The Exception

Chapter 21

*Josh POV*

(Flashback)

I faded back to reality momentarily, only to see a blood covered Brooke being dragged away by unknown forces. I felt as if I desperately wanted to cry out, but I couldn't maintain consciousness as I blacked out once again.

When I came to, I started to remember what had just happened. Brooke reached for my steering wheel, I swerved, and the car flipped over on Brooke's side. Before I passed out, we probably flipped about 9 times.

Currently being upside down, I unbuckled my seat belt and attempted to crawl out of the mess that was my car.

Staggering to my feet, I observed my surroundings trying to make sense of what my eyes were seeing. My eyes focused in and out as I saw a single trail of what seemed to be a dark red substance: Blood.

I almost collapsed to the ground again, but caught myself with my hands. I forced myself up again, realizing that I needed to figure out where Brooke was.

"Brooke?" I slurred.

Looking at the blood trail leading from the road into the surrounding forest, I decided that my best bet was to follow it. Not being fully aware or really even conscious enough to think logically, I began to jog in the direction of the blood.

"Brooke!" I called out, more desperate than I previously was.

Please, don't let her be...

Without warning, a pain most indescribable seemed to gash straight through my chest. My heartbeat pulsed loudly in my ears, seemingly drowning out my cries of pain. Unable to move forward, I only hoped that this paralyzing pain would soon pass.

Never in my life had I experienced such a pain even remotely close to this. However, I knew exactly what it was.

This kind of pain meant that either Brooke broke ties with my pack and left the territory, or she was dead.

There was no way I could tell which was what actually happened because Aaron was the one who took her away the first time I felt this pain. I tried to rationalize that, perhaps, Aaron was the one who was dragging her away.

I hoped - no - prayed that this was the case. But, then I remembered that, when I saw her last, she was covered in blood. I shook my head, attempting to remain positive until I knew for sure.

However, one thing I knew was certain. I couldn't give up, no matter how crippling the pain was.

Reaching my hand to my chest, it was at this moment that I realized my arm was bleeding. This only added to my already weakening body. However, I could care less about losing blood. I needed to find Brooke. I needed to know that she was alive.

Even if I die in the process.

So, I ran. Following the blood trail, I ran as far and as fast as I could without blacking out. As adrenaline began to pump through me, my heart only beat faster, causing the blood to flow even more. Dripping to the ground, my blood seemed to mix together with Brooke's as I hysterically continued forward.

I became so light headed that I didn't even understand what I was doing anymore. I was simply holding onto Brooke. She was the only thing that was keeping me conscious.

I slowed my steps, however, as I continued jogging, I tripped over what I believed to be a root from a tree trunk.

As I was losing consciousness, I called Brooke's name one last time before completely passing out.

(End of Flashback)

Having awoken with a start, I was unaware of my surroundings. The only thing I noticed was a beautiful, dark haired woman staring at me. I focused in on her beautiful green eyes that seemed so familiar. She uttered something, but I couldn't quite make out what she said.

I tried to mutter something myself, but I couldn't quite comprehend what I was saying. Everything seemed so slurred and foggy. I tried to look around the room, but I found my eyes glued to the woman standing before me.

As I blinked a few times in recognition, I soon realized where I was. Selena was looking at me, eyes full of concern when I realized that I was currently in a hospital. Glancing over, I also noticed that Tyler was standing in the corner, leaning against the wall.

I looked back into Selena's eyes, kind of happy that she was here, but upset that she had to see me like this. Suddenly, her previous concern melted away as she uttered one simple question.

"Who's Brooke?"