Forever My Alpha

Ch. 6

I groaned and sat up, rubbing my sleepy eyes. "No, I guess not." I said with a yawn.

Liam laughed and helped me up. "Come on, let's go grab some dinner. I'm starving!" I smiled, thankful for his presence. "Am I even allowed to leave here?"
"Of course. Aren't you all healed?" Liam reached for my head but I stopped him midway. "I'm fine. How was the hunt?"
"I'll tell you all about it when your legs start moving. Cmon," he rushed me.

"Okay okay," I swung my legs over the bed, slipping into my shoes. "Give me a sec," Liam said to me and I watched him walk away to talk momentarily to the doctor. Their eyes landed on me and they soon approached me.

"Just one last look. Wouldn't want the Alphas chopping my head off," the doctor jested as he moved his stethoscope around on my body. He efficiently retrieved his flash from his pocket and had a look at my head. "Looks fine. You're all healed perfectly honest. Just be sure to be careful," he advised. "Here," he handed me a slip from his pocket. "Tell Alpha to tell me if you need anything."

"I can tell you myself, thank you," I politely took the slip. "Liam let's go. I'm going to collapse from hunger," I feigned. "I'm kidding," I hurriedly said when they both reached out to me.

The doctor wiped away a speckle of sweat. "Please don't do that." He walked away.

Liam laughed but abruptly stopped, "Not funny, Ken."
"Sorry," I apologized. He helped me off the bed and took lead, almost as if this were his own packhouse. He held the door open for me, like the gentleman he is. The area was illuminated by the dancing fire. The light breeze kissed my face with the delicious smell of meat. "Wow," my mouth watered.

"I know right. We scored big tonight just for you," Liam brought me into his side for a man hug. I shoved him away, "Awesome! Race you there!" I challenged him without looking back. He shot past me like lightning, leaving only the wind and his receding shadow. He was smiling by the fire, waiting for me to finally get there so he could gloat and antagonize me for my loss in my own challenge. I heaved when I came to a stop. "Whatever, you win," I rolled my eyes. "Just makes me hungrier." I accepted my loss and made my way into one of the food lines. Liam trailed beside me, talking my ear off about his part in the hunt.

"I would hate to be your mate. You are literally so cocky," I scoffed.
"Don't I at least deserve this much? I did help, ya know."
"Everyone helped. Not just you," I corrected and moved up in the line.
"No special thanks to the actual hunters, okay I get it," Liam backed off. I whipped my head to the side, rolling my eyes at the little childish things he does.
Fine. I'd give him exactly what he wanted. I put on my best fake-grateful tone. "Thank you so much Liam! Oh my, none of this would be possible if it weren't for you. You're the best! How can I repay you? Was that good enough?"

"You suck, but yes that'll do," he smiled and he grabbed our bowls as the line shortened again. He gave me a bowl. I looked around at my pack.

So many of us and I felt like I was home. I recognized the sweet lady pouring the food into our bowls as the woman who was scolding the children. I graced her with a smile and she returned it. "Enjoy your welcome home meal."
"I will." Liam and I found a log table close to the fire, waiting for everyone to get their share so Elias could bless the food.

Only the hunters stood when Elias stood. He appreciated them and we clapped for them. Liam gave me a taunting smile and I returned it with an eye roll. When Elias was finished, everyone howled and the dinner came to life. Music played, and games were brought out. This was my first time seeing everyone so close and lively.

"Amazing," I mumbled to myself.
"It's because of you," Liam said to me, chewing a mouth full of meat.
"Yes right," I denied.
"It is," he said again and gave me a plain stare before he kept munching on his meat.

As we ate, I asked Liam if he remembered anything from earlier. He looked thoughtful for a moment before shaking his head.

"I don't think so," he said eventually. "But it's okay. I'm sure it'll come back to you eventually." I nodded, having mixed feelings. I was relieved that he didn't remember, but at the same time I was wondering if I should tell him.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Liam's face was covered with food and I couldn't help but to burst into laughter.
"You look like you took your face and just dipped it into the food. You look a mess," I laughed. I gave him my pocket towel. "Have it."
"That's nice of you. What do I owe you?"
"A nice dessert," I replied.
Liam disappeared shortly after and I was mildly surprised. I was joking about the dessert. My eyes found Liam's figure in the crowd.

"How is your head?" Elias took the seat next to me.
"It's fine," I faced him. "See." He ran his fingers over the now healed wound. Tingles of ecstasy shot through me and I scooted away from his touch.

"So it does hurt?" Elias mistook my action for pain.
"No, no," I swiftly denied. "I just thought you were done." He squinted his ceruleans at me and pressed on, "If it hurts, say something."

"I'm fine. Here," I gave him the note from my pocket. I watched him give the paper a slight read then dismissed it.
"He says you're fine."
"Because I am."

He reached for my bowl but I slapped his hand away. "Hey!"

He winced, "how did your powers come back?" The look on his face was serious and I was still conflicted. But we both decided no more secrets. I sighed and set my bowl aside.

"Don't be mad okay, Ellie," I reached for his hands and I shook away the constant tingles running through my spine.
"What is it now?" He leaned closer and the swirls of worry in his blue eyes made me feel at ease.
"Valkon was here, but it's okay. He's gone. He just came to check on me," I shared.

"And you knew??" He stood up. I slumped from the loss of contact.
"I only just remembered."
"And what does that have to do with your powers? Tell me something other than I have to tighten security," he paced back and forth, his eyes never leaving mine. When he saw my dejection, he sighed and sat down next to me. "I'm sorry," he pulled me in for a hug. His woodsy, ocean scent was smothering my brain. "I don't want anything to happen to you."

"I can only do things when he's around because he had my power but now I think I have my power back. I don't know what to think honestly, it's all so confusing," I confided.

"What about Liam? Sierra?"
"Oh, they weren't around." I answered plainly.

"What were you doing?" He questioned.
"I was absorbed with nature," I shyly stated.
"Next time, I'll be more careful." I whined.

"There might not be a next time," he glared at me.
"Ellie," I sung.
He huffed, "Just finish your meal so you can get some rest."

"Does that mean yes?" I teased.
"That means I'll think about it," he stated. But To me, it totally meant yes.