Chapter 42

Lionel’s POV

Why is it always Nan who suffers?

I’d known from the second I saw her approach Nan that something would happen. My gut instincts had been on red alert since I had spotted her. I tried my hardest to prevent the incoming disaster.

From the rapid changes in her scent, to her bristling and unkept appearance…it was clear that Cora was coming unglued at the seams. Her insane accusations only furthered my suspicions.

Wolf-less? It is impossible for Nan to be wolf-less. I would notice.

Nan’s scent would give her away immediately. In general, wolf-less don’t smell like much of anything to most wolves. Nan’s scent is all too delectable to be wolf-less.

I disregarded the notion immediately. I put my full attention on the unstable Cora. Beholding her quickly rising anger.

Cora’s always been vicious when provoked. She had become a ticking time bomb of bitter outrage. One that grew closer to detonation with each dismissive comment.

I did not want Nan close to her when she lost it. I made my way to Cora. All too aware that my dominant presence would either submit the unruly wolf or send her into a defensive frenzy.

I kept a tight lid of my emotions. My own inner wolf’s anger spiking at the fear in Nan’s scent. Ready to rip Cora to pieces if she even moved wrong.

But then all hell broke loose. Some idiot made the wrong comment and Cora lost her shit. I lunged for her but was too late.

‘Nan, she’s going for Nan. Fuck!’ I thought.

I rushed in the same direction. Desperate to protect Nan. But Cora was fast and utterly feral.

In one second, she was in front of Nan. I smelled Nan’s blood for split second. And then Nan had been thrown into the pool.

My feet moved fast. Cora tried to intercept me, touching my arms. I grabbed her by her neck and gave her a guttural growl.

She whimpered. I threw her carelessly to the side. Uncaring at the sound of crashing tables and the cries of my guests.

The only thing that mattered was Nan. Nan, who’d endured enough humiliation. Nan…who could not swim.

I peered into the pool for only a moment. Long enough to see her sinking to the bottom. I jumped into the water without any further delay.

‘She’s unconscious,’ I panic. ‘That’s not good.’

I swim closer. Reach to wrap a arm around her body. Then I pull her as close as I can.

I break the surface. People around me are shouting and trying to grab me. But I am only focused on Nan’s pale face and closed eyes.

“Take her first!” I order. No one argues.

Someone pulls her out first. I pull myself up and ignore all hands reaching for me. Kneel by Nan’s unconscious form.

She is sprawled out on the patio. Lips turning an alarming shade of blue. I don’t see her chest rising.

A dark, ugly emotion is sinking in my chest. Thick and dark like tar. Multiple people speak around me, but I do not register the words.

‘No, you don’t,’ I think to her. ‘I can’t go through this again.’

Tilt her head back and check for air. Nothing. I clench my jaw.

I begin chest compressions. Then lean down to give her my own life’s breath. Hoping it will work.

Again and again I do this. The world has narrowed down to this. And for once, the goddess seems to smile down upon me.

She coughs. Water spewing out. Breathes in shallow little breaths.

As she does I realize that I am breathing easier too. The panic and fear receding from my own chest. I put my hand to her cheek.

Nan looks at me. But her eyes…those beautiful storm cloud eyes are like icy slush. Unseeing and distant.

She does not speak. Only stares uncomprehendingly. ‘Oh Nan…’

Her chattering teeth give me resolve. I pick her up and hold her to my chest. Try to rub some warmth back into her.

“It’s okay, I got you Nan. You’re okay.” I whisper into her hair.

But that seems to sap the last of her strength. Her head drops into my shoulder. I know she has fainted by the lack of tension in her body.

The unwelcome noise of the party filters back into my ears. And then, even more unwanted voice of Cora whining…I turn around to face her.

“Lionel-” She tries to say. But I have had enough.

“You break into my home, attack my guests...and still have the nerve to stand there?” I demand.

People begin to move away from her. I can see security has arrived from the corner of my eyes. ‘Where the fuck were they before?’

“SECURITY! Drag her out, now! If I see you again, I will end you then and there.” I growl.

Then I turn to everyone else. Letting my alpha eyes burn at those brave enough to meet my glare. Not many do.

“The party is over. Everyone, OUT NOW.” My voice booms.

It takes no further instruction. Within minutes, the entire venue is empty. All but my immediate family.

Joseph starts to speak, but my roar stops it. He wisely decides to vacate the premises instead. My mother stands but does not approach.

“Lionel, why don’t I take the girls with me for the weekend?” She offers.

“Are you sure?” I am able to grit out. My wolf is so close to the surface that I can barely speak coherently.

“Of course, I need some time with my granddaughters. Besides, I can already smell the sickness setting into her. She’ll need your full attention.”

I decide not to pay attention to the distain in her voice. I could smell it too. Also, the girls did not need to see Nan this way.

“That’s fine. Girls, it’s okay. I’ll take care of Nan, don’t you worry.”

I feel guilty that I leave before checking the girls’ reactions. But at that moment all I have is tunnel vision. Nan needs me.

When I get Nan to the room, I immediately change her out of her wet clothes. Too worried to take notice of her naked body. I find her the softest pajamas I can.

I also grab some anti-bacteria medicine when I am reminded of the scratches. I gentle clean out the wounds. Imagining all the ways I would make Cora pay for harming Nan.

I order the remaining cleaning staff to bring up the temperature when I feel Nan’s cold, shivering form. Adjust her pillows and blankets for more comfort. Then I pull a comfortable chair from the corner of her room and settle into it for the night.

An hour or two has passed as I do these tasks. My eye lids droop. But I watch like a hawk.

“Sir, I can stay and watch over Miss Lupa. You should rest. I can alert you too any changes.”

One of the maids offers to watch over Nan so I may rest. A redheaded woman that I have caught Nan laughing with in the kitchen. It brings a half-smile to my mouth at the memory.

“No, I’ll do it. Make a medicine basket to bring up here. Maybe another blanket for myself.”

I frown as I notice a bright flush on Nan’s cheeks and the heat radiating off her head. “Actually, turn the thermostat down some and bring some damp clothes. And call the physician.”

“Yes sir.”

The maid obeys my orders promptly. Warning me the physician will not be available until the next day. I am not happy, but I let it pass for the time being.

‘Nan has a fever, but it’s nothing too worrying.’ I note. ‘She should be fine until morning.’

The adrenaline of the day has faded. I am tired. But my brain will not stop conjuring the image of Nan.

Nan’s humiliation at the party. Cora’s attack. Nan almost drowning…

I clench my fist. Seeing Nan so lifeless…I would never forget it.

It would haunt me for the rest of my life. This I know. Why is it always Nan who suffers?

I mull over this question for a few minutes. But eventually, my drowsiness wins. Between Nan sleeping so quietly in front of me and the cool room, I doze off.

But then the nightmares start.