Chapter 6 - A bad memory?

Asher

Keeping my distance was almost impossible. My wolf, Lucian, kept wanting to break free and mark the poor girl. There is no way that we can do that to her. Not while she has no idea who she is. Not until I know where she came from and who did that to her. Definitely not, while she can’t even remember her own name.

The why keeps popping up in the back of my mind, but I won’t let the thought form properly. I can’t for the life of me think that any female deserves to be treated like that. It is clear that if she is some kind of wolf, she isn’t very strong.

Either that or she has never shifted. According to my mother, that is the only explanation as to why it is taking her so long to heal. Even the omegas in our pack heal faster than that. Since we aren’t entirely sure whether she knows about our kind, I have given our pack the order not to shift anywhere near my home.

We can’t frighten the poor girl any more than she already is. Although, I noted a spark in her eyes earlier that told me there is something inside of her. Something that is just itching to get out. I breathe in deeply and lean against the door as I prod our bond. There! It’s dark. I can’t make it out, but it is definitely there.

“Son, are you okay?” My mom’s voice echoes down the passage and I take another deep breath before standing up straight and looking at her.

“I’m not sure. I think her memory might be coming back.” I frown and let her into the room.

“Hi, Jane. Asher told me you had a bit of an accident.” My mother sounds like a real mother as she walks in, and I close the door behind her resisting the urge to roll my eyes. Only my mother would call what happened to Jane an accident.

How I wish we knew what her real name was. It could be Jane, but she doesn’t look like a Jane.  I listen in on their conversation just to make sure that she is okay.

Isabella

“Yes, it was really weird. I was standing under the shower when I saw a flash of something, but it can’t be.” I shake my head, feeling as though everything suddenly becomes a little too much to deal with. My breathing rapidly increases.

“Okay, why don’t you lie back down, and I will have a look.” Lisa’s calm voice is soothing, and my breathing instantly calms down. I lie back while she does what doctors do. When she is done, I note the slight frown, but it quickly turns into a smile.

“Well, I can’t find anything wrong, besides what we already know about. You say you saw a flash. If I may ask, what was it?” She slowly starts to pack her things away while I explain. “Wow, no wonder you fainted! I would have reacted the very same way if that happened to me. I suggest you just try to rest as much as possible. Although it might have been traumatic, I’m sure that things will make sense once you regain your memory.”

After she leaves, Asher appears with a tray and, although it smells really good, I’m scared. For some odd reason, each time they give me food, I am almost too frightened to eat. Asher puts the tray on the bed in front of me, and he pulls a chair closer. It is almost as though he knew he needed to stay there to make sure I eat.

“My mother believes that your memory might be coming back.” He frowns, and I nod while chewing on a piece of toast. Since they found me, they have been trying to get me to empty my plate, but it has been difficult. If I eat too much too fast, I get really sick.

Lisa told me while I was in the hospital that it all made sense. I am clearly underfed. I am way underweight. So, the one thing that doesn’t make me really nauseous is toast. I have figured out that I really like the taste. Since we figured that out, I have been given a piece of toast with every meal.

“Yes, she mentioned that.” The flash comes to mind, and I push it away. I know he is going to ask me about it, but I really don’t want to remember.

“Would you mind telling me what you saw?” Asher looks pained as he asks, and I wonder what all that is about. I sigh deeply and take a moment before looking into his eyes.

“I was standing under the water thinking how nice it felt when I felt a stabbing pain. At the same time, my mind was filled with an image of cold water being poured out over my head while I gasped to try and catch my breath.” I can still feel that very feeling. I frown as I realize I’m suddenly very cold.

“It’s okay. You are safe here.” Asher stretches out a hand and when he touches my skin, I can see the worry in his eyes. “Are you cold?” He frowns when I nod.

“I can literally still feel the cold water running over my body.” My teeth start to clatter. Asher removes the tray in the blink of an eye. He grabs hold of the blanket at the foot of the bed, and before I can stop him, he slips in beside me, pulling the blanket over me. He pulls me into his arms as I shiver. His one hand rubs the side of my arm while the other pulls me even closer.

“Breathe, Jane. Just breathe.” His warm breath blows down the side of my neck and goosebumps break out all over my skin. The goosebumps are from the cold, however. I close my eyes, breathe in his musky scent and feel myself completely relax in his arms as the cold finally disappears.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.” He holds onto me as though he doesn’t want to let go, but when I clear my throat, he suddenly seems uncomfortable.