An Alpha's Revenge

Bruises

J didn't sleep again that night. She sat curled in a chair beside the bed, arm tucked protectively around her middle, watching as Logan slept fitfully. Her wolf's words circled in her mind: 'he is lost to us'.

No. She wouldn't believe that. Couldn't.

When morning came, it was a relief. The night felt too dark. Despite her every effort not to, she flinched each time Logan moved. He'd be heartbroken if he knew how much he'd scared her. How much he'd hurt her.

Uncurling from the chair, J eased across the room and slipped into the bathroom. She winced at her reflection. Her skin was pale, her eyes drawn and surrounded by dark circles. Her neck was the worst. Deep bruising had bloomed across her skin, Logan's hand prints visible in the sunlight leaking in through the cracked, frosted window. It would take a while to heal, the bruising extensive.

She delicately traced a finger over the purpled skin and winced at the aching. She hadn't tried to talk yet, but had a feeling that it would hurt when she did. Her eyes watered and she had to look away, unable to face herself.

Inside, her wolf was pacing back and forth, conflicted by her anger at Logan, her confusion and her worry for her mate. Whilst it hadn't been intentional, Logan had scared J. Scared her more than she was ready to admit.

Moving back into the bedroom, J grabbed a scarf and wrapped it around her neck, before quietly opening the door and easing herself out into the morning. She was glad for the cool chill that swept over her skin, chasing the clammy sweat of fear away. It gave an excuse for the scarf. And one less reason for her pack to react.

She didn't linger outside of her and Logan's small wooden hut, instead she jogged towards the distant pack perimeter and began circling their territory, getting herself – and her wolf – used to it. At some point, her wolf lunged for the surface and almost seamlessly, J transformed into her wolf, her paws thudding through the undergrowth as the wind tore through her fur, clothes abandoned in her wake.

Her wolf was happy, content, free. They ran for hours, exploring the dense woodlands and rockier river beds, as the sense of 'home' washed over J. She heard the sound of an engine rumbling and stones pinging beneath tyres. Slamming to a halt, she spun around and headed for the entrance road to see who was there.

Silently, she ran through the trees, stalking the black SUV as it slowly made its way along the track. When she spotted the occupiers, any sense of fear drifted away. Racing back for her clothes, J hurriedly transformed and began yanking her clothes on – the scarf long forgotten.

She jogged back out onto the track, just as Saf and Jonathon pulled up next to the other cars. Saf hopped straight out of the vehicle, casting Jonathon a withering glare as she did so. Her face broke into a smile as she spotted J and she began to run towards her.

J's heart leapt, glad to see her friend had returned safely and needing the comforting embrace of her friend but her elation faltered when Saf skidded to a stop. J frowned at the expression on Saf's face, at the growl of menace from Jonathon as he walked up behind her. They were both glaring at her – or more specifically, her neck.

J's stomach dropped and she went to open her mouth to explain – or lie – when Jonathon spoke. "Trevor told me you'd had trouble from another pack, but to attack our alpha?" He growled again as he stepped forwards and J could see the war waging in his eyes.

Saf was silent. Her eyes fixed on the mottled skin. J couldn't help but wonder where the sight of those bruises had taken her. Which memory she was reliving from their upbringing.

"It wasn't the pack, it's nothing." J winced at how hoarse her voice was, the pain, excruciating.

"You need medical attention. There has to be a healer nearby, I-"

J cut Saf off. "No," she snapped. "I'm fine."

Neither of them looked convinced, in fact they looked a lot like they wanted to argue the point, but footsteps behind J interrupted them. J braced herself, her heart hammering through her chest. 'Please, don't be Logan. Please, don't be Logan.'

J turned slowly and sighed in relief at the sight of Caleb and Callie. Though quickly regretted turning around when their eyes dropped to her neck and their collective growls cut through the air.

"I'm OK," she assured them, "it's just a little bruising. It's already fading." Her voice was slightly stronger this time, but still not strong enough.

"Logan?" Caleb whispered quietly, the world holding its breath at the word.

J nodded solemnly.

Caleb's curse was drowned out by Saf's growl. "I'm calling Cassidy, I-"

J span towards Saf quicker than Saf could process, eyes flashing gold as her teeth slid over her lips. "You will not tell Cassidy. This is between me and my mate. No one else."

"He's not well, J."

J shot Callie a glare but regretted it when the she-wolf flinched and lowered her head.

J sighed sadly and tucked her long hair behind her ear. "We are all aware that Logan's not well, but he will get better. He just needs time..." J trailed off at the sceptical expressions on their faces. "He will get better." She repeated, fruitlessly.

He has to.

*

A/N

To all those who have chased me and those who have commented - I'm so sorry this has taken so long. I've got a number of chapters written so will release those this week and will try to get this finished for you ASAP - thank you for being so patient <3