Moonstruck

Chapter Twenty-five

*Liana*

I slowly opened my eyes, blinking in confusion. Was it a school morning? I was in my bed but I didn't remember going to sleep. Wait, something had happened...right? No, I had been grocery shopping, and then... I gasped and started to sit up but groaned from the pain in my side.

"Liana?"

Zev was at my side, pushing me gently back down. "Lay down, you're still healing."

"Zev? What happened?"

"What do you remember?"

"Getting groceries and feeling..." I paused. "I felt like there was danger so I quickly got in the car to come home. But," Flashes of what happened went through my mind. "A truck followed me and slammed into me. Twice. I got out of the car once they ran me off the road. I was going to get into the woods and shift." I trailed off and shuddered. "I heard a pop and then felt so much pain." My eyes widened and my hand went to my bandaged side. "Was I... was I shot?" I looked up at my mate with panicked eyes.

"Yes," Zev took a deep breath, anger clear in his eyes. "You're going to be okay. Lorelei got the bullet out and gave you medicine for the poison."

"Poison?" I asked in alarm.

"The bullet was laced with wolfsbane, which is deadly to us," Zev explained. "The poison is nearly out of your system, according to Lorelei. It's also why you're healing more slowly than if it had been a regular bullet."

My eyes widened. "Who did it? Do you know?"

"No. But I'll find out," Zev said with a growl. "My father is already investigating."

I could see the worry and fatigue on my mate's face and realized how difficult it would have been for him to see me hurt. I knew I would be going out of my mind if he had been shot. I scooted over a little and held my arms out. "Will you lay with me for a little bit?" I asked softly.

Zev's face softened and he moved to lie next to me, holding me gently to where my head lay on his chest. "I was so scared I would lose you," He admitted.

"I'm okay," I said reassuringly. "Just a little sore and groggy." I snuggled into Zev's chest, feeling safe and loved. It was a wonderful feeling.

"Are you hungry? You should try eating something," Zev said, a twinge of worry still in his tone.

"I just want to stay like this for a while," I admitted. "I love having your arms around me."

Zev nuzzled his nose into my hair and breathed deeply. "I love you so much, Liana. So much."

"I love you too," I whispered.

Zev sighed. "I just need to warn you...you know how you accuse me of being overprotective?"

"Yeah?"

"Get ready for that quality to quadruple."

"Can't wait," I chuckled before falling back asleep.

When I woke up again, I was still lying on Zev's chest. I looked up to see he was awake, his eyes on me. "Hey. Did you sleep?"

"A little."

"You need to sleep," I admonished him. "How are you going to be super protective of me if you are exhausted?"

Zev laughed. "Good point."

*Zev*

I went downstairs to get my mate some soup and was greeted by my worried-looking friends.