Coyotes and Wolves, Milo Manheim Original Story

I Want to Go Home

POV: Milo

"Mr. Manheim?" The nurse spoke as she walked into the room.

I sat up straighter and my eyes shifted, focusing vigilantly on the short blonde woman.

"Yeah." I confirmed, with a bit of nervousness.

Estella squeezed my hand, picking up the worry in my voice. I didn't want to freak her out, but I was really starting to get inside of my head.

"Are you feeling any pain right now?" She began her questioning.

Yes.

"No. No, I'm okay." I lied, wrapping my arm defensively around my waist and shifting in the uncomfortable bed, not wanting to be drugged up.

Again, I don't like being out of control, and I didn't want them to bench me for the season.

Estella looked at me suspiciously, and firmly placed her palm on my leg, gradually pushing down on my thigh.

I sucked my teeth, wincing in pain, at the unexpected pressure. She raised her brow at me challengingly. I turned to her, immediately glaring back. While the nurse just smirked at us, watching our unorthodox exchange.

Goddamn it!

"Mr. Manheim, we can't help you if you lie to us." The nurse chided.

I blew out a sigh of frustration, and threw my arms up dramatically.

"Okay! Fine. Yeah, it hurts. The anesthetic is wearing off, I think." I admitted, my slitted eyes turning back to Estella, as I pouted and folded my arms.

"Cut it out." Estella scolded, softly.

I scrunched my face in irritation.

"You're a lucky young man." The nurse stated.

Yeah, I didn't feel too lucky right now.

"Whoever's idea it was to tie the tourniquet around your leg, most likely saved your life." The nurse expressed, with an impressed expression.

I looked over at Estella, softening my expression, she bit her lip and looked down with a small smile.

"You?" I asked, in a tone of surprise. I was so out of it, I didn't even know she did that.

She nodded, silently.

"You got a pretty smart, and might I add brave, young lady here on your side, Mr. Manheim." The nurse commented.

"Yeah. I know." I murmured lovingly, still maintaining eye contact with Estella, as I reached over to take her hand. "And, it's Milo." I added, uncomfortable with the formality.

"Okay, Milo." The nurse began. "The Doctor will be in, in a moment to explain about your surgery, and what to expect going forward. And then we'll get you some pain meds so you can rest."

"No. I don't need that. I want to go home. I'm fine, really. I can take it, it's not so bad." I protested, trying to remain calm.

"You can handle it now. But, trust me, it's going to get much much worse." The nurse countered. "I don't doubt that you're strong Milo, with all you've been through, but don't be a hero."

"Umhm." Estella hummed in agreement, her expression turning smug.

I pointed a scolding finger at Estella. "Not a word out of you, Princess." I warned her, knowing that she was probably going to come at me for my alleged, "Superman Complex".

Instead, she raised her brow at me, with sass.

"You just wait..." I threatened, lowly.

"You'll have to catch me first." She teased, darkly.