Page 14 of Broken Souls

“I won't hurt you,” he assures me in a soothing voice.

His fingers come into contact with my skin. He slowly rubs the cream into my bruises. It's tender, making my breathing sharp. He uses his fingertips, being careful not to put too much pressure against my skin. I watch him in amazement as he does it. He seems so concentrated on getting every centimetre that's bruised. The way his fingers move in a soft and slow circular rhythm is relieving. I don't think I've ever been touched so gently. It causes a tear to slip out of my eye.

“There.” He twists the cap back on the bottle. His expression drops when he looks at me. “Did I hurt you?” Axe swipes his thumb under my eye to wipe away my tear.

“No.” I'm being honest when I tell him that.

“You should keep warm.” He grabs a shirt and helps me pull my arms through. “Do you want to be alone?”

“I should probably get some sleep,” I say, and he nods. He closes the curtains slightly so the sun is shining against the wall instead of right on the bed.

When he leaves I'm determined that by the end of the day I’ll have a set plan for what I'm going to do when Axe's hospitality comes to a finish. I still have school. I assume my father is still paying for it. Shit. I have work today. I’ve got to make arrangements.

“Axe,” I say loudly, my throat hurting. He comes to the room immediately looking alert. “I need my phone. It was in my pants.”

Axe goes into the bathroom and grabs my phone. I thank him and he goes back to wherever he was. My phone has missed calls from my father. Why the fuck would he call after choosing those shits over me? I ignore them and call my manager and bring the phone to my ear. I hope I don't get in trouble for calling in on such late notice. I tell her I can't make my shift this afternoon as well as the rest of the week because I broke a bone. My manager accepts my answer but says she may hire a temp for a couple months in case I need the time off. She wishes me well and then I hang up. I feel more relaxed knowing I have time off and I'm still keeping my job. I decide to call Amelia and let her know I won't be at school. She doesn't answer so I leave a message telling her some bad shit happened in my personal life and I'll be back at school when I've got it under control.

Now that two of my worries are simplified, I decide I can sleep. My challenge now is getting past the painful stage of healing.

Chapter Thirteen

It's been a couple days and it's safe to say the swelling has gone down. My face is bruised, well I assume it is. I don't want to look in the mirror. But the swelling has gone down. The painkillers Axe got me are doing wonders for my ribs. Plus, the cream is actually working for my bruises. It's taking time but I know they'll heal. Axe has been putting the cream on me. Feeling his gentle fingertips slide against my sensitive skin is giving me a sensation I don't want anyone to make me feel.

As for school and work, I haven't been there. I know I need to get back to it but this bed has become my safe space. I've been thinking and I might go to a hotel to finish my healing process, look for an apartment and to be by myself. As generous as Axe has been, he is still a stranger to me. I can't stay with him. My plan has always been to leave the pack. If I mention that to the alpha, I don't know how he'll react. I decide I should talk to him now. I want to be out of the pack area as soon as I can. Being smack down in the middle of the pack residency isn't doing any good things for my mental state.

I get out of bed and slowly make my way out into the hallway. Walking has gotten a little easier. It still hurts but I've been practising walking around in the room to keep my blood pumping. I smell out Axe's scent and come to a door. To raise my fist and knock will just cause me more strain so I call his name. The door opens immediately and he looks surprised to see me standing here.

“What are you doing out of bed?” he asks.

“I need to talk to you,” I tell him, and he nods, leading me to the chairs in front of his desk. “I'll stand.” Sitting down and getting back up will just be a nuisance.

“Am I getting an explanation?” Axe looks intently at me.

“No,” I murmur, looking down. I'm not going to tell him anything. I really do want to put my werewolf life behind me. “I want to thank you for saving me. I appreciate everything you've done for me but it's time I go.”

“What?” He frowns, his eyes becoming as big as saucers. “What are you talking about?”

“I need to go. I've got school and work. Thank you, Axe, really.” I turn to walk away. I'd really like to run out of here since it feels awkward, but my body keeps me moving slowly.

“Elora.” Axe grabs my arm and stands in front of me. “Are you insane? You are not going to work or school. I can clearly see you're in pain every time you take a step.”

“Axe...”

“You aren't going.” His eyes are hard with authority. Why does he care?

“But...”

“You will stay until you are healed and able to look after yourself. Now go back to bed,” he says firmly. I can feel the weight of his alpha strength through his words.

“Okay,” I mumble.

There's a difference when a pack member tells me what to do because I don't have to listen to anything they say. But when it's the alpha, my wolf can sense his power and submits, which of course makes me submit. I go back to bed and get comfortable, figuring I'll give it another week before I think about leaving again.

For the past two days I've literally watched tv and been on my phone, thankful for the charger Axe gave me. Amelia has been texting me a lot, even prying into my life which she usually doesn't do. I understand why though; I've never taken three days off school in a row before. I told her shit happened and I'm trying to find an apartment as well but I'll be back at school soon. I don't want her to worry. Amelia also lets me know that when I'm not at school, the three monstrosities take their bullying bullshit out on a lot of people. Someone really needs to put a stop to their behaviour. But maybe high school is their peak in life. In a few months, they'll end up in shitty jobs if they can hold them.

I'm snapped out of my thoughts as I hear hammering footsteps through the house. My door gets flung open and standing there looking mighty is beta Dashiell. His eyes focus on mine and they darken the longer he stares. He looks angry. Axe appears behind him and walks into the room.

“Did you do this to her?” Dashiell roars, turning to Axe while gesturing to my bruises. Shit, my face may be purple but if Dashiell saw my body, he'd probably go ballistic.