Alpha Cepheus | EBNAB#1

Chapter 8

Music: OVERCOME BY SKOTT

CALLISTA

I woke up to the sterile smell of antiseptic. Blinking against the harsh lights of the infirmary, I tried to sit up, only to feel a gentle but firm hand on my shoulder. I realized I was no longer wearing my black dress, it's now some kind of white hospital pants and a shirt.

"Easy there," a soothing voice said. I turned my head to see a kind-faced, middle aged woman Doctor adjusting my IV. "You've had quite a shock. Just rest for now."

"Thank you...Doctor." I mumbled lowly. She gave me a warm smile.

The memories of the evening immediately crashed back like a bucket of ice poured on my head and I felt my heart race. The face of horror and shock in Bethany's face came back to my memory, "Cepheus," I whispered, needing to know he was alright, that everything was alright.

"He's here, Alpha Female" the Doctor who's name is Sandra in her tag, assured me, nodding towards the door. "He hasn't left your side since you were brought in." Being called Alpha Female felt even more strange, something I'm not use to and I shrugged it off. I don't have time to deal with that right now.

True to her word, Cepheus entered the room moments later, and Sandra left the room. The Alpha's face a mask of concern that softened into relief when he saw me awake. He crossed the room in a few strides, taking my hand in his. Cepheus sat beside me, his hand gently stroking my hair. The same hands that snapped the neck of his pack member. Shiver run down my spine, His eyes, now returned to their usual mesmerizing blue, were filled with a mixture of concern and relief.

"Callista," he murmured, his voice a soothing balm. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired," I admitted honestly, for some reason my whole body aches, squeezing his hand with my good one, "And a bit sore." I looked down at my bandaged hand, the events of the night playing back in my mind. "Did I really faint?" Brushing a stray lock of hair from my face, he responded with seriousness.

"You did. It's been an overwhelming night for you."

Judging by the sun rays that peaked outside the window, it's already morning. I bit my lip, the questions and doubts I had earlier resurfacing. "Cepheus, about what happened...with Bethany...I-"

His expression hardened, but his touch remained gentle. "She disrespected you, Callista. I won't stand for that. No one in this pack will question your place or your worth. Ever. The bitch knows what will happen to anyone who disrespects me or you, specially."

"But you k-killed her," I said, the words feeling heavy on my tongue. "It was so...sudden."

His eyes darkened, but he didn't look away. "I did what I had to do to protect you," He growled looking angrier, "to protect us, In our world, respect is everything. I couldn't let her undermine you in front of the entire pack."

I nodded, afraid to piss him off even more while trying to understand the brutal reality of the world I was now fully a part of. Unconsciously, I was crying again. I can feel that wetness on my cheeks, "Will you... will you kill me too if I made a mistake?"

"What Bethany did is not a mistake Callista, she knows what she's doing", He growled making me flinch, "and no, I will not kill you."