Forbidden |18+

XV: Þögn

XV: Þögn

"Do you need another blood bag? Are you okay?" Ulric is somewhat frantic and has been since the moment he and I have returned to his medical building. It was such a long trek with the chaos happening around us.

He pauses a moment as I lower myself to sit on one of the medical beds, just needing a moment to collect myself. This has taken a toll on my body more than I've ever exerted myself before. Though I'm glad I was able to do some good, considering how much Ulric had helped me, I'm thankful to return the favor for his pack. It's okay, I don't mind the looks they gave me, or their thoughts...silent and spoken...about me. I feel as if I've replayed them for their extended welcome, even if it was out of obligation from Ulric.

Alpha Ernouf had informed Ulric that he would check on the rest of the territory while the Luna checked in on those within the underground bunker. It would be time for them to rise from beneath the earth as their safety is secure, the rogue wolves having fallen back while taking with them a reminder of the devastation they could face should they return once more.

The extensive damage they inflicted...

...it's a miracle they only lost a few to death itself.

I shake my head and reply with a slight smile, "I'm okay, just a little tired."

"You've given so much though," Ulric turns away from his desk as he sets his bag down, frowning at me and questioning, "are you sure you're okay? What you did was..."

His voice trails off and I smile softly once more, "It was nothing."

"It was everything," he reiterates, crossing the distance to the medical bed I'm sitting on. He halts his movements and sighs, "You don't know what you've done...I..."

I reach out and touch his arm gently, bringing his full attention to me as I reassure him, "Ulric, I did what was right, nothing more. I just need to rest a moment without moving around and I'll be okay."

The warmth from his hand touching mine on his shoulder causes me to relax slightly, leaning into his touch. He nods and says, "What you did was brave and incredible, I've never seen anything like that."

There's nothing left for me to say. I've never been praised like this and it's starting to embarrass me a little. My cheeks are warm, and I know they are red.

When Ulric's touch leaves me, my gaze lifts to meet with his. He releases a sigh, glancing away and saying, "We should probably get you ready to leave on my Alpha's signal."

Just like that, my heart falls as I'd almost forgotten...

...at least I can walk away knowing I've learned more in a few weeks with Ulric than in my entire life with my family.

This was a gift.

While Ulric starts to pack a new bag, wondering what he's doing exactly...though when the front door to the medical building opens, I turn around to see Alpha Ernouf.

He looks me over briefly, my eyes averting as I know it's going to be painful to say goodbye. He must rest his full attention on Ulric now. Alpha Ernouf surprised me when he speaks, "I think it would be best to have your vamp stay the night. With the retreat, I'm not sure if the rogues are lingering just beyond the territory or they're completely gone. It's not safe."

"Yes, I agree," Ulric returns and I hear a slight pitch alter in his voice.

My gaze lifts and I see Alpha Ernouf looking at Ulric. I look to Ulric and see him release something into the bag but I'm not quite sure what it is. Alpha Ernouf's gaze shifts to me and he nods, saying, "Enjoy your evening and relax with ease. Get a long sleep tomorrow day."