bloom daniels 02 - lightening bloom

by michelle turner

Bloom

  "I'll be able to shift?" I ask in complete shock. Finally! My wolf growls in pleasure. I ignore her because I have to focus. It’s all coming at me so fast. My birth was planned by some weird Alpha pair. Rose is the reason I can't shift. She could've killed me. Yet, she did it in an attempt to save me.

  Darn it!

  Too much, too quick. It's all causing my head to spin. Pike's hand starts rubbing up and down my back. "Breathe, Darlin'. I know it's a lot, but we're finally getting some answers."

  "I'll be able to..."

  “Shift.”

  Our eyes connect, the rest of the people around us melting away, and aloud I whisper. “Yeah.”

  His blue eyes light in delight, and without glancing down at his mouth I know he’s smiling. He wants that. He wants our wolves together, running through the mountains the pack calls home. Seeing how much he wants it has me wanting it too. Desperately.

  “How can I be cured?” I ask Amelia.

  She stands up and with a clap of her hands starts shooting off orders. Pointing at Tucker. “You call the doctor up here. He’ll need supplies to do a blood transfusion.”

  “What?” I ask.

  She ignores me as she continues her orders, this time directly at Billy. “Go out on the balcony and drag in those lounge chairs. They’ll be the most comfortable for this process.” Tucker and Billy are instantly up and following through with their orders.

  “Give me something to do.” Bonnie says, standing up.

  “Go find Bloom some pajama’s to put on. This process isn’t going to be pleasant so we need to make sure she’s as comfortable as possible.” Bonnie nods, and heads into Pike’s and my room. Rose stands up, making a move to go, but Amelia stops her. “You aren’t going anywhere.”

  Rose doesn’t even turn around when in a defeated voice she says. “I don’t want to be in the way.”

  “You made this mess, and now you’re needed to fix it. Set your tush on the couch until it’s time for you to step up and do just that.” Amelia informs her with a withering glare.

  “I…” Rose starts, but Amelia makes a zip it motion with her hands, and points at the couch. Rose unsuccessfully tries to stare her down. When that doesn’t work she sits her butt in the spot Amelia is pointing at.

  “Umm…” I whistle, drawing Amelia’s attention. She arches an eyebrow at me in question. “What’s going on?”

  “We’re going to heal you.” She answers in a way that makes me think she is mentally adding “duh” on to the end.

  “That’s great.” I look at Pike, who is silently laughing. About what I’m not sure. I’m too busy trying to get answers. Looking back at Amelia I ask. “How are we doing that, again?”

  Before she can utter a single word there’s a knock on the door. Tucker goes to answer it, and seconds later he comes back in followed by Doc. Doc takes in the lounge chairs now sitting where the coffee table was once placed. Billy having moved the opposite couch up against the wall along with the coffee table. Then he asks. “What’s going on?”

  “That’s what I’ve been trying to find out.” I grumble.

  Amelia goes to Doc, and takes him by the arm to pull him further into the room. Once he’s standing right before me, she explains. “You need to drain Bloom.”

  “Drain?” Him, Pike, and I all ask in unison.

  “Yes, drain. Withdraw as much of her blood as you can without killing her.”

  “Excuse me. What the hell?” I yell.

  She lets go of Doc’s arm, so she can take my hands to pull me off of Pike’s lap, and onto my feet, and asks. “You want to heal your wolf?”

  “Yes.”

  “This is the way.”

  Pike climbs to his feet behind me, pulling me out of Amelia’s hands, and back against his chest. “You’re talking about putting her life at risk.”

  Her eyes go over my shoulder to him. “I’m talking about saving her wolf. I wouldn’t put either of you through this process if I didn’t know she’d make it through the other side okay.”

  “You can see she’ll be okay?” He asks for reassurance.

  “She’ll make it through this process fine. I can’t say it’ll be pleasurable, but it won’t kill her. You have my word on that.” I feel Pike relax behind me. “Okay, let’s do this.”

  “Wait. This will kill her.” Doc speaks up.

  Amelia turns, placing her hand on his shoulder. “No, it won’t.”

  “That’ll be too much blood loss. Too quickly.” He argues.

  Her voice brokering no argument, Amelia says. “She’ll survive. As soon as you’ve drained enough of her own blood you’ll start a transfusion with the donor blood. She’ll be weak for several days, but she will survive.”

  Rubbing his temples, Doc asks. “Where did you even get donor blood?”

  Amelia pulls his hands away from his head, and points at Rose. “Right there’s our donor.”

  Rose’s eye get huge, but she doesn’t protest. Doc looks at her then back at Amelia. “Are you sure she’s a match?”

  Without hesitation. “Yes.”

  “This is insane.” He states.

  “You’ll do it.” She states in return.

  “Hell.” He shakes his head. “Fine. I’ll do it.”

  Amelia claps her hands, again. “Great.” She grabs the pajamas out of Bonnie’s hands and holds them out to me. “Go get changed so we can get started.”

  ****************************

  “Are you sure about this?” Doc whispers. He’s sitting in a chair beside the lounge chair I’m spread out on. A needle in his hand is hovering over my arm. He’s still not comfortable doing this. I don’t blame him. I’m nervous, too. It’s my life on the line. But I nod anyways. “Yes.”

  “Okay.” With that he sticks the needle into my vein. I don’t watch while he takes all the steps, but it’s not long before I see blood flowing into the tube attached to the needle. He moves away from me, and over to the other lounge chair where Rose is sitting in much the same position. He repeats the needle process with her, and then stands up. “Now, we wait.”

  “How long will it take?” Pike asks. He’s sitting beside me holding my free hand.

  “Around an hour and that’s pushing it. I’m going to monitor closely to make sure we don’t take more than she needs to survive. As soon as I can, I’ll start the transfusion with Rose’s blood. But I have to warn you, again, this is dangerous.”

  Pike nods in understanding. This is testing his limits. I’m at risk, and I’m doing it to myself. Even if Amelia’s certain I’ll be fine it’s still not a position he wants me in. “Tennessee, I’ll be fine.”

  “You better. I swear after we make it through this, and the stupid shit your brother is dragging to our door, I’m locking us in our suite and not answering the door for at least a month.”

  “That plan works for me.”

  “Good to know, Darlin’. Though I’m going to do it whether you like it or not. But it’ll be easier since you agree.”

  Chapter 25 – Pike

  “Bloom. Bloom.” I keep calling her name, but she’s not responding. Doc comes over to check her vitals. He makes some adjustments to the machine that’s taking her blood, and then explains. “She passed out from the blood loss. Surprisingly her vitals are still strong. It’s about time to start the transfusion. I’d say ten minutes until we stop taking and start giving.”

  I let out the breath I was holding and nod. She’s going to be okay. I have to keep reminding myself of that. She better be okay. If she’s not I’m going to kill an old lady who lied. I really don’t want to kill an old lady. I bring Bloom’s hand to my mouth and kiss it. “You’ll survive this.”

  “She’s going to be fine.” Tucker says, clapping my shoulder. I nod. “I’m going to go check on the training. I’ll be right back up.” He doesn’t wait for a response, because he’s smart enough to know he won’t be getting one.

  “Want to come with me?” He asks Bonnie. She shakes her head no. He le
ans down, kisses her forehead, and then takes off. She stands and tells the room. “I can’t sit here any longer. I’m going to make cookies. She’ll need the sugar when she wakes up.”

  “Chocolate chip are her favorite.” I tell her.

  “Then chocolate chip it is.” She responds. She walks to the kitchen, giving my shoulder a squeeze as she passes me.

  “We’ll help.” Amelia calls, pulling Forrest with her after Bonnie.

  I’m left to the silence. Rose is sitting up on the lounger, nursing a glass of orange juice, her eyes keep darting to her daughter. “Just say it.” I growl.

  She startles at my words, almost losing hold of her drink. She sets it down, comes over to Bloom’s lounger, and gets on her knees. She reaches out to push hair off Bloom’s face. I stop myself from growling. “I’m sorry she’s going through this.”

  “It’s your fault.”

  Her eyes come to me. “Pike, I was desperate to protect her.”

  “You could’ve killed her.”

  She sighs. “Sometimes when a person is at their weakest they have to make hard decisions. I made mine, and I have to live with those consequences every day. But she survived, and they didn’t get their hands on her. I’m taking that as a success.”

  “In the process you lost the love of your daughter.”

  Her face falls, tears fill her eyes, and her hand cups Bloom’s cheek. “It was the sacrifice I had to make for her to be safe.” She removes her hand and looks up at me. “Sometimes as a parent you have to sacrifice things you want for what your child needs. My child got what she needed and I can’t be any happier that you get to be the one to give it to her.”

  “Rose…”

  “No, Pike. This is how it has to be.” She stands. “Please, let me know when she makes it through.”

  “I will.” I answer immediately. She gives a barely noticeable nod of her head, and then walks out. I stare at the last spot I saw her for a long time. Shit! I can’t hate the woman. I want to, but I can’t.

  Doc approaches, pulling me from these thoughts. “It’s time.”

  “Thank God.” He does the switch, and in no time at all there’s blood flowing into my mate. I let out a sigh of relief. It’s not over, but we’re getting closer. I climb onto the lounger with her, molding myself to her side, my arm wrapped around stomach, my forehead laying gently against the side of hers. “We’re getting closer to that month of seclusion. One hurtle down, only a couple more to go.”

  ****************************

  “Pike.” My name has never sounded sweeter. I tighten my arms around her. “Right here, Darlin’.”

  Her eyes flutter open, and she turns her head to face me. “Am I okay?”

  I chuckle. “You’re perfect. The transfusion is done. Other than passing out for a few hours you made it through fine.”

  “Can I shift now?” She asks, her voice reflecting how weak she really is.

  “You need to give yourself a few days to rebuild you strength. We’ll test it out as soon as you’re strong enough. Deal?”

  “Deal.” She agrees. Her eyes are drooping. It won’t be long before she’s back to sleep.

  “Bonnie made you chocolate chip cookies. Think you can eat a couple and drink some juice before you go back to sleep?”

  “Sure.” She says, though her head is shaking no.

  “I’ll go grab some just in case.” Bonnie offers, hopping up from her seat.

  “Thanks.”

  “It’s no problem.”

  “How’s Rose?” Bloom surprises me by asking.

  I pull her closer to me, positioning her head on my chest. “She’s okay. She went back to her suite.”

  “Make sure someone checks on her. She donated a lot of blood for me.” She commands, already half asleep.

  “I will.” I promise, running my fingers through her blonde hair.

  Bonnie comes back in and hands me a plate of cookies. She keeps hold of the glass of juice since my other arm is holding Bloom. “Darlin’, want one of these cookies.”

  Her eyes flutter back open and she looks at the plate I’m holding close to her face. She grabs one and takes a bite. “Mmm. Thanks, Bon.” Her eyes droop again as she chews. I hand Bonnie the plate and she switches it for the juice.

  “Drink some of this.” I say, sitting us up better on the lounger and holding the drink with the straw close to her mouth. Her lips latch onto the straw and she takes a couple weak pulls. “A few more.” I plead.

  “So bossy.” She mumbles around the straw.

  “When it comes to your well-being, always.” I answer firmly.

  She drinks half the glass and then burrowing closer to my chest asks. “Can I go back to sleep now?”

  I hand the glass off to Bonnie, and position myself with my back to the lounger, both arms wrapped around Bloom, her laying mostly on top of me. “Get some more sleep.” And like that she was out again. I wasn’t tired at all, but that didn’t stop me from lying there with her in my arms.

  Hours later I’m still lying there. Bloom’s snoozing away on top of me. Everyone else has drifted away. Not out of the suite, but into the kitchen, giving us a tiny bit of privacy. I’m starting to doze off myself when I feel her body tense.

  She sits up fully. Her eyes wide and fear shinning bright. “He’s brought death to our door.” She screams before collapsing back onto my chest like nothing happened.

  “What the hell?” Bonnie asks, coming into the room with everyone following behind her. Doc rushes over and starts checking her. “She’s passed out again.” He declares, stepping away.

  “She had a vision.” Amelia explains.

  “It was strong enough to wake her.”

  “It must be an important vision.”

  “Why isn’t she waking up now and explaining it then?” Bonnie asks.

  “She’s too weak from the transfusion.” Doc answers.

  My eyes swing to the entry way when I hear the door slam open. Tucker comes running in. “Kyran and the Wright pack are surrounding the cabin.”

  My eyes fall to Bloom. “She was trying to warn us.”

  Chapter 26 – Tucker

  I follow Pike’s eyes to the sleeping form of my sister. “Bloom saw this?”

  Pike nods. “She shot up, wide awake, moments before you walked in screaming, “He’s brought death to our door”, and then passed back out.”

  “Shit.”

  “Yeah.” I watch Bonnie walk over to Pike, whose eyes are still on his mate, and lay her hand on his shoulder. “Handle the assholes outside.”

  “But…”

  “I’ll protect her with my life. It’s my destiny.”

  He lifts his eyes to take her in, finally, he gives in on a sigh. “Okay, but I’ll send up one of our wolves to have your back.”

  “I’d appreciate it.”

  He nods, leans down and presses a kiss to Bloom’s lips, and then stands. “Let’s go. This ends today.”

  “Give me a minute.” I say, motioning towards Bonnie.

  “I’ll wait in the hall.”

  “We’ll head out too. We’ll go down and help set up the medical area.” Amelia says following after Pike, Billy and Forrest in tow. Doc stops by Bonnie. “I’m going too. If she wakes up try to get some more fluids in her. She can dehydrate easily.”

  “Will do.” Bonnie tells him and then he leaves.

  As soon as we’re alone I pull her into my arms. “Make sure your guns are loaded and ready.”

  “I will. You make sure you come back to me breathing.”

  “Are you worried about me, Bonnie-bean?” I lift her up, she wraps her legs around my waist, and her arms around my shoulders.

  “If I say I am will you tell everyone?” She asks in a teasing voice.

  “It’ll be our secret.” I reply, nuzzling her neck.

  “Then yeah I’m worried about you.”

  “The feeling is mutual. How about we make a deal? You keep yourself safe and I’ll keep myself safe.” I press a
kiss to her throat.

  “It’s a deal. Now put me down so you can get out there and kick ass.”

  “Kiss me first.”

  She huffs. “Do I have to?”

  “Yes.” I answer, grinning.

  “Fine.” She rolls her eyes, but since she lays a good one on me I let the eye roll slide.

  I place her on her feet and tell her. “Love you.”

  “I love you, too. Now get going so this can end.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” I respond, standing at attention and saluting her. She smacks my stomach with the back of her hand and tells me. "Get out of here." I steal one more kiss before leaving.

  In the hall I find Pike leaning against the wall beside the elevator. His head hung with his hands fisted over his eyes. The weight on his shoulders is a burden I'd never want to take over, but I'm glad I can be a piece of his support system. "Ready."

  His head comes up, but he's not looking at me, instead his eyes are trained on the door of his suite. I put my hand on his shoulder to reassure him. "Bonnie's protecting her, but we'll send Killian up and she'll have that much more coverage. We finish this up today, and she won't have to worry about Kyran's issues anymore."

  He nods. "It's about time she's able to take a breath without trouble and sorrow hanging over her head."

  I release his shoulder to punch the button for the elevator. "Then let's go end this so you can give her that, and a lifetime of days like it."

  ****************************

  Pike

  Crossing through the front entrance I find myself greeted by the backs of my pack members. They're standing shoulder to shoulder, blocking the way in. Sensing my approach they part just enough for Tucker and myself to pass through, closing that little space as soon as we are. Kit, in his wolf form, takes up the spot on my empty side as we come to a stop several feet from the Wright Pack.

  "Hand over Kyran and leave my property peacefully. Then, and only then, will I consider not killing you."

  A tall, slender man steps forward. He's well dressed in suit pants and a white button-up shirt. His pale blonde hair is slicked back and his face is devoid of emotion. He twists his head from side to side, cracking his neck in the process. Then straightening to his full height rumbles his own demands. "If you don't hand over the girl who belongs to our pack, we will kill every member of yours, one by one. I'll give you five minutes to decide the fate of your people." He turns on his heels, shifting to his wolf form, and disappears into the sea of his people.