PROWESS. (COMPLETED)

Chapter 86

Kellen POV:

I pace the waiting room, anxious, my hands sweating, my forehead clammy and not a single part of my body isn't screaming in pain. Various nurses and doctors have tried to treat me, but I don't want any treatment until I know Dad and Ana are okay. That should be their priority.

The southern royals comfort my own family as we all wait in the waiting room to hear news. King Jacques comforts Mum stood uneasily by the opening to the corridor. Arabelle sits unmoving in the corner with her mate, Xavier huddled close to her. Prince Zander sits tapping his foot impatiently against the floor, while Ana's Beta Rick leans against the wall, a lot more beaten up than anyone else present.

I stop pacing at the sound of footsteps. My heart stutters in anticipation. "Any news?" Asks Brody rounding the corner with Jones, both carrying drinks for everyone. I growl quietly, jerk my head and continue pacing. I would be annoyed with them both if they didn't look like crap; both dirty, mud and blood spattered all of them. Except a busted lip, a split eyebrow and multiple bruises, Brody got off lightly. Jones on the other hand has no obvious injuries. If there is one thing to be grateful for, its Brody and Jones killing Alpha Vauk and Alpha Salim, nor were their deaths quick and painless.

The florescent glare of the lights highlights the extent of our hell, I pinch the bridge of my nose, squeezing my eyes shut against the brightness. My head pounds, my heightened still in overdrive. Moving is the only way to shut everything out, otherwise I'm at risk of breaking the incessant beeping machinery.

My anger loiters, I keep my hands in fists and my arms crossed; so many people were on that field, so many people could have protected Ana and yet still that bastard got his hands on her! Really, I only have myself to blame, I should have found her sooner.

"Your Highnesses" begins Jones. I faze him out and consciously redirect my thoughts and prayers to the moon goddess, begging that she let Ana survive. "Prince Kellen." He calls, stepping into my pacing path.

"What Jones?" I snap.

Mom steps forward, resting her hand on my arm, I shake it off. "Kellen, while your Father is in surgery, you are regent. It is your duty to attend to our pack members who were injured and the families of those involved." I roll my eyes to the Heavens and bite my tongue hard to prevent my saying something I will regret. "Kellen should..." begins Mom swallowing with difficulty, shifting uncomfortably. Taking a deep breath she tries again, "Should your Father not... We need to be prepared for the worst. You need to step up in his absence."

I lean against the wall, letting my head hang heavily. Every fibre of my being demands I stay until I know Ana is out of danger. Yet, Ana's presence on that field means she chose her duty to her pack and ours over our personal future, and in this situation she would want me to do the same.

I straighten, and nod. "I understand, of course I will. Notify me the moment she is out of surgery." I order, pointing at Ana's Beta Rick. For their safety, Ana's family remains at Ana's pack residence, making me Ana's next of kin. After me, the responsibility belongs to her Beta. He nods solemnly. "Jones, with me please."