Head Down

Chapter 3

KATIE'S POV

Laura pulls out a very sharp looking instrument, and I decide to close my eyes. As soon as Nate left -for a more accurate account he was dragged by a muscular guy in his late thirties, Luke, who is also Laura's husband- the odd, vague calmness that had settled over me went with him. It doesn't make any sense that I was assured in the first place, and right now I'm feeling exactly what I should: fear, caution, gratitude, and panic. I don't even know these people for Christ sake!

I feel a sharp pain in my wrist, and clench my jaw shut in response as well as open my eyes. Keeping them closed would be an act of cowardice. There will be no screaming, no tears.

I'm used to it anyway.

NATE'S POV

Luke leads me out of the living room, and into the kitchen. I don't miss the fact that he locks the door behind him.

"So," he begins. I look at him ruefully, cross my arms, and lean up against the counter. He does the same on the island across from me. "Congratulations." I raise an eyebrow at him. "You found your mate."

No dip Sherlock. "Yes." That's when I feel the pain in my wrist increase, far past the point of discomfort. I can sense my mate is in trouble, and fight the urge to run back into the living room.

"Calm down Nate she's going to be fine," warns Luke. He's shifted so he's blocking my view of the door, and I know he must be freaking out to. I'm a threat to his mate: a string werewolf of Alpha blood itching to protect what is his.

I glare at him in response, he needs to show me more respect and get out of my way.

Luke puts a hand on my shoulder, "It's for the best, Nate. Katie's fine." I let out a snarl at his touch. "Calm. It's to help her, remember?"

Yes. But I didn't know she would be hurting this much. There's no way this can be beneficial in any way, they lied to me. What is Laura doing to her?

I take a step in advance towards the door, and Luke growls lowly. "Nate," he warns.

KATIE'S POV

I stare into Laura's brown eyes the entire time, challenging her. She focus's on my wrist intently -which feels like it's on fire- and slowly puts everything back in its place.. I don't move at all, to flinch or squirm or even blink. If I do I might break down, and I can't do that. I just can't.

At some point I hear a few animalistic sounds from within the house, and somehow I know they're Nate's. These are followed by some indistinct shouting, and then silence. I wonder what's going on but it's not like I can ask. That would require moving.

After what seems like a very long time Laura says, "That should do...for now." 

I hesitantly break my intent gaze on her to my wrist. It is still the ugliest blend of purple and blue shades imaginable, but thankfully is now free of the dried blood and grotesque, out of place bone. In their place are six black, clean looking stitches and the sheen of rubbing alcohol on my skin. 

"Can you have it bandaged?" asks Laura quietly. She seems like a very nice woman, and is concerned for my safety. I'm not sure whether to hug her or run away screaming. 

"Yes. They will help in covering the stitches anyway," I answer her thoughtfully. 

She nods, "You can come in now." I look at her, confused, but then Nate bursts into the room.

Oh.

He slows his pace after entering to a casual stroll, and I resist the urge to giggle. Why was he so eager to get in anyway? He takes his place on the couch next to me, and Luke on the other side of Laura. He puts his arm around her waist and squeezes. They both seem to relax a bit, and Laura even sighs contently. I smile; they remind me of Claire and Everett quite a bit. They have the same look of adoration in their eyes.