Four
а
I woke up in a hospital bed, sore all over. A nurse–a werewolf–stood by my side, smiling softly.
“Beta Emira, you’re awake. Feeling better?”
I couldn’t speak. Pain pulsed through my side, especially where the rogue had attacked. I nodded weakly.”
“I’ll call the doctor,” she said before hurrying out. I shut my eyes. My wolf was just as weak as I was. The memory came rushing back, how the rogue nearly killed me… how Luther left me with Diana and ran.
My lips tightened.”
That’s when I caught it. Their scent. Diana and Luther just walked into the room.
“You shouldn’t feel guilty, Beta Diana. It wasn’t your fault,” Luther said.
Diana stood at the door, pouting like a damn puppy. “You were Emira’s bodyguard. You should’ve protected her, not me. Why did you save me?“}
Luther stared at her like she hung the moon. My chest tightened. My wolf whimpered. He’d never looked at me that way.”
“I told you, I’d protect you again and again–no matter what,” he said, brushing her cheek, wiping away her tears like she was his whole damn world.”
You shouldn’t…” Diana’s voice cracked.\
You
His voice was thick. “Because, Beta Diana, I—“}
No. I couldn’t hear it.
I grabbed the glass on my tray and hurled it at the wall. It shattered, cutting through whatever stupid confession was about to Jeave his mouth.
They both jumped, startled. Diana rushed to my side, fake concern plastered on her face.
“You’re awake, Sis!” she cried, tears slipping down. “Are you okay? Where does it hurt?” She reached for me, but I jerked away like her touch burned.
“I’m sorry, Sis,” she said, voice trembling. “It should’ve been me-“}
I glared at her, lips tight, my wolf snarling inside me. “Sorry? Can you rewind time and take my place? No? Then leave. You’re not helping me heal.”}
She looked like I’d slapped her. “You can hurt me if it’ll ease your pain,” she whispered tearfully.
“Don’t tempt me,” I said coldly. “Leave.“”
She glanced at Luther with glassy eyes, like she expected him to defend her. I didn’t look his way, but I could feel his anger. Diana ran out crying.”
Luther turned to follow, but I snapped, “Where are you going? You’re my bodyguard. You failed to protect me. I almost died!” He froze, his back to me, every muscle in him tense. He couldn’t even look at me. Couldn’t face the mate he abandoned. It hurt more than anything else.
“I take full responsibility, Beta Emira,” he said stiffly. “I’ll accept the consequences. But please don’t be too harsh on your sister.”
S
σ
My lips trembled. Damn him. I thought I was strong enough to handle this, but these feelings–this betrayal–clung to me like ghosts. I took a shaky breath and forced my voice to steady.
“Leave,” I whispered.
He did. No hesitation. Just ran… like he was chasing a train that was never coming back.
I stayed in that hospital for a week. No visitors. Who would visit me anyway? Only my mother cared. I didn’t even tell her pack what happened.
When I was finally discharged, I called Luther to the main hall.
He showed up, stopping two meters away from me–ready. I held a black whip in my hand.
He knew the price for failing to protect me. A hundred lashes.
He didn’t speak. Just dropped to his knees, head bowed.”
I laughed bitterly. He was doing this… for Diana. Everything was always for her.”
Love really was that blind.
A lump formed in my throat. My mate, Alpha of the most powerful pack was kneeling before me, waiting for punishment.” He could’ve resigned. He could’ve walked away. But for Diana? He chose this.”
I moved behind him, lifting the whip. My hands shook.
