Bab 308: 27. Too Many Broken Hearts.
When Bran returned to the pack, his face etched with disappointment, the tension in the air was palpable.
Adam's voice dripped with scorn and anger as he spoke, the words laced with bitterness. "What the fuck were you expecting? Mimi has no reason to come back after your stunt. If she's lying in some godforsaken guesthouse, suffering in pain for three weeks, her spirit broken, her body weakened by panic and diarrhea, there's no way in hell she'd want to return. Now she's found her own flock and purpose, and I can sense her joy as she lives life on her own terms through our mating bond, which now serves as a painful reminder of my monstrous actions. I didn't even think twice about satisfying my own desires by taking advantage of a pack of lustful werewolf females, using my alpha status as an excuse. But damn, I was never truly needed. And that's why you never informed Samuel, a doctor who could have put an end to your reckless behavior."
Bran's voice trembled as he responded, his face flushed with regret. "I was consumed by anger and jealousy towards Mimi's heat. I wasn't thinking straight. It had been so long since I had someone, and those feelings clouded my judgment. They say having loved and lost is better, but my jealousy drove me to do foolish things. And when I thought about what Mimi had endured, I realized how badly I messed up."
Damon sneered, his eyes filled with skepticism. "It might be true if you were being honest, Cornick. But as a telepath, I know you're just manipulating us with your words. You don't truly believe what you're saying. Consider this a warning, Hauptmann."
Bran's face turned pale and he fell silent, unable to defend himself.
Adam's intense gaze pierced through the room, his eyes locked on Bran. "I should throw you out, you dog of Satan," he spat, his voice dripping with a mixture of self-loathing and anger.
The air crackled with tension as he asserted his dominance, asserting himself as the alpha of their pack. A surge of frustration overwhelmed him.
"You think you're the leader, but you're going to mess everything up." A wave of regret washed over Adam. "Oh fuck," he muttered, his voice laced with disappointment. "We could have had a truly wonderful time. I had plans to study medicine, just like Mimi. I could have followed in her footsteps. But now, other men have been keeping her safe for six months, while we've failed miserably at our own responsibilities."
Damon, ever the calm presence, interjected softly. "I suppose it's up to us to lead the way and bring her back into the pack. Once she gets her papers, it's back to being part of the pack."
Adam nodded curtly, his resolve firm. Feeling the weight of the situation, Bran looked at Damon and spoke hesitantly. "Since she doesn't want to come, I don't think you can convince her, either."
Damon pulled a syringe from his pocket, his eyes meeting Bran's. "Oh no, I'm not giving her a choice," he stated firmly." Besides, I need to examine her and see if I can help. If she had such a severe reaction to the cannulation alone, I doubt it has lessened. But she needs to understand that I'm in charge, not her. This isn't the time for a sex holiday, yet."
A shiver ran down Adam's spine as he heard Damon's words. "Just make sure you don't make things worse," he cautioned, concern etched on his face. "We don't want to push her further away."
Damon's eyes met Adam's, a glint of excitement dancing within them. "She won't remember any of this, but she will feel it," he revealed. "I've got some new techniques that will ensure she experiences it fully."
Bran couldn't comprehend the details of their conversation, but the sinister pleasure in Damon's voice and the predatory look in his eyes made him uneasy.
Bran's voice reverberated in the room, filled with an underlying tension. "The lady's vampire side is overpowering. She's nearly more vampire than the wolf," he remarked.
Damon nodded in agreement, his movements accompanied by the faint sound of a satisfied exhale. "No problem," he said, his voice confident yet measured. "I'll need to assess her, work on her weaknesses, teach her a few things. After spending a few weeks together, she'll be back to embracing pack life."
Adam, understanding the unspoken rule, refrained from asking questions. Damon had his own plan, one that didn't involve divulging all the details to anyone.
For the past two weeks, my days in the hospital have been consumed by the constant demands of being on call. Murdock, a constant presence by my side, filled the air with a sense of security. Although his actions hinted at his dealings with questionable individuals, he remained tight-lipped about the extent of it.
Over the course of six months, he had become an indispensable figure in my life, for which I was grateful. While Murdoc excelled in matters of protection, Magnum, on the other hand, was overseeing the base. Jake was my feeder, and Rob possessed a mischievous side. Colin had provided me with a powerful sleeping pill, infused with calendula extract, courtesy of his leprechaun's craftsmanship.
It had no taste, making it easy for Rob to discreetly add a few drops into my coffee when I needed rest. It wasn't a regular occurrence, just an occasional respite from the demanding schedule. I wasn't asked if I needed some sleepy time. It just would come from time to time. My boys were really taking care of me, as well as they could.
On what was supposed to be my final day of training, as I prepared to collect my papers, a soft voice whispered in my mind, barely audible yet captivating. "Darling, I'll come for you today. Remember, too much excitement can lead to blood sugar problems. It's time to put an end to this undercover charade with Murdock and return to the pack."
A mixture of irritation and defiance surged within me. "What's the matter, Salvatore? Are you running out of options? Do you need a backup plan? I've remained faithful, unlike you, my sweet husband. Can you say the same? Why should I subject myself to pack life when I'm thriving on my own? Stop with the constant threats. It's become tiresome."
But, deep down, I knew that when the word "darling" was uttered, I would recite some more, so consequences were inevitable. Murdock's dry amusement filled the room as I recounted Damon's threat, and I couldn't help but wonder if Damon would follow through on his words or if it was all just empty talk.
Damon cautiously entered the hospital, the sterile scent of antiseptic filling his nostrils. He navigated the bustling corridors, aware of the hurried footsteps and hushed voices around him. As he made his way to the surgeon's floor, the sound of medical equipment beeping and the distant murmur of conversations grew louder.
In the dimly lit hallway, Damon's eyes caught sight of Murdock, a tall and imposing figure, nonchalantly leaning against the wall. Murdock straightened up, his presence commanding, and confidently strode towards the end of the corridor. Damon discreetly retreated into the shadows, observing as Murdock scanned his surroundings with a sense of vigilance.
His heart pounding, Damon witnessed the unthinkable. Murdock approached a cleaner who had just emerged from the elevator, their encounter seemingly harmless. But then, without warning, three gunshots. Their muffled pops carried into Damon's keen ears, the sound echoing through the corridor.
Murdock swiftly dragged his victim into a nearby cleaning closet, the metallic scent of blood mingling with the sterile hospital air. Seizing the opportunity, Damon had earlier delved into the cleaner's thoughts, confirming his suspicions that this had been an attempt to kidnap Mimi, orchestrated by one of Sark's men.
A heavy sigh escaped Damon's lips as he grasped the gravity of the situation. Murdock, in his own enigmatic way, had been silently safeguarding Mimi for the past six months. Damon couldn't help but admire Murdock's carefulness and dedication to Mimi's safety. He knew Murdock wouldn't have allowed Mimi to work here if he didn't genuinely respect and protect her.
However, the events unfolding now meant that Murdock would have to shift his focus. Damon continued to observe Murdock, contemplating whether he could use his skills and expertise in his own line of work.
Damon emerged from the dark shadows, his footsteps echoing softly on the floor as he approached Murdock. "You, Murdock, are the one I owe the greatest gratitude to," he said, his voice carrying a hint of appreciation. "But now, I retrieve Mimi for the pack. There is no need for you to dedicate your life to my wife's ward."
Murdock gazed at the vampire, his eyes filled with respect. "It has been an honor," he replied, his words laced with awe. "Mimi, she's the most extraordinary being in the entire universe. Safeguarding her and ensuring she can enjoy a long, fulfilling life has been a tremendous honor and marvel for me. Today alone, I've already taken down three dangerous men, but Sark remains oblivious to it all; he is just not getting the message that Mimi is safe. He won't have her. Not if I can help it."
Damon nodded, acknowledging Murdock's dedication. "Yes, this place is too perilous for Mimi. She now has her papers, and I have come to take her to the pack. You may leave." Murdock scoffed lightly.
As Damon turned to look, the sound of Mimi's voice caught his attention. Mimi walked alongside five men, their footsteps echoing in sync as they made their way towards the break room. She had her scrubs on and walked assuredly, as a top surgeon should. Men looked at her with respect, as she was now their colleague, their peer.
One man bore a striking resemblance to Burt Reynolds, another to Derek Hough, while another resembled Mel Gibson. One was an uncanny clone of Robert Downey Jr, and the last resembled Michael Shanks. Damon couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy rise within him as he observed Mimi engaging in conversation with the men.
Suddenly, the Mel Gibson look-alike disappeared into another room, only to reemerge with a bouquet of fragrant flowers and an envelope. The group led Mimi into the break room.
Murdock's amused voice interrupted Damon's thoughts. "Ah, you're quite jealous, aren't you? But those men are Mimi's friends too. She has been working with them for the past six months. The dark-haired one who picked up those flowers has been Mimi's anesthetist during her surgeries."
Damon realized he had brought this jealousy upon himself, and the lesson of actions and consequences resonated within him once again.
He turned to Murdock, a tinge of regret in his voice. "Yes, I am a foolishly jealous man, who wasted the opportunity to spend an incredible six months with my wife. But, as I mentioned, I am here now and taking her home. I'll see if Adam is available to assist with some necessary tasks."
Murdock grunted in response. "Oh well, let's see. Adam is yesterday's news. We have managed without him as well. We even had spies, but that resulted in a few losses. Mimi blamed herself, and now we have protocols and Jarod to help us with that."
Damon's voice tightened as he spoke, determination clear in his words. "I am confident that Adam will come through, without a doubt, and significant."
Murdock sighed, accepting the situation. "Fine, I'll stand guard here. You reunite with your exceptional surgeon wife. She's not just a trauma surgeon now, but also a skilled neurosurgeon. Absolutely brilliant."
Damon remained silent, clutching the bouquet of roses tightly in his hand. He could feel the weight of the flank syringe on his sleeve, ready to teach Mimi another valuable lesson.
I received my certificate, and an overwhelming sense of joy washed over me. The men handed me my paper and a delightful bouquet that filled the room with a sweet, fragrant aroma. I had just about to indulge in a generous slice of cake—its rich raspberry mousse and creamy texture tantalized my taste buds. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, complementing the delectable treat.
Just then, Damon entered the room, carrying a magnificent bunch of blood-red roses. As he approached me, he lovingly handed me the roses and passionately kissed me. As we broke apart, I could see the fire in Damon's eyes, his anger barely contained.
He whispered, "Darling, I'm so proud of you, but you need to take care of yourself." His hands caressed my body, concern clear in his touch as he observed how slender I had become.
Afterward, Damon placed me gently back on the ground and shook hands with each man, introducing himself and his various titles.
He proudly declared, "I am Lord Damon Salvatore, sometimes the head doctor in the emergency department and the head doctor of anesthesiology. Thank you for guiding my wife, Lady Salvatore, through her training. Now, she can focus on our life together."
The men introduced themselves cautiously, sensing the steel-like edge in Damon's voice. He regained his composure and took a seat beside me. Just as I was about to savor another spoonful of cake, Damon's grip tightened around my wrist, swiftly taking the plate away.
He whispered in my ear, "Darling, I'll take care of you."
At that moment, I felt a needle pierce my lung, causing my head to grow hazy. Damon masked it with another passionate kiss, ensuring no one suspected a thing.
They came at regular intervals, so that I finally found myself in Damon's arms, pretty fucking sedated.
Damon was talking to each man about normal stuff and I was so fucking drugged I wasn't even paying that much attention to what they were saying but there he was talking when I heard him talking about quite a few of the doctors working in this hospital.
After a couple of hours of drugging, Damon said, "Darling, I think I'll take you home now, and we'll have some quality time together. "
The man didn't put up a fight, and he helped me to my feet. I got to thank everyone and take my roses as we made our way down the hospital corridors towards the elevators.
I didn't see Murdock anywhere again, and Damon grumbled, "This place is too dangerous, and Murdock is now on the streets. As for your behavior, remember, I only warned you once, but well, now maybe you'll remember again. We're going to Milwaukee. I've bought us a house there. At least at first, it'll be just the two of us there. "
Fine, interesting. I wonder if there'll be a night of stabbings or something. I didn't even bother to care, as the flanks came into my bloodstream at a steady rate. Oh, so Damon loves to rub my liver. What the fuck is so amazing about that?
He said, "You're not really in top shape, but I'm here now, and I'll see what I can do."
I was silent, too drugged to speak. Besides, Mr. Salvatore had been telling me descriptively in my mind all the time he was talking to the men how he could kill every one of the five of them if I showed I was drugged, so I was a good girl, even though deep inside my head I had this ball of fucked up feeling that kept growing.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone