Chapter 32

**Marilyn**

"Your mate is in critical condition. His wolf is unresponsive at the moment and we had to medically induce a coma so that his body could heal. Unfortunately, at the moment his system is trying to fight off the drugs. It seems like he is trying to wake himself but with the injuries he sustained it would be dangerous for him to do so. His wolf needs time to heal and if he continues to struggle we will have to up the dosage of medication to make sure he remains in the coma long enough for improvement. We don't know when he will wake and recover fully but I can tell you that the more his system fights the drugs the longer it will take. His wolf is dormant and under tremendous stress. At this rate I am afraid the process will be a slow one. Without his wolf his chances are very slim."
I stood there in shock as I took in the information. It was like I was placed in ice cold water and drowning. Although my mate was alive he was barely hanging on and that was enough to cause me to worry. They didn't know how long his recovery would take and I had no idea what I was going to do without him. I was at a complete loss without him by my side.
"Can I see him?" My voice was barely above a whisper. I was certain no one but a werewolf would have even heard it.
"Of course." I followed the doctor on autopilot not knowing how to think or feel. When we got to his door I ran immediately to his side. The doctor left us alone and I was grateful.
"I'm here baby," I said kissing his hand. His body jerked and I got the strange feeling he needed reassurance. He wanted to know I was okay, that I had survived. The fact that his wolf was unresponsive let me know that it was his human who was worried about me. My heart fluttered at the thought. His human half loved me just as much as his wolf form.
"I'm okay sweetie. My uncle is gone and I'm safe. It's all because of you. You helped me find the strength I needed to take him down. I couldn't have done it without you. You saved me and I can't thank you enough for fixing me. I had no idea how afraid and weak I was until I met you. I isolated myself and lost myself in the process. You found me and gave me my life back." I rubbed my fingers through his hair and his heart rate that was beating insanely fast slowed down to an almost normal pace. He was still and I smiled a small smile.
"I need you to rest honey. I need you to come back to me. The only way to do that is to let your wolf heal you. I will wait as long as it takes."
After placing a kiss on his forehead I went to grab something to eat and shower before I settled into my chair by his bed for the night. I didn't want to leave but I had to, at least for a little while. It was going to be a long night and I figured I might as well get comfortable.
As soon as I opened the door I walked into a large chest and stumbled backward.
"Hey watch where you're-"
I looked up and it was Ryland.
"Sorry," he said grabbing my wrist.
"It's fine," I said shortly.
"I was looking for you. Figured you'd be here." Even though we cleared the air it was kind of award being around him. I tried not to let it show. I didn't really know what to say so I waited on him to continue.
"How are you holding up?" he asked casually.
"Fine," I said a bit to quickly and he laughed.
"You always were a terrible liar."
"No I'm not," I said trying to defend myself but he just shook his head.
"Look I know it must be hard for you. Your mate is a hell of a guy. I don't think I ever met a third in command as strong and determined as him. Not to mention he can throw a mean punch. He is really a true warrior. I hope he pulls through."
"He's going to be fine," I growled. I didn't mean to snap at him but I couldn't help it. Hearing anything other than my mate would mate a full recovery put me on edge.
"Okay sorry," he put his hands up in surrender. "Bad choice of words and I'm sure you're right. If anyone can pull through he can. I just wanted to let you know I'm here for you, as a friend. I can't imagine what you're going through. If something happened to Destiny-" he couldn't finish his statement. I thought it was sweet how much he cared about her. It was written all over his face.
"I get it. You don't have to explain. Thank you, for what you said. It was nice of you. I know it was hard to say."
"No, it wasn't. It was the truth and I can admit when I'm wrong," I gave him a questioning look that said really.
"Well sometimes. Anyway I know I pre-judged him and it was just because I was bitter, but that's over. We both found our other halves and looking back we were crazy not to want them. You and I were good together, but no woman can compare to my Destiny. I'm sure you feel the same way about Daniel. When we were out there he actually came to help me fight off three rogues. Despite everything he's okay in my book. You're just going to have to get over me. I know it’s difficult because I'm so irresistible, but you're free to fall in love with him now, " he said with a lopsided grin. He was joking trying to make me feel better and I knew his heart was in the right place. I laughed a little. It didn't take away the pain but it did make me feel a little better. It also didn't surprise me that Daniel had saved him. He was a good person and he saw someone in trouble so he helped him without a second thought. Hearing that just made me miss him more, but I appreciated Ryland's effort.
"Thanks I needed that."
"Anytime. So I guess I'll see you around. Let me know if you need anything."
I nodded gratefully and headed to the kitchen with my mind on my mate.

*Seven months later*
I was headed to visit Daniel like I did every day. Alpha Rick had brought him back safely to our pack doctor months ago. It felt like it had been so long since I last heard his voice or looked into his eyes. I missed him so much it hurt. Seeing someone so strong look so broken was something I would never get used to.
"Hi Mar." I turned around to see Grace headed towards me. We had become really good friends since she was always happy to keep me company and distract me on those days when I thought I would go insane because I missed Daniel so much. Ryland and Destiny would also call every now and again to check up on me. They were expecting their first child and promised to visit soon. I was glad to have people in my life who cared and could help me through this. I also went to visit Daniel’s mom whenever I could. She was having a hard time as well and seeing me cheered her up a little.
"You're headed to see Daniel I bet."
"You'd win that bet," I said smiling knowing no would take that bet. Daniel's bedside was like my second home.
"You want to come over for dinner after? Maybe catch a movie? You hardly leave the house unless it's to visit his mom."
"I don't know." I just never felt like doing much. It seemed wrong to be carefree and enjoying myself when Daniel was fighting for his life.
"Come on its just dinner and a movie. He'll be fine with Lucy." I knew she wouldn't take no for an answer.
"Okay but I need at least an hour with Daniel first," she squealed and nodded and I told her I would meet her at the pack house later.
I walked the path I had become all too familiar with as I made my way to my mate. I opened the door to his room and sat in my comfortable chair by his bed that I had brought in. The room wasn't white, instead it was a dark blue and there was a nice sized TV. Balloons and get well cards surrounded the room and I would replace the flowers in the vases once they died. The pack really loved him.
"Hey love I'm back." I kissed his hand and rubbed it hoping to give it some warmth. His injuries were gone now but his wolf was still not responding so his body wasn't as warm as it used to be.
"I love you so much."
"I love you too." I closed my eyes in disbelief. I had finally lost it. I had finally gone insane because I thought I heard Daniel's voice.
"You're not hearing things," I looked up and I burst into tears. His eyes were open. They were actually open.
"D-Daniel," I hugged him and sobbed hysterically.
"It's okay baby, it's okay," he cooed but I couldn't stop. The nurse came in she dropped everything she was holding.
"What? But how?"
I couldn't answer her because I had no answer myself. She ran and got the doctor who was just as shocked.
"Ms we need to run some test," he said but I didn't want to leave the room. I didn't want to let him go. After an hour they finally threatened to call security if I didn't let them do their job. I ended up pacing in the waiting room.
The doctor finally came out and I almost tripped trying to get to him.
"Is he okay? What's happening?" I said frantic.
"I've never seen anything quite like it. He has made a full recovery but his wolf is still dormant. It's there but it hasn't reawakened yet. It's astounding," he said shaking his head.
It didn't matter to me as long as he was okay. He could be human for all I cared as long as I had him back alive and well.
"Can I go see him?"
"Of course."
I sprinted back to his room and I was sure the Cheshire cat would have envied my smile the way I was grinning. He was sitting up now fully awake and he looked healthy. If I could see my wolf I was sure she would be doing a happy dance or a flip. He opened his arms wide for me to come to him and I didn't disappoint.
He was embracing me and taking in my scent. It felt so good, so right being near him.
"You have no idea how much I've missed you," he said softly and I let out a content sigh.
"I heard everything you said when you came to visit. I'm so sorry, so fucking sorry I put you through all of that. There is something I need to tell you, " he continued.
I sat up and looked at him.
"What is it? You can talk to me about anything," I could tell whatever it was weighed heavily on his mind.
"This might sound crazy but I spoke to the Moon Goddess. It was like a dream. She came to me and explained a few things. The most important being that I was chosen, that I'm no ordinary Gamma."
"What do you mean?" I was completely confused.
"There is a reason why my wolf hasn't reawakened yet. It’s because you have to mark me. When you do my wolf will transform. It will take on what she calls its true form. I will no longer be just a Gamma. I will be the king of the warriors."