Celestial Bodies: Of Runts and Lycans

Chapter 35: Here for Me (?18+?)

Happy reading <3

Xavier's POV

Celeste's scent overwhelms me as I enter the pack house. I had thought there was something different to her scent earlier today, yesterday? I had lost track of time but I was sure it was well past midnight at this point. Part of me wishes I had stayed with her but the other part knows today could have been much worse if I hadn't gone.

Zay walked down the downstairs hallway and gave me a sad smile. "How are you feeling?"

"Like complete shit." She took a steady breath, nodding. She eyed my chest where the wound was.

"Well at least you look healed up," she tried.

"The one on my back is worse." The stinging burning ache hits with every step, especially after the trip back through the forest. I glance upstairs, knowing Celeste is waiting for me up there. "How is she?"

"Celeste is okay. She was in some pain when I woke her up but I gave her some meds to help her get back to sleep. She's in your room now." I give her a small half smile. "Autumn isn't doing well though, Xavier." My shoulders tense. "Her heart rate and blood pressure are extremely low."

"Do you think-"

"All we can do is keep her comfortable right now, Xavier." I bite my cheek, darting my eyes away from her. "I gave her some meds. They might help, might do nothing. I'll check on her through the night." I nod, still not catching her eyes. "Hey," I look up only briefly before looking away. "This isn't your fault." I scoff. "Basil knew what they were signing up for when they became a warrior. Yes, it sucks and should never have to be the ending." I glance down the hallway to where I know Autumn is sleeping somewhere. "But it happens."

"Right," I say, not believing myself.

Silence rings between us momentarily as I shift on my feet. "I hope you're not planning on seeing Celeste like that." I look down. There's dried blood going down one side of my chest; I'm sure my back and cheek are in similar conditions. "Go take a shower in one of the guest rooms. If your back is still bleeding, come see me and I'll patch you up. I'll be in my office." I nod and go down the hallway. Before I can get myself to shower, I trace Autumn's smell to the room she's staying in. I open the door as quietly as possible and slip inside. She's sleeping but her breaths sound labored. I put my hand on her cheek, feeling the clammy skin beneath my fingers.

"I'm sorry," the whisper leaves my lips as broken words. I feel a tear finally slip down my cheek. I open up the storage trunk at the end of the bed and pull out an extra blanket. I unfold it and place it over her with great care, tears slowly falling down my cheeks the entire time.

I shower for longer than my wolf would like. This entire night has been longer than my wolf would like, a strong urge to go upstairs filling my entire being. Instead, I watch blood go down the drain until the water runs clear.

My room is overpowered by her scent and I feel my resolve lessen as I see her tangled in my blankets. She sleeps soundly, her lips parted as steady breaths turn into occasional little snores. Water dripping down my back reminds me to make my way into the closet where I swap the towel around my middle for comfortable pajama pants and a shirt. The wound on my back itches as the fabric brushes over it.