The Rogue Protector

Chapter 8

Ryder's P.O.V

I watched Amber as she shifted in the bed. It's been about four days, and she's only woken up to shake and scream in pain until we sedate her. I haven't left her side at all. I sat there, hugging her when she woke up, dabbing her hot forehead with a cold cloth, trying to take care of her.

I was such an idiot. All that went through my mind was I'm going to lose her. I'm never going to see her again.

While I might regret putting her in harms way, I'm glad that at least she'd be here. At least she didn't leave. Man, I'm one sick freak.

On the fourth day, the pack doctor was finally able to say that she'd be alright. I almost collapsed with relief. The doctor told be that she should wake up in a few hours, and should be perfectly fine to walk and shift by tomorrow.

Amber's "pack" had been trying everything to get to her. I finally had to let them in the room when the girl with the wild hair had been spotted about to cast a spell on us. I had grudgingly let them in after that but had kept my eye on the young witch when she knelt by Amber. Witches were not known for their patience or calm nature. They were known to be emotional and reckless when tampered with. The twins had been okay enough, apart from the fact that they were frustratingly close to Amber. They were always touching her and telling stories about her adventures with them. My wolf wanted to rip them apart but the sight of Amber in the bed always made him whimper and stand down. Ava was slightly suspicious. Mostly because she almost attacked me when she saw the mark on Amber but other than that she was frustratingly calm. The others were easy to read and decipher their intentions, but Ava was so calm and emotionless on the outside, that I couldn't read her at all. She looked me in the eye when talking to me, but always glanced away at the last second, as not to mistake a challenge. But, I got a glimpse at her gentle nature when I saw her helping the pack doctor with Amber, and being so extremely attentive and skilled with her task, that I could calm down and know she must have some medical knowledge. Max and I were at each other's throats all the time. As the two Alphas, it was natural that we were both intent on showing dominance over the other. I could tell that he was one of the few Alphas that might pose a threat to me, but I could respect him enough from watching the way he cared for his mate and pack so expertly. I knew he cared a lot for Amber, but that was were the admiration stopped. He kept talking as if taking Amber with them when she was fully healed. Which my wolf growled at every time.

The day when Amber finally woke up, was the day hell broke loose.

Amber's P.O.V

When I came to there was pain everywhere, and I had a massive headache. I opened my eyes and immediatly shut them when the bright light flashed at me. I tried to groan but nothing came out when I realized how dry my throat was.

I heard a gasp and then someone scrambling.

"Amber?!" A voice whispered, unsure.

Ava.

"Let me turn the lights down!" She said, I heard more scrambling and then felt Ava at my side again.

"Okay, open your eyes."

I opened them and when my eyes adjusted, turned my head to look at Ava. I opened and closed my mouth, trying to get feeling back in my jaw. Ava turned around and then there was was a gold glass on my lips.

I drank thankfully and was disappointed when Ava suddenly pulled it back.

"Can't drink too much, or you'll start hacking it up."

"How long have I been here?" I rasped as I laid back on the bed, starting to get a headache.

"About four days, let me get the others, okay?" Ava hurried to get to the door.

"Wait... Ava, please don't go yet." I pleaded.

She paused and came back to my side. She looked at me, confused.

"What's wrong?"

"Am I marked?" I asked softly.

She hesitated, then opened and closed her mouth, before just looking away. That was all the answer I needed.

I looked away, "I see."

Tears were brought to my eyes and I couldn't control them as I started to try to get up.

"Wait Amber! What's wrong? I mean I know Ryder's a jerk, but it's not so bad, right? I mean, you at least get to be Luna."

By that time I was full on sobbing.

"You don't get it Ava! I'm marked! That means I won't ever get to leave this place. When I left here, I was scared, but I was so free and happy. I was my own person. I didn't have anyone telling me what was expected of me, I didn't have a mate and a position that I didn't want, I was just free. I was able to bounce from town to town, and explore new places! When I met you guys, you gave me the little piece of the puzzle I was missing! I had a family who loved me and let me do my thing without judgement. I was able to travel with you and get new experiences! I loved that job! But as a Luna, my life will be filled with being a sidekick to Ryder, and no matter what I do, I'll have someone in my pack and others, judging me. I can't be happy in one place. And not that the Luna responsibility is not good, it's just not for me. And now, I'm stuck with a mate who never wanted me in the first place, and pack that pushed and pushed me until I ran away. I don't want to be here for the rest of my life! I want to fall in love with someone who will love me without having a mate bond forcing it." I sobbed into my hands.

Ava hugged me and I felt a few tears on my head from her.

"Look, I don't know how your life is going to be here. I don't know what kind of Luna you're going to be. I don't know what kind of relationship you're going to have with your mate... but I do know that you are one of the bravest and most caring person I have ever met. You're resourceful and fierce in battle, but off the battle field, you are my sister and my friend. I do know that your mate has feelings about you. Deep feelings. I don't know why he marked you without permission, but I do know that he cares about you. I'm not going to tell you what to do, but I will support you no matter what."  She said with a smile.

I sniffled and sat up.

"Thanks Ava, I don't know what I'd do without you." I sighed and looked at the door.

"I guess it's time I faced the music."

Ava nodded and stood up to get the others.
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I KNOW! IM SO SORRY! IM A HORRIBLE HUMAN BEING!

IM SORRY I HAVENT UPDATED IN FOREVER!

WHEN I STARTED THIS BOOK, I SWORE I WASNT GOING TO BE ONE OF THOSE ANNOYING WRITERS WHO NEVER UPDATED!

Honestly though, I never thought that this book would get much positive feedback. I kinda wish I could start this book over and make it better for you, but I'll go ahead and finish this first.

Thank you so much for keeping up with this book and my flaky updates.

I promise I'll update more.

I know this chapter was kinda boring but the next will be filled with drama.

Love to everyone who voted and commented!