LEINDRA'S P.O.V.
It was while I was in the hospital that I got a breakdown of everything that happened. I found out about Jared's funeral and how even after his death, he had helped with the investigation and part of the reason that I had been found. Ian also broke down how the fire started. When the hunters realized that they had been caught, they decided to start a fire in one of the rooms hoping to burn down important documents but Jared had them backed up on his laptop and what they found was shocking.
The hunters had information on not just Darius, but also some other Alpha's. It was like a hit list of the people they knew couldn't be controlled and they wanted to eliminate. What I still didn't understand was why Jared did it all in secret instead of just telling Darius about his plans. If he did, then he wouldn't have died. If he did then maybe we would have been able to figure out more and pinned them for their crimes earlier. Regardless of it all, he was gone and I was grateful for everything.
"Hey." I looked up to see Amy walking into my room with a tray of food in her hands. I was moved home yesterday and everyone had been doting over me because the doctor ordered bed rest. "How are you feeling today?"
"The same as yesterday." I shrugged. "Have you seen-"
She shook her head. I hadn't seen Darius since I left the hospital yesterday. I knew he was somewhere around but I also knew that he was avoiding me. I didn't know if it was guilt or something else but I was determined to figure it out. I needed to tell him that I didn't blame him for anything.
"He will come to you," she assured me and I forced myself to give her a small smile. I was not doubting that he would come, I was doubting when he would come and what state he would be in when he did. I knew Darius and I knew how self-destructive he could be when left alone. I was worried about him but I didn't know how to say it.
"While we are on the topic of Darius," Amy began hesitantly as she made her way closer to my side. She sat down directly in front of me and in a split second, her expression went from hesitant to accusatory. "Why the hell did you and Darius get married without telling anyone? When did it happen?"
I gave her a smile hoping it would appease her but I knew it wouldn't work in this case. Darius braced me that he accidentally let it slip once and no one had asked. I knew it would only be a while before I was bombarded with questions and if I was being .honest I was supprised that they held out this long
"It was shortly after the last full moon," I explained. "I knew I wanted to marry him and I didn't see a need to wait. All I wanted was him. I didn't care about the lavish ceremony and I saw no need to force you guys to go through long and painful shifts every full moon until the wedding was planned so we went to the courthouse and made it official."
"Does that mean I don't get to plan a wedding?" Amy pouted looking almost offended at the prospect.
"You will," I assured her. "We still want a large wedding with everyone, I just wish everyone could have attended."
Her smile fell and she let out a sigh.
"I'm really sorry for your loss. Has Chris come to see you yet?" I shook my head. "He is healing, he will come by soon. He doesn't blame you."
"Are you sure about that?"
"Yes, he knows that you would have never left her behind. I also know that Darius has been to see him every day since it happened. He offered him a place here too but he refused. He said he wanted to stay at your grandma's house. He didn't want it abandoned."
I couldn't stop the knot from climbing into my throat. "That does sound like Chris. Can you arrange for me to see him? Please, I know I can't leave but if you can bring him here, I would be so grateful."
"I don't know..." She hesitated but I grabbed her hand.
"Please, Amy, this is the only thing I am asking of you. I just need to see my brother." "I'll see what I can do."
Amy left shortly after that and I was alone in my room. I tried to eat my food but I barely had an appetite. I kept wondering whether Chris was going to agree to see me or not. I hoped he would because the truth was that I needed him. He was my brother and he was the only person who truly understood what I was going through- maybe more than I did.
The sun had begun to set and I had lost all hope that he would come when Amy returned to my room and I could see him standing behind her. I sat up immediately with my eyes wide and my hand thrown over my mouth in shock. Chris looked like he had aged a few years as he crossed the length of the room and sat at the foot of my bed.
There were dark circles under his eyes that I knew were from a lack of sleep. He couldn't look me in the eye and I couldn't tell if it was from anger or because he didn't want me to see how badly he was hurting.
"Thank you for coming," I said once Amy had shut the door behind her and he said nothing. I sighed before speaking again. "I am so sorry. I understand if you blame me for everything."
"Did she suffer?" he asked and I turned to him. "That is all I need to know."
I could have easily told him no and let him believe that everything ended well for her but I had learned the hard way that lies always had a way of coming back to haunt us and I knew that even if he forgave me now, if he found out I lied, he would never forgive me.
"I don't want to lie to you."
He ran his hands through his hair. "I am glad that you're here. I just wish I was more useful. Maybe if I had stopped her from going out that day she would have never been taken."
If you're loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "It wasn't your fault." I reached out to place my hand over his. "None of this had anything to do with you. I am who they wanted. All of this was because of me."
"I guess it doesn't matter anymore." He shrugged. "She is gone."
"Yes, she is." My voice was soft and he finally turned to me.
He wrapped his arms around my shoulders and I allowed myself to relax in his embrace. I was relieved that he was not upset with me and I was relieved that in the grand scheme of things, he was safe. That was the most important thing to me.
"Are you going to be okay there?" I asked when he had pulled back and I didn't need
to explain further- he knew what I was talking about.
He shrugged. "I think I can handle myself. I'm not a child anymore, Leindra."
"I guess that's true."
He stood to his feet. "I should head back. You should find Darius."
"Why? Did something happen to him?"
"No, I'm just tired of having him on the couch all day because he thinks looking out
for me will ease his guilt."
"Do you know where he is now?"
He shook his head. "I'm sure you can find him if you really want to."
I realized he was right so I called Ian. He did not like the idea but for some reason, he agreed immediately. He also happened to know exactly where Darius was and he helped me down the stairs and into the car.
"He is going to kill me,â Ian muttered. "You're lucky that I like you."
He drove past the town and towards the cemetery. I remembered the last time I was
here and I tried to push it out of my mind as I limped towards where Darius was standing. I had never seen Jared's tombstone and seeing it for the first time brought a wave of emotions.
"You're avoiding me."
He turned instantly when he heard my voice.
"You shouldn't be here."
"I could argue that neither should you." I ignored his expression and stood directly
beside him. "He shouldn't have died."
"No, he shouldn't."
"Come home with me, Darius, please."
"I couldn't protect you then, what makes you think I can protect you now?"
"I'm standing here, aren't I? I think you protected me well enough."
"You shouldn't have gone through any of that. I should have-" "Maybe," I cut him off. "But what good does that do us now? Are you going to spend the rest of our lives avoiding me or do you want us to start over? I don't know about you but I am just about ready to put all of this behind me and have a normal life."
"I don't deserve you."
"I don't deserve you either. Can we go home now, my legs hurt?"
He laughed and picked me up bridal style as he made his way over to his car which I didn't even realize was parked at the far side of the cemetery. He set me gently in the passenger seat and even helped me with my seat belt.
"I'm going to kill Ian," he stated casually as he got into the driver's side. "No one else would take you out of bed even after I explicitly asked them not to."
"I would be more surprised if you didn't."