I woke up to the sound of talking in the distance. I knew the voices were Nina and Kerr, but I couldn't figure out what they were talking about.
I groaned and pulled my eyes open. I winced as bright lights were aimed down at me. I looked around, taking in the healer's office. I wasn't out in the forest anymore.
“So, he's going to be okay?” Nina asked in the distance, and I turned my head to a half-open door.
“Yeah, he should be waking up soon.”
“Thank god!” Kerr said with a heavy sigh. “Jesus, I don't think I could fill those shoes.”
I tried to sit up, but my side hurt a little bit. Nothing like before, but I could tell I was still healing. I forced myself up to a sitting position and rubbed a hand over my face. The door opened, and Nina walked in. Her eyes instantly widened, and her mouth dropped. “Frank!”
She rushed over to me, throwing her arms around me. “Oh my god! You're okay.”
I inhaled her scent, allowing my body to relax against her warmth. I was alive, and so was she. I held her close, feeling so many emotions hit me at once.
“I love you,” I said softly, meaning it. “I love you so much it hurts.”
Nina leaned back, cupping my face. “I know you said that.”
I shook my head. “No, I said that thinking I was dying. The words were true, but you don't understand how deeply I love you. How much I would give to make sure you had everything you want to keep you safe.”
Nina had tears in her eyes.
“I don't want this to be so difficult anymore. No more walking on eggshells or avoiding.” I pulled her close. “I want all of this. I want a marriage.”
“You do?” she whispered.
I nodded. “I do, and with no one but you.” I cupped her face. “God, please tell me you feel the same.”
Nina nodded her head. “I do.”
I kissed her. I inhaled her like she was my salvation, and I knew she felt the same. Her arms wrapped around me tightly, and she giggled as she kissed me. I knew it was all out of happiness.
Chapter 25 - Nina
I chewed on my cheek as we waited outside in the hall. I looked down the hallway, hoping to see Jillian, but there was no sight of her. I missed her.
“Everything is going to be okay,” Frank said as he placed his hand on my shoulder. I knew he was trying to help calm my nerves, but it didn't work.
I glanced at him for a moment, hoping that his words were true, but we didn't know how this meeting was going to go. We knew nothing, and that scared me the most.
I looked back down the hallway again. I hadn't seen Jillian since two nights ago when everything happened. They ended up taking Jillian into custody, no matter how much I explained she was innocent. Not even Frank's words mattered when the Council wanted her handled.
I shifted, hating how all this was handled. She was treated like a criminal when she had no idea what had happened. She'd barely woken up when they took her away.
“I just know she's scared,” I said, rubbing my hands on my arms. I could still see her face when they took her. She was confused and horrified by what everyone was saying. They accused her of so much and didn't even give her a chance to defend herself.
Frank squeezed my shoulder, and my eyes drifted to the guys standing across from us. All the Alphas looked tired; some seemed unsure about this entire situation, and I couldn't blame them. If I heard someone stabbed my friend, I'd have a hard time believing she was innocent.
“How's your side?” Jay asked Frank, leaning against the wall.
“It's healed,” Frank offered, rubbing a hand over where the stab wound was. Frank had healed quickly, almost like it had never happened.
The guy nodded at him, and I shifted in my chair. I chewed on my cheek, looking back down the hallway.
A few moments went by before the doors opened, and we were allowed into the meeting with the Council. They sat in their usual spots, looking irritated as always. I sat down next to Frank, who placed his hand on my thigh. I placed my hand over his, giving it a tight grip.
“Welcome for coming. You are all aware we did an interrogation on Jillian.” Ralph said, tapping some papers onto the table.
