God of Strength (Light of Obsession #1)

Chapter 29

Alicia

     The world around me was blurred and distant, as if I were peering through a fogged window. I could feel the pressure on my wound, a searing pain pulsating underneath Vaughn's hand. His warmth was reassurance against the ice coursing through my veins, but I was struggling to hold onto the thread of consciousness that felt all too fragile.

"Vaughn..." I managed to croak, the word barely escaping my lips. The fear in his eyes mirrored my own, though there was a fierce determination pulsing beneath the surface. I could see that he was scared too, scared of losing me. The thought was a weight on my chest, pushing me deeper into the abyss.

"I'm here, Alicia. I won't let go," he said, and though his voice was steady, I could hear the slight tremor that betrayed his desperate state.

The SUV bounced as Eli sped through the streets, his focus unwavering. I felt the rush of wind against my face, a cool touch that contrasted the heat of my injury. My eyelids fluttered, and for a moment, darkness threatened to take me again. No! I wouldn't allow it. I forced myself to stay awake, to cling to every bit of reality that felt tethered to Vaughn's voice.

"Just breathe," Vaughn urged, his voice wrapping around me like a lifeline. "Stay with me." I focused on his words, willing myself to take a shaky breath, to feel a hint of stability as the panic surged within me.

"Hurts... a lot..." I whispered, each syllable feeling heavy, laden with fear and fatigue. Every breath carried with it a new wave of pain, a reminder of where I was and what had happened. The memories of Dominik in the warehouse flooded my mind, sharp and ruthless. The fear in his eyes as he'd loomed over me felt surreal now, a nightmare that had clawed its way into the faint glow of my fragmented reality.

"I know, angel. We're almost there," Daddy's voice snapped me back momentarily. His hand cradled my head with a tenderness that made my heart ache—he was my protector, and yet I hated that I needed protection at all.

I felt the SUV lurch to a stop, the weight of the moment crashing over me. "Get out! Move!" Eli shouted, and the door swung open, the night spilling in alongside the frantic sounds of a bustling hospital. I was lifted again, and the shift sent a fresh wave of pain lancing through me, but I had no choice but to endure.

Voices yelled around me as they pulled me out. Nurses! Doctors! Bright lights sliced through the shadows in a cacophony of urgency. I was being wheeled away from Vaughn, Aiden, Eli, and Creighton, their faces blurring together in the chaos.

"Stay with us, Alicia!" a nurse said, her voice a lifeline that sliced through the panic fogging my mind. "Can you hear me?"

I blinked, trying to focus on her face. "Please," I whispered, "Vaughn..." I needed him with me. I felt like I was drifting, and I couldn't let go, not yet.

"Quicker!" another nurse barked as they wheeled me into a bright room that felt sterile and unwelcoming.

"Get the doctor! You're gonna be okay sweetie," she said, and I closed my eyes, forcing back the creeping tide of darkness that beckoned me—I had to be strong. I had to see Vaughn again.

"Stay focused, Alicia," the nurse urged. "Tell me your name. How old are you?"

"Alicia..." I trailed off, but then I pressed through the haze, "Eighteen." It felt like a lifetime ago, as if I'd aged years within mere moments.

"Good. Keep talking to me. What's your favorite color?"

"Blue," I rattled out, my voice slightly stronger now as those memories crafted a shield against the encroaching darkness.

"Why Blue?" she pressed.

"Because... it..." I whisper before my eyes shut.

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The faint beat of an EKG can be heard. As well as hushed whispers and sobs. With more strength than normally needed, I will my eyes open.

Daddy is seated to my right, mum alongside him, he's clutching my hand tightly.

Leaning on the walls are Eli and Creigh, more nervous than I've ever seen them.

To my left? To my left is Vaughn. Squeezing my hand in a painful grip, face pale and eyes vacant.

"Alicia?!" Vaughn shouts, startled. "You're awake... you're awake!"

Mums sobs stop abruptly and her eyes, glistening with tears meet mine. Daddy pulls me into a crushing hug, making me wince.

"Daddy..." I say weakly. "Stomach injury kind of hurts right now."

He pulls away immediately, fussing over me. "Did I hurt you, angel? Are you feeling alright? In pain? Dizzy? Nauseous?"

"I'm okay, daddy, I promise. Just a bit tired." I murmur.

"Oh, angel! I was so scared- w-we thought... I thought I lost you, my precious baby." Mum says, stroking my hair.

"Not yet," I say with a pained chuckle. "I'm fine now, mum."

"You really scared us." Eli says, his usually stoic eyes lined with concern. "I'm glad you're okay."

"Me too." Creigh chimes. "Hey, I was shot. Alicia too, Eli, wanna join in? Get shot, what do you say?"

"I'm good." Eli deadpans. The interaction getting a scold from mum and a laugh from me.

"I'm sure you're all aching to be with her but... can we be alone for a moment?" Vaughn asks.

My family shuffle out, daddy nodding to Vaughn in a sense of respect. "Oh, all your friends are out there by the way. We'll let them in later."

Mom leaves after informing me, leaving me with Vaughn.

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A/N:
Did I have y'all worried it'd be a sad ending? Come onnn I'm not that cruel.
We're nearing the end which sucksss, Im really gonna miss my babies!!
Thank you for all the support!
Don't forget to vote and comment <333