BOOK TWO... (ELIJAH)

***There is a price to be paid sometimes it is paid in blood...***.



Aliyah felt like she had been dragged through mud for miles, slowly she opened her eyes to the sudden rays of the sun. Flinching, she turned her head sharply gazing at the familiar surroundings of her room. What happened? She thought she had died? Struggling to sit up, the last person she expected to see walked in, Elijah.
He held her gaze, she could not tell if he was relieved or disappointed to see her alive. Who was she to expect much? She was done hoping for anything. He looked into her eyes intensely, surprised at how beautiful she was even after being unconscious for a week, no eye bags, no dark circles, nothing. The weight of his stare made her look away uncomfortably.
Aliyah heard him step forward, suddenly engulfing her in a bone-crushing hug, a hug which she could not return as he was left wondering why he was being affectionate. Pulling away slowly, he lifted the tiny strands of hair covering her face, red hair cascaded down her shoulders like flames in the morning sun. Her face showed no emotions, so lifeless, was it a side effect of poison he wondered?
"What happened?" she finally spoke, Elijah took a deep breath before replying “you were poisoned”. Mixed reactions passed through her eyes, shock most prominent, "How?” she asked. “The serum I made, Vernot somehow got his hands on my notes and replicated it. He coated his fangs with the serum and since it affects just your bloodline and Omegas, it got into your blood stream when he bit you”. He gave a tired sigh running his hands through hid dark locks.
“So how am I alive?"
"I got an antidote”
"From where?"
"Myself" he responded
"Details, Elijah” Aliyah responded, her eyebrow rose. He sighed, and she couldn’t figure out if he hated the questions or having to tell her the truth. “On the day I left the pack, six years ago, I saw Maxwell on the verge of attack by a warrior, remember that?” She remembered that day like it was a week ago, “yes, we found him dead, Maxwell said you killed the warrior and left”.
"Before I was able to kill him, he injected me with the poison from the mut flower; surprisingly it did not affect me. So I ran a few tests, I found out I had traces of your blood, the serum and unfinished antidote in my system. Remember the day I was shot and I fell on the box? That was when those fluids got into my system"
Repositioning himself he continued "somehow the mixture prevented the serum from killing me that day, I don't know why didn’t look into it after I woke up from coma, I guess it slipped my mind. I decided to inject my blood into your system to see if it works for someone else apart from me luckily it did."
"Is this why you insisted on fighting during the shadow pull?" Aliyah asked trying to fit pieces together. As if reading her mind he answered slowly “yes, I was able to put the piece together thanks to the information Maxwell and Ron’s invitation gave me”. Confusion clouded her face at the information. “I’ll explain the rest later” he said, “You need to clean up and eat”. At the mention of food her stomach grumbled and only then did she notice her clothes had been changed. “Who changed me?” She asked as calmly as she could. A soft smile passed his lips “don’t worry my Mum and Keshia did”.
She tried to come down from the bed, but her legs had a mind of their own and gave out the moment the touched the floor. With fast reflexes, Elijah caught her the moment she lost footing, stabling her, this time her legs cooperated. “I’m fine thank you, I can handle myself now please leave” she said in a dismissive tone not caring how it sounded, irritation at her legs coursed through her. Holding her gently but securely he asked “are you sure you don’t need my help?” this time annoyance was what she felt “I’m good Elijah, bye” she said with a note of finality.
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Keshia had to send Lily and Sarah out to let Aliyah rest, it had been less than 48 hours since she had woken up and they had been all over her besides, it was already dark. She was glad Elijah was here to take over pack business, he was now the Alpha after emerging victorious, although an official ceremony hadn’t been held yet.
"Aliyah you look like you are in your world" Keshia stated bringing Aliyah’s attention to her. Aliyah managed a small, tired smile “how is the pack” she asked lazily trying to divert Keisha’s attention from her.
"Better than ever, they really care for you Aliyah, you needed to see them tear Vernot to shreds after what he did". Coming close to the bed, she sat next to Aliyah making sure to do so gently, she was heavily pregnant and could risk no chances.
"Elijah, took care of you a lot you know, I think you guys have a chance now just as you have always wanted for six years, although I don't know what is taking you guys so long, he marked you already". She paused noticing the discomfort on Aliyah's face. "Are you mad because he marked you without your permission and in public for that matter?” she ended with a whisper, searching for answers in Aliyah’s expression. Aliyah turned to her looking straight into her eyes "I think I should move out of the pack". Before Keshia could say anything in response the door burst open, revealing a very angry Elijah, undoubtedly, he listed to their conversation. One look at his face and Keisha knew she was to see herself out.
"You want to leave Aliyah?" he asked with venom in each word. Without moving or showing emotions, Aliyah recounted his words "Just as you said there is nothing between us". His eyes darkened with her words. "And whose fault is that? You decided to let go, I only danced to your tune!" he angrily pointed out.
"You are right” she breathed out,” now I'm dancing to yours. Let’s call this whole thing off. For years, I have lived with the guilt, I tried to reach out; I have even thrown myself at you what more can I do? I accept defeat. I was selfish and ambitious; you can live your life in peace now!" She fired back breathing heavily. The air was thick with emotions, this was the last straw, and it was time to part ways in her mind, but her heart, her heart played a tune of its own