Alpha Derek

5

I was in denial. And disbelief.

In denial of the fact that my mate looked so unhealthy. Her skin was pale, sunken and unusually cold. She was completely drained of colour, her lips were purple and each bone of her body was clearly visible.

It physically pained me to see her like that... so weak and frail.

Disbelief was because, despite her unhealthy state, she was beautiful. The most beautiful girl I have ever laid eyes on. And I've come across many.

She was sleeping on top of me, her head resting peacefully against my bare chest. Her long dark-brown locks of hair were sprawled all over my torso and I had made it a mission to untangle them all, so that's what I've been doing since she shifted in her sleep.

Doc said it'll take around an hour for her to shift and then another for her to wake up. He gave certain instructions such as feeding her when she wakes up and cleaning up her wounds since she wouldn't let the doc do it.

Hopefully, most of the wounds would have healed due to the mate bond. Especially with me being an Alpha, the process would multiply. Because I had no doubt in my mind that it would kill me seeing her wounded and crying like she did earlier.

It was the hardest thing I had ever had to do, giving her that injection while she thrashed and cried in my arms. I keep reminding myself that it was necessary and there was certainly no compromising on her wellbeing. Dammit, she could've actually died. She was on the verge of it when we found her.

I never want to go through that ever again.

Even though I had a feeling, I'll be faced with plenty of similar situations in future. And that, I did not look forward to. Because she's pretty stubborn, this little one.

She started stirring after a while and I went stiff, again, as her bare body brushed against mine.

Yes, she was naked.

I had wrapped her up, in her wolf form so that when she shifted I wouldn't be seeing her...bare. But what was I to do when she started shivering from the cold and sniffing in her sleep, as if she was crying? I had to hold her, that's what.

Her actions had seized the moment I took her in my arms and it was the best feeling in the world, to know she felt safe and warm with me, even unconscious. After that I just couldn't let her go.

I should now, though. Maybe I should get her something to wear because I've given her enough reasons already to hate me. I'm not going to give her another one.

I gently shift her so that I'm on top of her and just stare at her for a few moments before I remember I have to get her clothes. I try to move but she curls her fingers at my side and nuzzles her head in my chest, seeking warmth. I chuckle, placing a kiss on her temple and whisper in her ear, "I'll be right back." Not that she could hear me, it was more for my peace of mind anyway.

I reluctantly pull away, watching her curl into a ball immediately. Turning around I make my way to the closet and pull out two t-shirts, putting one on myself. I walk back to the bed but think of getting her something to eat for when she wakes up, she must be really hungry. So I place the t-shirt on the bedside table and hightail downstairs.

I open the fridge and search for something edible for her. Meat? Chicken? No, that'll be too heavy for her. But then everything will be heavy for her, she's so tiny and fragile.

Should I make her something? Nope, don't want her running for the hills.

Fruits! Yeah, that should be a healthy choice. I take a plate out and fill it with as many fruits as I could, from the refrigerator. Balancing the plate in my hands I quickly make my way up.