Secrets & Lies

Chapter Three

(Alexis' POV)

Pain.

That's all I can feel. Nothing else.

A never-ending wave of pain that's attacking my tired body. I try to move but pain shoots up my leg, through my stomach, while my shoulder screams out in protest.

I can hear a steady drip, drip, drip and the ticking of a clock.

Where am I?

I whimper in pain as my eyelids flutter open, trying to make out my surroundings. A smell of disinfectant fills my nose along with something else, an unpleasant smell that I can't put a name to. My eyes flicker around the room, trying to establish exactly where I am. It takes me a second to realise that I'm still in my wolf form.

I nearly die of embarrassment when I notice that I'm in a cage, like one that a vet has in his surgery.

And then it hits me.

I'm in a vet surgery, in a cage, and what the hell is on my face? A muzzle! A freaking muzzle! If anyone from my pack walks in now I'll die of shame.

I slowly lift my head up and glance around my confined space. I don't like being cooped up like this; I need my space. I feel trapped in here.

I glance at my front leg and notice a tube coming out of it. Oh, God. I panic. I hate needles. My breathing hitches at the sight of the needle in my leg and I start whining. 

Calm down, Alexis, I tell myself. I need to keep calm if I want to get out of here.

I take a deep breath and concentrate on getting rid of the needle. I expertly use my paw and press down on the IV line, applying enough pressure to slowly pull it out from under my skin. It's the same technique I use to get rid of thorns. I let out a sigh of relief when I no longer see it. 

Now that I'm fully awake and I have that dreaded needle out of my leg I, once again, allow my eyes explore this cage. I notice that I'm lying in a comfortable bed, lined with fleece blankets. The cage is big enough for me to walk around and stretch my legs a bit. It's only seven foot in height, an easy jump for a wolf in full health, but not one in my current condition.

I do a mental run over my body, trying to assess my injuries. Although I'm in pain, it's bearable. I'm alive, so I'm guessing a vet treated me. I can feel a bandage around my neck, obviously where the rogues tore into me. My chest also seems to be bandaged similarly, which gives me a feeling that I was operated on in order to repair the internal damage done.

Needing to stretch my legs, I attempt to push myself up into a sitting position. My shoulder protests as I stand up and put weight on it. I collapse to the ground with a yelp.

I hear a sudden movement of feet rushing towards me. The door flings wide open and my heart almost stops.

Standing before me is the most breathtaking man I have ever seen. His blue eyes, filled with concern, look deep into mine; his black hair is styled perfectly, like he woke up and effortlessly ran his fingers through it. Dark stubble covers his chiseled jaw and a hint of colour plays on his cheeks. His lips are parted slightly and I can see a hint of his perfectly white teeth.

My eyes travel further down his six-foot frame. His shoulders are strong and well defined, as are his abs, which are clearly visible through the tight t-shirt he is wearing.

Mate!

I realise that I'm lying sprawled out on my front in the middle of the cold hard floor. Not a very attractive way to be. On shaky legs, I push myself back up into a sitting position.