I got this, Alek responded, enjoying that Wrath had his back, instead of exploding to the forefront and shoving Alek down.
“Let me see my Lord, Alpha, por favor.”
Alek allowed some of Wrath’s heat out, watching as Ramon’s eyes widened. He stepped back, continuing to retreat until his back hit the wall and he was clear of the heatwaves. That was a warning. The vampire had better hope he didn’t step out of line again. Without a word, Alek eased the door open wider so the bed came into view, and Ramon was able to get a peek at Bell. A few seconds was all Alek allowed, before he closed the door, thinking Ramon better take it and call it a win. Surely, he had to see that Bell’s skin appeared a helluva lot softer and warmer than when he’d first got there. And if he brought some stranger there to try to touch his mate, his heatwaves would be the least of Ramon’s concerns.
Alek didn’t move from the door for some time, until Wolf confirmed that everyone had gone except his siblings. Alek went over to the fire and got it roaring again. It probably wasn’t needed because Wrath was still providing them with his extra warmth, added to Wolf’s, it was a sauna in there. He pulled back the edge of the drapes and saw the sky had brightened to a lovely, rich blue, the sun was high above the trees. The surrounding woods were breathtaking, the evergreens bursting with fragrant winter foliage, the wildlife scurrying about for breakfast. Bell would love this. He could hear the gushing of the waterfall not that far away, so similar to his own home’s environment, yet in a strange country. Strange to him, at least. He’d never been to Europe. Their father had visited twice, and had taken Justice for one of those rare meetings with the vampire council, but Alek hadn’t been granted the privilege. He hadn’t been trustworthy.
His mind drifted to his childhood. Remembering how time had been before his mother’s death. Life had been prosperous and packs thrived. Their father was always happy and laughing. He’d been an amazing AZ, strong and fearless just like Justice. All Alek’s life he’d felt overlooked, had stayed in his big brother’s shadow and had been his faithful beta as he ruled the packs. Because of his broken spirit, he never thought he’d be blessed with such a precious gift from the Mother. But he had. When he thought she’d abandon him, she’d heard his pleas. Answered his prayer, to not die young and alone.
Alek walked over to the bed and sat on the edge, tucking the sheets around Bell’s lower half. His abdomen looked so much better. The veins were fading faster since the second feeding and the wound was completely closed, replaced by a wrinkled scar and dark purple bruising. The other superficial bruises from his beating had faded drastically, and Alek was able to release a reassured breath. This was a good sign.
“Alek?” Farica called quietly through the door. “I brought you some breakfast.”
Alek hadn’t noticed the delicious smell wafting into the room, nor had he thought of his stomach until food was mentioned. He supposed he hadn’t wanted to satisfy his own hunger until his mate was eating.
“You need to keep up your strength, brother. You haven’t eaten for two days,” she urged.
His sister was right, as usual. He wouldn’t be able to keep supplying Bell with blood if he didn’t consume some nutrients of his own. With Bell still in a coma, Alek’s blood wasn’t being replaced at such a fast rate, so Alek had been forcing it and he was starting to feel the effects.
“Mac and I went to this amazing restaurant called the Saddle House. I got you some bangers, bacon, lots of fried eggs and grilled tomatoes. Few pieces of buttered toast. And you have to taste this Bakewell tart, it’s to die for. We tried it, and it was great.”
Alek smiled at the comfort in her voice. As a wolf, she knew naming all those mouthwatering foods would have him opening the door in no time. He made his way off the bed, wavering a bit on his feet. Man, he was hungry and quite dehydrated. When he opened the door his sister’s nose crinkled at the stench that escaped. Yeah, he hadn’t had a chance to bathe himself or Bell after the gruesome fight. That wasn’t his primary concern. But, now that his mate was on the mend, he could tend to those needs as well.
“How is he?” she asked, with a loaded tray taking up both hands.
Alek opened the door wider and relieved her of her burden, allowing his sibling inside. Mac was down the hall, on guard. He gave his little brother a quick nod before he closed the door. Farica respectfully stood away from the bed, staring at Bell’s healing body. “Yes, Alek. He does look much better. I’m sure he’ll rouse soon. The body knows when it’s ready.”