The King

chapter 48

I stood by the stairs as I anxiously waited for Zeke's arrival. He had to spend an extra week at the hospital, they kept wanting to run tests to see if the silver still lingered around in his body- and thankfully it looked like none did.

I sat down on the steps as time passed by like thick jelly. I was all alone in the castle, well with the exception of the help. All of the families filtered out of here, finding the strength to return to their dwellings.

Mandy and Penny did not leave the hospital once Penny found out Zeke was awake, and Mandy not wanting to leave her mate alone.

Lucas had left thirty minutes ago, to go pick up the trio. I had debated inviting Dolores over, after calling her a couple days after the accident to ensure that she was alright. But she said that she wanted me to spend time with Zeke, saying she understood what it felt like- being injured to the brink of death.

I snapped out of my thoughts as I heard the front door open, I glanced up and saw Lucas holding the door open. He made eye contact and threw a small smile in my direction as Zeke walked inside.

Quickly getting off my butt, and towards Zeke, I carefully wrapped him in a hug. At first, I felt nothing, he didn't move an inch and only seemed to have his body grow colder and more rigid. I pulled away, hurt evident in my eyes and confusion set in the crinkles on my forehead. I looked up to face him but his own eyes weren't on me. They were set forward, ice cold eyes staring absently at the world infront of him.

"Zeke?" I whispered.

He moved out of my grasp and out of my way walking up the stairs and towards the wing of his room, and away from us. I just watched painfully as I felt dejected. I turned my head to face Penny, who had entered the house in time to see the awkward cold encounter between Zeke and me.

"Don't take it personally, Dawn," Penny whispered, setting her coat on the railing. "He's been like that ever since the Doctor broke the news to him."

I swallowed and nodded, glancing up at the stairs he walked up to. I felt Penny's hand come up to my shoulder, "Doctor says he's probably going to be like this for a while. I don't know exactly how long but, he said we can shorten by spreading joy around the house."

I felt like laughing at her words, Zeke was the only one who spread joy in this house and now if we were to do the same. I doubt he'd feel better in this century.

"I'm going to make some cookies I think he might like," Mandy added. "Anyone want to help?"

Penny nodded and they both walked out of the foyer and towards the kitchen. Lucas walked towards me, his hands sunk deep in his pockets.

"You alright?"

I nodded, "I'm just worried about Zeke."

He sighed, "Me too, have any ideas on how to spread 'joy' around this sad place?"

I shrugged before an idea clicked into my head. "Operation make Zeke happy..." I whispered under my breath.

Lucas chuckled at my words, but I waved him off, too concerned about Zeke to blush over his teasing.

"Can I bring Dolores here? And her family?" I asked, and Lucas slightly tilted his head like a confused dog, man... he really is a wolf. "Dolores would know what to do."

"Alright, I'll be in the kitchen," Lucas said while turning on his feet.

I cooed, "You're going to help Mandy and Penny?"

"No." He scuffed. "And you're not going to either." He pointed a finger towards me. "Last time you burned Mac N cheese, I don't trust you in my kitchen." He teased.