CHAPTER TWELVE - Awake

Peter's POV 

I smiled at Anna and noticed her tired eyes. I felt relieved, which was a big change from the fear I had just a few hours earlier.

“Anna, thank the goddess,” I spoke softly as I reached for her hand, caressing it.

Anna closed her eyes tightly and groaned as she tried to sit up straight.

“Hey, hey, hey! Hold on there, Anna,” Thea said soothingly as she moved to the other side of the bed. “Let’s take a breather and not let this get to you.”

“It's good to have you back, Anna. We were so worried you wouldn't make it.” Thea continued before Anna gave her a faint smile.

“Hey, Anna,” Jackson said, waving his hand at her. 

“We should probably call the nurse to come check her,” he advised me.

Thea nodded and left the room, the soft click of the door echoing in the quiet space.

“Are you all right?” I asked Anna, my voice beneath a whisper as I held her hand firmly.

Anna tried to talk but she felt a sharp pain and winced, then she closed her eyes, rubbing her injured neck.

“I thought I was going to lose you.” I spoke with regret lurking in my tone, “I’m so sorry I failed to protect you.”

I placed my head on hers before pressing my lips against it.

A single tear escaped Anna's eyes as I broke from her; then, after some seconds passed, Thea came in with the nurse I spoke with earlier.

I kept staring into Anna's eyes before speaking to the nurse.

“I’ll leave you to your work,” I spoke to her, getting a slight nod in return before choosing to take my leave.

After leaving the wardroom along with Jake and Thea, I heard Jake speak.

“So, what do you say bro? Do you agree with the plan?” He asked me about the plan to take Anna to Aunt Lily's.

“I need to think about it, Jake,” I replied to him

“Why?” He pressured me, “My plan is perfect, you should do it.” 

“I just need a second, man.” I snapped at him, making him take a step back. 

“I can't have Anna in for another treatment at the hospital.”

“All right.” He raised his two hands in surrender.

“I’m sorry for snapping, Jack.” I apologized, “I know you're just trying to help.

‘I think you should do this, it's the best place to keep our mate, plus it's far away from the mansion.’ Mike advised me.

“Alright, I've made up my mind.” I told Jack and Thea, “Anna will stay at Aunt Lily’s.” 

“Good choice,” Jack replied while Thea growled in sadness.

I guess she'll miss having Anna around but I’m sure she'll know it's for the best.

*Creak*

I heard the door open again, revealing the nurse as she came out of the room and walked towards me.

“Your Highness, I’ve administered a sedative to help her body relax and begin healing. She’s stable for now, but any added stress could slow her recovery. She must get uninterrupted rest.” She informed me.

“All right, thank you.” I appreciated her, “But, I’ll be with her.” 

“That isn't a problem, your highness. As long as she rests.” She told me, before bowing and taking her leave.

“The hospital should be closing anytime soon, bro. I need a night's rest. Tomorrow will be a very busy day” Jack said before turning to take his leave.

Thea let out a sigh, placing her hand on her head.

“Well, I guess it's me and you big bro-” 

“No, just me. You have school tomorrow, don't you?” I asked her.

She pouts her lips at the sound of school.

Thea has hated school since her tender age, so it's up to me as her big brother to ensure she goes, whether she wants to or not.

“Yes, I do… but it doesn't hurt that my brother is the Lycan king; I can come anytime I want or not,” Thea said, crossing her hand.

“Don't you even go there?” I snarled at her, “I can't be the reason you won't complete your education. You are going to school, is that clear?” 

“Yes.” She sighs again.

“You must be tired too, you should head home,” I instructed her.

“Alright big brother, keep Anna safe, okay?” She hugs me before taking her leave.

“Of course.” I hugged her back, “Now, go.” 

Thea turned and left, her short but elegant heels making sounds as she walked down the hall, leaving only me facing the wardroom.

I took a breather before walking into the wardroom.

As I entered the room, the steady beep of the monitor was both a comfort and a reminder of how close I’d come to losing Anna. Her breathing was shallow, her face too pale, yet the faint rise and fall of her chest reassured me she was still fighting.

I took a chair from the side of the room and sat behind Anna's bed, then I placed my hand on her forehead and slowly down to her cheeks.

Bless the goddess; Anna's alive; I don't know what I would have done if she had died. But one thing was sure, I would be broken and full of hatred.

As my hand traveled down her cheeks, I placed a finger on her soft pink lips, feeling the urge to kiss her.

Gently, I drew my face closer to hers, my heart skipped a beat as I pressed my lips against hers.

Something tells me she can feel it too.

*Beep*

The beep of the monitor quickened for a moment, my breath catching as I froze. Then, it settled again, a steady rhythm that reminded me she was still here, still fighting.

I leaned back, letting out a shaky breath as emotions swirled inside me. I needed a moment to clear my head, to steel myself for what came next, so I decided to use the restroom.

******

After using the restroom for a few minutes, I returned

only to find a strange person dressed in black, holding a knife pointed at Anna's chest.

“Hey!” I roared at him.