Love and War

A Game of Chance (Ch.17)

Sitting in a doctor's office Aurora was still not quite back with them yet. They were speaking freely about the conditions of the Malone's and Jayme. Aurora however was replaying the scene that unfolded in Kurt's room, the attack and escape of Colton McDougal.

Xavier had men posted on locating the McDougal boy immediately after piecing it together through statements and video. Aurora was yet to speak a full sentence, almost like she was stuck in her head.

So much had happened to her in such a small amount of time. How could one take on so much new trauma? No wonder she had not broke before this, Xavier had thought. Most of the world and the way it worked was new to her.

The doctor was explaining to Xavier Wolfe what his expectations were of each of the victims. It wasn't until he got to Jayme King's outcome that Aurora snapped back into reality.

What did you say? Her voice squeaking as she spoke.

The doctor made a scrunched-up face as if he was confused to be addressed by her directly.

"Um, I was letting Mr. Wolfe know the condition of Mr. King" he is cautious as if not wanting to repeat what he just said to anyone else. Clamming up now that he knew she was listening to them.

"That would be her father" Xavier Wolfe answered the doctor. A look of shock and lack of composure taking over the doctor's face.

"In that case, I was letting Mr. Wolfe know that we were able to save his life and remove the bullet however there is a good chance he will be paralyzed from the waist down." The doctors report grim and his sympathy showing.

"Why, how do you know this? Is he awake?" Aurora questions came out as quick as they came to her head. Fear bubbling up inside her, she didn't want to have to face her father again.

"We don't know, we are making a medical guess based off the nerve and muscle damage by the bullet." His tone serious, most likely due to having to make these types of calls regularly in his line of duty.

"Oh okay" her tone showing the uncertainty of her thoughts. What was to happen if he was, what was to happen to her. Did the Malones still own her, was there to be another Gala. Her world seemed so full of uncertainties and unknown variables.

"Thank you, doctor" Xavier Wolfe spoke as he stood. Reaching out he helped Aurora to a standing position and protectively wrapped an arm around her waist.

"I'll stay in touch with any changes or updates Mr. Wolfe" The doctor stood merely as a formality to see them out.

Hitting the bright lights of the hospital hallway blinded Aurora, this caused her to stop. Xavier stopped with her looking over her with concern in his eyes. This poor girl had been through so much in her life, he just wanted to make her dreams come true. Give her the peace she deserved and a calm, safe place to call home.

When he found this Colton McDougal, he was going to tear him apart, anger raising in him at every thought of what he saw on the cameras. He saw Aurora fighting him and her crying out. Xavier Wolfe sent his praise to the comatose Kurt who without being able to wake up saved Aurora from a malicious and violent sexual attack.

Xavier got Aurora back into the car and ready to head back to the hotel where she awoke this morning. She was eerily quiet on the way, staring out the window. Aurora was trying to process all that had happened and what still laid ahead. She just wanted an answer, what did her future hold and when would she be free?

Xavier Wolfe watched her as they drove, appreciating her beauty and innocence. Angry rose in him as he thought how the world is already tarnishing her in a way that would change her forever. His only thought was how could he save her from this and himself.