Chapter 39

Lila’s POV I took a step away from the door. I wasn’t surprised by what I had just heard. But I suppose I was a little disappointed.

I’m sure Enzo was probably thinking the same thing; that I didn’t belong at this school. That I caused nothing but pain and destruction wherever I went.

I hurt my combat partner and friend.

I wouldn’t blame her for never forgiving me.

I could hear the murmurs continuing in the arena, but I didn’t stick around to listen to the rest.

...

Enzo’s POV “How could you say that when you know what my mother is, Connie?” I asked in disbelief.

Her face fell slightly.

“Your mother is different... she’s—”

“Lila is top in her class,” I said, interrupting her words. “She’s incredibly intelligent and great at what she does. I don’t think she meant to hurt anybody. Just like my mother would never hurt anybody.”

“Why are you protecting her, Enzo?” Connie asked, peering up at me with large and worried eyes. “As many years as I’ve known you, you’ve never once stood up for anyone like this. You didn’t even tell the cops about her.”

“Do you know who her father is? He would have my head if anything happened to that girl.”

That wasn’t the reason I was protecting her, but Connie didn’t need to know that.

“You saw what happened today. Imagine if that happened again? To someone else? Next time, it could be fatal.”

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“Look, Connie. I understand your concerns, but this is my class still and I protect my students, just like I protect my pack.”

“That’s quite noble of you,” Connie said. “I just worry about my old friend, that’s all.”

I had known Connie since we were children. She was basically my sister. We had trained together and fought together on many occasions. She was there for me to take care of my mother during many of her illnesses.

“How is Mom doing?” She asked, lowering her tone. She thought of my mother as our mother because of how long she’s known us.

“She’s recovering well,” I answered. “She should be ready to return home in a few days.”

“To the rogue territory? She still won’t move into your packhouse?”

I shake my head. My mother was incredibly stubborn, but I understood why she didn’t want to leave her home.

“She wants to be there to protect her people,” I explained. “It would take a lot to get her to leave.”

“I was thinking about visiting her after work today. Want to join me?” Connie asked, raising her brows as she met my eyes.

I wanted to bring my mother the portrait this afternoon, so I agreed to accompany Connie to the hospital.

“Connie!” My mother said as soon as we entered the hospital room.

Connie lowered herself onto her bed, grasping my mother’s hands.

“I heard what happened. I’m so sorry,” Connie breathed, tears welling up in her eyes. “I wish we could have protected you.”

“There was nothing you could have done, my dear,” my mom said, reaching her hand up and running it down the side of Connie’s face. “They would have found me one way or another and the outcome would have been the same.”

“We can make sure this never happens to you again,” Connie said firmly, glancing over at me.

I hadn’t told them that I already confronted the bastard that did this; it would only bring them both worry. I didn’t want to add to any stress.

I heard some talking in the halls from a couple of doctors and nurses; it sounded like they were talking about electrocution. At that point, I remembered my student, Becca, was currently at this hospital.

“Excuse me for a minute,” I said, dismissing myself as I slipped into the halls.

“I had never seen an electrocution accident this severe before. She’s lucky to be alive,” one of the doctors said in a hushed whisper.

“Has she woken yet?” The nurse asked.

“Not yet, and there’s a chance she won’t wake up at all.”

“Poor girl...” the other doctor breathed, gazing at the ground. “Have the police been involved?”

“They were called to the scene, but they left shortly after they spoke to the professor. It seems they ruled it as a freak accident.”

“Something like this isn’t a freak accident,” the nurse hissed.

I decided to make himself known to them before they discussed this matter any further. I loudly cleared my throat, startling them.

“Alpha Enzo,” one of the doctors said, straightening his stance. “We didn’t see you there.”

“I’m inquiring about a student of mine... Becca,” I said, staring around their paling faces.

They all looked at one another before turning back to me.

“She’s your student?” One of the doctors asked, swallowing the lump in his throat.

I nodded my head once.

“How is she doing?” I asked again, looking between them all.

“She just got out of surgery, so it’s a little too soon to tell,” he answered. “She’s still in a coma, but her vitals are good, and everything seems to be functioning properly. She’s very lucky to be alive.”

“Alpha, if you don’t mind me asking...” the nurse began. “How exactly did this happen? We’ve heard it was in the middle of your class...”

“Faulty wiring with one of the tools we were using,” I answered without hesitation. “Just as I told the police, it was a complete accident and product failure. There will be a lawsuit against the manufacturer.”

I pulled out a business card and handed it to one of the doctors.

“Give me a call and keep me updated on her condition,” I said, turning away from them.

“Yes, Alpha,” they all said in unison.

...

Lila’s POV “Your father is heading to the hospital now to check on her condition,” my mom breathed into the phone.

I clutched the phone close to my ear as I curled up in bed.

“I don’t want you to worry too much about this until we know everything,” she continued softly.

“Oh Mom... it was just so awful,” I said in return. “I can’t believe I did that...”

“It was because you lost control of your emotions. What got you feeling that way, Lila Bean?”

I couldn’t tell her the truth; I couldn’t tell her it was because of my jealousy toward Connie and her relationship with my mate. My heart squeezed painfully in my chest at the very thought of it.

“I guess I just got in my head a little,” I said; I was aware that wasn’t an answer, but she didn’t press any further.

“You should get some rest,” she sighed. “It’s been a long day and you won’t do any good if you’re sleep deprived.”

She was right; I was exhausted, but I wasn’t sure I’d be able to sleep. Not until I knew if Becca was going to be okay.

Rachel wasn’t back yet, which meant she was off with the guy she’s been seeing these last few weeks.

“Good night; I love you,” I said to my mom.

“I love you, Lila. Forever and always.”

I hung up the phone just as more tears ran down my features. I sniffled and wiped them away with the back of my sleeve when my phone started to ring again.

I didn’t recognize the number, but I answered it anyway. It could have been the hospital or something.

“Hello, is this Miss Lila?” A woman said on the other end of the phone.

“Yes, speaking,” I answered, trying not to sound too broken.

“Hello, this is Cassidy-Anne, I’m the owner of the Higala Art Gallery. How are you doing this evening?”

I sat up in bed quickly.

“Hello, Miss Cassidy-Anne. I’m well. How are you?”

“I’m good as well. I apologize for calling at this late hour, but I couldn’t wait to reach out and speak to you for myself. I received your submission and I’m taken aback by the glorious portrait of Alpha Enzo you have created. I must ask, why did you create a painting of him?”

I scrambled to find the right thing to say.

“The project topic assigned to me was to paint a role model who wasn’t family. Alpha Enzo is not only the best combat and shifting professor at the Shifting Academy, but he’s also the youngest Alpha. He works the hardest out of everyone I know because he has a reputation to build and uphold. He’s part of the Alpha Committee and works alongside my father and my father always has something positive to say about Alpha Enzo. It would have been foolish of me to choose anyone else as a role model.”

“That’s such a beautiful thing to say and I must say, I’m incredibly impressed,” Cassidy-Anne said in awe.

“Thank you so much.”

“I am pleased to inform you, Lila, that I would like to feature your painting in the next art exhibit I am holding this weekend. Congratulations and I can’t wait to finally meet the artist behind the portrait.”