32. Determined To Succeed

KIARA

I looked down at the man before me. He was in his early twenties from what I could see. His face looked sickly and I could see some abnormalities in it. His skin looked sallow and there were grey veins around his eyes and up his neck, it was also covered in a layer of slime-like sweat.

"He was bitten by a Manangal two weeks ago. We have tried several treatment methods. You can see his wounds… infected. Any suggestions? I have tried all the herbal remedies, including your suggested method yesterday. It hasn't made much difference at all. His blood is completely poisoned." Doctor Callum said.

I could tell he truly was a doctor who aimed to help his patients no matter how low the chances were - that was clear from the fact he was asking me. Looking for any input I stared at the man before me, analysing him quietly. He suddenly turned and looked at me with his dilated pupils that were a pale yellow, most likely his wolf's eyes… The urge to help him overcame me. I looked into his eyes which seemed to be trying to speak.

"It's his mind." I said suddenly, blinking at my own words.

Doctor Callum and the two warriors looked at me sharply.

"Mind?"

I shook my head; I don't even know what I meant… I stepped closer and one of the warriors placed an arm in front of me.

"It's dangerous." He said, his bright, sharp blue eyes looked cold.

"I'll be fine." I said confidently.

I stepped closer, until I was right up against the bed. The man growled, his eyes enlarging as he tried to reach for me as if he wanted to attack me. The two men moved forward but I raised my hand.

"Hold it." I said, before I placed my hand on the man's forehead, forcing it back against the table.

He struggled as I gently stroked it, it was clear he was in pain. My heart was filled with sadness, wondering how much pain he was in. I understood the need to bind him, but it was clear the restriction was distressing him too.

"Do sedatives not work?" I asked, watching the man calm down under my touch.

No reply. I looked up at Callum who was watching me with an unreadable expression on his face.

"Doctor?"

"How are you doing that?" He asked quietly.

"Doing what?"

"Calming him…" He said.

I looked back at the man who now had become still, his breathing more even. My heart skipped a beat and I removed my hand.

"I didn't do anything special." I said.

Callum grunted. "I would assume you're a witch, but us wolves can smell witches."

I smiled cheekily despite the grim situation.

"Maybe I"m just a natural." I teased, before looking back at the man. "We need to keep him calm. I'm sure if he wasn't so distressed, he would heal better."

Callum looked at the warriors before scratching his chin.

"I'm not sure what to say, this patients' chance of survival and recovery is a less than five percent. I don't think just his mind being at ease will help."

"Is there anything you can do for him?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing more, we will of course keep trying but-"

"Then that's fine. From today, can I decide what to do with this patient and take care of him?" I asked.

My gaze fell to his mark and another wave of sorrow washed over me. I wonder what his mate was going through…

"Very well…" Callum said. "I will make you a pass while you are here. This is against protocol, but the Alpha made it clear that you were to be treated with the highest regards."

Despite the situation, those words made my heart skip a beat. Did Alejandro really say that? My heart warmed and I knew my cheeks were heating up.

"That would be great. Could I start with some blood samples?" I asked.

"Of course, I will give you access to the supplies room and lab. Warrior Julio and Bryan, if you can both make sure Miss Kiara is kept safe." Doctor Callum said, and the two men nodded.

"What's his name?" I asked, looking at the man on the bed.

"Valentin." Callum replied.

"Maybe a visit from his mate, may ease him."

"That isn't really an option. It would only distress her, seeing his condition like this."

I didn't question further and nodded before I moved to leave the room to get what I needed. Valentin suddenly grabbed my wrist, instantly the warriors were about to interfere. My eyes flashed and I glared at them.

"Please, unless I tell you otherwise, don't butt in." I said to them. Couldn"t they see his condition?

Why was it that wherever I went, people thought I couldn"t handle myself? I slowly freed myself and looked at the man.

"I'll be back." I said before I walked out, welcoming the fresh clear air.

My stomach was hurting thanks to the fact I had no breakfast. I still felt tired and achy, but I was more excited to focus on the patient. I knew I was half avoiding Alejandro, but I didn't care. Not after how he ignored me this morning.

-----

Three hours later, I had several samples and assessments done. I was sitting in the lab looking at the results and comparing them to the ones that were taken this morning, two days ago and then a week ago.

What caught my attention was the latest ones, which seemed to contain slightly less poison. Was it the fact he was in a calmer state of mind? I tapped my pen on the table as I jotted down some notes. My stomach rumbled loudly and I saw the other doctors who were working on stuff look at me. I blushed in embarrassment until one of the women came over.

"Miss, you've been here for hours. Why don't you call it a day?" She suggested.

"I think I will, I wanted to prepare some medicine for him before I leave." I said.

"Just don't burn yourself out." She replied before walking off.

I looked down at my notes, I needed to look through the journal copies I had made. Glad that I had brought them along. There might be something in there that could help. Apart from that, I wanted to visit his mate.

I placed my notepad aside and labelled all my vials and research before storing them in a container and placing them in the fridges at the back. I then got to making the medicine.

-----

I finally left the hospital holding my notes late in the afternoon. I took my phone out, realising I had a few missed calls from Raven and two from a number I didn't know. I frowned as I unlocked it. Ignoring Ravens" countless messages, I sent her a quick message telling her I'll be back a little later. The unnamed number had also left a message.

‘Hey Kiara, It's me, Rayhan. Could we talk when you're free?'

I let guilt wash over me and I took a deep breath. Yeah, maybe we did need to talk.

‘Sure, I'm heading to the pack hall for some food. Meet me there? By the way, I'll be cheeky and ask you to bring some money - I forgot mine when I left this morning.'

I hit send and then decided to head to the pack hall's diner.

I was halfway there when none other than Carmen came in front of me, I saw the flicker of annoyance in her eyes. I didn't need this right now.

"How are you finding your visit?" She asked. I looked into her dark, piercing eyes.

"Great actually." I was about to walk past her when she stepped in my way. "Can I help you with something?" I asked, my eyes flashing.

"Calm down, I"m just curious… I heard you're an impressive fighter from your pack member, Greg, was it? I was wondering if you ever wanted to match me. I"m just curious how good you are."

I knew what she wanted to do: beat the shit out of me, if given the chance. I was strong but she was way more experienced. Her bulging muscles and battle scars spoke for themselves. Not to mention, she was at least ten years my senior and one of the head warriors of this pack... But I was my mothers' daughter.

"That would be fun. You're said to be one of the finest warriors of this pack. It'll be nice to see how I fair against you." I said confidently.

She seemed surprised when I agreed. Brushing her hair off her face, she smirked.

"How about tomorrow… Night?"

"Night…" I said, why did she choose night-time?

Her lip curled.

"My bad, I forgot you can't really see at night. I wondered if that rumour was true or not…"

"No night is fine." I said quietly.

"Great. I"m not sure the Alpha will be ok with it. I mean, I don't want him to get into an argument with your Dad. Maybe you should ask his permission first."

I wasn't blind to hear the mockery in her voice. I clenched my jaw, trying not to get pissed off.

"Don't worry, I don't need anyone's opinion. I'll see you at 10pm tomorrow by the training grounds? Is the time suitable? It will be completely dark by then?"

Her smirk faltered; I knew what she was doing. Stupid bitch. If she wanted to play like that, I was ready.

"Sure."

I didn't bother replying or bidding her farewell and continued on my way.

Rayhan was already waiting outside, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Once again, I noticed the resemblance between Alejandro and him. His long hair was left open today though.

He wore a white t-shirt and blue torn jeans. I stopped in front of him and I saw him looking me over in concern.

"Shall we?" He said.

"Sure." I said, as I fell in step with him and we went inside.

We were seated after ordering some pizza and french fries. We didn't have to pay, everyone knew who we were and the place belonged to the king, no payment was required.

"I'm not your Dad or your brother, so all I"m going to ask is, are you ok?" He asked. I felt my cheeks burn under his piercing dark grey eyes.

"Perfectly. I"m sorry that he hurt you… But it was consensual." I said, avoiding his gaze.

Goddess, this was mortifying! I was discussing my sex life with someone I hadn"t talked to in ages!

"You're a woman. So that's up to you… But don't get so deep into it that you get hurt in the end." He said this quietly, picking up a pizza slice.

"Got it."

Too late for that, he used me and didn't seem to care… Or maybe he didn't know what to say... What was I expecting anyway? There was never a chance for more between us.

I took one too and bit into it.

"How"s your head?"

"Almost healed."

"I guess that's why your hair is not tied?" I asked, feeling guilty.

"It's no big deal." He said grinning, running his fingers through his shoulder-length curls.

I frowned standing up and placed my pizza down.

"Let me see."

"It'll heal, I"m an Alpha." He said, picking up another slice.

He sure ate fast. I ignored his remark and walked up to him, parting his hair until I saw the wound that was not fully healed. How hard did he slam his head…? I sighed deeply.

"What are you doing?" He asked, tugging away.

"Just looking at your wound… It still has a way to go to heal."

"No big deal." He said, picking up some fries.

"I'm sorry. It was my fault."

"Not at all, but I"m curious to know... what did you see in him?"

I blushed at the blunt question.

"Can we not discuss my sex life." I said, glancing around.

"No names spoken." He said smirking.

"He's handsome… but I don't know, we clash a lot." I shrugged.

"Now enough about me, what about you? No lady on your arm or are you waiting for your mate?"

"Let's just say I'm waiting for the right girl." He said, with a smirk. "Are you looking forward to finding your mate?"

"I always have been…" I said, my smile vanished.

The excitement I"d felt my entire life about finding my soulmate seemed to have faded...All thanks to one person. Alejandro.

"Not so much anymore." Rayhan stated, picking up his can of fizzy.

"Let's just say it's kind of complicated." I said quietly.

"He's already affecting you. Don't let him hurt you, Kiara. That's all I'm saying."

I didn't reply, the dull ache I felt this morning when he ignored me settling into my chest once more.

"I just think people don't see that he's human too…" I said after a moment.

I didn't know why, but I felt the way he was viewed was because people feared him for what he was… Forgetting that beyond that he was just a human, with feelings.

"He's ruthless and cares for no one, Kiara. Everyone knows that." He said quietly, glancing around.

I didn't reply. I didn't agree.

"Maybe." I said, simply falling silent as I continued eating.

Once I was done I felt a lot more energised, not to mention the ache had gotten a lot less. I decided to ask someone about Valentin's mate and pay them a visit.