"Stay focused, Liam," Jacob warned, his voice pulling me back to the present. "We need you at your best."
"Of course," I replied, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. "One more round?"
"Bring it on," Jacob challenged with a grin, and we resumed our sparring. But despite my best efforts, Erica's presence continued to haunt me. The powerful bond between us was undeniable, yet I couldn't shake the feeling that I had somehow failed her.
The air around us crackled with tension as we continued to spar. I tried to shake off the distraction, but my thoughts stubbornly clung to Erica and the events of the previous night.
"Let's finish this," I said, forcing myself to focus on the sparring match before me.
"Alright," Jacob agreed, still eyeing me warily as we resumed our positions. We danced around each other, exchanging blows and dodging expertly. Yet, even as I landed a solid hit against Jacob's shoulder, all I could feel was the lingering touch of Erica's skin beneath my fingers and the weight of my actions bearing down on my conscience.
Suddenly, I felt the familiar tingle of a mind link pushing through, snapping me back to reality. I opened my mind to Damon's voice, urgent and distressed.
"Liam, there's been an incident. Erica's having a meltdown." Annoyance flared within me, mingling with the guilt that already plagued me.
"What the fuck am I supposed to do?" I snapped back.
"Try being the Alpha she needs, not the one she expects," Damon replied, his words cutting through my frustration. "It's bad, Liam. She was attacked again." My heart clenched at the thought of Erica in pain, and I knew Damon was right. I had to be there for her, regardless of my own feelings. Turning to Jacob, I said,
"I have to go."
"Understood," he replied with a solemn nod.
As I sprinted away from the training grounds, I couldn't help but wonder if I was strong enough, not just physically, but emotionally, to be the Alpha that Erica truly needed. My heart pounding in my chest, I raced across the pack territory towards the pack house. The panic from Erica pierced through our mate bond like a thousand icy needles, urging me to move faster. As I ran, I cursed inwardly that we hadn't completed the bond yet, knowing it would be easier to feel her and provide comfort once we did. The wind whipped past me as I pushed myself to run even faster, my muscles straining with each powerful stride. My mind raced with thoughts of Erica's wellbeing and the fear that gripped her, making me wish for nothing more than to be by her side. Upon reaching the pack house, I didn't hesitate, bounding up the steps two at a time and bursting into the first floor offices without knocking. The scent of distress hung heavy in the air, only fuelling my sense of urgency further.
"Where is she?" I demanded, my voice rough and demanding, betraying the turmoil of emotions churning within me.
"Your father's office," someone replied, their voice barely registering as I zeroed in on the door.
Without waiting for permission or announcement, I threw open the door, my entrance sudden and unceremonious. As I burst into my father's office, my eyes quickly took in the chaotic scene before me. The room was a mess - overturned furniture and scattered papers signalling that something terrible had happened. My father stood with a grim expression, flanked by our pack doctor, Damon, and Gregg, who was clad only in shorts - evidence of a hasty shift back to human form. Their gazes were all fixed on one spot, and as I followed their line of sight, my heart clenched painfully. There, huddled on the floor, was Erica. Her once fiery green eyes were now glazed over with fear, her body shivering uncontrollably as she let out pitiful whimpers.
"Every time someone gets close, she freaks out," Damon said quietly, his voice strained with concern. "She just starts screaming."
"Something has triggered an old trauma," my father added, his expression sombre. "We need to help her, Liam."
"Tell me what happened!" I demanded, my voice shaking with barely contained fury. I needed to know who was responsible for this, who had hurt my mate so badly.
"Louis," my father replied, his gaze locking onto mine. "He sexually assaulted her." At that, my vision went red. The rage inside me surged, demanding retribution. Louis would pay for what he'd done. But first, I needed to help Erica.
Taking slow, measured steps toward her, I tried to calm myself, knowing that my anger wouldn't bring her any comfort. I focused on the bond between us - incomplete but still powerful, and sent waves of reassurance and love through it, hoping against hope that she could feel them too. I inched closer to Erica, my heart pounding in my chest as I tried to steady my breathing. The air around her seemed heavy with fear, and I desperately hoped that the familiar scent of our fated bond would bring her some comfort. With each step, I focused on projecting warmth and safety into the space between us, willing her to recognise me as her mate and not another threat.
"Erica," I murmured softly as I knelt beside her, my heart aching at the sight of her broken form. "I'm here, love. You're safe now." Her whimpers subsided slightly, but she remained huddled on the floor, trembling with fear.. Gently, I extended my hand towards her, my fingers brushing against her arm. She flinched and let out a soft whimper, but didn't scream. Relief washed over me, mixed with an overwhelming sense of protectiveness.
"Doctor," I said, keeping my gaze locked on Erica. "The sedative, please." Without taking my eyes off her, I held out my hand, feeling the cool syringe press into my palm. Carefully, I administered the sedative, watching as her tense muscles slowly relaxed under its effects. Just as she began to slump forward, I caught her in my arms, cradling her close to my chest.
"Let's get her to the hospital," I murmured, my voice thick with emotion. With Erica secure in my arms, I followed the doctor through the pack grounds, my mind racing with thoughts of guilt and responsibility. As we reached the hospital and settled her into a bed, nurses fluttered about, attaching fluids and monitoring equipment. I couldn't tear my eyes away from her pale, sleeping face, my hand gripping hers tightly. As the room quieted down and the nurses left us alone, I sank into a chair beside her bed, my mind replaying the events of the previous night. The memory of how rough I had been, of how I had asserted my dominance over her, twisted my gut with guilt. Had I added to her stress? Had my actions pushed her closer to this breaking point? The night wore on, and I remained by her side, my thoughts a swirling storm of anger, self-loathing, and the fierce need to protect her. As the first light of dawn began to creep through the window, I made a silent vow: I would be the Alpha she needed, the one she could trust and rely on. And together, we would forge a bond stronger than any darkness that threatened to tear us apart.
Chapter 31
Erica
Myeyelidsflutteredopen,and a sharp gasp tore through my throat as I tried to sit up. Panic seized me as I registered the sterile white walls and the steady beeping of machines surrounding me. Disoriented memories flitted at the edges of my mind, but nothing concrete enough to explain why I was in a hospital bed.
"Wha...?" My voice came out as a weak croak, and I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to block out the overwhelming confusion. The sensation of warmth and safety enveloped me, pulling me away from the edge of panic. A familiar presence lingered nearby, tethering me to reality. Slowly, I opened my eyes and turned my head towards the source of that comforting feeling. There, slumped in an uncomfortable-looking hospital chair, was Liam. He appeared to have dozed off, yet his hand remained intertwined with mine. Despite the exhaustion etched on his face, there was no denying his rugged handsomeness. My eyes lingered on Liam's face, taking in the strong lines of his jaw and the curve of his lips. His dark brown hair fell across his forehead, adding a certain ruggedness to his appearance. I found myself entranced by the steady rise and fall of his chest, each breath a testament to his unwavering presence in my life.
As if sensing my gaze upon him, Liam opened one eye and raised an amused eyebrow.
"You know, it's considered a bit creepy to stare at someone while they sleep," he teased. I couldn't help but laugh, surprised by the genuine happiness that bubbled within me.
