Chapter 32: THIRTY-TWO

Reawakened compassion Ough-ough-ough! Ough-ough-ough!

Ava could hear the sound of her own mouth coughing out water, she was conscious again but she was weak, so very weak that it took a lot of effort just to open her eyes, but she opened them anyway because she wanted to see who it was; the one who’d removed her from that water, and the same one who’d resuscitated her with his breath. She knew it was the same person because he had the same scent, that unmistakable scent, that scent she’d never gotten enough of. She knew who the person that saved her was already, but she wanted to see it with her own eyes so the image would forever remain in her head, and as she opened them, she didn’t see those cold, dark blue eyes she’d always seen before. Instead, these eyes were warmer, these were eyes that showed love, that showed care, that showed concern. She also saw something unmistakable in those eyes; fear. But why was he afraid?

What was he afraid of? Was it the fear of what just happened? The fear of losing her? Or the fear of losing his life? If anyone should be afraid, it should be her, but why did he look so afraid? Even more afraid than her.

“Praises be to the goddess!! She’s alive!!!” She heard Nani’s teary voice say, and Lucas looked away from her the minute he’d noticed her eyes had opened, she also didn’t miss the look of relief on his face. She was still in his arms, and he didn’t know the sudden move that came over him, but he pulled her close to him in embrace, burying his head in her shoulder, she could feel his warmth, just like that day at the forest, her body missed this warmth, this scent, her body missed it all.

He then stood and lifted her up, he carried her in his arms, her head on his chest, and very gently, he placed her hand on his neck. Her body was so cold; she’s awake, she’s conscious, but she’s weak, so very weak that if he had come here a second later, she would’ve been dead. The sound of her being dead would have loosened so many screws in his head, he couldn’t even bear to think of what would’ve happened if he’d lost her.

His men were still standing there, awaiting instructions, he rose his head towards them after looking at blonde in his arms, observing Ava one more time and proceeding to tell them what to do next.

“Filip, gather your men, with as much sand as possible. You’re going to drain the lake today, try to avoid the shocks as you do so. Starting from today, the forbidden lake will be no more.”

“Cian.”

“Yes master.”

“Accompany Nani to the fields and gather as much natural herbs as you can find to soothe her internal wounds, the shock might have long lasting effects if she isn’t treated properly.”

“Yes master,” the two of them responded. Nani failed to hide her reaction; seeing her master this way brought more tears to her eyes. He’d never been this way before; he’d never been this way since… since the former one died. She never thought that he’d have so much compassion in his life for any human being again until now, and now look at him, this was truly something to be hopeful for. Ava made him this way, she swore then that she’d do everything in her power to heal Ava completely, Ava wasn’t going anywhere; she’d make sure of it.

“Kiron!” Lucas continued.

“Send for the pack’s healer to Ava’s room, I will take her there now and let him examine her body.

Anything he needs to make her feel better will be provided, and when you’re done, you will guard her overnight will the guards on duty, you don’t have to worry about my room. Make sure you take care of her; I’m entrusting you with this one.”

“Yes master, I will not let you down,” Kiron bowed as he promised.

Lucas watched as everyone proceeded to carry out the instructions he’d given them, only he and Ava now stood in front of the lake. She’d heard everything, but was too weak to even move a muscle, he looked down at her and sighed, she’d closed her eyes now, it was time to let her rest for a while.

He took her inside, up the stairs and into her bedroom. Laying her down on her bed, he watched her for a while as he slept.

“How did this happen? What were you doing there, Ava?” He whispered lightly; his voice laced with tiny bits of regret. He then took her little hand in his big ones.

“Don’t ever scare me like that again. Do you hear me?”

Of course, he thought she didn’t hear him, but she did, if only she had the strength to respond.

“My lord.”

The pack’s healer, Kozi, had just arrived, with Kiron standing by him. They both had entered the room trying to appear like they hadn’t seen what they’d just seen.

Lucas cleared his throat, composed himself and got up from the bed, allowing Kozi to come forward and examine Ava. He checked her temperature, her pulse and then her heartbeat.

“She’s a strong one master, this one isn’t going anywhere.”

Lucas let out a sigh, now he could start breathing soundly again.

“Nani and Cian have gone out to gather herbs that will help her heal faster, is there anything else you might be needing for her?”

“No, let’s watch her first, all she needs is plenty of rest, the herbs will be mixed with her food.

Electric shocks are fatal to wolves, if it doesn’t kill them, it leaves them disoriented, I’m surprised how she’s held on for so long, and if she did, there’s not much to worry about anymore. She’s lucky, maybe the goddess knows she still has a purpose to fulfill. She’ll be all right master, I’ll be checking on her a few times in the night.”

“Thank you Kozi.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Alpha Lucas.”

He came closer to her to give her a final kiss on the forehead, before leaving her in the care of Kiron and the healer.