Filed To Story: Traded To The Lycan King Novel (Colette & Merikh) by MG Wattsons
“There will be no more attacks,” Hayes says, stepping up beside us, Percy wandering close behind. “After a surprise attack, the victims are always on high alert. Nah, they will wait for our guard to fall before they attack again.” I scowl at my idiot brother.
“Very helpful, Hayes.” I mutter.
“Who is Hayes?” She whispers up at me, confused. I look at Hayes to my right, who beams at her, about to open his mouth.
“He is my idiot younger brother.” I sigh and Colette looks mildly amused.
“And his Beta,” Hayes does an awkward walking bow as we approach my luxury SUV that I had waiting by for us later in our journey.
“Ah,” is all Colette says. Hayes opens the door and I gingerly slide Colette in. She settles in and I make sure she is comfortable before closing the door.
“I’ll drive.” Hayes says.
“We shouldn’t be in the same vehicle,” I remind him. In case something happens, one of us must survive.
“You know I’m the most skilled driver here. If I had been driving, they wouldn’t have-“
“Bullshit!” Percy growls, stepping up. “That’s bullshit and you know it! They came out of nowhere. Lights off and rammed from the side.”
“Boys,” I groan, pinching the bridge of my nose as my exhaustion and my pain settles into my bones.
“Breaks, or the gas pedal could have helped you avoid “Enough!” I roar, both of them wincing as they look at me like two pups who just got caught stealing the last cookie. “Hayes, drive. Percy in the passenger seat. I don’t want to hear a damn comment from either of you. Understood?!” I growl.
I don’t wait for their agreement as I move around the back of the SUV, my hand pressing into the back of the cool metal vehicle to help me brace myself and breathe. My back is heated, and my skin cracks with every move, no doubt the blood drying to my skin from the various bite marks I received earlier. I inhale a deep breath, preparing myself to be near my mate for hours, and then I crawl in the door.
Colette looks up at me as I settle in next to her, afraid to touch her as we begin our second trek home. After a few moments I see her bite her lip as we hit a bump and I reach out, pulling her into my arms to afford her all the help our weak bond can. I prop my leg up, then lean forward, my cheek brushing hers as I lift her injured leg up onto mine for better support.
My back burns again, and I bite back a hiss. These pains aren’t foreign to me. I’m scarred for a reason. I’ve lived through many battles. These little things are no different.
“Is that not uncomfortable?” She asks weakly. “I was fine…”
“The bond may be weak as we are not fully mated, but with my status, my touch can help to heal you faster and ease some of your pain. I got you into this mess, Colette, please allow me to help you how I can.” I whisper into her ears as she presses her back into my chest. She quiets down with a half nod of acceptance.
By the time the sun is setting, exhaustion has weaved a web over my b*dy. My limbs feel heavy, my arms tingling and my legs seem to burn with every passing second we remain in the vehicle. I shuffle to the side slightly, Colette stirring and pushing up.
She looks up at me over her shoulder, and I watch as little dots dance over her face. My hands reach out, my brows furrowing as I try to catch them. Her skin is soft, and her eyes curious as she seems to watch me curiously.
“Merikh…,” she says as the door opens behind me.
“Alpha.” Percy says, “We are ho-Shit your back looks…”
“It will be fine.” I rasp out, suddenly feeling faint as I maneuver my way out of the vehicle. I stumble, my hand slamming into the ground as I catch myself. “Shit.”
“Hayes,” Percy calls out in a worried tone, and I grow in discontent.
“Shut up, Percy.” I grumble, moving back to the door and reaching in to help Colette out.
Her leg comes out first, and I ease it past me before I wrap my hands around her waist and lift her as my vision blanks out. My b*dy feels like it ignites in a broiling heat as I crumple to the ground, blind and in agony. The only touch that brings me peace is that small patch where Colette’s cool hands touch my heated flesh.
*Colette*
My hands cling to Merikh as he drops, my injured leg keeping me from catching myself as I tumble down onto him with a pained cry. My knee lands on his chest, my hands pressing onto him to remove my weig “Merikh,” I say, awkwardly trying to force myself to stand on the brace that holds my injured leg straight. “Wake up,” I whisper, my request growing more panicked by the second. A hand gently grabs my arm an “Hayes!” Percy screams, and he seems to appear out of thin air.
“f**k.” Hayes swoops down, grunting as he tries to pull Merikh up. He gets him up enough for him to look at his back and his face pales.
“What?” I ask, unable to find my breath now. “What is it? What happened?”
“Get her to her room,” Hayes orders Percy, who turns his attention to me.
“Come with me,” he murmurs, and I furrow my brows in frustration as he hurries to usher me away.
“I want to stay with him,” I tell them and Hayes chuckles, rolling his eyes.
“You just met him yesterday and your bond isn’t even fully initiated yet,” he says with a cool tone to his voice. “You have nothing to offer him. What he needs is a healer.”
I want to fight back, to argue that I am the Luna now. But I don’t feel like a Luna, and I certainly don’t look like a Luna. I am weak, injured, and my chosen mate is out of commission. Without Merikh I am just a weak werewolf on their turf.
“You need a healer too,” Percy reminds me as I frown.
“I was already seen.” I complain, but he presses his lips into a flat line.
“You need a bandage change and rest if you ever hope to heal…”
“I know but-” I try to spin to see Merikh.