Chapter 42: Chapter 42: Friendly Support

Zale POV

“You should get proper rest,” John told me. “Go home, shower and eat something other than vending machine food.”

I did not look at him and instead kept my gaze fixed on Adeline.

“You know full well that I can’t rest,” I muttered, thinking about how the wolf had nearly taken control of me again.

“Staying awake won’t do you any good either,” he said. “If you won’t go home then at least take a nap in one of the waiting rooms; I’ll keep watch over her if that makes you feel any better.”

Did it make me feel better? Or did I want to be the only one to protect her, to be her sole guardian?

It was a selfish thought and I knew it, so I obliged John and retreated to the closest waiting room. The hours went by in a blur. My limbs basically moved themselves as my brain gave them simple orders; feed Adeline, watch Adeline, wipe her brow, help the nurses wash her body and redress her bandages.