1. Antonio

“Tony, stop. Ryan isn’t the one you want to hurt. He is just the messenger!”

I could hear Conner, but my brain was in a frenzy. Our mate was injured and the wolf in front of me knew it. I wanted his blood, even if it killed me.

“Antonio!” Conner’s alpha growl echoed through my head and I froze. “Good, hold onto that calm. I need you back with me.” His voice was soothing, almost hypnotic.

I inhaled and forced my muscles to relax until I hung limp in his arms. “I am sorry.” I glanced up at Ryan. “Forgive me, Beta Ryan.”

He bared his neck to me. “There is nothing to forgive.”

I nodded and closed my eyes, suddenly drained and a little bit dizzy. “Conner,” I could feel myself starting to drift more. “I think… whoa…” My vision flashed white, then everything went black.

***

“Antonio, wake up. Please wake up.”

Conner’s pleading broke through the fog in my brain and I tried to move towards his voice.

“Alpha, he may need more blood. He has to regain his strength enough to continue on until you can find your third and bring him here.”

I didn’t recognize the voice, but it didn’t matter to me, just as long as they kept it clinical and didn’t try to make a move on my alpha. A muffled laugh echoed through the room.

“It’s not nice to laugh at people. We’ve talked about this, Conner.” I mumbled.This time, Conner’s laughter was full blown. I cracked an eye to glare at him. “What did I just say?”

He smothered his laughter and leaned down to pat my head. “I’m sorry, Tonio, I didn’t mean to make you upset. I’ll do my best to stop.”

I grimaced when I attempted to roll my eyes as pain shot through my forehead. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” 

“Are you hurting, Love?” He asked, concern coloring his tone.

“I’m fine.” I attempt to push myself up, but collapse back at the amount of strength it takes.

Conner slides his hand behind my head and gently massages. “Don’t try to get up, darling. You used too much strength trying to go after Ryan and depleted what little blood you were able to keep down. Doc hooked you up to an IV of blood just to bring you back to consciousness. You scared me.” He pressed his forehead against mine. “The doctor wants you to remain in bed as much as possible. Your body isn’t outright rejecting the blood, but it isn’t fully accepting it either. You need more than normal to maintain your normal routine, but that isn’t guaranteed to work in the long run.”

“Wait, what? No! I can’t stay in bed; I have a coven to run.” I moved to once again try and sit up, but Conner held me down. 

“If you keep trying to go at your normal pace, you will make yourself sick and you will go into shock and I. Will. Lose. You.” He growled, his voice breaking on the last word. “I can’t lose you.” He whispered brokenly.

I relaxed against the pillows in shock. I hadn’t realized how close I was to fading out; Conner was right to be worried. 

“I’m so sorry, love. I didn’t realize how close I was getting.” I wrapped a hand around the back of his neck and pulled him closer. “I’ll follow the doctor's orders. I’ll do everything I can do to stay with you.”

His sigh of relief told me that was just what he needed to hear. “Thank you.” He breathed.