The Secret Pull

Chapter 9 - She's Awake

GABBY -

I woke up feeling...pretty good actually. I couldn't remember the last time I felt this refreshed. I slow blinked as my eyes tried to focus on my surroundings while my last memories returned. I was a little alarmed because I didn't immediately recognize where I was. I remember blacking out on the road trying the help Paul's wolf. This wasn't a hospital bed or the bright and sunny guest room of my brother. This room was dark with thick blue curtains that let in absolutely no light. The room was twice the size of my brother's guest room. When I look to my right I could see mahogany wall paneling and a fireplace across from the bed. I slowly extended my arms and twisted into a stretch under the covers. Memories of Paul Bennett, as a black wolf, lying in the middle of the road sent shudders all through me. The feelings of desperation as I tried to heal his broken leg resurfaced in me. I remember blacking out. Now I'm laying in a comfy king-sized bed in between the softest sheets I've ever felt in my life. This must be a dream. I am probably still lying in the middle of the road next to an injured werewolf. I don't want to get up. I like this dream scenario better. I roll over slightly to my left to see the other half of the room I'm in. What I see is someone sleeping in a brown leather lounge chair beside me. Someone with shoulder-length curls and a face like Paul Bennett.

Wait...What?

I sat up instantly in bed, ready to bolt. Paul's eyes snapped open at my sudden movement. "Where am I?!" I squeaked. My head darts quickly to the only door and escape route. Paul pushed himself up off of the chair slowly like a hunter trying not to startle his prey. His perfect hair was a tousled mess and his eyes looked tired. His face had traces of marks that looked like he slept in that chair all night. It was the first time I'd ever seen him look less than ideal. Part of me took comfort in that fact. My gaze scanned over the jeans and black t-shirt he wore.

"Gabriella, don't... be... afraid. You are in my home," he voice low and soft. He moved too slowly, like a hunter trying not to scare skittish prey. I watched him carefully as he moved to sit beside me on the bed. My mind reeled with images of him as a wolf and I scanned his face for similarities to the beast I saw before. My eyes made contact with his, searching for the neon green of his wolf's eyes. A faint feeling spread slowly through me. It took me a moment to settle on the fact that it was...love. That realization shook me.

"Can I call you Gabby?" Paul's firm tone pulled me out of my state of shock and back to his gaze. My eyes widened slightly at the question but I gave a slow nod. My mind raced back to the last time he affectionately called me Gabby. The memory momentarily relaxed me but I scooted back to put more distance between us. I was grateful for the firm wood of the headboard against my back keeping me upright. Paul stopped moving any closer and his eyes followed mine as they shifted quickly towards the door and back to him.

"You don't have to be afraid, I'm not going to hurt you," his gentle voice failed to ease my rising anxiety.

"Why am I in your home? Whose bed is this?" I questioned with rising panic.

He simply waited as I wrestled with my utter confusion. "You are in my bed. You have been here for the past two days. Do you remember anything that happened?"

I nodded again at his question. I remembered everything and I was in shock. I've never been unconscious after using my magic and certainly not for days.

My eyes met Paul's and I could see the worry on his face. I also thought I heard the worry in his voice. I felt an overwhelming sense of concern and I wasn't sure how to respond to it. I tore my gaze away from him and realized his hand was holding my ankle over the blanket. His eyes followed mine to my leg and he quickly moved his hand. Whatever was on his mind, I couldn't read it. He looked at me for a few seconds before asking, "Why did you do it?... You know that you saved my life... Why did you heal me?"