“Of course not Luna,” they replied.
The ambulance stopped then and the doors were flung open. The men hopped out and pulled the stretchers out. Edric was right there as were Warren, Orson, and Wes.
"How are they?" Edric asked, walking alongside Jillian's stretcher.
"They will both be okay," one of the paramedics replied. "Luna is exhausted, and Jessy had a rough time of it, but I think she will pull through."
"Good, then I can kill her myself," he growled angrily.
Jillian frowned and looked up at Edric. He was watching her in concern.
"She will pay for what she did to you."
"I am sure she will, but I don't want her dead."
"Why not? You have every right to pronounce a death sentence on her."
"I want to find out why she wanted me, and who made her kidnap me."
"Oh, we will," Edric growled angrily, "and then I am going to do away with her. She has caused enough problems unless you can convince me why she should live?" he asked Jillian.
"Alpha, I assume you want to be in the room when we examine the Luna?" the doctor asked, walking over to them, cutting off Jillian's answer.
"Of course. I also want to know the condition of the girl who kidnapped my Luna."
"Of course, Alpha." He nodded at two nurses who wheeled Jessy into one of the rooms, while he and another nurse wheeled Jillian into x-ray.
"I'm fine," Jillian protested, sitting up.
"Let the doctor be the one to tell you if you are okay," Edric replied, concern showing deeply on his face.
Jillian sighed, no use in arguing.
The doctor rolled over a portable x-ray machine and using the wand, ran it over Jillian's body.
He nodded his head when he got done. "She is fine Alpha, but I suggest rest and a lot of it. She looks exhausted."
One of the nurses stepped into the room then. "Dr. Benson, can I have a word?"
He nodded and stepped out of the curtained off area.
Edric frowned when he heard the nurse's whispered conversation.
"Sir, the other girl will be okay, but not because she was able to heal herself."
"What do you mean?"
"Her wounds were healed from the outside in. It was not her own body's doing."
"Interesting. I will be in, in a few minutes. Make sure our patient is comfortable but doesn't escape. She is a danger to the Luna."
"Yes sir," the nurse said.
Edric turned back to Jillian who had her eyes closed. She did look exhausted. Her face was pale, and she didn't look good. He was going to have a word with her later. He knew that it had been her that had saved Jessy, but why?
The doctor hurried back into the room. "I am sure you heard Alpha, what my nurse said?" Dr. Benson asked, looking at Jillian who was asleep.
"Yes."
"Do you think our Luna healed her?"
"I have no doubt," Edric frowned.
"But why?"
"That is the question of the day, Doctor."
"Not to be a heartless person, but I would have let her die," Orson said, walking in with Wes, Emerson, and Warren. Zack and Travis walked in also. Edric wanted them there, he didn’t trust Jessy. She might have been healed by his Luna, but he wouldn’t put it past her to try something again.
"Zack, Travis, I want you to make sure Jessy does not escape. I want to question her tomorrow.”
"Yes sir," the men nodded.
Edric then leaned over and picked up Jillian into his arms. "I am taking her home. Emerson bring the car to the front door."
Emerson nodded and hurried away.
"What of Jillian's parents?" Warren asked Edric.
"Are they at the palace?"
"Yes. Carla put them in a guest room."
"Good. Do not let them know what has happened today. They do not need to know. I’ll make up some story as to why I am bringing her home like this.” He looked down at his sleeping Luna. Her hair was matted with blood, and her shirt also, where Jessy had shot her.
“Good luck in trying to convince Jillian’s parents that nothing happened to her,” Orson chuckled.
“I know, I’m hoping I can sneak her in. I hope they went to bed.”
“I doubt it,” Wes replied. “Did anyone tell her parents where she was?”
“No, we were all too worried about getting to Jillian,” Edric frowned.
“So, they are probably pacing the floor right now,” Orson replied.
“More than likely.”
Emerson walked back into the room. "Ready whenever you are Alpha."
Edric nodded and carried Jillian out the door, Warren on his heels.
Edric slid into the car with Emerson driving, Orson and Wes sat across from Edric, Warren next to his Alpha and his Luna.
“Warren, when we get back, I need you to distract Jillian’s parents so I can get her into the house,” Edric told his Beta.
“What do you want me to do?”
“I don’t know. Tell them that I found Jillian at her friend’s house, that they were going to run away on their own, and that I am bringing her home.”
“Will they believe it? Especially when all her luggage is still on her bed?” Warren asked.
Edric sighed. “Well, we have to think of something.”
“I am sure we will,” Warren replied. “Are Jillian's parents going to stay for a while?"
"Yes, until we get things figured out. I still want Jillian to go with her parents, but this whole mess today has made me wonder if she will be okay with just her parents. I am tempted to go with them."
"Not sure that will be any safer Alpha, especially since they are after both of you," Warren reminded him.
"Yes, and we are no closer to finding out who exactly is after us. Kelson is dead, and until Jessy wakes up, we will have no clue. I just hope she doesn't end up killing herself, or that no one else kills her, until after we find out who sent her to kidnap Jillian."
"Do you think she will end up dead like the others?" Emerson asked. “There sure have been a lot of bodies, and no witnesses.”
“I know, that is why I have Zack and Travis at the hospital. Hopefully they can keep Jessy alive until I get there to question her in the morning.”
"I just hope she will give us answers," Warren pointed out.
"She had better, or she will be tortured until she does," Edric growled angrily.
"Better not tell Jillian that, she has a soft spot for pitiful people, even her enemies," Warren chuckled.
"I know, that is a weakness for her, and I admire it, to a point, but not when it comes to someone trying to harm me or her. If she does not answer my questions, she dies."
"Yes Alpha," came the response from the men.
Jillian had heard the whole conversation. She was awake, but wanted to listen in, so she was faking sleep. Should she care that Edric was willing to torture Jessy for information? Unfortunately, she did. Like Warren had said, she had a soft spot for pitiful people. She just hoped that didn't end up being her downfall.
Chapter 31
Warren headed into the palace first, to see if Jillian’s parents were still up. They were waiting in the sitting room off the entryway when he walked in.
They hopped up. “Where is Jillian?” her dad asked.
“Edric is bringing her home.”
“Where was she?”
“At her friend’s house. They wanted one last night together before the three of you left.”
“Did anyone know she was there?” her mom asked.
“Not until just a bit ago. We’ve been out looking for her, but she finally called.”
“She needs to be grounded for a month,” Henry growled, “and does she even know we were almost in a car accident?”
“She does,” Warren replied. “I am sure you are both exhausted, why don’t you head to bed, I know Jillian will be headed straight to bed when she gets home.”
“Hopefully not to the King’s bed,” Henry muttered. He took his wife�
��s hand. “Come on, let’s head upstairs. We can have a word with our daughter tomorrow.”
Jillian’s mom nodded and the two headed up to bed.
“Okay, coast is clear,” Warren thought to Edric.
“Thanks Warren,” came the reply.
Edric came in the front door and carried Jillian upstairs and laid her onto his bed. He then took off her bloodied shirt and pants, and after wiping the blood from her hair, he climbed into bed by her. “Goodnight my Luna,” he whispered, pulling her close to him. Her only response was a sigh.
The next morning, Jillian woke up with a start. The bed was cold next to her. She knew that Edric had tucked her in last night, so where was he? Then she remembered. He was probably at the hospital interrogating Jessy. She wanted to be there too, but how would she escape and go see her? She got up and went into the bathroom, sighing at her reflection. She looked like a mess. She got into the shower and cleaned up and then after dressing, she headed down the stairs. The house was quiet. Where were her guards? Where was Carla and Emerson? Did they all go to the hospital? She headed into the kitchen. No one was there either. It was kind of eerie. She found some food and after preparing it, she sat to eat. As she ate, she heard a door open and close, and then a few moments later Carla walked into the kitchen. “Good morning Luna,” Carla said.
“Where is everyone?” Jillian asked her.
“At the hospital. The Alpha is there talking to Jessy.”
“And my guards?”
“Everyone is there but the ones outside guarding the palace.”
“Why would he leave me here alone? Especially after what happened last night?”
“He said to tell you that you were in good hands with me and that there were twenty men outside to guard the palace and you.”
“Okay then. What I wouldn’t do to go and talk with Jessy.”
“You and me both. That woman has been a thorn in our sides since she got here.”
“Then why can’t we go and see her also?” Jillian asked her.
“No way, the Alpha would have my head if he knew that I took you to the hospital.”
“You could always tell him I didn’t feel well, that would be an excuse.”
“You are evil woman, but that would work,” she grinned. “I am quite curious myself as to what is going on. They are shutting me out.”
Jillian hopped up. “Then what’s stopping us, let’s go.”
“Look sick,” Carla whispered to her.
Jillian nodded and suddenly fell to the floor.
“Luna!” She cried out. The back door opened and in ran two men.
“What happened Carla?” one of them asked.
“I don’t know, but the Luna just passed out. I need to get her to the hospital.”
“Okay,” the man said, and leaning down he scooped up Jillian into his arms.
“Gerald, go get a car and meet us out front,” the man said.
Gerald nodded and ran out the door.
Jillian opened her eyes and winked at Carla, who smiled with relief, she hadn’t known if Jillian was acting or not.
“What happened?” she whispered.
“You passed out Luna,” the man said. “Gerald went to get a car. We’ll get you to the hospital.”
He headed out the door with her and loaded her into the back of a car, climbing in by her. Carla sat up front with Gerald, and the four headed out through the gates.
Jillian closed her eyes. That was one way to get to see Jessy, fake being sick.
A few minutes later, the car stopped and the door opened. Jillian felt herself being lifted into someone’s arms and she opened her eyes. It was Edric. Crap.
“Love, what happened?” he asked in concern, walking into the hospital with her.
“I passed out,” she sighed.
“You probably overdid it yesterday,” he told her, taking her into the emergency room.
A nurse was waiting for her and put her into a wheelchair and then took her into the Alpha’s room. Edric lifted her into the bed.
“The doctor will be in as soon as he can,” the nurse assured and hurried out.
Edric frowned and looked down at Jillian. “Love, I need to go back to Jessy’s room. Emerson and Warren are interrogating her, and I need to be there.”
Jillian nodded. “Okay. I’ll probably be here for a bit anyway.”
He kissed her then left the room, nodding at the two men who had brought her in, and Carla. “Thanks for bringing her in,” he told them.
“Anytime Alpha,” Carla told him.
The two guards stood outside the door as Carla stepped in. “Come on, we can get past Gerald and Tom.”
“How?”
“I’m going to tell them you need to walk, it will help you feel better.”
Jillian nodded and the two headed out the door. “She needs to walk, before the doctor comes in, it will help her feel better,” Carla told the men.
They nodded and they headed down the hall, Carla in the lead.
Carla opened the door quietly to Jessy’s room, but the men ignored her. They were too busy glaring at Jessy, who was laying in the bed, looking terrified.
“Jessy, answer us now,” Edric growled at her. “Who sent you to kidnap my Luna?”
“I can’t say,” she whispered.
“Why not?”
“Or they will kill me.”
“I will kill you if you don’t answer.”
“No, please Alpha, I love you, please don’t kill me.”
Jillian gasped and the men turned. Edric frowned at her and pulled her into the hall.
“You are supposed to be waiting for the doctor.”
“We are,” Jillian said, “but I wanted to see how Jessy was doing. She said she still loves you.”
“Yes, and that is a problem.”
“Why?”
“Because I was going to kill her.”
"You won't kill her."
"Yes, I am going too. She won't give us an answer, she is worthless, and she brought harm to you. Now leave.”
Jillian frowned. She knew better than to argue, but she did feel bad for Jessy. "You are going to kill her after I healed her?”
Edric frowned. “So you did heal her. Why?”
“Because I couldn’t just let her die.”
“Why not? She hates you, she tried to kill you Jillian, you should have let her die, but since you didn’t I will have to kill her.”
“You are going to kill your former lover?”
Edric growled, his eyes turning black, his wolf fighting for dominance.
“Jillian, get out now!” he roared.
Jillian stepped back. She was suddenly scared, she had gone too far.
"Leave,” he said, “before something bad happens,” and then he shifted.
Jillian turned and ran.
“Luna!” Carla yelled, but Jillian didn’t stop. She had to get away. She only wanted to save Jessy. True, she wasn't innocent by any means, but she didn't deserve to die, did she? Besides, if he killed her, how would they find out who was after Jillian?
Jillian ran to the car, tears blinding her. Was she stupid to love Edric? What had she gotten herself into anyway? Ever since she had met him, her life had been nothing but trouble. She got into the car, glad that the keys were still inside. She started the car and peeled out of the drive. Carla, Gerald, and Tom ran outside to see her driving away as fast as she could.
“We had better go after her,” Gerald said.
“Give her a few minutes to calm down,” Carla told him. “You don’t want to be by her when she is that angry.”
“But if the Alpha finds out.”
“He won’t. Let her be for a few, then we can go after her.”
The men nodded and headed back inside to wait. They would give her a ten-minute head start and then they were going after her.
Dr. Hess walked into the Alpha’s room a few minutes later but no one was there. Had the nurse been mistaken that the Luna had been brought in? Perh
aps so. He knew that the Alpha was there questioning the girl who had kidnapped the Luna the night before. He suddenly heard a terrified scream and then silence. The girl was dead. She deserved it though. The Luna was important, more important than any Luna before her. He would have to tell the Alpha that, and that he had found out some very interesting things about his Luna.
Jillian drove for a few miles and then stopped, and looked at where she was. She was outside the mall. She sniffed, wiped her tears, got out of the car and walked inside the mall. Might as well get her mind off of her worries. People looked at her in concern as she walked the mall. Why were they looking at her funny? She had been crying, they must have seen her watery eyes.
Moments later two security men hurried up to her. "Miss, are you okay?" one of them asked her.
"Yes, I think so," Jillian said.
"Maybe you had better come with us," the man said, as the other man followed her down a long hall.
"Did I do something wrong?" Jillian asked the man.
The two men then led Jillian back to an office, where a woman was standing by a desk. She pointed at a cot in the corner of the room and then looked at Jillian.
"Did I do something wrong?" Jillian asked again, sitting on the cot.
"No Miss, some people just noticed that you had been crying, and wanted us to make sure you were okay," the woman said. "I'm Julie by the way."
"Nice to meet you, Julie," Jillian sniffled.
"Are you okay? You look like you had a rough day."
Jillian chuckled dryly. "You could say that."
"Is there someone we should call?" Julie asked her.
"No, I am sure someone is already on their way to find me," Jillian sighed.
"Oh?" one of the men asked, "how do you know?"
"My fiancé likes to have bodyguards watch me, I am sure one of them followed me."
"You must be important," Julie said.
"Not so much," Jillian sighed, "more so my fiancé."
"Who is your fiancé?"
“It’s not important,” she sighed. “Besides, knowing my guards, I am sure that they will find me soon enough. Can I go now? I’m okay, I really am.”
Julie frowned. “Okay, but don’t leave the mall. We don’t want your fiancé to wonder where you are.”
“Okay,” Jillian said and headed out the door. She was surprised that Edric wasn't there, that Gerald and Tom hadn’t informed him that she was gone, but then again, he was probably dealing with his lover. Jillian shuddered at the thought. She didn't even want to go there, knowing that she hadn't been Edric's first, but he had been hers. Had she been stupid to give herself to him? But they were mates, right?
The Alpha King and his Human Mate Page 24