Battle of the Roses [Book 2]

Chapter 21

I can't wait to get this started since it's picking up the pace now!

Chapter Quote:
"Ansel, I'm not the sun, stop orbiting and get in here."
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Chapter 21

Spencer

I woke up to the smell of bacon. My stomach grumbled obnoxiously.

I recognized Ember's voice as she said, "See? I told you he wasn't dead. Now Elsa on the other hand, I'm not quite sure."

At that my eyes shot open. Ember and Josilyn jumped back as I scrambled into sitting position. Elsa was sacked out on the pillow next to me.

"Easy tiger, she's fine. She already told me to shut up after I tried to wake her. You, however, weren't waking up to shaking, poking, yelling, and other tactics. So we tried the fail proof method in our family: bacon. See?" Ember held up a plate of bacon. "There's more downstairs. There's also eggs, pancakes, toast, French toast, and beans. Come down when y'all are ready. I'd give you some of this bacon but it's mine."

I smiled at the Laroche girl, amused by her rambling.

"Oh my god, I thought she'd never leave," Elsa mumbled when her sister shut the door. She rolled over to look at me. "How are you feeling?"

"Better. Much better. Did Caleb and Lily come over last night?"

"Yeah. You were kind of loopy. But you certainly look better. The color's returned to your face. Let's head downstairs." I slowly got out of bed. My body still hurt from being shot from the wolfsbane bullet.

"Do you need-" Elsa began but I cut her off.

"No, no more blood. I'm okay. I promise I'll be okay," I interrupted with amusement. "You nearly made yourself pass out last night. I don't remember much but I do remember that. Besides, if anyone is going to need more blood, it's going to be your dad. He got shot with three of those suckers."

"My dad! Let's go see how he's doing!" Elsa darted out my room. I followed her as fast as I could. To my surprise, she waited for me at the top of the stairs. With a smile, she said, "I want to make sure you don't fall down."

We went down the stairs slowly. I couldn't go more than one stair at a time without my wound sending waves of pain throughout my body. Finally we reached the stairs. Arya sat on the couch with Ren's head on her shoulder. Shiloh had crashed in the armchair. Loren was passed out on the loveseat. When we entered the living room, Arya lifted her head up. It was evident she hadn't slept at all last night.

"Hi mom," Elsa greeted. "How's dad?"

"Hi sweetie," Ren whispered. She ran up to him. "How are you?"

"I'm good. You?"

"Trying to get your mother to get some sleep. She's being stubborn."

I couldn't help myself as I blurted out, "Seems to run in the family."

Elsa twisted around, giving me a smirk. Her dad's head lifted to look at me. His eyes narrowed. I gulped, uncomfortable with the look he was giving me. But he surprised me by saying, "I do thank you for saving my life. Arya, Elsa, go get some breakfast. I want to talk to Mr. Barnes alone for a moment," Ren commanded. Mrs. Laroche put up not fight. I think that was because she was so exhausted. Elsa hesitated before going after her mom, but she briefly turned around. I saw the worry in her eyes. When they were out of earshot, Ren leaned his back but kept his eyes on me. "So. You know about us?"

"Yes, sir," I answered respectfully.

"Were you telling the truth about why you followed me or are you a Hunter trying to infiltrate our pack?"