The Alpha’s Bullied Mate (Bluebell Valley Wolves #1)

Chapter 36 - Hayden

Sounds of laughter drifted through the open window. Hayden stiffly pulled himself into a sitting position. Though it had been almost a month since Mica saved him from Zealuv, he was still in rough shape. The demon had nearly made good on his threat to kill him, rather than let Mica have him back. He’d spent the last month in the hospital, connected to dozens of machines.

And now that he was home, he was being told to stay in bed. Never mind that he was healing rapidly; if he had set so much of a toe out of his bedroom, Mica would have been on him in an instant. And not in a good way, either.

He grabbed the binders containing the pack finances, grunting. Okay, yes. His guts had had so many microtears that he’d needed four transfusions. There were so many hairline fractures in his skull that the doctors had originally been afraid it would turn to mush. And yes, Mica was quite right that he needed to have much more bedrest to heal from Zealuv’s possession.

His wolf was restless in his chest, although in pain as well. His wolf form wasn’t as badly injured as his human form was, which was how he’d survived the process. He did need to stay quiet and allow his body to recover. It didn’t sit right with him to stay still, though. So if he couldn’t be out in the pack taking care of business, he could at least work on the paperwork of being an Alpha.

Monroe had let the pack resources fall into a terrible state. Their finances were almost completely drained, and they owed massive amounts of money to neighboring packs. It would take a long time before they were back in a good place.

The door opened and Mica slipped into the room, carrying a tray with her. She smiled when she saw him sitting in the bed. “Oh, good. It’s time for lunch.”

Hayden smiled back at her. “How is the pack?”

“Food first,” Mica told him firmly. She put the tray on the nightstand. The meatloaf, potatoes, and steamed broccoli smelled heavenly.

“It’s not blended,” Hayden said in surprise.

“The doctors say we can start reintroducing solids into your system,” Mica answered. She gestured to the food. “So I made sure everything was soft and easy to eat. The broccoli is soggy, so I’m sorry about that. But hopefully, it’ll be the first step to getting you back to chowing down on ribs and steaks.”

Hayden took her hand and pressed his lips to her palm. “Thank you.”

He carefully started to eat while Mica gave him an update on the events in the pack. All of the possessed wolves had had the ritual performed on them. Finn, who was fully recovered, reported no signs of new possessions. Hayden wasn’t convinced that the demon threat was entirely over, but it seemed that they had a reprieve.

“Did we lose anyone in the rituals?” Hayden asked.

Mica nodded. “Two. But they were able to say goodbye to their loved ones before the ending. We’re still in our recovery. I think we’re going to make it, though.”

“Has Ryder had any trouble from Spencer?” The former Beta still wasn’t fully convinced that Monroe had been possessed.

“So far, no. He’s stayed in his house and only leaves when he runs out of food. He tried to bully his daughters into returning home, but the three of them refused. They’ve moved in with Mom,” she added.

“How is Echo?”

Mica gave him a worn smile. “Almost back to her old self. She doesn’t have the same endurance, but she isn’t so weak anymore.”

Hayden swallowed his food. Though he hadn’t eaten much, he was starting to get uncomfortably full. He moved to set the tray aside. Mica quickly did it for him. His mouth quirked, but he allowed it. It was strange, but letting her hover over him satiated him in a way he hadn’t intended. He was so used to being responsible for everyone else around him.

With Mica, he felt that there were ways she could take care of him.

“I’ll leave this here in case you’re hungry later,” she said.

Hayden pushed aside the binder of the pack’s finances. “Come lay down with me for a bit. I just woke up; maybe I need some cuddling before I can eat.”

He winked at her.

Mica rolled her eyes but kicked off her shoes and crawled into the bed next to him.

Hayden stroked his thumb over her cheekbone, wondering at her beauty. Why had he ever been embarrassed about the idea of people thinking they were together? He kissed her temple and sighed.

“I know that sigh,” Mica said. “You’re feeling guilty again.”

“Perceptive.”

Mica wrinkled her nose and stuck out his tongue. “You don’t have to feel bad, you know. You’ve apologized enough.”

“I know that you forgive me.” He sighed again. “But when I think about the way I treated you… I didn’t even realize I was being so cruel. I think that’s the worst part of it. Being so… indifferent to your pain. I’ve always cared, even when I didn’t want anyone to know. I’m so very sorry for how I used to treat you.”

“Hayden…” Mica kissed him softly. “Just say it again.”

Hayden smirked, knowing exactly what she meant. “I’m sorry.”

“Not that! The other thing.” She pouted at him.

Hayden cupped her chin in his hand. “I love you.”

Mica’s answering smile swept away the lingering traces of guilt. Oh, it would come back. He hadn’t forgiven himself yet, and his wolf was sure to keep punishing him for hurting their mate, too. But seeing the love shining in her eyes was proof enough of her forgiveness of his past.

“I love you, too.”’

“What did I do to earn that love?”

Mica smirked. “Love isn’t something you earn. It’s something that is given freely and without strings attached. I love you because you’re you. Why do you love me?”

The question was pointed. Hayden ran a hand over her curves. “Oh, many reasons. Your heart and soul, mostly. Your body is pretty damn high on the list, too.”

“But would you love me if I was a worm?” Mica quipped.

Hayden laughed. “If you were a worm, I’d build a beautiful worm habitat and hire all the best worm scientists to give you the very best of lives.”

They both laughed. Hayden’s hand moved to Mica’s belly. It was starting to round out more. Her baggy clothes still hid her growing belly, but it wouldn’t stay that way for long. Hayden knew she was worried about feeling disgusted with her body the more baby weight she gained, but he was determined to help her see how beautiful she was at every change.

“I decided to hire a few new teachers for the school,” Mica said absently. “And I’m also looking into getting us a nutritionist to come to the pack and give lectures. I think we could all learn how to have a healthier relationship with food. Too many of the pack eat nothing but meat.”

“I’m a lucky Alpha to have you as my Luna,” Hayden said. He kissed her, long and slow. “So very, very lucky. We’re going to make this pack better, you know. The three of us. You, me, and our baby.”