Chapter 25: The Road to Recovery

Harper’s POV



I still can’t tell if I’m dreaming or dying. I go through stages where my brain completely shuts off and I’m left in nothing but darkness and silence. Other times my mind won’t stop racing and I keep seeing scenarios that are either the future or just my imagination.

After my brain having shut me out into the darkness for a long period of time, it’s finally woken up to allow me to see visuals.

I see myself standing in front of a large group of people. I recognize some faces, but some people have blank faces. Is this my pack from back home? I’m standing in front of them at a podium, shouting words that aren’t clear.

This must be a motivational speech, or maybe I’ve just been given the Alpha title. I can’t see my brothers anywhere, but my Mother and Father are standing beside me with a proud smile etched across their faces.

I look so strong and powerful, like nothing can stop me. I’m invincible. I appear to stop talking and the crowd erupts into a cheer, creating an unbelievable amount of static in my mind. I want to grip the sides of my head and scream because it’s deafening, but my body doesn’t move no matter how much I try.

The visual in front of me begins to fade away. I reach my hand out to stop it from leaving; I can’t go back to the darkness again. I’m frantically grabbing at the air screaming, but the colors slip through my fingers and so does my state of mind.


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My eyes begin to flutter open. The lights above me aren’t helping with the immense pain in my head. It feels like there is a tiny person standing on my brain pounding it with a large stick.

A shadow moves over me. I attempt to squint my eyes open to see where the source of darkness came from. When my eyes are fully open, I’m met with Asher’s crystal blue eyes. I’m shocked for a moment, but it turns in to relief knowing that he’s been by myself this whole time.

“You’re finally awake,” he whispers.

I attempt to move my head to scout out where I am. I notice straight away I’m in my bedroom and I feel my body begin to relax.

“What… happened?” My voice is so dry, speaking is going to be a struggle.

As if reading my mind, Asher leans over to his bedside table and retrieves a glass of water. He helps me sit up, amazingly with one hand, and places the glass between my lips. Thank God because I’m not sure I have the strength to hold a glass of water.

I drink the water as fast as my body will allow me. The cool liquid slides down my throat, instantly relieving the pain in my body.

I lean against the headboard, looking over at Asher. He looks like he hasn’t slept in days. His beard has grown out and his bright eyes have seemed to dull. I’m worried that he stayed up all day and night waiting for me to wake up.

“How do we always end up like this,” I mumble, the pounding in my head still strong.

Asher smiles, sighing in relief that I still have the same sense of humor, “I wonder what will happen next in the adventures of Harper and Asher.”

I try to laugh, but my body screams at me to stop. I cough, clearing the gunk in my throat.

“I’m glad you’re alive and well,” Asher mumbles, running his hands through his curly mop of hair, “I didn’t think I would hear your voice again.”

“You can’t get rid of me that easily,” I joke.

Asher stands from the bed and walks around to me, kneeling on the floor, “If you need anything, and I mean anything, don’t hesitate to ask me, okay? I want your road to recovery as smooth as possible.”

I push the matted hair off his forehead, “I really appreciate you looking after me.”

Asher smiles, taking my hand in his, “That’s what a husband is for.”

I look away, not wanting him to see me blush, “So, tell me the truth,” I say, changing the subject, “Was I poisoned?”

What little light in Asher’s eyes disappears, and he clenches his jaw, “You were. I think I was the target, though.”

“Oh,” Who would want to kill Asher? I mean, I could name a few, but isn’t it too obvious trying to kill the Alpha if you want the title and control. It just seems reckless and stupid.

“I’m trying to narrow down the pool of suspects,” He says, leaning his head on the bed, “Hopefully I can find the culprit soon.”

The room falls silent for a moment. I can tell Asher is exhausted from looking after me.

“I was having some weird f*cking dreams while I was sick,” I say randomly. I want to keep talking to Asher, I’ve missed him.

He lifts his head, “Oh yeah? What about?”

“Well, I saw us having kids,” I say, “We had a little boy, and he was adorable. He had your hair.”

Asher smiles, “My hair? I’m sure he was a little spunk then with these good looks.”

I use my strength to push at his shoulder, “Get over yourself.”

“What else did you dream about?” He asks, climbing over my body to lie next to me on the bed. I try to ignore the sweet smell of his cologne.

“I dreamt I was the Alpha of my own pack,” I smile at the thought, “Everyone loved me, Asher.”

“They already do,” He says, looking up at me from his spot on the bed, “I know you would be the best Alpha. You’re strong, smart and take initiative. You will be amazing.”

Asher’s words mean more to me then he will ever know. No one has ever told me I would make a great Alpha but hearing from an Alpha himself makes my heart warm. I could cry of happiness.

“You’re an amazing leader, too,” I say, shifting myself into a lying position, “Don’t ever think otherwise.”

A big shiver racks through my body; I pull the covers up to my chin. Asher looks at me concerned, he knows I never get this cold, especially under this thick quilt.

“Are you cold?” He asks.

I nod.

“Is it alright if I hold you?” He asks cautiously.

I hate being touched while I’m in bed, but I would give anything for Asher to hold me in his arms.

“Please,” I say, turning on my right side.

Asher moves behind me, his chest pressing up against my back. I ignore the shiver that went down my spine at the touch of his warm skin on mine. He slips his arm under my neck and uses the other one to wrap tight around my waist, pulling me flush against his chest.

We don’t say a word to each other. I allow myself to enjoy this rare moment of a man holding me in bed, keeping me warm. I used to hate this, but now I want to fall asleep wrapped in his arms for the rest of my life.

Within minutes Asher is softly snoring behind me, his soft breath hitting the back of my neck.

It is in this moment that I realize I’m in love with this man.