The Alpha's Saviour

Chapter 74 - Sacrifice

Salvator POV:

"Coal."

His name leaves my lips along with a puff of chilly smoke, my breathing halts when my beast and I register the fury in Coal's glowing green yellow eyes. 
In our weakened state, I barley register the moment he moves. It wasn't until a loud crack sounded and blinding pain had my face feeling all sorts of sensations. The blood splattering his knuckles, drips onto the green blades of grass as he turns his back on me and walks away.

The sharp intake of air coming from my left, drew my attention to the only other person in the clearing.

"Mum."

I felt more guilty than angry now, I know Coal only tried to stop me going to Jaycee to warn me about her heat, and help me somehow, but my need to see her at the time consumed me. I guess I deserved it. 

"Don't worry mum, I punched him first, guess we're even now." To my surprise her gaze held no pity or understanding just annoyance.

My mother scoffs and shakes her head at me. "Oh you are far from even son." The word son was whispered so quietly and I realised how careful she was not to speak too loud. No one here our connection though I'm adoment the Lina suspects.

"You should be thanking that poor boy." She turns away from me and makes her way back to her tent. My eyes widen at her reaction and I follow her inside. It not often my mother walks away from me. Especially knowing I am injured. She is usually one to make a big fuss and want to take care of the would right away. I know it brings her pain to see me in these situations, and it's not often I let her.

The aroma of crushed herbs, warmed oils, ground stones and other potion ingredients assault my senses, as I step through the invisible barrier. Small makeshift benches made from broken tree trunks, have been effortlessly carved making the tops smooth and flat. The odd insect crawls along the glass jars lining one side of her room, giving it a homely feel. She sure this come prepared. Mum always had an affinity for potions, especially those that aid with healing the mind, body and soul. It was why she enjoyed working in a hospital for so many years. 

She squeezes the excess water from a hand towel as she approaches me. I sit on her bed but rather than offer me something to dull the pain, and with no warning, she snaps my nose back into place. I hold in a scream as tears flow from my eyes at the sudden unexpected sharpness of it. 
She uses the towel to stop the bleeding before cleaning me up. The serious look on her face tells me she has a lot on her mind, so I'm not surprised when she begins speaking. 
"A lot happened while you were out cold . I suggest you go find Coal and talk."

"What happened?"

"It's not my story to tell." My mother replied before handing me a blood bag. "It seems there's a lot you have been keeping from me. Don't think I didn't notice the unconscious girl you were brought in with, and how she was the first person you see when you wake." She doesn't bother waiting for a reply before nudging me out the tent. As she zipping the flap shut, I stand there confused. 
My hand tightens around the blood bag, and my beast and I waists no time biting into it. I moan out at the rush of energy it gives me, I hadn't realised how hungry I was until it touched my tongue. 
My mind wonders back to Jaycee and my mouth waters remembering the unique taste and scent of her blood, and the way my magic replenished itself from one small cup. Everything else doesn't seem to come close. Nothing tastes as good and yet the last thing I want to do it hurt her or consider taking more of it. My desire to protect her outweighs all my other instincts and cravings.

I shake my head, clearing my thoughts of Jaycee and decide to focus on Coal. I breath in deep and catch his familiar smokey campfire scent, and follow it deep into the forest. I feel the moment I step passed Alexa's protection barrier. The cold chill feels much cooler, the wind fierce in its assault and the floor damp and slippery.