Chapter 33

Ellie

Nana had whipped up her famous lasagna again. The last time she made it, I didn’t touch it. That was the night I planned to run away. I’m glad Daddy stopped me. If he hadn’t, I might not have found Nix.

The lasagna was delicious.

“Daddy, can Millie make this for us? I like it.”

Daddy chuckled, patting my head gently.

“She can give it a shot, pickle, but no one makes lasagna quite like your Nana.”

He shot Nana a warm smile.

She returned it, then turned to me.

“I guess you’ll have to visit me more often then.”

I glanced at Elijah, who was sitting next to me.

He was unusually quiet, just pushing the lasagna around his plate.

“Can ’lijah come too?” I asked.

He didn’t look up until Nana addressed him.

“Would you like that, Elijah?” She asked.

He looked up briefly.

“I guess,” he mumbled, then went back to his lasagna pushing.

I frowned. ’lijah wasn’t usually like this. Then it hit me. I looked across the table at Alpha Zagan.

That’s when I noticed he was staring at me.

“Why have you taken Samuel away?” I asked, meeting his gaze.

Before he could answer, Daddy’s voice cut in.

“Ellie, that’s enough,” he warned.

Alpha Zagan smirked at me.

“It’s okay, Alpha Gabriel. If the pup wants to know, I’m happy to tell her.”

He leaned forward, his gaze intensifying.

“You see, Ellie, Samuel wasn’t in control of his wolf, so he needs to learn how to control it. To do that, he needs to be strong. He needs a bit of...persuasion.”

I swallowed hard, but held his gaze.

“Are...are you going to hurt him?” I whispered.

Alpha Zagan’s eyes narrowed.

A sudden pain shot through my head.

I clutched my head in my hands.

“Daddy, I don’t feel so good. My head hurts.”

Daddy shot a glare at Elijah, who was glancing between Alpha Zagan and me.

“Elijah,” he growled, “I warned you about trying to mind-link Ellie.”

Elijah shook his head, “I’m not, Uncle Gabriel, I swear.”

Daddy stood up and scooped me up. I buried my face in his shoulder, and he cradled the back of my head gently.

“I’m sorry, Alpha Zagan. I need to get Ellie home and call the doctor. My father can show you out once you’ve finished dinner.”

Alpha Zagan stood up, wiping his mouth with a napkin.

“I understand, Alpha Gabriel. You should look after the pup.”

He turned to Nana.

“Thank you for the meal. I think I should take my leave,” he paused, “I have a new pack member to take care of after all,” he smirked.

Daddy carried me out the front door, Alpha Zagan following closely. Every time I looked up, his eyes met mine and a jolt of pain shot through my head.

All I could do was bury my face into Daddy’s shirt and whimper.

Daddy rubbed my back, trying to comfort me.

“I hope your pup recovers,” Alpha Zagan stated. “Please contact me if you need my assistance again.”

Daddy nodded and walked towards the house. I opened my eyes and watched Alpha Zagan walk towards a big black car.

He glanced over his shoulder before he got in, our eyes meeting. I quickly looked away. There was something about him I didn’t like. He reminded me of someone. Then it hit me.

The look in his eye. He reminded me of the Commander from the punishment block.

By the time we got home, the pain in my head had almost disappeared. I just felt drained. Daddy laid me on the bed and quickly changed me into my night clothes.

His hand gently stroked my forehead.

I opened my eyes.

“How are you feeling, pickle?” he whispered, careful not to be too loud.

“Tired, Daddy,” I replied groggily. “But it doesn’t hurt anymore.”

He hummed.

“Erik is on his way. He’s just going to check you over, okay?”

I nodded. I wasn’t as scared of Erik anymore, but every time I closed my eyes, all I could see was Alpha Zagan staring at me.

“Daddy...I don’t like Alpha Zagan. He kept staring at me,” I whispered.

Daddy gently kissed the top of my head.

“I don’t like him much either, and neither does your grandpa. You don’t have to see him again.”

I looked towards the door as I heard it open.

Erik stood there. He smiled gently and walked over.

“Have you been in the wars again, Ellie?” he asked.

Daddy looked at him.

“Someone tried to mind-link her again. It was worse this time.”

Erik nodded and walked over. He sat on the edge of the bed.

“Does it hurt anymore?” he asked.

I shook my head.

“I’m just tired,” I mumbled.

Erik nodded again. “And what about your wolf, can you sense her, talk to her?”

I closed my eyes, trying to focus on Nix. I could sense her, but something felt off.

Nix? Are you there?

There was no reply. I tried to focus on her. I felt some pressure in my head, but no pain. Then I found her. She was sleeping... exhausted.

“She’s asleep. She’s tired... worn out,” I whispered, my voice shaking slightly.

Erik took my hand and rubbed it gently.

“Don’t worry, Ellie, she’ll be fine. She’s probably worn out from healing you.”

I let out a sigh, almost of relief. I didn’t want her to be hurt.

Erik looked at Daddy.

“She just needs to rest. Call me in the morning, and I’ll check in again.”

Erik flashed a grin. “I can find my way out.”

Dad simply nodded, taking up the space on the bed that Erik had just left. His hand moved in a soothing rhythm across my forehead.

“Shut your eyes, sweetie. All you need is a good night’s sleep.”

“I love you, Dad,” I murmured softly.

In response, Dad pressed a tender kiss to my forehead.

“I love you too, sweetie,” he murmured back.

I let my eyes flutter shut, picturing my dad’s comforting face to push away the haunting memories of Alpha Zagan’s intimidating gaze.