Chapter 33

"We're almost there."

What was truly a few seconds turned into hours. But when he finally saw Maya, he gasped.

"She's big for a half-ling," Blaze said what he was thinking. There before his eyes lay a dormant wolf with black and brown fur.

"She's out cold," Blaze announced. The problem with half-lings was that they could only transform during full moons. She would be in this form until the moon wasn't at its highest point anymore.

"So you're back," Harlan said, sitting on a chair by the bed she was on, probably for examining purposes. Callum had back problems. He was older than he would like to admit.

"I am," he said calmly. "Quite a first day to be back." He stopped for a moment, visibly uncomfortable.

"What?" But just as he asked, it hit him. Gemma.

"You smell like her," Blaze said, melancholy filling his voice.

Sometimes Harlan didn't know what to say. This was one of those times.

"I'm sorry." He knew better than to say he was surprised he hadn't gotten over her. Blaze and Gemma dated for a long time, but the bond never snapped into place. Gemma knew it wouldn't and Blaze hoped it would. Gemma broke things off. And Harlan couldn't bring himself to care at this moment. Not when Maya was out cold.

"You never liked the fact that we were together," Blaze called him out on his lie.

"She's my little sister, you're a dick," Harlan said and they both laughed.

Deep down he knew he was never really a dick to her. He loved her, but it just didn't work out.

"What about her?" Blaze jerked his chin at Maya.

He didn't know what to answer to that. Why was he so protective over Maya? Why did he care so much? He knew the obvious answer but even thinking it to himself was forbidden.

"I was supposed to protect her," he finally said, hoping it would be enough for Blaze.

"When Selene told me about her I couldn't believe it was you who saved her," Blaze started. "Maybe you are getting better."

He scoffed. If anything he was getting worse. He was less focused, more emotional, and was becoming very attached to her. This had to stop.

He was about to get up and leave when he heard her voice in his head.

"Harlan?"

It was weak, but as soon as she said it he drew closer.

Blaze must have noticed something because he said, "I'll give you two some privacy," before leaving.

"Are you okay?" he asked as he surveyed her wolf form. Her eyes were golden, just like his. Strange.

He ran over to close the curtains. The moon wasn't at its apex anymore, she would change back soon. He didn't want anyone to see her naked. The mere thought made him sick.

And just as she was transforming, he looked away as well. He had a feeling if he ever saw her like that, all his self-control would be as useful as a pen in a gunfight.

Her wolf whined. The sound of cracking bones and cries made him want to see if she was okay.

"Everything all right?" he asked, looking around for something she could wear. He found a hospital gown and gave it to her. Why did Callum have a hospital gown? No idea whatsoever. He probably stole it from someone.

She put it on. He knew because she stopped shuffling. So he turned to look at her, scanning her body for cuts and bruises.

Fuck, she was hurt. Mainly her shoulder. He winced. It looked deep and painful. She must have been scared.

Shit, he was glad those bastards were dead because the things he was considering doing to them made even him sick.

"I'm fine. Are you hurt?" she asked, worry in her eyes.

"I'm okay." He was now. All of the wounds had healed. He was just a little bit sore. But Maya, on the other hand, was still bleeding.

"You transformed."

"Yes. It is very weird." He smiled at that.

"It can be. Did it hurt a lot?" He cringed just from imagining her going through what he did when he first turned.

"The worst pain I've ever been in," she admitted. "Who were those wolves today?"

"Old-school wolves that are opposed to Damien's way of running things. We call them rebels."

"Did you kill them?" she asked, tilting her head a little bit as she did so. That little gesture had her black locks moving.

"I did." He got ready for judgment but she only replied,

"Good."

This startled him so much that he had to ask again.

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine now. Don't look at me like that."

He wasn't aware he was looking at her strangely.

"How am I looking at you?"

"As if everything bad that has ever happened to me is your fault."

What did she mean? It was obviously his fault.

"But tonight was my fault, I.."

For once it was Maya the one who interrupted him.

"Nothing that happened tonight was your fault. Please know that."

She moved over in the bed and patted beside her.

"Stay. I don't want to be alone tonight."

He didn't hesitate to lie down, letting out a grunt as he did so. But he couldn't get past the fear and guilt he was feeling.

I know you think that way, Maya, but you are wrong. The longer I stay by your side the more damage I will do.

But let me have tonight.

Even if it is just one night, I can cherish it forever.

If only he knew she would be safer by his side than anywhere else.