CHAPTER FOURTEEN - Recovery

Anna's POV

I groaned as I slowly opened my eyes, my vision a bit blurry because of the bright ceiling light bulbs.

I rubbed my eyes gently, trying to adjust my vision; the smell of drugs hit my nostrils, and the metallic scent of blood joined the party, too.

After my vision became clearer, I looked to my left, seeing my mate, Peter. His eyes were closed but his hand was placed on my lap, as usual of him.

As I kept staring at him, I winced, feeling a huge wave of pain hit me, traveling through my injured neck.

Immediately, Peter's eyes opened and he stared at me.

“Anna.” He whispered, yet his voice firm; then he began rubbing my lap.

“I’ve missed you.” A smile curled on his lips.

I opened my mouth to speak, but I winced in pain as that injury insisted I shut the fuck up before it gave me more discomfort.

“The neck huh?” Peter spoke with concern written over his face, “I’m sorry, Anna. The nurse said it was internal bleeding. My father’s claws... they went deeper than I realized.” 

A slight frown formed on his lips as he said that, a sign he was still feeling regretful for not being able to protect me.

He did his best, but his anger during that incident with that bitch, Charlotte, forced him to kill the only son of the head maid all because of me.

And for that terrible mistake, I have to tell him never to kill someone for my sake, I am not worth it.

I was so fed up with sadness and the drama, that I had to accept the false accusations Charlotte made against me. 

I couldn't let Peter's family keep going through these problems because of me, so I thought it was best If I had just died that day.

Honestly, when my stepdad dug his claws deep into my neck before Peter could reach me, I thought it was going to be my end right then and there, but it seemed the Moon goddess wasn't done playing with me.

When I thought my life was difficult back at the Starlight pack, I came here, the blood Moon kingdom for problem 2.0.

I let out a sigh as thoughts filled my heart, but I felt a pain in my neck. It seems everything I do that concerns my mouth or neck would hurt bad for the neck, sorry, next few days or weeks or even months. 

Depending on how fast my wolf can heal me. Come to think of it, I haven't had a chat with my wolf, not even once.

“The nurse said you have to get medicine to help you heal faster,” Peter informed me.

I closed my eyes for a moment before opening them again; then my gaze dropped to Peter’s other hand-coated in blood. Fresh, dark. My stomach twisted. It wasn’t mine. So whose was it?”

Oh fucking goddess, don't tell me he killed again for my sake?

I tried asking him, but I couldn't; I didn't want to feel more pain than I was already going through.

As my eyes kept staring at his hand for a while, he noticed.

“Anna, this hospital isn't safe for you.” He told me, making me furrow my face in confusion. 

Who would attack a non-defenseless person?

“After you were given a sedative yesterday, you were almost killed by an assassin, but I stopped him before he could lay a hand on you.” 

My eyes widened in fear as he explained to me, does this mean nowhere is safe for me in this kingdom? Not even the hospital?

*Beep Beep*

The monitor I was connected to started to beep quickly as fear crept into my heart. I swallowed hard the lump formed in my throat.

“Hey hey,” Peter spoke, his face etched with concern, “Don't sweat it.” 

He moved his hand from my lap and placed it on my cold palms.

“Please don't hurt yourself, Anna. You’re safe.” He said, rubbing my hand.

Safe? Only with you. Without you, I’m an easy target — for your parents, or worse, Charlotte.

I let out a sigh, but the sharp pain followed, allowing me to groan in pain.

“I’ve arranged a place for you to stay and be safe.” He spoke to me.

I furrowed my brows, curious; where could he possibly take me so that I could be safe If the hospital wasn't safe enough?

“You will be staying at my aunt's house.” He whispered to me, feeling the walls may have eyes.

My eyes widened, and my heart skipped immediately after he said that.

What! No, no, I can't stay there, not with another family member of yours; what makes him think that's the best place?

I shook my head slightly, pressing my lips hard.

Peter noticed my protest against his plan and let out a sigh.

“I don’t want you to go either. But my aunt’s house is the only place my parents or Charlotte won’t look. My aunt’s thrilled to have you, Anna. You’ll be safe there.” 

Thrilled or not, I only want to be around Peter. I don't know or trust anyone in this kingdom except him and Thea.

I let out another sigh, still feeling uneasy about my presence there.

*Knock*

Peter and I had a soft knock on the door.

“Who’s there?” Peter spoke; his tone carried authority, and then he held my palm firmly, ready for anything to happen.

“Your Highness.” The door opened, revealing a guard, “It's the prisoner.”

“Yes.” Peter replied, furrowing his brows “Has he spoken of his benefactor?” 

“No, Your Highness.” The guards replied, entering the room, “We couldn't get the information from him.” 

As they spoke I realized it was the assassin who attacked me that they were speaking of.

“Why?” Peter asked.

“Because he's dead, your highness.” The guard spoke.

“What?” Peter growled,

his voice low and dangerous. His hand tightened around mine, his grip trembling with barely restrained fury.