by Becky Wilde
“Nik,” Megan croaked out of a dry sore throat.
“Oh Meg, don't talk baby. Save your strength and fight for me. I can't live without you Megan,” Nik sobbed, tears streaming from his eyes.
“I love you, Nik,” Megan rasped out, just before she faded into the darkness.
Nik gathered his mate in his arms and sobbed her name, “Megan, don't you dare leave me. I've only just found you. Please, don't die.”
“I've called for an ambulance, it should be here any moment, Nik. She's a strong female, Alpha. She won't give up without a fight,” Harry stated, as walked unsteadily into the room, still battling the effects of the tranquilizer, and clasped Nik's shoulder in support.
Harry and Nik heard the siren as the ambulance drew closer. Nik had to be pried away from his mate so the paramedics could work on her, to get her stabilized. He felt his knees weaken as they placed her on the stretcher and carried her to the waiting ambulance. Nik climbed into the back of the vehicle, after the paramedics and sat staring at his mate.
Praying to God to save her life.
He sat in the waiting room for hours and was unaware of his pack members joining him, one by one in his vigilance. He didn't move from the seat he was in, as he stared at the emergency room doors, willing a doctor to come and let him know his mate was out of danger.
Nik sat up straight, as the emergency room doors opened to a male doctor. He walked toward Nik and shook his hand. I've done everything I can for your fiancé, Mr. Romanov. It's up to her and God now. She had extensive damage to her right lung. I've repaired the damage, but such a traumatic experience to a body can send a patient into shock and she still may not pull through. I'm sorry, but we've done all we can.
Call me if you need to talk, anytime, day or night.” Nik forced his voice to work before the doctor left,
“Can I see her, please?”
“Sure, she's in intensive care, which is the best place for her to be. I don't want you to get a shock when you see all the machines she is hooked up to.
They are there for an added extra to monitor your fiancé's vital signs. Please, follow me.” Nik followed the doctor into the intensive care unit. His knees nearly buckled beneath him when he saw Megan so pale and lifeless. He sat down in the chair on the opposite side of the nurse, monitoring her and took her hand in his. He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it. He breathed in the scent of her skin and lay his head down on the mattress beside her and prayed. He didn't stop praying until he fell into a light doze at his mate's side. He dreamed of a beautiful woman floating in the room looking down at his mate.
“You love her more than your own life, Nikolai Romanov. I couldn't have wished for a better husband for my daughter. Megan will recover, but it will take months for her to be as healthy as she was. She loves you and wants to spend the rest of her life with you.
She didn't get to tell you everything in her heart, before she slipped into the darkness. Megan wants to marry you and have children with you. She wants to be able to spend the rest of your life with you as well.
Which means she wanted you to change her to be as you are. If you change her now, her recovery will be much faster as you know. You will have five minutes to change her, when the nurses change shift. Do it quickly. You will have a long life filled with love, laughter and children. Blessed Be.”
Nik watched the apparition in his dream place a kiss on his mate's head and fade away before his eyes.
He jerked up and realized he had been asleep, dreaming. He watched the nurse check his mate's vitals as she moved to the closed curtains.
“It's shift change. It won't be any longer than five minutes before another nurse is sitting next to your fiancé, monitoring her vital signs,” the nurse stated as she closed the curtains behind her.
Nik didn't stop to think he just acted. He let his canine teeth lengthen and tore a small cut into his wrist with one tooth. He opened Meg's mouth with his other hand and placed his wrist at her mouth and let a couple of drops of his blood, fall between her lips. He massaged her throat trying to get he to swallow by reflex and gave a sigh when she did. He leaned down and kissed her lips, nicking her lower lip with his longer eye tooth and tasted her blood. He licked the blood from her lip and sat down in the chair at her side once more. He hoped and prayed he had given her enough of his blood for the change to take place.
Chapter Nine
Megan became aware of the large warm hand holding hers in a light clasp. She could hear a beeping and wondered what was going on. She pried her heavy eyelids open, blinked a few times, until her vision cleared and looked over to see Nik asleep in a chair, his head resting on the side of the side of the bed. She slowly withdrew her hand from his and ran her fingers through his black, silky hair. She didn't stop her hand from moving over his head, through his hair ,as the nurse at her side stood and smiled at her as she took notes of her vital signs.
“You're looking so much better today. I'm glad you're finally awake,” the nurse stated with a smile a gave her hand a pat. “I'll be back soon, I'm just going for a coffee. If you need me, just push the button on the end of this cord.”
Megan gave a nod and smiled at the nurse and watched her leave. She continued to stroke Nik's head and hair until she felt him tense. She moved her hand to the side of his face and watched as he sat up, slowly. When he saw Megan's eyes open looking at him, a slow smile spread across his face. He stood up and kissed her gently on the lips.
“How are you feeling, sweetheart?”
“I am actually feeling really well,” Megan stated, surprise evident in her voice. “Other than feeling a little sore and bruised, I feel astoundingly well.”
“I am so glad. You scared me, Megan. I thought you were going to die. Don't you ever do anything like that again. I wanted to protect you, I told you I cannot die easily. Why did you put yourself in front of a bullet meant for me?”
“Because I love you, Nik. I didn't want you to get hurt; and in the situation Nadia had us in, you're healing abilities were the last thing on my mind. I couldn't bear to see you hurt.”
“Ah, sweetheart. You've made me so happy. I love you, too,” Nik reiterated. He then took Megan's hand in his and knelt down next to the bed.
“Megan, you are the air I breathe, my heart and soul. Would you do the honor of marrying me?” Megan felt her eyes prickle, then tears of joy coursed down her cheeks as she gripped his hand.
“Yes, Nik. I would love to be your wife. You are my heart and soul. I want to have children with you and grow old with you.”
Nik stood to his feet and climbed up on the bed beside Megan. He scooped her into his arms, being careful not to hurt her, or move any of the wires attached to her; and cuddled her close. He stared down into her eyes and slowly lowered his head to hers. He took her mouth in a slow tender kiss, expressing all his love for his mate. He would have kept on kissing her, if it wasn't for someone clearing their throat at the end of her hospital bed.
“I'm glad to see you finally awake, Megan. You had us worried there for a while. If you would allow me to check Megan over, Nik. Why don't you go and get a cup of coffee and something to eat. I should be done by the time you get back; and take all those people in the waiting room with you. They're starting to make my hospital look untidy,” Doc stated with a grin.
Nik removed himself from Megan's bed, placed a chaste gentle kiss on her lips, gave her a wink and left the room with a great big smile on his face.
Doc checked Megan over and was surprised by how fast she was healing. He left the room with a perplexed smile on his face, advising she would be ready to go home the next day. By the time Nik returned Megan had been unattached from all the machines she was hooked up to, as well as showered.
She was feeling totally alive, full of love and joy and couldn't wait to leave the hospital.
Nik came back to Megan, still looking like a scruff with several days of beard growth, his hair standing up on end and his clothes rumpled from having been slept in. He
looked absolutely gorgeous to her. She saw movement behind Nik and realized Stefan followed him.
“Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes, Meg,” Stefan stated as he leaned down and kissed her cheek.
“You look amazing for someone who nearly died.
How do you feel?”
“I feel amazing,” Meg stated, as she looked at Nik and gave him a saucy wink. “You know, since I've woken up, I've realized everything looks so much brighter, my hearing seems to be impeccable and my sense of smell is amazing. I feel like running through the woods just because I can. So when do I get to do my first change?”
“How could you know, Megan? You weren't even conscious!” Nik stated with amazement.
“Oh well, a relative of mine may have whispered it in my ear whilst I was sleeping.” Nik gave her a knowing smile, moved up onto the bed with her once more and hugged her close.
“You changed her?” Stefan asked, but knowing the answer before Nik could reply. “I can't wait to run with you, my beautiful sister in law. You will be amazed by how free you feel. Now hurry up and get well, because I am not missing out on going with you on your first time out.”
“The Doc says I can go home tomorrow. Why don't you go home and have a good nights rest, honey. You'll feel so much better. A shower, shave and a change of clothes wouldn't hurt either,” Meg stated with a grin.
“Why, you little baggage. Are trying to tell me I stink?” Nik asked with a grin.
“No,” Megan began to reply. “Well, maybe just a little ripe,” she said with a laugh.
“I think she's trying to get rid of you Nik. Come on, I'll drive you home. Get some rest Megan. I'll see you tomorrow,” Stefan stated as he leaned down and kissed her cheek. He left Nik and Megan to say good bye in private.
“I love you. I'll be back first thing in the morning to break you out of this joint,” Nik stated. He looked intently into her eyes, then lowered his mouth for a chaste kiss.
“I love you too, Nik. I'll be ready and waiting,” Megan replied, as her eyelids began to droop.
Nik walked out from behind the curtain in the intensive care unit, as he looked back through, before closing them around her bed, he saw her eyes close and her breathing even out.
****
Meg was home by mid-morning the next day. Nik settled her on one of the large sofa's in the living room with a blanket on her lap and told her to rest.
He sat down beside her and gave a sigh of contentment when she settled her head on his lap. He had Stefan put on a movie for her and sat back as he ran a hand up and down her back, in soothing motions. He couldn't stop touching her and to be honest, he didn't want to. He loved her so much. He couldn't wait for the surprise wedding he had set up for a week away. He'd had Stefan get her size from her clothes and had him pick out a wedding gown for her. Everything was planned and organized. All he needed now was for Megan's energy levels to pick up a bit more. She was a lot stronger today, than she had been yesterday, and by the time the wedding came around, he knew she would be totally recovered.
He watched his pack mates come in and out of the room to check up on his mate. She had won over every single one of his pack members, when she had thrown herself in front of the bullet meant for him.
They kept asking her if there was anything she needed or wanted, but since Harry was acting like a mother hen, her answer was always a negative.
Nik looked down at her face as the movie came to an end. Her eyes were closed and her breathing was deep and even. His mate looked so innocent when she was asleep. He wanted to spend the rest of his life watching her. She was so beautiful, inside and out. He couldn't have asked for a better mate.
They day of the wedding dawned and Nik was so excited he could barely contain his leashed energy.
He had woken and suggested he take Megan shopping for the day. By the time they got back he knew everything would be set up and ready for their ceremony and wedding reception. He was going to have to sneak her up the stairs to her room, passed closed doors which would be hiding caterers and food. He only hoped she would not have her spoil surprised until he could get her into her room to shower and change into her wedding gown.
When they were standing in her room, he took her by the hand and led her to the closet which held her gown.
“Megan, I have a surprise for you. Close your eyes and don't open them until I tell you,” Nik stated with a grin.
“Okay,” Megan complied and waited impatiently.
She was one of those people who loved surprises and let the anticipation build. She could hear Nik rustling around in the closet, then heard the door close again.
Another rustle then all was quiet.
“I love you, so much,” Nik stated as he knelt down in front of Megan.
She felt him slip a ring on the ring finger of her left hand. She held her breath until he told her she could open her eyes again.
“Megan, open your eyes,” Nik stated.
Megan opened her eyes and tears formed in her eyes to see her mate, down on bended knee in front of her. She looked down at her left hand still gently clasped in Nik's larger hand. The ring on her finger was gorgeous. There was a large solitaire diamond set in the middle, and on either side were two small hearts with smaller diamonds within, all set in white gold. She flung herself in his arms, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately, as tears streamed down her face.
“Oh Nik, it's beautiful. I love you so much,” Megan whispered against his mouth.
Nik weaned his lips from hers and gently clasped her face between his hands. “I have another surprise for you,” Nik stated and turned her head gently, until she was looking at the closet door. He watched her face waiting for comprehension to dawn.
Megan stared at the beautiful sleek white gown hanging on the closet door. She gave a gasp as she realized what she was looking at. She turned her head back to Nik, opening and closing her mouth a few times.
Nik gave a chuckle, placed his lips on hers for a gentle peck, rose to his feet, bringing Megan with him. “How long do you need to get ready sweetheart?”
“Now. You mean today? Right now?” Megan asked when she eventually found her voice.
When Nik nodded in confirmation, Megan flung herself at him once more. He gave a chuckle as he caught her in his arms and wrapped her arms and legs around him. His chuckle turned into a groan as she slid back down his hard, muscular body.
“I'll be ready in an hour,” Megan stated, as she took his hand and pulled him to the door. She gave him a small shoved out the door and slammed it closed behind him. He laughed outright as he walked away, when he heard her squeal of delight.
Chapter Ten
Stefan led Megan down the carpet aisle to the center of the maze. Megan looked absolutely stunning in her simple but elegant white gown. Her hair was piled on top of her head and she had placed small, white Gardenias throughout her hair. She made her way to Nik standing before the fountain and the marriage celebrant waiting behind him. Stefan placed her hand into Nik's and moved to the side so the ceremony could begin.
The rest of the day took on a dream like quality for Megan. Her ceremony had been beautiful, as she and Nik had spoken their vows from their hearts. The reception that followed was full with her new friends and family. Her and Nik's pack members. They ate drank and danced the night away under the stars. She couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.
Nik was dancing with her under the stars, holding her close to his large warm body.
“I love you Mrs. Romanov,” he whispered in her ear.
“I love you too, Mr. Romanov,” Meg replied quietly.
“We have so much to look forward to, little one.
Your first change, the first of our children, spending the rest of our lives together.”
“Yes. You know if it wasn't for Stefan and my Grandmother, I probably wouldn't have found the courage to grab hold of you with both hands and never let go. I will always love you Nik. No matter what life throws our w
ay, that will never change.”
“I thought you said you had no living relatives, Megan,” Nik stated as he looked down into his eyes.
“I don't,” Meg replied.
“Then how did your Grandmother help in your decision to stay?” Nik asked with a slight frown.
“Ghosts really do exist, Nik. My Grandmother helped me to escape from the Malibu Pack and then she came and spoke to me when I was trying so hard to leave. As I said, if it wasn't for your brother or my Grandmother, I think I would still be running.”
“Hmm,” Nik murmured and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I know ghosts exists. Your mother says to say she and your father love you very much.”
Megan looked up into his eyes, her vision blurred by tears, “My mom visited you?”
“Yes, baby. She came to me while you were fighting for your life in the hospital. She told me, even though you would survive, it would take you a long time to recover. She told me the things you didn't get to say to me before you slipped into unconsciousness. She was the one who told me to change you. She told me the nurse was leaving, because it was shift change and I would have five minutes to give you my blood and to take a little of yours. If I hadn't you would still be in hospital.”