Rhea Ripley X OC [(DISCONTINUED)]

Chapter 25

A/N- The picture above represents Payton's spirit dragon in his physical form just not as big (Imagine Mushu from Mulan but double the length for size reference). The dragon tattoo on Payton's back is essentially a physical link between them, all shall be explained. Also I decided to name her wolf, the name will be revealed in this kinda lengthy chapter. Sorry :)

Demi was really struggling with her recovery. I hated seeing her struggle but I was the cause. I feel so guilty, she always tells me that it's part of our job as wrestler and I get that but I caused all her current pain. It was my fault.

It has been almost a week and while Demi is doing better, she still has a little while to go before she's back to full strength. I had just made lunch and was currently making my way to the living room, taking Demi her food. I carefully place the tray down on her lap with one hand and place down her drink on the side table next to her with the other. I give her a quick kiss before heading back to the kitchen to grab my food. We sit and watch TV while we eat.

It's rather hot today in Orlando so I made sure the patio door was left open - with plenty of shade in the backyard and water available for the dogs - and the AC was on all throughout the house. As we are finishing up, Barry and Luna start play fighting behind the couch. Normally we wouldn't mind this but with Demi still being in a considerable amount a pain, them rolling into the back of couch was definitely not a good thing.

She tried to hide her winces of pain and sharp intakes of breath but she seemed to forget in that moment that I can detect even the most miniscule of muscle twitches. I collect our now empty plates and cups and walk to the kitchen, placing them into the sink to deal with later. Upon my return, I halted in the doorway when I saw Demi hunched over with her head in her hands. I didn't need to see her face to tell that she was silently sobbing, I desperately need to think of a way to help her better.

Before I could make my way over to her or for her to notice I had re-entered the room, the play fighting seemed to turn into actual fighting which led Barry to kick Luna into the back of the couch. The second I heard a pained whimper escape Demi's lips accompanied by more sobs, my eyes were set ablaze as Accalia took partial control. A thunderous and threatening snarl erupted from my throat as I slowly stalked towards to pair with bared fangs. They instantly stopped, crouched down and avoiding my gaze; making themselves look smaller with ears pushed back  and started backing away, whimpering.

(A/N- Accalia is the name I chose for Payton's wolf btw.)

Accalia seemed to accept their actions and retreated. I moved over to gently sit next to Demi and a softly as I could, pulled her into me. We sat like that for a little while with me tenderly rubbing her back, trying my best to calm her without hurting her further; even Barry and Luna gingerly approached to check on her. They looked up at me, silently asking for permission to which I gave a slight nod. They sat carefully at our feet resting their heads on our legs with a small whine each, I chuckled which caused Demi to look up me with a furrowed brow.

I shook my head still chuckling and said, "They said their sorry for acting out and causing your pain to spike." She giggled herself and gave them each a head scratch thanking them. We cuddled for a while longer and the only thing that was running through my mind was how I could help Demi. Then I remembered. I asked Demi to sit up and of course she whined and pouted but I told her I'd be right back.

I ran up to my room straight to my small selection of books my mum gave me. I skimmed over the titles before falling on the one I was looking for. Pulling it from the shelf, I flicked through it and found the page I needed. Keeping a finger between the pages, I made my way back down to Demi. "So as we were cuddling, I was thinking if there was any way I could help with your recovery and that's when I remembered something my mum told me growing up which led me to find this." I said and opened the book to show her.