I walked down the street until I reached the clinic. I waved to the woman who was working the front desk and walked directly to the back. I found my mom seated in her office. She got up as soon as I entered. I hugged her and said, “Mom, please, I need to see Jasmine.”
She nodded and led me to the room where she was. “I set her leg and gave her medication for the pain. She just needs to heal, but she’ll be fine.”
I entered quietly and knelt by her bed. I brushed her hair out of her face, smoothing it down, and listened to her labored breathing. She stirred; her eyes snapped open. “Blake,” she whispered, her eyes glossy as she looked at me.
“Shhhh,” I said. “It’s okay, just rest for now.”
She closed her eyes again. I laid my head next to her, enjoying being near her. I must have dozed off because the next thing I felt was someone’s hand on my shoulder gently shaking me awake. I lifted my head to see my mom was standing over me.
“Go into my office. Jasmine’s family is here with Luke to see her. I’ll get rid of your scent before they come in.”
I did as my mom said and snuck over to her office where I sat down in her office chair.
After some time, she walked in and closed the door with her arms crossed. “Blake, I’ve noticed you seem very close with Jasmine. Is there something going on between the two of you?”
“We’re just friends.”
“Blake, I know you. I’m your mother. This seems to be more than friendship. This is now the second time I’ve had to be deceptive to cover for you when it involved Jasmine.”
“There’s nothing more to it than friendship. I just care for her as a friend.”
She closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Blake, please, just be careful. That’s your beta’s mate. He’s practically a brother to you, and I would hate to see the leadership of the pack torn apart over this. Your father may come off too harsh most of the time, but he’s right when he says the pack needs their leaders to have their heads in the game. Especially after what happened today. I’m worried, Blake. This could be the difference between life or death. You’re my only son, and I can’t lose you.” She came over and hugged me, kissing me on the forehead. “Now, go home and let Luke take care of his mate.”
Chapter 50
Jasmine
IawokeonSundaymorning feeling much better than I had when I initially arrived at the clinic. I could tell that the deep gashes that the wolves had put into my body were now just scratches. My leg was still sore when I moved it, but not to the extent it was the night before when the pain was excruciating. I still probably couldn’t walk today, but maybe tomorrow.
A nurse came in and exclaimed, “Ah, you’re awake now! Good! Let me bring your breakfast and medication in then.” She disappeared and returned a few minutes later carrying a tray. She adjusted my bed so I was sitting up and set the tray on the bed so I could easily eat from it. Before she left, she said, “Your mate asked me to call when you wake, so I’ll go do that now.”
I felt my stomach grumble, I hadn’t eaten since my lunch break at work the previous day. I quickly ate the bagel and fruit she brought me and drank from the mug of coffee. Not long after I finished, the nurse came back and took the empty tray from me. “Your mate will be here soon. Let me help you use the bathroom before he comes.”
She helped me use some crutches so that I could maneuver myself into the bathroom. I was able to freshen up, combing out my hair and brushing my teeth. I could see in the mirror that the scratches that had covered my face yesterday were almost fully healed now. Once I was done, she helped me lie back down in the bed.
Luke came in not long after and ran over to my bedside. As soon as the nurse walked out, he laid his body next to mine on the bed, using his hand to brush back my hair. I enjoyed the feeling his hand emitted, calming and relaxing my whole body. “You look much better today,” he said, smiling at me. “How are you feeling?”
“Better,” I replied.
He grabbed my hand and held it. “Please don’t do that again, Jasmine. I spoke with your father and we both agree that it’s best that you don’t leave the territory anymore when you’re alone in the forest. It’s too dangerous right now.”
I nodded.
“Why were you out there anyway?”
I felt the nausea returning, the walls closing in. “I was just really stressed. I needed to run.”
He used his thumb to rub my palm, calming me. “Please don’t stress, Jasmine. We’ll figure everything out. Everything will work out, I promise.”
“How can you promise that?” I demanded. “How do you see this working out?”
He looked away, letting out a deep breath. I could sense anxiety, a feeling I was very familiar with. He shook his head and then looked back at me. “I know it’s bad now. I know a lot’s happening, but I’m going to take responsibility. I’m going to be a good mate to you. Please believe me, Jasmine.” He searched my face, looking for confirmation.
I sighed, not able to give him any, wondering if everything really would work out—not sure that it could. But as his body touched mine, the sparks and calm flowing through me, I began to believe it might, against my better judgment.
He continued, “I’m so glad we were able to get to you in time. I can’t stop thinking about what would have happened if we didn’t. When Blake mindlinked me, I dropped everything and just ran.” He snuggled closer to me, kissing me on the cheek. “Although, how did Blake know you were in trouble?”
“I mindlinked him,” I replied, realizing I probably shouldn’t admit to this as I said it.