Fated To Three, Betrayed By All… Until She Rose.-Chapter 257: For her.

Jarek.

"You will not lose me," those were Lani’s words, and they echoed in my head, playing on an excruciatingly slow loop as I walked through the double glass doors of Frostclaw’s secret laboratory.

And by the gods, even though I feared that it may not be the truth, I also knew that I didn’t have any other choice but to allow myself to get treated. I couldn’t go on like this... and when I say like this, I mean like this. I mean my half sane, half mad episodes. I mean that moment I’d almost burst through the doors of my office to attack Leilani until I suddenly snapped into focus.

Goddess, I had seen the fear in Leilani’s eyes, I had noticed the way she fidgeted as she regarded me... and that was something I hated, especially since I’ve always prided myself as her safe haven.

If she must be weary around anyone, then it mustn’t be me...

"Alpha, you returned so soon?" Orion said just as he fell into step with me and I could only smile as he bowed quietly, a flicker of confusion crossing his face.

I turned to him briefly and in that moment, I hated that I noticed how tight my chest felt, I sighed; "Yes."

"But... but why?" He asked, "you seemed so eager to go—"

"And my eagerness was the reason I didn’t notice how unwell I still was. I nearly attacked Leilani." I responded, and at my words, he froze. But he said nothing as he began to lead me to my ward or should I call it a cage?

The staunch scent of antiseptic and several chemicals filled the air as we made our way through the halls, and when we finally arrived at my ward, he took a step back, creating more room for me to walk through as he suddenly said;

"I know that you probably feel like shit right now, Alpha, because for some reason, you had almost attacked the same girl who’s the reason you’ve been taking your treatment sessions seriously, but—"

"I’m doing it for me now." I cut in, hating the way my voice shook a little. "At first, I was doing it just for Leilani but now... now, I am doing it for me too. I need to get better for myself too."

"And you will."

After he said that, he bowed one more time then turned to walk out of the room, leaving me to quietly watch his retreating frame, my mind a tornado of conflicting emotions as I watched him go.

It wasn’t until he was gone that I finally allowed myself to let out the breath I’d been holding. I placed my small box onto the bed, fished out the red scarf in it— which had been my gift to Leilani— and wrapped it around my neck before closing my eyes and leaning against the wall.

"I need to get better," I muttered under my breath just as tears streamed down the corners of my face. "I need to curb this madness."

That night, for the first time in a long time, I slept like a baby. I slept so peacefully even though I knew that by tomorrow, I would return to those rigorous treatment sessions.

And I dreamt—

Yes, I dreamt for the very first time in a long time! I dreamt that I was better, that I was no longer on the brink of ferality... and I dreamt that Leilani was right there, waiting for me by the gate as I stepped out of this godforsaken laboratory.

She had the brightest smile on her face and her beautiful hair floated around her small frame as a cold wind blew against her rosy cheeks.

But just when I was about to pull her into a hug, to kiss her and to tell her that it was all fine now, a piercing scream tore through the air.

My eyes widened in horror when I looked down at her only to discover that she was bleeding heavily because I had bitten her deep into the spot between her neck and shoulder, and now, as she fell to the floor, clutching the front of my shirt in her shaky fingers, the only words she said were;

"Hate..."

I froze.

"Hate what?"

"I hate you, Frostclaw," she cried, choking on her blood until she dissolved into nothingness... and I awoke from my dream state, gasping for air and panting like I had just run a marathon.

My clothes were drenched in my sweat and I was shaking so badly, I feared that I would hyperventilate.

But it was just a dream right?

Right?

So why the hell can I taste blood in my mouth?

—

Leilani.

Jarek was gone again, and this time, I hate to say this but I was relieved that he was gone. I was glad that I didn’t have to walk on eggshells around him anymore, and most of all, I was most glad because now, I was certain that he would take his treatments seriously.

I leaned back into my chair and pushed away the folder in front of me as I looked up at Yvette who today had blue hair and bright blue lips. Her eyes widened slightly as she glanced from my face to the folder in front of her and asked;

"Errors?"

"Tons of them." I answered immediately, "Who drafted that?"

"I did..." she whispered quietly, " I am sorry. I would cross check and bring it back to you."

"Good. Also, tell the technical team that we’re to hold an emergency meeting by 1:00 pm later today because our partners, the Landry’s, are anxious to see the current developments in the smart traffic project."

"Okay ma’am."

"Thank you, you may leave." I said, and with that, she bowed one more time before walking away. However, she had just stopped at the door when she suddenly stopped and turned around to face me, her voice filled with something that sounded like disappointment as she said;

"I forgot to tell you ma’am, but there is a man asking to see you downstairs. He’s been waiting for over an hour now."

"Why?" I asked cocking my eyebrows,

"I don’t know, but he mentioned wanting to stage a meeting with you... Also he came with a bouquet of roses and some expensive gifts."

"Some expensive gifts?" I asked, not quite believing my ears, and at the same time, wondering who it was that had decided to ruin my peaceful morning. My frown deepened when she nodded, and I asked; "Did you ask to know who he is?"

"Yes," she answered quickly— too quickly that I didn’t miss the annoyance in her tone. She continued; "...he is Alpha Stormborn."

I stilled. My brain fogged for a moment but as soon as I snapped back to focus, I waved my hand dismissively and seethed; "Send him off!"

"Ma’am?"

"Tell him that I didn’t come in today or something! But send him off! I do not wish to see any of them!"

"You do not wish to see any of who?" A voice asked suddenly from the door and I froze when I turned to see Caelum standing there with the largest bouquet I’ve ever seen hanging on his arm and a deep frown etched onto his face.

He had the audacity to look hurt... betrayed... and goddess I wanted to smack him in the face with those goddamn flowers.

When I wouldn’t respond immediately, he stepped forward into the room and asked; "You want me to leave?"

And hell, even though I knew that this was the point where I should try to be civil, where I should behave like the lady that I was... but so help me heavens, I couldn’t. I was too mad... too irritated to think clearly.

So I drew in a deep breath and pointed to the door, my voice as cold as ice as I snarled; "Yes, Alpha Caelum, get out."