The Alpha's Prize ??

Word Count: 1998

~Hunter

I pull the covers up to my chin, muttering a curse under my breath.

Today is meant to be the day. I should be loading up a horse and bidding this place farewell, and instead, I'm stuck in bed, trying not to writhe around in pain.

I groan as a loud knock sounds from the door.

It's opened tentatively, Tay sticking her head around the corner. "You're sleeping late."

"I feel terrible," I mumble, sinking deeper into my pillow.

All the progress I've made seems to have melted away, my strength having seemingly vanished as a sickness plagues my body.

Tay rushes to the side of my bed, panic sullying her features. "What? Why?"

"I think I'm coming down with something." I heave myself up the pillow a little, but only manage a few inches. My wound feels like it's been torn open again, although the nurse assured me it's fine, that this may just be a complication with my healing.

Tay looks towards the one bag I have that is fully packed with donated goods from herself. "But you're meant to leave today."

"I guess I can't. Not yet anyway." I try not to sound too defeated, but it's hard.

I've spent all these weeks excited for my escape. At the same time, I've been anxious about my past catching up to me, even if I haven't heard whispers of my real name around yet.

Tay grabs the glass from my bedside table, placing it into my hands. "Drink plenty of water and stay in bed as much as possible."

I smile tentatively, although irritation is burning in my blood. How could this have happened? How could my wound be having problems now, when I thought it was doing well before?

"I can't stay in bed, I'll go mad," I tell her.

"We could go out and do something?" She offers, smoothing her hand down the pale duvet.

Being stuck in bed isn't the only problem I have here. There is a pressing reality that I thought I could escape, and now I'm going to have to face.

"I'm worried about your brother. I got so mad at him, and I'm sure he hates me even more. I didn't think I would care because I didn't think I would see him again..." I explain.

I feel so terrible about what I excused him of, and he has every right to hate me.

Tay just smiles knowingly, shaking her head. "Don't worry about Kaan, I don't think he's capable of hating you."

"He seemed pretty convinced."

"He has a hard time opening up to people. I wouldn't let it get to you." She taps the bottom of the glass, raising her brows expectantly.

"Maybe..." I mumble before draining the glass, ignoring the way my stomach churns.

"I know you don't want to, but why don't you get some rest. I'm sure you will want to avoid my parents getting home today." She nudges me gently.

My breathy laughs feels a little pained as it comes out. This illness, or lack of healing sucks, but not as much as having to face these people's parents.

They won't be happy with me needing stay a little longer.

"Are they going to be upset I'm staying longer than they wanted me to?" I ask, sharing my worries with her.

She shakes her head, tucking a piece of tawny brow hair behind her hair. "Everything upsets them. But I'll make sure you can stay, don't worry."

Her warm smile is comforting. For once, the thought of staying here with Tay isn't so upsetting. She's been growing on me a lot, and officially, I think she is my friend.