Chapter S Just as I put my hands on the bed to push myself off the floor , Thane sweeps under my legs and I quickly slide my arm around his neck , causing my fingers to brush through the hair at the base of his neck , eliciting a shiver out of him .
He gently places me in the bed and we lock eyes with each other , our noses almost touching .
He looks down at my lips and then quickly clears his throat once I lick my own and he steps back covering me up as he does .
He pulls the table around and gives me my notepad and pencil .
I will let Eric know that you are ready for a meal and have him talk to you about his treatment plan .
In the meantime , I can call your pack and let them know you have been found and getting care .
Can you tell me who your pack is so we can find your family ? I frown at him .
Hurt flashing across my face before I see flashes of my sister running , my mother screaming while being attacked by shifters .
Me desperately thrashing , trying to get away .
My father nowhere in sight .
He must register the pain on my face because he whispers Im sorry before I can nod no .
And I see hurt flashing across his face as well .
We share a moment of silence just holding each others gaze before were interrupted by a female shifter and the healer .
I stiffen and start to scoot further back in the bed , anticipating punishment from Eric for hiding and making a scene , but to my surprise they both smile at me and start talking as if nothing happened .
Food will be here shortly and I would like to get another blood sample before she eats if thats okay .
Thane turns his head from Eric to me and I suddenly realize hes waiting for my answer , not telling me what I have to do .

Giving me a choice .
I look between the three of them and nod my head in agreement .
Im going to head back to the pack house and get caught up on some work , but I can stay if you want me to .
I want to do what makes you comfortable , but I also trust you here with Eric and his team .
I swear on my life , he will take good care of you .
They all will .
We want you better , we need your help , and we want to help you .
No strings attached .
My team and I have been tracking and rescuing trafficked shifters .
You arent alone anymore .
Not alone anymore .
Those words sound so amazing , but also so unreal .
I havent allowed myself to feel hopeful in years .
The thought of not being alone never registering , never on my radar as a possibility , but here in this room , hes offering it to me .
I pick up the pad of paper and write its okay to work , I feel better .
and I place it down on my lap ; catching myself staring at the words in shock I even feel this way .

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I look back at Thane and hes smiling at me .
Im proud of the steps youre taking .
Youre doing good little wolf .
His praise causing me to blush and quickly look away .
He chuckles to himself Alright , I will be checking in with Eric on your progress .
We will talk more when youre up for it .
And he nods at me and he exits the room .
The smell of pine and earth lingering in the air .
I inhale deeply trying to get as much as it as I can .
A few pokes later I finally get to eat and the hottest bowl of chicken soup was brought in on a tray with bread and Im salivating .
The smell is divine and I cant remember how long its been since I touched hot food , let alone anything that tasted good .
They let me have two bowls before I had to quit .
I admit , I was a little nauseated like they warned me of when I was inhaling my soup , but it was worth it .
The fact that I remained calm during the blood draw is a miracle .
The amount of interaction Ive had to do has exhausted me , but the fact all of my interactions have been pleasant and nobody has hurt me in anyway has me feeling shocked.
Almost like a state of denial that this safety could be real .

I get up and slowly shuffle myself to the bathroom .
Turning on the light I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and Im surprised to see what I look like now .
I ve definitely aged .
My hair a duli white , my eyes tired and heavy .
A scabbed over cut on my forehead and several yellow , fading bruises .
I stare deep into my eyes .
Begging and pleading to catch a glimpse of my wolf .
Aramana if youre there , Im sorry .
Im sorry that you were forced away .
Im sorry I couldnt protect you .
I feel utterly gutted at that thought .
I should bring crying , I want to , but nothing comes out .
I just stand there , staring at my reflection , waiting for something .
Anything .
Nothing .
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