002.

Stella's POV.

When I saw no one in the security house, I pushed the second gate open and the alarm started to blare.

Well, interesting. They used the first gate to lure prey. Okay, maybe they were more than stupid. I'd be sure to leak this method to Kormak. Our pack could also use some advancement.

I trudged in and walked past the security office before I got ambushed. Standing before me were men armed with weapons, ready to attack.

“Wait!” I shouted, “there is a boy in my arms.” And I didn't want to die. “He's severely injured and in need of medical attention. Now!” 

Four men came forward. One of them roughly grabbed the kid who already passed out from me and the other three pinned me down. Pressing my head into the floor.

“Who the hell are you and what have you done to him?!” One of them roared. He didn't give me a chance to answer before he pressed my head into the sand. “Answer me!!”

Maybe if you gave me space to breathe, I would. One thing I hated all my life was men touching me. Second thing, men who manhandled me and thought they could get away from it.

My head flashed and my anger reared its ugly head out. I couldn't remember how I did it because everything was a blur. But what I did know was that I knocked two of them out and am currently pressing my knee against the last one’s neck.

The remaining of the men raised their guns, ready to shoot. “If you don't lower your weapon, he won't just be knocked unconscious. I'll murder him.” I said coolly. They really wouldn't want to try me.

They exchange looks before lowering their weapons. “Good choice.” The man below me tried to move and I pressed harder, obstructing his airway. 

“Now, y'all listen well. One of you is going to direct me to your hospital and I'll operate on that boy if you don't want him dead. Am I saying something?” They exchanged glances again. Gosh, if they didn't answer on time, that boy would die. 

“Agree,” the man below me grunted out and the rest nodded. I guess he was their lead after all. Poor choice.

“Okay,” one of them stepped forward. “Let him go and we'll take you.”

Like hell. “Discard your weapon.” I demanded. They hesitated but did it anyway. I leaned into the man whose lungs are seconds away from crushing. “Next time you touch me, you'll be dead.” Then, I knocked him out.

“What the hell did you do to him?” One of them asked, rushing over.

“Don't worry, he's just asleep.” I waved him off and grabbed the kid back. Another man led me towards the hospital while the others walked behind me with the unconscious men.

Not that I minded anyway. By the time we got to the hospital it seemed the news had spread because suddenly people were around. Some on the side road, some stood outside the hospital, and others watched from their home. Either way, they ogled at me or should I say the kid in my arms.

Minutes passed, came hours by the time I was done with the surgery. Among everyone who stared at me, one was more effective. Raising the hairs on my neck. But I managed to keep my eyes on the kid and keep my posture. 

Because I knew I'd be dead next if that kid was.

I wasn't even out for a minute before I felt pressure around my neck and was rammed against the wall.

What was with people thinking they could handle me anyhow? Was I that small??

A man appeared in my sight, his face hardened. “If so much as a miniscule hair goes missing from that boy, I'll throw you in my dungeon and torture you for the rest of your miserable life.” He slammed me against the wall again when I said nothing. “Am I clear??”

 I groaned in pain.

Once again, the adrenaline had worn off and now I felt the pain in my abdomen and my ankles. Aside from that, I felt needles in my skin. Everything hurts.

I stared into his stormy silver eyes weakly, ready to give a smart response because he didn't scare me. That was when I noticed it.

Not his scent. Not the electric pull or the tingling sensation. But they were all in his eyes. It was like he noticed it too because his hold on me loosened and he stepped back in disbelief. 

I couldn't believe it either. 

However, it was when he released me that I staggered forward. I could no longer stand on my leg. He reached out. His face didn't soften but the glare in his eyes eased a bit.

I was about to talk when he frowned and looked down. He stared at my wound then back at me and he fired his next words. “You aren't healing,” no shit, sherlocks. “Why?” I wondered too. “What happened in the woods??” 

Black dots appeared in my vision and I closed my eyes. Gosh, I was so tired. The exercise, bruising, fighting an ogre, running; everything began to take its toll on me and all I just wanted to do right now was to sleep.

But this idiotic fellow wouldn't let me. 

He shook me repeatedly. “Open your eyes, damnit!” And I did, his eyes no longer hold anger but panic. “I need to know why you are not healing, lady! That's the only way I can know how to save you.”

I sighed and tried to close my eyes, but he didn't let me. Again. “Fucking answer me!” I think that did the job because his words registered in my head and I knew what he wanted.

An answer to save me.

My lips parted on their own accord and I stuttered out my words. “H-he..wood…i-i-t..there…” I felt drained.

Why couldn't I talk?

“What was in the woods?” He urged me, his hold on me tightening.

“A-a-n o..og-r..e.” My eyes fluttered shut and this time, no matter the shaking, I couldn't open it. I slowly began to lose consciousness. But my mouth didn't. “O-ogre. Ogre.” 

Then, I allowed myself to go. Right in the arms of my mate.