Chapter 22: Chapter 22

ADDISON

Blinking my eyes open, it was bright. Too bright. As my eyes focused, my gaze fell on the dirty-blond hair that rested beside me.

Slade had fallen asleep holding my hand, and his slow breaths sent shock waves through my arm every time they passed over my hand.

I smiled and placed my hand on his head, running my fingers through his golden hair. He stirred, and then his head shot up, eyes full of shock and something else I couldn’t quite put my finger on.

“Addison.” He let out a deep breath, and his shoulders relaxed. “You’re awake.”

“Where am I?” I knew I wasn’t at home, but it wasn’t quite a hospital either.

“You’re at the pack medical building. You’ve been unconscious for three days.” He ran his hand through his hair. “I’m so glad you’re awake.”

I smiled at him.

“So, what the hell happened, Addison?” His voice was firm, and he had transitioned from relief to anger.

“I didn’t want to be in the house. I went for a run. I hadn’t done that since before I got here. It was amazing.” I smiled, remembering running through the tall grasses of the open plains on our land.

“I ran for miles. It was seriously the best run I’ve ever had, Slade. But as I headed back, I was caught off by a bear.”

Slade’s eyes widened. “Those gashes…” He started to connect things.

“I tried to just run off, knowing it wouldn’t be able to catch me. But as I tried to get past, the bear swung at me, and its claws caught my shoulder and my back.” Slade winced at the picture.

“It charged me while I was down, and I managed to jump up before it could get me, and I bit its leg and then bolted.” I could feel the tears welling in my eyes.

“I ran hard, for as long as I could. But I could feel myself getting weaker. I had to walk the rest of the way, hoping I would make it home.”

Slade couldn’t stay angry at that. “Addison, I’m so sorry.” Slade lowered his head. “When I couldn’t find you, I should have gone looking for you.”

“No, I’m sorry. I should have told someone where I was going instead of being stubborn and angry. This was my fault. Not yours, Slade.”

With that, I reached up and cupped his cheek, Slade resting his head in my hand.

“I don’t know what I would have done if I had lost you.” His words shocked me.

Thankfully, since I had been out for three days, my wounds were almost gone. Scabs covered where the gashes once were, and the bruising was all but gone.

Once Dr. Thomas came in to check on me one last time, we could go home. I wanted that more than anything.

Finally, we were able to head back to the house, with the promise that I would take it easy for a week just to be safe.

Slade and I walked back to the pack house slowly. He didn’t let go of my hand for a second, and I enjoyed that. As we walked, we were greeted by pack members checking up on their luna.

The moment we stepped into the house, I was once again assaulted by a fury of red hair and freckles.

“ADDISON!!!!” Hannah yelled as she flung her arms around me. “I’m so glad you’re home and okay. What on earth happened?!”

“Han,” Slade interrupted, “can we let her get through the door first?”

We walked down to the couch in the common room where I sank into my favorite spot. Hannah, Olivia, Sam, and Slade all surrounded me, each gasping at different times as I relayed what had happened.

“Oh my gosh.” Hannah sat back, shocked at what her friend had experienced.

“She’s a strong one,” Slade said as he looked down and smiled at me.

“I’m just so glad you are okay, Addie,” Olivia added as she put a hand on my knee.

For the rest of the evening, we sat together, talking and laughing. It was getting late, and I let out a yawn.

“Want to head up?” Slade turned to me, taking my hand.

I nodded. Even though I had apparently been sleeping for three days, I was exhausted. After wishing everyone good night, Slade picked me up and carried me up the stairs, much to my protest.

But Slade stopped on the second floor, dropping me to my feet. He held my hand and walked me down the hall.

“What are we doing?”

“You’ll see,” Slade said. I was curious, so I followed. Opening the door to the room next to Slade’s office, I walked into a nice-looking office.

“You like it?” Slade asked.

“It’s nice, but why are we here?” I didn’t understand until Slade pulled the door toward me, showing me the plaque on the outside.

~Addison Black – Luna~

I gasped. “This is mine?!”

As Slade nodded his head, I walked farther into the room, taking everything in. The walls were a light-beige color.

Straight ahead as you walked in there was a nice desk with two leather and metal chairs in front of it. Behind the desk was a tall white-and-navy-blue paisley armchair.

To the left were built-in open shelves full of books, plants, pictures, and files. To the right was a light-gray couch with brightly colored throw pillows and a small coffee table.

I threw my hands up to my mouth. “It’s perfect.” I turned to Slade and threw my arms around his neck. “What changed your mind?”

“You did.” Slade wrapped his arms around me and met my eyes.

“I felt so bad after we talked about your duties, so I wanted to make it up to you. Hannah and I spent most of that night and the next morning fixing it up.”

“You are amazing. Thank you.” I smiled up at him and kissed him on the cheek. Turning away, I asked, “Are you ready to go upstairs? I’m exhausted.”

Much to Slade’s dismay, I made it to the stairs before he could carry me the rest of the way up. As we made it down the hallway, we each turned to our own door and then back. “Good night, Addison.”

I smiled. “Good night, Slade.” I held his gaze for a minute, and then he stepped forward. Slade moved close to me, his forehead on mine. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply.

Barely brushing my lips with his, it sent chills down my spine. He kissed me gently. Pulling me close to him. This kiss wasn’t hurried. It was slow and warm.

We stopped to catch our breath, holding each other close. Then Slade laid a kiss on my forehead. “Good night.” He separated, walking into his room.

I entered my room and leaned against the door. Something about Slade had changed.

***

I was running across the open plain, screaming, yelling, calling for anyone to come to help me. I couldn’t get myself to shift, and I knew I had to run but couldn’t. I was frozen in place as…

“Addison,” Slade hollered as he shook me, “Addison, wake up.”

I flashed my eyes open, my body tense. “Slade, I…”

“You were just having a nightmare. You’re okay.” Slade pulled me up into his arms and held me until my heartbeat slowed. Pulling back, he asked, “Are you all right?”

“Yes, I’m fine.” I gave him a reassuring smile. “Good night.”

Slade hesitated, but I insisted I was fine, so he went back to his room.

Lying there in the dark, I was not about to go back to sleep. I tried, but the dark loneliness of my room was not comforting.