CHAPTER 7 - The Meeting

Clayton could not remember how long he was asleep or unconscious the moment that whatever was administered to his body took over and lose the fight for control of trying to stay alert. But, now that he had regained his consciousness, he felt his strength returning and he can finally move his hands and feet without feeling heavy.

He tried rising but he can still feel his body aching from the attack. Finally giving up, Clayton remained lying on the bed he is on and let the medicine do its work in his body so he can be able to recover and heal fast.

He needs to return to his pack.

He finally was able to open his eyes and he realized that he is inside of what look like a small hospital room. There’s a counter with a sink to his right and some medical accessories that will be needed for any dressing of wounds. There’s also a small basin and a sponge beside some toiletries.

Could not be able to sit up, Clayton raised his arms to check on the injuries he had sustained from the attack his brother had set on him last night.

“Kragen, are you awake?” He asked over his mind. He frowned when his wolf didn’t immediately answer. “Kragen!”

A long and contented yawn was heard over his mind and a deep snore started.

Clayton rolled his eyes when his wolf decided to forego waking up and decided to be stubborn by continuing with his deep and relaxing sleep. He suspected that whatever has been administered to him the night before, it had made his wolf docile. His wolf had never been one to bring down his guard.

“Liam!” He called out, linking with his Beta. “Liam! Can you hear me?”

“Where the hell are you?!” Liam shouted hotly. “Did you venture into human territory?! F8ck, Clayton, Lily warned you not to go there on your own! You could have told me, and I would have accompany you. Jacob can watch over.”

“Conrad launched an attack on me,” Clayton said gravely. “But I’m fine. A group of persons managed to save me last night and I’m recovering.”

“How the hell will I explain this to your mother, a$$hole?” Liam said angrily. “She’s been here at the pack house since early in the morning, looking for you when you were not at home. I told her that you went out last night to help with border patrol because of a threat from rogues. She’s expecting to see you within the day.”

“Come up with something,” Clayton ordered. “I don’t think I can return today. Probably tomorrow.”

Liam let out a disgruntled sigh at his order. “You’re lucky that I’ve known you since we were pups, Langston,” he grumbled. “Alright. Just recover fast and return immediately. I’ll lie to your mother again. But whatever happens to me when Aunt Evangeline knows I’m lying, I’m blaming you and I’ll get that car of yours.”

“It’d better be a good lie, McAllister,” Clayton warned. “You’re not touching my car.”

“Are you sure that you can handle it?” He heard a voice from outside. “That’s supposed to be Tracy’s job. Where the hell is she?”

He frowned when he recalled that it was the male voice from last night. He immediately shut his eyes and pretended to be asleep when he heard a door opening quietly and the atmosphere suddenly filled with that alluring scent, he smelled last night. His heart started to beat faster as the scent got stronger, indicating that the worried woman from the night before is approaching him. He racked his brain to recall her name.

Arah. Yes, that was it.

“Yes,” she answered patiently. “I’ll just dress his wounds and give him a sponge bath. He also needs a haircut and I’ll see what I can do. Tracy can assist me here after she flirts with Robert outside.”

The male voice groaned, and Clayton could hear that man calling out another woman.

“Hello, there,” she whispered softly. “Your condition is much better compared last night.”

Clayton suddenly felt her fingers brushing his hair off his forehead lightly. A soft, light touch that sent shivers down his body. He never wants her to stop touching him and he could hear Kragen rumbling like a pup.

“I’ll dress your wounds, okay? It might sting since your wounds are a bit deep and still fresh from last night,” she said gently. “But it’s going to make them heal faster. I’ll give you a bath first.”

If only that woman knows, being a werewolf gives him the capabilities to heal faster. He needn’t further care from her like dressing his wounds regularly. But, because of her voice and scent, Clayton just wanted her to get near him. He couldn’t get enough of her. Even Kragen seemed to be at ease at her presence, given that he is the first one who will warn him if the person approaching is someone to be trusted or not.

“Aren’t you a handsome fellow?” Clayton heard her say and he held himself from smiling so he wouldn’t give himself away. He felt his arms being rubbed gently with a warm sponge. “If Tracy had seen you when she got in, I’m sure she would gladly volunteer to do this task.”

Whoever that Tracy is, Clayton was just glad that it wasn’t her.

Clayton enjoyed the sponge bath she gave him. He suddenly classified himself a pervert, feeling shivers going down his groin every time her hand touches him. Never had any woman made him feel like this since he started laying eyes on them.

“That’s done,” Arah said patiently. “Except your face and head since I need to cut some of your hair. Matt and Gloria haphazardly cut them last night just to get to your wounds.”

He opened his eyes a bit and he finally saw her silhouette.

She isn’t that tall but she’s not short either. She had white, blond hair, mostly bordering on white, that is currently tied up in a neat bun with a paisley scarf around her head. When she turned towards him, she had a face mask on, covering more than half of her face.

He could not see the color of her eyes since he doesn’t want to be caught that he’s already awake.

However, his eyes managed to catch a glimpse of a stainless pointed scissors in her hands, and she is approaching him with a steady and fast pace.

Clayton, as well as Kragen, instinctively reacted. The minute she raised the scissors towards his face, he abruptly opened his eyes and his one hand shot up, gripping her delicate neck. With as much strength as he can gather, he sat up on the bed, pushing her away from him.

“Did my brother sent you to kill me?!” He bellowed angrily. He braced on the bed with his other hand and stood up and he tightened his grip on her neck. He added strength that the woman is already on her tiptoes. “Who are you?”

The woman struggled, her hands prying his hand that is holding her neck tightly, her eyes closed due to the pain he is giving. The scissors she held fell on the floor, making a small cluttering sound. She tried opening her mouth but only choking words came out.

“Is my brother here?!?” He shouted again. The more his voice go up, the more his grip on her neck tightened. “Is he outside waiting for an update from you if you had killed me?!”

Clayton, without further waiting, grabbed the face mask and pulled it away from her face. The minute he pulled it off, the woman’s eyes flew opened and she turned towards him. His mouth dropped open in shocked as his grey eyes met with a pair of sparkling, crystal-clear blue eyes. Those eyes that are currently staring at him in fear.

Mate! His mind screamed. Mate!

“What the f8ck are you doing?!?” An angry voice shouted from the door. “Get your hands off her neck, you f8cking a$shole!!”

Clayton immediately let go of her and he watched as she dropped on the ground, coughing, and inhaling as much air as she can. Her head was bent, her hands, palms down braced on the floor as she tried to regain whatever consciousness she has left.

A man entered followed by another woman and two more men. Without further warning, the man stabbed him with an injection and Clayton reacted too late. Whatever was inside, it made him suddenly docile and loosening his strength again.

“Restrain him!” He ordered roughly. “Shit! I knew it was wrong taking him in.”

“Dear, look at me!” The woman is saying urgently. “Matt, do something!”

“Jacklyn, get the oxygen,” the man ordered firmly.

Clayton watched him bent down and pulled her to him. He reacted at the action of the man, who cradled her in his arms, not wanting that man to touch the woman.

His woman!

But he was too weak from what was given to him, and he is now being restrained by two men, pushing him back to his bed.

“Don’t you dare faint on me!” Matt exclaimed. He looked up when Jacklyn returned with an oxygen apparatus. “Open your eyes! Amarah!”

Amarah.

That was the last word Clayton heard when he also fell into a deep slumber.