Chapter 63: ECHOES OF LOVE
Chapter 63: ECHOES OF LOVE
CATHERINE
The pain shot through me as Damon helped me back to our room. Every step felt like a reminder of the fall I had taken when The Collector dropped me. I winced, trying to hide the discomfort from Damon, but he noticed immediately.
"Cathy, you're hurt," Damon said with concern etched on his face.
"I'll be fine," I replied, attempting to downplay the pain.
Damon gently guided me to sit on the edge of our bed. "Let me take a look," he insisted, his alpha instincts kicking in.
As he examined the bruised areas, his touch was surprisingly gentle. His fingers traced the contours of my injuries, and I couldn't help but lean into his comforting presence. I felt vulnerable, but being with Damon offered a sense of security.
"You took quite a fall. We need to make sure you're okay," he said, his tone a mix of worry and affection.
I sighed, realizing I couldn't escape his caring nature. "I know, Damon. It just hurts."
He met my eyes, a reassuring smile playing on his lips. "I'll take care of you, Cathy. That's what mates do."
As he spoke, Damon fetched a first aid kit, his movements deliberate and tender. The quiet in the room was only broken by the occasional sounds of the ongoing activities outside. The rumors of how The Collector was killed spread in the pack.
"This is going to hurt a bit Cathy but it'll help your wounds heal faster okay?" Damon said and I nodded in agreement. This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.
Damon began treating my injuries with utmost care. His touch, normally powerful and commanding, was now softened and tender. This man here makes my heart beat at an unusual rate.
The sting of antiseptic made me flinch, but Damon's apologetic gaze lessened the discomfort.
"Sorry baby," he said
'Baby, that's so sweet' I thought to myself.
"Stop blushing so much before your cheeks catch fire" my inner wolf warned mockingly
"I'm not blushing" I warned her in embarrassment
"You can keep lying to yourself"
"Shut up already" I yelled back at her in mind and she curled back in.
After the fight in my mind with my wolf, I didn't notice that Damon had been staring at me all the while
"Is everything alright Cathy?"
"Of course, why do you ask?"
"You've been smiling and your face is all red" he teased
I mediately placed both hands on my cheeks and they were very warm.
"I'm not smiling" I argued
"You were Cathy, so tell me why you were smiling"
"It's nothing, Damon, maybe you're beginning to see things, should I take you to the healer?" I mocked him
He laughed so hard and I was happy that I could make him laugh after the tension we've all faced today.
He finished dressing the wounds, and I marveled at the tenderness he displayed. Damon then helped me lie down, ensuring I was comfortable. As I settled onto the bed, he sat beside me, his presence a soothing balm.
"Rest, Cathy. I'll be right here," Damon said, his hand gently stroking my hair.
Closing my eyes, I felt a mix of pain and gratitude. The room was quiet but I was happy that Damon was right beside me mending not just my physical wounds but also my emotional strains.
DAMON
She looked so beautiful. Applying the antiseptic and touching her delicate skin felt heavenly, sending shivers down my spine. I tried hard to control the urge to kiss her immediately. I hated that The Collector had bruised her, but I was relieved knowing I killed him myself and he could no longer harm her.
After helping her into bed, she still couldn't sleep, her eyes wide open.
"Why are you still awake, Cathy? You should get some sleep," I suggested.
Her brows furrowed as she responded, "How can I sleep when you keep staring at me like that?" She looked so cute when she scrunched her face.
"I don't want to take my eyes off you, Cathy," I admitted.
"But why? You should get some sleep too," she reasoned.
"I'll sleep when you do, so go to bed if you want me to sleep," I teased.
"Okay, fine!" she said in surrender, closing her eyes shut. A smile tugged at my lips watching her childish act; it made her look even more adorable.
After a while, I could hear her soft breathing, indicating she had fallen asleep. A few strands of hair fell on her face, and I gently pulled them behind her ear, trying not to wake her up.
Unable to sleep, I decided to take a quiet walk. The night air felt refreshing, and the moonlit path led me to the healing house. As I entered, the soothing scent of herbs surrounded me. I noticed Faye covering her face, sleeping close to Lucas.
Walking over to the healer, I asked, "How is Lucas doing?"
The healer's face reflected a mix of weariness and concern, he replied,
"He's stable for now, Alpha. The injuries were severe, but he'll recover with rest."
My eyes lingered on Faye, her protective posture beside Lucas revealing the depth of her worry.
"Alpha Damon," the healer continued, "Faye insisted on staying with him. She's been worried sick."
I nodded, understanding the bond between mates. Walking towards Faye, I gently touched her shoulder, trying not to startle her. She stirred, lifting her head, her eyes reflecting exhaustion.
"Faye, you should go back to your room and get some sleep. You'll see Lucas in the morning," I suggested, my tone gentle.
"But I want to stay with him," Faye protested, her eyes pleading.
"He'll be fine, Faye. The healer said he needs rest, and you need it too," I reassured her, emphasizing the importance of self-care.
Reluctantly, Faye nodded, realizing the truth in my words. I guided her out of the healing house, ensuring she took a moment to catch her breath.
"He's in good hands. Get some rest, Faye," I encouraged, giving her a reassuring smile.
With a grateful nod, Faye walked back to her room, leaving me alone in the healing house. I approached Lucas, silently hoping for his swift recovery.
The healer shared a few more details, and as I left the room, the quiet of the night surrounded me. I walked back to my room, and as I opened the door, Cathy opened her eyes.
"Where did you go Damon?" she inquired
"I couldn't sleep so I took a walk to the healing house" I explained as I walked to the bed. "I'm here, you can sleep now" I said as I pulled her close to me gently caressing her hair to put her back to sleep.
The annoying knocking woke me up from a deep sleep. I was very irritated as I rose from the bed and ready to confront who was behind the disturbance. Opening the door, I found Ryder, looking serious.
"Alpha Vance is here."