Page 58 of Alpha's Choice
I wanted to follow Tobias, but I didn’t have the right. I had given him up. And now I might never have a chance to get him back.
* * *
It felt like forever before Louisa and James rushed in. “Emma, is there any news?”
“No one told me anything since taking him into surgery. But there was so much blood.”
“Where’s Beta Matthew?” James drew his eyebrows together. “He’s the one who linked us about Tobias.”
“He was on the gurney with Tobias, putting pressure on his wound. What happened?”
“All we know is he was injured fighting the creature.” Louisa twisted her hands together, the only outward sign of her distress. “It must be serious if he’s in surgery, though. Alphas heal fast.”
I knew from looking at James that he was mind-linking someone. After a moment, his eyes cleared. “Matthew’s on his way.”
The tension in the air ratcheted up as we waited. Megan paced back and forth while James stood facing the door, arms crossed. Louisa sat, a picture of tranquility, but the energy coming from her was anything but calm. I hugged myself, praying desperately that I hadn’t lost Tobias for good.
Matthew came in and we all rushed to turn our attention to him. “He’s lost a lot of blood. The creature bit him, and it appears to have affected his ability to heal. The doctor is stitching him up now.”
“Do they need my blood?” James asked.
“They had some in stock from your last donation. Dr. Williams said he’d link you if they need more.” Matthew paused. “They’re not sure Alpha blood will help him heal, though. They have to identify what caused his own healing to slow first. The doctor has already sent samples to the lab.”
“But he’ll be okay?” Louisa leaned on her mate.
“He’ll have to heal like a human for now, but the doctor is confident he’s out of danger.”
My relief that Tobias would be okay shifted to concern as I thought about what attacked him. “What about the creature?” Everyone turned their attention to me. “I know the pack is already in lockdown, but if it’s wandering around injured, we should warn everyone. A wounded animal is extra dangerous.”
“Tobias killed it. But you’re right to think about the pack. I know people will breathe easier if we raise the lockdown.”
“Can I see him?” I didn’t feel like I had the right, but I had to ask. “I mean, if he wants to see me, of course.”
“He’s still unconscious, and it might be a while before he wakes up.” Matthew crossed his arms. “But if you’re just going to reject him again, I’d leave him alone.”
My face heated as the heavy stares of James and Louisa fell on me. Obviously, Tobias hadn’t shared the news with them. My words came out in a whispered plea. “I’m not…I just need to see him, to know he’s okay.”
“Your presence may help.” Louisa wouldn’t meet my gaze. “If he went through a recent rejection, that will impact his will to survive. Having you near may keep his wolf fighting.”
I soon found myself at Tobias’s bedside, the steady beep of the heart monitor helping to soothe my worry. I hesitated before taking his hand in mine, wondering if he could feel the sparks and know I was here for him.
“Tobias, I-” I struggled to find the words, not sure if he could even hear me. “I’m sorry for rejecting you. I won’t leave you again.”
I lost track of time as I sat there. When Louisa came in, the sun in the window had already set. “Emma, why don’t you take a break? I can sit with Tobias.”
I shook my head. “I left him once. I won’t do it again.”
She pushed some more, but I stayed firm, determined to be there when he woke. The next person to try was Tobias’s father, James.
“It’s not your place.” His words were short and choppy. “You rejected him.”
“I made a mistake.” I knew he was right, but I couldn’t leave Tobias again. “I’m only human, after all.”
He leveled a glare at me. “That changes nothing.”
“I won’t leave his side unless he tells me to.”
After he left, I crawled onto the bed next to Tobias, being careful to avoid his bandaged side. I yawned and rested my head on the pillow next to him, thankful for the oversized hospital bed. I watched his profile, willing him to wake up. Before long, sleep overcame me, and I let myself drift off.
