章 30: The Trio

30: The Trio

Lara woke up panting and terrified. Looking around her, she realized she was back. And that nameless look-alike of hers pulled her out of the dark place. Again. Just like she did before, leaving her disappointed.

The girl didn't answer her questions. But what gave Lara the goosebumps were the three men looming over her like a group of creepy doctors inspecting a test subject. The scene almost gave her a heart attack! Almost! She didn't even realize her tiny scream when she flinched sideways, getting away from them.

Good thing she didn't fall off the bed. She went far enough she won't tumble off and fall. But it's creepy though, since the three heads never strayed their eyes away from her.

Like, what the hell? They didn't even flinch when she yelled at their face.

"W-Who are you?"

None of the three blinked when she asked that question. None! As if they didn't her question at all. However, their silence gave Lara an opportunity to study them.

The one on the far left wore a pair of glasses, and the person next to him had dirty blond hair and shining green eyes who looked excited for some reason. The last one- the third one- had dark penetrating eyes that watched Lara's every move like a hawk. He also had this scowl on his face, as though he's not happy to see her. But then again, he's here, and he's standing in front of her right now.

Tony, the blond one, tugged on Carter's sleeve.

"Uh. Can I say that she's oddly… pretty?"

"Yeah, no wonder his highness fell in love with her at first sight."

Seth overheard the conversation and butted in.

"You're both wrong. I think his royal highness will accept his mate, beautiful or not."

"Right, but you can't deny that she's attractive."

Carter agreed to that with a nod. "Yeah, she is beautiful."

"Or just plain attractive." Added Seth, still scowling.

Lara sat on the bed, listening to the three of them talk. As though she weren't physically there.

They weren't even subtle enough to lower their voices so that she wouldn't hear them talk about her appearance.

Suddenly, the door opened, causing the three to flinch on their feet. Shit, she's here!

"Hey guys, I ordered something for you to eat. I hope you're up for steak and salad?"

Stefani's jolly voice filled the room. Hugging a large paper bag filled with food in her hands.

The three froze like a deer in headlights. Lara's surprised as well, because the last time she remembered her with Noah in the club, partying with Rachel and Chance. And now she's here, with Stefani and three weird men she doesn't even know.

"Oh." Stefani stopped, and the smile fell from her face when she saw Tony, Carter, and Seth surrounding a terrified Lara. "What are you guys doing?

Uh oh, the three cringed.

"Stefani!" Like a cry for help, Lara felt relieved after seeing a familiar face.

"Lara, you're awake!" Stefani happily came over and stopped when the three blocked her way. "Seriously?" She swung the paper bag in her hands, hitting them on their shoulders to get them away from her. "She just woke up. Give her some space! You too, Tony." She snapped her fingers in front of Seth's face. "You too, Seth, get back!"

The three protested on by one, but they immediately shut their mouths when Stefani gave them a glare.

Gulp!

Stefani raised an eyebrow. "You were saying?"

Seth, Carter, and Tony raised their hands in surrender, then backed away. Stefani then faced Lara with a smile.

"I'm really glad you're awake. How are you feeling?"

"Fine, I think. How long was I unconscious?" She asked.

"About two hours." Stefani became busy and took out the food from the paper bags and placed them on the center table.

"Where are we?"

"Carter's clinic." Stefani replied, then cringed when she saw one Styrofoam container had a big dent on it. Shit, she must have hit the three idiots really hard. "You hungry?" she asked, showing Lara an undamaged Styrofoam container.

Lara's stomach growled at seeing the food. "Yeah, a little. Who's Carter?"

Stefani mouth pointed one particular guy amongst the three. "That guy wearing glasses right there. That's Carter."

Noticing her stare, Carter gave Lara a shy smile and waved.

Lara returned his smile in a little awkward display though. But at least she didn't ignore him.

Who could blame her, anyway?

He was one of the three guys who almost gave her a heart attack.

"What happened, by the way?" She asked, giving Stefani her attention once again.

"You were in a coma, that's what happened." Stefani placed her share in front of her. "Noah brought you here. He was really worried about you, you know."

"Where is he?"

"Outside, taking a call. Sure, you're feeling okay? Should I tell Carter to check on you again?"

"Yes, and no. I'm fine, really. You don't have to have me checked, I'm good." Lara forced a smile. But it looked genuine enough for Stefani to let her go.

Stefani stilled, looked skeptical though. "Okay, I believe you. Tell me if you suddenly feel out of the ordinary, deal?"

"Deal. I'm really sorry for making you worry. You and Noah."

"Don't apologize. It wasn't your fault."

"Still, I'm sorry."

"Lara, seriously, stop apologizing." Stefani gathered her hands affectionately and held them together. "You're my friend. It's natural I'd get worried about you. That's why, if you don't want to make me worry again, start eating."

Lara smiled. "Okay…"

"Good girl."

Stefani ordered the three to sit down. "Behave." She warned them in a motherly manner before handing them their food.

Carter, Tony, and Seth respectively gave their thanks.

"Thanks, Stef!"

"Thank you, thank you!"

"Thanks..."

That was the scene that Noah saw when he came back into the room. Lara was already feeding herself when Noah's eyes landed on her.

"You're awake."

Immediately, Noah came to her side.

He then hugged her without a second thought.

"Thank the goddess, you're awake..."