Chapter Twenty Three

Brielle's POV.

 I woke up slowly, my eyes fluttering open to the sight of a lavish room. Soft, golden light streamed through sheer curtains, illuminating the ornate furnishings and intricate tapestries that adorned the walls. I blinked, trying to piece together where I was and how I had gotten here. The events of the previous night felt like a distant nightmare, yet the pain in my legs and the dull ache in my body told me it was all too real.

Memories of the mountain lion, the fierce fight, and the man—Rio—who had saved me came rushing back. My heart raced as I recalled the terror and the relief, and I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I struggled to sit up, wincing as pain shot through my legs.

Just then, the door to the room opened, and Rio stepped in. His golden hair caught the light, and his eyes softened as he saw me.

"You're awake," he said, a note of relief in his voice. "How are you feeling?"

"Sore," I admitted, my voice still hoarse. "But...thank you. For everything. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't shown up."

"You don't need to thank me," Rio replied, moving to sit on the edge of the bed. "I'm just glad I was there in time. You were in pretty bad shape when I found you."

I nodded, remembering the overwhelming fear and pain. "Where am I?" I asked, looking around the room again.

"You're in my pack's territory," Rio explained. "This is our guest quarters. We wanted to make sure you were comfortable while you recovered."

"I can't stay here," I said, trying to swing my legs over the side of the bed. "I need to get home. My...my partner, Chase, he'll be worried."

Rio gently but firmly stopped me. "You're not in any condition to go anywhere right now. You need to rest. You've been through a lot."

"I appreciate your concern," I said, frustration creeping into my voice. "But I really need to go. I'm pregnant, and I can't just disappear without letting Chase know where I am."

Rio's eyes widened slightly at my words. "You're pregnant?" he repeated, his tone shifting to one of even greater concern. "All the more reason for you to stay here and recover properly. I've arranged for our nurses to take care of you and make sure you and your baby are safe."

"I can't impose on you like this," I insisted, trying to stand again despite the pain.

"Brielle, please," Rio said, his voice firm but kind. "I can't in good conscience let an injured woman, especially one who's pregnant, leave without making sure she's okay. You need to rest, and we need to make sure you're not seriously hurt."

I sighed, feeling the weight of his words. He was right, of course. I was in no condition to travel, and the thought of endangering my baby by pushing myself too hard was too much to bear. But the urgency of getting back to Chase gnawed at me.

"Alright," I conceded reluctantly. "But I need to contact Chase. He needs to know I'm okay."

Rio nodded. "Of course. I'll make sure you can contact him as soon as possible. For now, just focus on resting and letting us take care of you."

I lay back against the pillows, feeling a mix of gratitude and frustration. The room was beautiful, and Rio's concern was genuine, but I couldn't shake the feeling of being trapped, of being helpless.

As if sensing my inner turmoil, Rio stood up and smiled reassuringly. "You're safe here, Brielle. My pack is here to protect you. If you need anything, just let us know."

"Thank you," I said again, my voice softer. "For everything."

Rio nodded and left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I closed my eyes, trying to find some semblance of calm in the midst of the chaos that had become my life. The soft sounds of the pack's activities outside the room were oddly soothing, a reminder that I wasn't alone.

I drifted in and out of sleep, my dreams a tangle of memories and fears. Each time I woke, I felt a little stronger, the pain in my body gradually easing. At some point, a nurse came in, checking my vitals and making sure I was comfortable. She was kind and efficient, her presence reassuring.

As the day wore on, I couldn't help but wonder about Rio and his pack. Who were they? Why had he risked his life to save me? And what did this mean for my own future? The questions swirled in my mind, refusing to be silenced.

By evening, I was feeling well enough to sit up and eat a little. A tray of food was brought to me, and I forced myself to eat, knowing I needed the strength. Just as I finished, Rio returned, his expression calm and composed.

"How are you feeling now?" he asked, sitting down beside the bed again.

"Better," I admitted. "The food helped. Thank you."

"I'm glad to hear that," he said. "I've arranged for you to contact Chase. We have a secure line you can use."

Relief washed over me. "Thank you, Rio. I really appreciate it."

He nodded. "I understand how important it is to let your loved ones know you're safe. But Brielle, please promise me you'll rest and let us take care of you. You've been through a lot, and you need time to heal."

"I promise," I said, feeling a little more at ease. "I'll rest."

"Good," Rio said, standing up. "I'll be back soon with the phone. In the meantime, if you need anything, just call for one of the nurses."

As he left the room again, I leaned back against the pillows, feeling a little more hopeful. I would contact Chase, let him know I was safe, and then focus on getting better. For now, I was in good hands, and that was enough.