Page 35 of The Alpha's Lunar Crown

With both hands supporting my weight, I struggle to get myself on my feet, my bloody hands leaving fine imprints wherever they touch."Aren't you a sight for sore eyes?" Liam says a look of concern twinkling in his eyes as he studies me, pushing the door open further.

I laugh despite myself. Of course, he found a way to follow me. "This is the happiest I've been to see you."

"Can't say the same for you." He inclines his head at the blood and leftover evidence of struggle on the floor. "What happened?"

"How did you find me?" I dodge the question with one of my own. As grateful as I am to see him, I don't recall giving anyone details of my movements.

He hesitates for a beat. His gaze sweeps through the warehouse and back at me before releasing a sigh of defeat. He knows I won't be offering details. "Shortly after you left, the meeting turned into a full-blown cock contest. Everyone wanted to feel important. Selene was quick to diffuse the tension, and we came up with a temporary solution pending your return."

I raise a brow at him. "Temporary?" The situation is hardly ideal for temporary commitments. We're at risk of being surrounded.

"A unanimous agreement couldn't be reached in your absence," he replied, taking a lazy step into the building. "Anyway, I got news of a roadblock and an attack. The scouts on the border went to check it out, and your car was found at the scene alongside blood trails and your phone. I followed the address in it."

The P.I. was so engrossed in everything unfolding before me I missed his absence at the scene. He sent me the address. He should be here somewhere.

"Did you see anyone on your way in? A car or something," I ask, hoping that by some magic, he sent me the address the moment he got it, and I arrived before him. The pressure of being the cause of another death almost squeezes the air from my lungs.

Liam's eyes narrow slightly. "I didn't pay much attention to the surroundings, but I recall seeing a black BMW close to the spot I parked."

I nod, struggling to get on my feet and failing again. An empty BMW in a place like this. Doesn't take a genius to piece it together.

Liam is immediately next to me, supporting my weight with his body. "Are you going to tell me what was so urgent you had to leave a strategy meeting for and why the hell you're wounded in an abandoned warehouse?"

I grit my teeth, channeling my strength into getting on my feet. A vital rule is to never keep secrets from your beta, but when your beta is your mate's brother, the situation becomes a little more complicated.

He nods, walking over, "That's one nasty son of a bitch..." his voice trails off as he studies the injury. When will it heal?

"Pack healer, get me there."

With a swift nod, he helps pull me to my feet, placing most of my weight on himself as we walk side by side out the door, my hand swinging over his shoulders.

I grunt, hopping on my good leg and letting the other one hang in the air, not wanting to stress it any further. We make our way out, with me leaving a trail of blood.

A wave of gratitude washes over me as we step out of the building, and I notice a car parked right in front. He settles me into the front seat, securing the seat belt before turning to settle in his own seat.

I recline as far as I'm allowed, my head relaxing against the headrest as I sigh. I turn towards him, "Thank you." I manage to say, my gratitude obvious in my tone.

He nods, shrugging it lightly, "It's nothing you wouldn't do for any one of us."

Trust. The thought of it tightens my chest. That's what our pack is built on—trust. They know I cannot let them down. They trust me that much, and that is why I'm always torn when it comes to picking between my duty and any other thing I consider important. But today I had no choice. I couldn't leave the woman I love in danger to strategize wars.The car comes alive just then, and he drives off, weaving through the traffic of the day. With nothing else to do, I find myself looking out the window, my pain almost a distant memory.We arrive at the pack healer's place in no time, and with a sense of urgency, I am attended to."You've lost a lot of blood," A voice states, and I nod absently, not bothering to open my eyes.

"We have to treat his wounds and also begin a transfusion. He's lucky to still be here."I feel a needle slide into my vein, but I don't blink. I lay there, listening to the clatter of things in the background, a number of thoughts running through my mind until I drift into a quiet sleep.

****The morning light filters in through the blinds, and I slowly drag myself upright. My mouth is dry, and a familiar ache in my head lingers behind my eyes, making it heavy.I notice just then that I am home and in the comfort of my bedroom. The room is dark, save for a few rays of sunlight seeping in slowly. Selene walks in with a steaming mug of what smells like coffee in her hand. Her eyes widen in surprise when she finds me.

"You're awake!" she squeals, drawing a small smile from me. I notice that her phone is going off non-stop with message notifications.

"How long was I out?" I ask, wincing from the painful protest on my thigh as I try to sit up. I feel exhaustion seeping into my bones, even though I'm just opening my eyes.

"Only a couple of hours," she says. Then, as if noticing my slight discomfort, she adds, "Can I get you anything?"

I nod, "Yes, please. Water should be fine.""Coming right up!" she announces as she leans closer to place the mug on the table before dashing out of the room.

I sigh, picking up a pillow and setting it up behind me to support my position, leaning back again and closing my eyes as I release a sigh. The warmth of my bed is welcoming, the softness lulling me further into slumber. A content smile plays across my lips as I hum a low tune. The thought of being alive is enough to put me in a good mood. I have no plans for today—not in my condition.Thoughts of Aurora invade the peace I'm starting to get used to, causing my chest to tighten with the familiar pangs of regret.I wonder if she's injured and if she's completely healed by now, as I remember the nasty cut on the side of her temples. I remember raking my eyes over her, looking to see if she had any more injuries. Nothing stood out except the one on her temples.I play with the idea of calling, just to make sure. But her words from yesterday are yet to cool. She doesn't want me to contact her, not ever, and with the way things went down with us the last time, it would be hardly ideal for me to barge into her life without giving her some time to heal.

The doors swing open just then, and Selene returns. This time, there's a glass of water firm between her grip."Here," she says, handing it to me, a hint of worry creeping over her features. "How are you feeling?"

For the first time since I woke up, a genuine smile crosses my face as I take the glass, drinking rapidly. It is evident in my voice when I reply, "Better already."

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