Alpha - Forever #1 (Complete)

Chapter 20 - Part 2

Scarlett

I was drifting out of the darkness that had given me refuge from the pain. The more conscious I became, the worse the pain became. My body still felt like it was on fire, burning from the inside. Sweat was pouring off me. I opened my eyes and found myself upstairs in Cade's room. My body arched as pain sliced through me again and I screamed.

"I'm here, Scar." I heard Cade trying to soothe me as he held my hand. The wave of pain only eased for a second before my eyesight changed. Normal vibrant colors changed to various shades of amber.

"My eyes," I gasped in panic as I found Cade's concerned gaze above me.

"It's okay, it is part of the change," he assured me softly, holding my hand in both of his.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there when it started," he whispered to me. He felt guilty that I'd started it on my own with no one to help.

It was too much effort to talk and I felt so weak. I squeezed his hand so that he would know that I didn't blame him for it. I knew him well enough to know that he would have a good reason why he didn't answer me sooner.

I lost track of time and every moment of the burning pain felt like forever. Cade soothed me with words and a wet cloth dipped in cold water that he pressed to my forehead, easing the heat.

I groaned and gasped as I thrashed. My body was transforming, pushing the limits of my human shell. My bones ached; it felt like they'd been broken and put back together.

A good while later the heat began to ease, and along with it the pain. But I was exhausted and I could barely keep my eyes open.

"Sleep, Scar," soothed Cade with a feathered kiss to my forehead.

I heard the sound of a door opening.

"How's she doing?" I heard Blake ask.

"It's over, she's sleeping."

Cade let out a sigh.

"That was intense," Blake murmured.

"I know," Cade murmured. "Watching her in that much pain and being unable to do anything about it was torture."

"I know. Is there anything I can do to help?" Blake offered.

"Will you just let everyone know that it's over and she's sleeping?" Cade responded and let out a heavy sigh. "I don't want to leave her."

I heard the door close and then a few moments later I felt the bed dip. He didn't reach for me. Maybe it was because he wasn't sure how tender my body was, but I needed him.

Slowly, I turned and shifted slightly so my head rested on his chest.

"Sleep, baby," he soothed again as he held me close to his chest. The sound of his heart beating under my ear soothed me into an exhausted but peaceful sleep.

When I woke up, I yawned and stretched. I felt great.

"How are you feeling?" I heard Cade ask. I looked to see him sitting beside the bed, watching me.

"I feel fine," I replied. In fact I felt better than fine. I felt stronger. I sat up.

"Why are you not in bed with me?" I asked.

He ran a hand through his hair. He looked exhausted.

"I couldn't sleep and I kept tossing and turning so I got up. I didn't want to wake you," he explained.

"Why didn't you go and sleep in one of the guest bedrooms?" I asked.

"I wasn't going to leave you."

My heart squeezed at his words.