Page 15 of Broken Mate

Chapter Six

The days fell into a pattern, going through the same routine. After a week, Ledger added in some light strength training. He helped her use her legs, forcing the atrophied muscles to work. Every evening, Anais would sit on a chair under the hot spray of the shower, trying to hold back tears. Everything hurt. All her muscles, including her pride. Still no whisper of her wolf.

The weeks flew by as she concentrated on healing. Her aunt prepared food in the pack house kitchen and Ledger usually ate with them. Some nights they’d watch television together, or played cards. He was never far from her side.

Once the second month rolled around, frustration settled in. Every day she failed to connect with her wolf was another day she felt like a failure, and she sunk further into the fear that it was hopeless. However Alpha Jericho had healed, it didn’t seem to be working for her.

Five weeks after she and Ruby had arrived in Sheridan, Anais was ready to throw in the towel. When Ledger came to collect her in the morning, she couldn’t even summon the energy to open the door. He knocked and knocked, and all she did was roll onto her side and pretend she didn’t hear a thing.

When the knocks ceased, she figured he’d given up. Not that she could blame him. He was saddled with a worthless mate. Perhaps she was too broken to fix. The door clicked open and she tensed. Then the bed dipped as Ledger’s smell enveloped her. He spooned her, burying his face in the back of her neck and pulled her into his body.

“Why are you still in bed?” he asked.

“Why should I get up?” she asked. Tears suddenly sprang into her eyes. “I thought I’d see some type of improvement by now.”

“These things take time.”

She took a deep breath. “I know. I’m just feeling sorry for myself, I guess.”

“It’s okay to take a day and wallow in self-pity.”

“Thanks for making me feel even worse.”

“How about we just stay in bed today?”

“Okay.”

“With one exception. Tomorrow, you get back on the horse and we work even harder.”

He was so patient. So caring. “Okay.”

Surrounded by his warmth, she closed her eyes and fell back to sleep. When she woke up again, she was aware of two things. One, Ledger was still wrapped around her and two, she had to pee. Hating to wake him up but having no other choice, she moved.

He instantly sat up. “You all right?”

“Yeah, just have to pee.”

Ledger moved away and before she could say anything else, he swept her into his arms.

“What are you doing?” she squeaked.

“Taking you to the bathroom.”

“I can walk!”

“I know. But we’re going right back to bed and resting. It’s just you and me today. Oh, and pizza.”

“Fine, but you’re not watching me pee.”

He sat her on the closed commode. “No golden showers. Got it.”

She rolled her eyes. He exited the room and she quickly did her business then hobbled over to the sink to wash her hands. As soon as the faucet turned off, he was back, scooping her into his arms once more and laying down with her.

Ledger propped himself up on an elbow, cradling his face in his hand, as he stared down at her.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured. With his fingertips he brushed her hair behind her ear. “The High Luna truly blessed me.”

She grabbed his wrist. “I’m sorry I was feeling sorry for myself.”

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