A Wolf's Tale

16

I gasp in a harsh breath followed by a hoarse and rather throat scratching cough. I open my eyes and groan. The all too familiar ten feet high living room ceiling stares back at me.

What happened? You passed out, I had to wake you up. What are you talking about? I was perfectly fine. The bullet did more damage than anticipated, however, you are alright now. Look, I'm sorry for what I said when Sierra died. I know that wasn't easy seeing her like that.

It's fine man, I'm sorry too, I should think before I try to act like the hero. Damn, I passed out? Last thing I remember is saying that Karson saved us and I needed to lay down.

Oh, you laid down alright. There was major blood loss. Within two minutes of you saying you were fine, you passed out. Where is everyone? Outside, burning Keith's body.

I lean up and groan. I look down at my bloody shirt and sigh. Something prevents me from breathing deeply. What's on my stomach? I roll my shirt up and look at the wrap around my stomach. I pull my shirt back down and slowly stand up.

I slowly walk through the house, stopping at the dining room chair to take a breath. I inhale a shallow breath and continue to the backyard.

Finally at the screen door to the backyard, the tall, enraged flames catch my eyes. Each flame dances with another, twisting and flicking embers from the ashy pile.

Kameron stands in front of Karson while putting a bandage on his shoulder, Megan rubs her neck waiting for the bite to heal, Kyle and Kris stand by the fire watching each flame carry Keith's ashes, and Kooper stands shirtless with a bandage wrapped around his body. He stands on the deck watching over all of them.

Kooper notices my presence and gently nudges Sierra's arm.

I push the screen door open and stand on the deck. Sierra turns her head to see who opened the door. Once she notices it's me, her face lightens up, her eyes soften and a smile spreads across her face.

"Well that plan sucked."

"You're okay!"

She runs to me and wraps her thighs around my hips. I grip under her thighs to support her body weight on my otherwise semi-weak body.

Karson turns around to see why Sierra is so happy. He rolls his eyes.

"Aye! Don't smother a brother! Let him heal first."

"Hold still! I'm almost done!" Kameron exclaims to Karson.

Sierra giggles, showing off her gorgeous smile that could light up a room. Her eyes track down to my chest. She moves her legs so she can stand on her own, never breaking eye contact.

"Oh, I didn't... I didn't even stop to think that you could still be in pain, are you alright?"

I nod and press my lips against hers. She playfully bites my bottom lip, then smirks on my lips. I take her hand in mine and kiss the top of her smooth hand.

I lead her inside but slow down once we reach the living room. My stomach begins to ache.

"Let's take a break, here sit down, this can wait." She suggests.

I sit down on the couch and pat on the couch cushion for her to join me. She sits directly next to me, her leg folded under herself, facing me. I take a few shaky breaths before coughing.

I hate to be impatient but I'd like to be with Sierra right now, why is it taking so long to heal? Usually I'm healed within thirty seconds of getting hurt... what's the problem?