Cole's Redemption (Alpha Pack #5)(47)

Ten

Selene followed the prince through the maze of tunnels, thinking that if an enemy did somehow manage to enter this place, he’d need a map and a tour guide to find his way out.

When they finally reached the infirmary, she was gratified to see Zan’s friends all gathered, waiting on word. She knew they were scared, but not as scared as she was. This was her mate in danger.

Spotting a doctor coming through some double doors toward her, she hurried to him.

“Please, I’m here to see Zander Cole. How is he?” she asked in a tremulous voice. The handsome doctor swung his steady gaze around and scrutinized her, his face softening in sympathy. Selene felt her heart lurch as he came to stand before her.

“Are you Selene Westfall?”

“Zan’s mate, yes,” she said. A shuffle of feet came from behind her, and she knew his team was listening. They wanted news just as badly. When the doctor spoke, he addressed her kindly, unruffled by the horde of shifters pressing close to listen.

“I’m Dr. Archer. Let’s take a seat, and we’ll start with the good news. Please,” he instructed gently, and waited for her to comply.

She did, afraid her trembling legs wouldn’t support her. It hadn’t escaped her notice how Dr. Archer had avoided her question, taking calm control like a man accustomed to dealing with the worst scenarios. Given that he had an entire coven of vampires to doctor, she was sure that was the case. The doctor positioned himself on one side of her, and Jax sat on the other. Nick hovered close by, his face set in hard lines.

“I’m pleased to report that tests reveal no massive internal bleeding or damage to his major organs. Of course, we will continue to monitor the slow internal bleeding in his brain.”

Hope surged within her, but the doctor’s reserve kept it in check. “What can I do to help him?”

“Remain by his side as much as you can, at least until he turns the corner. I’m sure our prince told you how highly we value the power of the mate bond in healing.”

“He did, yes. It makes sense.”

“There’s more you should know. Brain trauma is our most immediate concern. When he arrived here, he was in shock and suffering from seizures. To be honest, he gave us quite a scare. We ran a CT scan and took X-rays. The bleeds are here.” He touched a finger to a spot behind his right ear, toward the back of his head, and then at his temple. “There’s some swelling putting a bit of pressure on his brain, but he’s breathing on his own and is showing signs of normal brain activity. We’ll know more once he regains consciousness.”

“God.” She pressed a shaking hand to her mouth. Zan could have died. She’d known that, but now it was more real. Her entire body felt frozen. “How long until we know something? Until he shows improvement?”

“There’s no way to be sure. He’s holding his own, but I want him under close observation. Once he wakes up and shows no further complications, I can have him moved to a regular room. Try not to worry, Selene. He’s strong and fit, so we have every reason to expect a full recovery—with your help.”

“When can I see him?”

“He’s being moved to intensive care. I’ll have the head nurse come get you when he’s settled, and I’ll check back later.”

Zan was back there somewhere, hurting. Fighting for his life. Her lungs and throat burned with the effort to stifle her tears, but she was determined to stay strong for Zan. If nothing else, she could do this for him.

His Pack brothers milled around, unwilling to leave without further word. Time stretched out, and the wait for more news scraped her nerves raw. “Zan,” she said through their bond, trying to reach him. There was no answer. People drifted in and out. What could be taking so long? Hundreds of possibilities loomed, all of them frightening.

Her father sat next to her and took her hand. She stared at his big hand on hers, realizing how much she’d missed her father’s comfort.

“Tarron’s healing was crucial, but I didn’t want Zan to make this sacrifice for me. I wish he’d let me go. Then you wouldn’t have to go through this.”

She gasped, glaring at her father. “Don’t you dare cheapen his gift to you by saying that! He almost gave his life for you, and that meant something to him. Don’t say that again.”

“I’m sorry,” he said, taken aback. “I didn’t look at it that way. Nothing like that will cross my lips again.”

“Thank you. And I’m sorry for snapping; I’m just scared.”

“Me too.”

“I find it hard to believe you’re afraid of anything,” she said quietly. She marveled at how he was always there for his men, always so strong. “You really care for your Pack. You could have died tonight, and your first thought is for them.”

“That’s part of my job.”

“I think it’s more to you than that. They keep you going.”

He hesitated, then sighed. “Those guys saved my life, and they don’t even know it.”

Her heart lurched. “How so?”

“I’d been in the FBI for almost twenty years, and it was time for me to move on before my human colleagues figured out I wasn’t aging. I was at loose ends and feeling down, like I couldn’t stand to start my life over one more time. And then Jarrod Grant contacted me about commanding the Pack.”