Chapter 9
ELODIE’S POV~
The light in my eyes dimmed completely that night. I could feel it, like someone had reached inside my chest and stolen whatever little glow was left. A dull ache crept up and settled heavy in my heart, so suffocating it almost felt like breathing was punishment.
I gave Mila my usual bitter smile, the one I wore when I didn’t want anyone to know how much I was bleeding on the inside. She chirped away, tossing her silly little jokes into the room, trying so hard to make me laugh. And she did, well just a little. My lips curved, my chest lifted in a small chuckle, but it wasn’t real. It was like dragging a broken bone across glass.
I knew what she was doing. She wanted me to feel better. But I didn’t want better. I didn’t want hope or comfort or laughter. I wanted the pain to vanish completely, immediately. If Calhoun cared at all, it wasn’t for me. It was because I was the perfect slave, obedient, silent, answering to his every demand. That was the kind of woman he wanted. The kind he could mold into a shadow.
But not anymore.
“Okay,” Mila said finally, after making me snort at some ridiculous story she’d cooked up about a pack warrior tripping over his own sword. She stood, leaning down to kiss my temple. “I’ll be right back. Just need to run up some stuff. When I’m done, I’ll pick you up, I promise.”
I nodded weakly, watching her leave, the echo of her steps fading until I was alone again.
Days slipped by. I wasn’t discharged yet, and in those long hours, the silence became a cruel friend. Every day, I listened to the nurses gossip outside my door. They thought their voices didn’t carry, but they did. Every word felt like a knife, not felt! It was a knife.
“Did you see what Alpha Calhoun sent today?” one nurse whispered excitedly.
“A whole wardrobe, all designer, dresses, shoes, jewelry. It must have cost millions!” another gasped.
“That’s nothing. He cleared an entire VIP ward just for her. Said no one should disturb his mate.”
“Her room looks like a palace, flowers flown in from Paris, perfumes, diamond-studded bracelets, limited-edition handbags... you name it.”