Sweet Seduction

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

The first thing I felt when I woke up was the pain.  My whole body was throbbing but my head and ribs felt like they were going to explode.  Long story short, I think I got hit by a bus.  As I pried my eyes open I realized two things.  One I was at home, the pack house to be specific, and two, Derek was sitting up in a chair next to the bed staring at me a sudden alertness taking over his body.  Almost immediately tears sprang to my eyes making my vision blurry.  I sat up slowly as Derek moved cautiously to sit next to me on the bed and gently pulled me to him by my shoulders. 

"Shh Its okay.  You are with me now."  I laughed quietly and gripped his shirt with my hand.

"I know.  I'm just so happy this isn't a dream.  I'm sorry I'm crying.  Its so stupid but I didn't know if I would make it back."  He held me tighter and reassured me that it wasn't stupid and apologizing over and over for not being able to keep me safe.  He held me like this for a few minutes then drew back to look at me.  I suddenly grew shy knowing I must look like death itself.  He brushed my hair behind my ear.

"We are going to have to go to the doctors so he can make sure everything is okay.  And then you are going to have to tell me and at least Seth everything that happened.  We have been preparing for war and now that you are back here, Ryder is going to be even more determined to take our pack.  I don't want you to get upset about this.  I just need to you to know and be prepared for what will happen."  I nodded and then stood up slowly fully aware of my weakened state.  As quickly as I could, I took a shower to scrub the rest of the grime from my body that Derek had missed last night.  Then getting after getting dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt, I announced to Derek I was ready. 

Derek tried to carry me to the new pack doctor but I insisted that walking will do my body good, plus I would feel ridiculous.  Once there, I was brought into a private room, much like the one I was attacked in when all of this started.  I turned to Derek,

"If you need to go plan some more, or talk to Seth or something you can leave-" a growl ripped through his throat.  Although it wasn't directed at me in a negative way I still felt the power radiating from him.

"There is no way in hell I am leaving you right now, or ever"  I nodded and let the pack doctor, now a nice looking middle aged blonde woman, look at my injuries.  Derek stood next to me the whole time, hovering around the Doctor as she moved doing her work.  Finally she turned to me and Derek to say something.

"I'm happy to report there are no major injuries."  She said beaming, "The worst would be her fractured ribs but those will heal with time.  So will all the scrapes and bruises she received.  Everything else is in good shape just make sure she keeps eating at every meal to help her build her strength back."  Derek visibly relaxed as she spoke.  After thanking her he lead me back to the pack house where the meeting was going to take place.  He quickly made me some food and then brought me to the conference table. 

I was shocked about how much better I felt after eating.  I felt good after the shower this morning but it was amazing to me what a little bit of food could do.  However, Derek noticed my quiet demeanor and commented on it.  I cleared my throat.

"I'm just nervous to tell everyone what happened.  And what's going to happen after this meeting."  He nodded but before he could say anything Seth and a few higher ups in the pack had walked in.  Derek took my hand as they gathered around the table sitting in their usual spots.  They all greeted me with a smile referring to me as 'Luna' and explaining how happy they were that I had made it back to the territory safely.