you.” I appreciated her.

Even though Michelle wasn't available to help Anna, they were able to patch her back up and for this, I think they deserve a raise in their earnings.

“May we see her?” 

“Yes, you may,” she spoke as the rest of her colleagues began to leave.

As they left the room, I saw one with a tray full of blood-soaked forms; then I took a deep breath, preparing myself for what I would see in the wardroom.

As my siblings and I entered the room, The air was thick with the sharp scent of antiseptic, and the cold, sterile lighting seemed to amplify Anna’s fragile state. Her chest rose and fell faintly, her pale skin almost blending into the white sheets. The sight of her stitched neck made my stomach churn.

“Oh my Goddess,” Thea whispered as she stared at Anna's pale face.

As I stood there, watching her fragile body fight to heal, I knew one thing for sure; the mansion, this life, was no place for her. I need to find somewhere safe for her and fast.

“We need to take her away from the mansion; it seems too dangerous for her,” Jack spoke suddenly, making me gaze at him, stunned, as he took the words right out of my mouth. 

“I’ve been thinking the same thing too, but I don't know where.” I told him, “We need somewhere Mum and Dad would not think of finding her.”

“Where can we possibly keep Anna, that Mum and Dad won't know of?” Thea spoke with raised brows, anxiety growing inside of her.

“Hmmm…” Jack hummed, “How about Aunt Lily’s?” 

“Aunt Lily's house?” Thea questioned, furrowing her eyebrows in confusion.

I furrowed my brows as I made my face stern and serious, not that the idea of taking Anna to Aunt Lily’s house was bad, It was a good suggestion, looking at the fact my Mum and her sister don't have a good relationship, it would be the last place her and my Dad would search for Anna.

But to be honest, I wasn't too sure about the idea; my mum may try to reconcile with her sister and find out Anna's dwelling in her house, and then the whole drama would start all over again.

“Jackson, are you sure?” I asked him.

“Yes, man, I'm sure it's the best place to keep Anna; trust me, it would be safe for her,” Jackson assured me, making me brighten up a little.

Jackson had always been a loyal friend and a good brother to me and I count myself lucky to have him.

“Don't know, Jackson,” Thea spoke, placing her hand on her head.

“Have you seen water mix up with electricity before?” He questioned her, “Mum and Aunt Lily don't flow. It's safe."

As Jackson spoke, I heard Anna groan, and my eyes widened. Slowly, she opened her eyes to meet mine.