บท 59: 19. Leaving On a Jet Plane
It was finally time for our long-awaited holiday, and I could feel the excitement in the air. The scent of anticipation lingered as we prepared to escape the chaos of our den. Damon's recovery had been a hard journey, and Salvatore's rage only added to the strain. Our den, once a haven of peace, now carried the weight of our troubles.
Mariella had turned the entire pack against me, even Adam, Charles, and the boys, by telling to them how I always put my nest in the wrong place, not inside the bubble. But I knew the truth. I was tired, worn out, and not in good health at all, but as usual, keeping my mouth shut about my state of being.
I knew Damon needed Mariella more than he needed me. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but I had learned to accept it. Our time together had been intense, especially before the attack. There was a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, we could have a proper holiday. However, with the unpredictable nature of our lives, certainty was elusive. I sighed in my mind as I knew that in the upcoming months, Mariella would have once again had time to poison each salvatore against me.
I was still reeling from the aftermath of Mariella's confrontation. She had leaped at my face, her anger palpable. I had just emerged from isolation, having lost a significant amount of weight and fitness because of a wretched antibiotic that wreaked havoc on my system. Accusing me of choosing the wrong place for my cubs was the last thing I expected. But as the truth came out. I said nothing, but it just made three more wells of very powerful black rage in my mind. I was that furious.
Silently, I absorbed the revelation I had stumbled upon. Our threat report, buried under a pile of spam posts, revealed feral creatures in our surroundings. It was clear that our esteemed pack leader had not bothered to read it, let alone take any action against these threats. I kept this information to myself, knowing that Mariella was to blame. She had seduced Damon, diverting his attention from his pack leader's responsibilities. It was evident that someone capable of shouldering the workload was desperately needed.
As for me, I had my own plans for the holiday. They involved vibrant sights, the melodic sound of singing, the thrill of driving, and the allure of various fairs, fashion shows, and car exhibitions. It was a selfish choice, prioritizing my own enjoyment over missions and work. I didn't even consider what Mariella would think, as she always sought to be the center of attention within the pack. I did not intend to seek the limelight, but rather to explore what was new and reconnect with old acquaintances. Work-related discussions were bound to arise, considering the number of ex-fleas in those circles as well.
I sat at the table, surrounded by the pack, the aroma of food wafting through the air. My mood was low, and I had no intention of going to any farm or engaging in any cooking or baking. This was my time for freedom and enjoyment. While the rest of the pack saw it as a sex-filled holiday, I found it dull. Instead of mindlessly indulging in pleasure, I wanted to explore and learn from the world around me.
As I ate with the pack, I maintained a neutral expression. I had gotten my own food, my own portion, which was not the right size, but no one cared for that. Mariella was passionately describing her dreams to Damon, envisioning their paradise in the Azores and the sexual escapades they would have there. She even included a number four in her fantasies with no reservations. They were creatures driven by lust, but I had no desire to partake in that.
One of the pack members, number two, glanced at me sharply. I tried to hide my slight frame and blend in, but he noticed. He was one of the wise Salvatore members, and I wanted to talk to him about the threatening reports and what had transpired. When he looked at me, genuine regret filled his face. He had realized that Mariella had used him to harm me with that antibiotic. Although it may have been necessary to rid my body of certain strains, it was an unnecessary strain in itself. It would have required anesthesia, blood tests, and medication to protect my digestive system. Mariella very well knew all this. Despite my holiday plans, I knew my priority was to go to Colin and inform him of what had happened. At that moment, I trusted him far more than number one or Mariella.
In my mind, number two murmured, "I'm sorry. I should have realized that Mariella wasn't thinking about you, but used me to seek revenge. It wasn't your fault, and baby, I noticed your discovery about those reports. I'll give you my email, and you can forward it to Magnum or whoever sends those reports. Ask them to send a copy to this address. It's mine, and I'll review them to ensure that number one isn't thinking with his dick instead of his brain, so the pack is aware of the dangers."
Surprised but pleased, I replied, "Fine. I'll do that, but I'll also visit Colin as soon as the holiday starts. I know he won't be pleased with this pack, and I have no idea what he might do. My holiday might be a very tranquil one as I am in no shape and I hope as hell that my gut has not taken too big a hit yet, so no infections, I hope." Number two smirked at me. But he looked a little worried, too.
Mariella's gaze caught mine, and she swiftly turned around, entwining herself around number two. I watched as she sensually nibbled and caressed his neck and ear, seducing him effortlessly. It seemed like the number two was more than willing to succumb to her advances. At that moment, he had no time to spare for me, but that was fine.
It gave me an idea. I decided I would request copies of those reports for myself, so I could know what was out there. Over time, I had grown significantly from the person I was when I was with Damon initially. Although it had been heart-wrenching to witness his passion and his desire to be with others, it was no longer the case.
I knew he had somehow locked away a lot of painful memories in my mind before it exploded, but now they lived where they belonged - in my mind, in my nightmares. I also knew he had done nothing to Project Omega or Harrison, and I had no intention of reminding him. Those were things from my past, and it was better for the pack not to delve into that beehive of Project Omega and my origins. I could keep my secret, and I wasn't even sure if Damon had completely forgotten it. If he had, all the better. It would ensure the safety of the pack.
As the pack set off for their holiday, a sigh escaped my mind. I knew I needed help, even though all I wanted was to go shopping and have fun. However, it wasn't a good idea to drive around if my blood sugar was to fluctuate, risking a possible fainting spell behind the wheel. I didn't want to cause a pile-up.
I rolled my eyes at myself, acknowledging that I had become wiser about my health. I understood the importance of seeking help, even though I had kept my condition hidden from my pack, who should be my family in theory. But life isn't always that simple. I had my other family who would take care of me, and only me, not Mariella. And more importantly, they would always believe me, forever and always.
I went to pack my bag, carefully folding the remaining clothes Damon hadn't given away. Despite his efforts, I still had a few spare garments scattered here and there. After selecting enough clothes, I grabbed my bag, feeling its weight in my hands. Thoughts of buying a new car crossed my mind, but I reminded myself that I already had enough vehicles for multiple lifetimes. Instead, I drove the ones I already had.
Copying my medical records onto my tablet, I let out a weary sigh as I sent them to Colin. With a heavy heart, I made my way towards my car and embarked on my journey. It had been barely ten minutes when the sound of my phone interrupted the quiet drive. Pressing a button on the console, I listened intently as Colin's voice echoed through the car speakers.
"Fine, young lady, I hope you have some spare time because you need to be cared for. Come to my clinic, and we'll assess the situation. How on earth did they subject you to that antibiotic without anesthesia or protection for your digestive system? I'm not sure what state your entire body is in, but you will tell me the entire story."
Taking a deep breath, I responded, "During the breeding season, everything was going well until Mariella seduced Damon, completely disregarding the threat report he was supposed to read. I found the report buried beneath a pile of spam posts and advertisements, meaning no one had bothered to read it. There was no knowledge of ferals lurking around, and they attacked my cave and my cubs. Damon got injured, and I had to defend us. Unfortunately, during the altercation, I was bitten by the ferals, exposing us to a multitude of nasty bacteria. We had just discovered bacteria lurking in our guts, as the pack wanted to study those, which I have sent you a report. "
My voice was tired as I focused on driving into the city where Colin's clinic was. I continued my story after Colin grunted and told to me continue.
"Mariella blamed me and insisted on administering the antibiotics with no sedation or proper monitoring. They made me empty my stomach, causing me to vomit for over 24 hours, and then subjected me to a week-long IV drip of the antibiotic. No blood tests, no check-ups. I do not know where I stand medically, hence why I'm coming to you. They did find many very nasty strains in my gut and I truly hope that my stomach ache, my lack of appetite, and lack of any sounds from my bowels means infection."
Colin's voice softened, now filled with reassurance and concern. "Little one, don't worry. I will take care of you. Come to me, my child, and I will mend you."
I could hear the soothing tone in his voice, a reflection of his leprechaun's fiercely protective nature. At that moment, I knew I would receive the best possible care from a man I trusted wholeheartedly. Colin had never caused me harm or done anything to betray my trust, and he held a special place in my heart.
As I approached the towering glass building, the sunlight reflected off its modern facade, giving it a sleek and contemporary look. This building was one of my investments, housing various tenants. I had allocated a significant amount of space for Colin and his clinic. After parking my car, I made my way towards the entrance, carrying my bag.
As I reached the front door, Colin, dressed in his scrubs, opened it. His loyal companion, Magnum, stood by his side. Colin's sharp gaze immediately noticed that something was off with me, despite my attempts to hide it. He didn't say a word, but Magnum swiftly took my bag from me.
"Little one," Colin said to me, "it will take a few weeks to get you back in shape, so be prepared for that."
I nodded, slightly surprised when Colin came closer, picked me up in his arms, and carried me towards the elevator, with Magnum leading the way.
He pressed the button for the eighth floor, and I couldn't help but comment, "I can walk, you know."
Colin muttered something, unsure if it was directed at me or Magnum. "With a weight of about 32 kilos, blood pressure not even 80/60, and a temperature three degrees below normal, you can't afford any extra exertion," Colin explained.
Magnum assured me, "I'll send you copies of those reports, so at least you'll know." I nodded, grateful for their long-standing presence in my life.
I said, "I just need some form of confirmation that Damon has gotten his copy. He has programmed me to tell him every threat that he is not aware of, but I can stretch that programming when I know that he has gotten his copy."
Magnum grunted. He did not like Damon's way of programming me, but there was little he could do.
Both Colin and Magnum had always been there for me, and I was truly exhausted. Colin's embrace felt warm and secure, and I could hear the comforting rhythm of his double heartbeat - one of his own, and the other belonging to the leprechaun within him.
The elevator glided to a gentle stop, and we stepped out onto the eighth floor, which was entirely occupied by Colin's clinic. It now stood empty, likely cleared out to provide him with the necessary space to focus on my condition.
He carried me straight to the bed and instructed, "Take off your clothes. I'll fetch some supplies, and Magnum will ask you a few questions you need to answer."
I replied, "Fine by me."
I had just taken off my clothes, revealing my emaciated body, when Magnum began questioning me about the ferals and how to handle them. His anger was clear as he witnessed my skeletal appearance. Colin approached, his expression neutral but with a hint of fury that I could sense. He carried a movable table stacked with various instruments and a pile of blood test tubes.
In his hands, he held a small cup and handed it to me, saying, "First, drink this. You're in terrible shape, as usual, little one. I'll fix you up."
His eyes, with four-leafed clover pupils, looked at me, and the scent of sunshine from the clover field calmed me. His leprechaun companion was displeased with my condition, knowing the pack was to blame. He was willing to do anything for me. The liquid in the cup tasted sweet, like a blend of raspberries and blueberries, soothing my stomach. However, it didn't take long for fatigue to wash over me.
Colin's leprechaun continued to gaze at me, softly murmuring, "Sleep, my child. Rest is what you need most. No nightmares, just rest."
Overwhelmed by exhaustion, I had no choice but to succumb to sleep as darkness and rest enveloped me.
I am not sure if I should tell what next happened, or what really happened as my husband is pretty possessive and protective over me in his own way and he is also very stubborn, strong, and loving but this revelation will be hard for him to understand. Or maybe not, but in the name of honesty, the next part of my story has been one of many innocent lies that I have told of my pack over the years, so it is time to tell the truth about this.
The Leprechaun gazed upon the slumbering woman, his eyes tracing the delicate contours of her face as she peacefully slept. Though leprechauns were known to mate for life, he couldn't resist the undeniable connection he felt towards her. Ignoring the opinions of others, he followed his heart's desire. He longed to make her his mate, even though he understood she would never view him as such. This secret yearning consumed him.
With a gentle touch, the Leprechaun caressed the coolness of the woman's slender hand, his fingers encircling her delicate wrist. As he focused his energy, a bond effortlessly formed between them, surprising him. Loosening his grasp, he discovered a four-leaf clover tattoo, hidden within the woman's wrist - the mark of a mate.
Astonishingly, the same clover appeared on his own wrist, alongside a faint trace of his previous mark. They were now united as mates, a healing balm for their wounded souls. He felt how Colin approved this too and he had wanted this to happen as well. Even though they were two distinct creatures living in the same body, they had formed a brotherhood almost, and this was healing both of their souls.
Now, it was time for them to cherish and protect their beloved mate, nurturing the bond they had forged in secrecy.
As I sit here, looking at my laptop, still thinking about deleting what I wrote, I can't help but steal a glance at the mark etched on my left wrist. It's a permanent reminder of my centuries-long bond with my mate. One of them. God knows I have many. My lie was when my pack asked about the mark. I told them it was for protection, but that was only part of the truth. Colin, a significant figure in our lives, is now connected to me through this mark.
The revelation may alter our relationship, and ironically, it's not me who should be worried, but Colin. Damon, our alpha, could see him as part of his own pack, and knowing Damon's possessive nature, even towards men, could complicate things. Being mated to a leprechaun is a tale in itself, as they are known to be the least lustful creatures, and yet our pack thrives on desire. As for Colin's wolf's side, I hope he is not a shifter soon. He's more active, with his wolf's side, and his human side, but our relationship hasn't reached that level very often, we have had wild times here and there but not too often.
I also notice my husband, his eyes fixed on me, a smirk playing on his lips, as if I've just given him an excellent idea. As Colin's nickname is Anaconda, and I have fucked with him in my time, but Damon hasn't. I hope that is not gonna change. Poor Colin does not need Salvatore starting to seduce him, too.
Colin delicately moved through Mimi's fragile form, feeling her thinness as he worked. The air was filled with a coolness that matched her delicate appearance. Profanities, inventive and unfiltered, flowed from Colin's lips as he carefully inserted the cannula, providing her with much-needed hydration. He muttered to himself his observations of what he had noticed from Mimi, and Magnum's irritation grew with every passing problem. Magnum had been through thick and thin with Mimi, and he knew pretty damn well when she was not fine. Mere thought again of her pack betraying her made bile rise to his throat.
The room was filled with the sound of beeping machines as Colin began the necessary tests. Magnum, his trusted assistant, stood by his side, their combined efforts aimed at ensuring Mimi's safety. Colin reassured Magnum that the concoction he had given her would keep her sedated for weeks, protecting her from harm. She needed it, and he was determined to provide it.
In that moment, Mimi became more than just a patient to Colin. She was now his mate, a bond forming between them that eased a deep-seated wound within him. Colin had learned from Wulfe about Jake and Rob, Mimi's soulmates and ghosts, and somehow, it didn't seem so bad to him anymore. Mimi needed him just as much as he needed her, and the honor of caring for her brought him immense solace. Although he was tempted to travel to the Azores and confront the pack about their promise not to harm Mimi, Colin managed to control himself, barely.
After weeks of dedicated effort, Colin had managed to stabilize Mimi's temperature at 39.6 degrees. It wasn't ideal, but it was an improvement from the previous 37 degrees. Her weight had also slightly increased, and her nutritional status showed signs of improvement. The surgery he had performed on her, replacing her entire digestive system, had been a close call, with the risk of infection looming over them. Colin took pleasure in documenting her progress in her medical records, knowing that they would be read by Salvatore, the pack's doctor, if he could find a moment away from his own indulgences. Meaning fucking all the time.
It took a staggering eight weeks of meticulous care for Colin to bring Mimi back to a state of good health. Now, it was almost time to awaken her from her slumber. He noticed that even in her sleep; she appeared weary, causing his leprechaun to grow irritated. Colin had gone to great lengths to find suitable sleeping agents for her, hoping to help her rest and regain her vitality, to rid her tiredness.
And now, as he looked at her face, he saw it was no longer gaunt. Her temperature was finally where it should be, her weight at a healthier 54 kilos, and the dark circles around her eyes had faded. To Colin, she had always been one of the most beautiful beings in the world, ever since he first laid eyes on her. She was his goodness, and she was his mate, just as he was hers.
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