My face paled slightly, “Oh, I’m sorry I yelled at you.” I said, guilt coming on.
She waved her hand in a dismissive motion, “Don’t apologize, Child, you had every right. But, back to the main story. You left a large impact on your soul in that tub, or else you would’ve been with Derek right now.”
I frowned, “Why would I be with him? He was the one who pushed me over the edge.” I defended myself.
“Yes, but he is your mate, nonetheless. Specifically crafted for one another.”
“He slept around the whole time I was with him! And he was rude to me every chance he got!” I snapped back. No, I wasn’t going to do this again, I was right, this woman was wrong.
… I just wanted to die…
“Stop thinking about that child,” she scolded me, frowning. How was she in my head? “I’m not saying you have to forgive Ben- Derek right away, just a second chance.” She said.
I narrowed my eyes, “did you give this same speech to him?” I questioned.
“No, at least not me. Derek had another deity- a very important one speak with him. It’s not verbatim what I’m talking to you about, but he understands.”
I couldn’t help but scoff at that. She raised an eyebrow at me.
“He understands? He literally said he didn’t want me on multiple occasions. He slept around, he belittled me, he choked me, he slapped me. I bet he’s jumping with joy that he’s not burdened with me anymore. He can screw as many girls as he wants and doesn’t have to worry about the ‘bond’.” I spoke with finger quotes.
The Moon Goddess sighed, “my dear one, I was not mistaken when I paired you two. The moon itself has a few bumps, but is a beauty and wonder nonetheless.” she told me and I sighed. “If he didn’t want you as bad as he said he did, he wouldn’t have done the things he’s done with you.”
“A few bumps don’t mean anything! I’m right, you’re not and you know you aren’t!”
I was confused about what she meant. Done to me, he caused panic attacks, sleepless nights, and more scars on my body! Come to think of it- at the time I never blamed him of my actions, voices always pinned it on me.
… Where were the voices?…
“He did do good things to you, he wasn’t purely a bad mate. As for the voices, you could ask the same for your stutter and scars. They aren’t present due to your state in liminality.” she gave a small smile.
I nodded and glanced down at my clear arms.
“How long have I been in liminality?” I asked, slightly apprehensive of the answer.
“Three weeks.”
My eyes widened.
… Surely, Derek had to sleep around…
“No, my dear, he hasn’t left your side. He even helps the doctors when they perform physical therapy or when they move you.”
“Move me?” Where? I thought, in comas people just like, sleep?
“Yes, to prevent bedsores. In fact, he prefers to move you. The sparks are faint, but still there. Plus, he doesn’t like the male doctors touching you.” Oh. Speaking of- where was my wolf?
“Where’s Sage?” she gave a pained smile.
“She’s shocked. Between the words that he told you, your thoughts, and the attempted suicide, she pulled back.” I felt a small pang at my heart. “Would you like to see Derek?”
My eyes grew wide.
“But, I thought I was in a coma, inbetween, or whatever.”
She gave a small chuckle again, “not like see, see him, but view from a third person. Come, I’ll show you.” She held out her hand.
Just like when she touched my forehead, I was zapped into another room. It took a second to get adjusted, but soon my eyes fell on him. He sat by the side of the hospital bed, next to a table tray covered with papers and writing utensils.
He wasn’t reading the papers, instead, he was slanted in his chair, arm outstretched holding onto something. I followed his arm to see his hand held another- my unconscious one. I looked sick.
I was pale and thinner than I remember, tubes filtering in and out of my body. It made me sick, a frown etched onto my face. There was a bruise on my cheek from where he slapped me, it was faint but I could make it out.
…”Flower, Garret’s mate wants to meet you. She’s excited. I’m sure she’ll like you, you’re too sweet for someone not to like…” …
My mouth slightly dropped.
… Flower…
I didn’t realize how much I missed that.
“He talks to you every day.” My head went to the side to see the Moon Goddess looking at me and then back at the scene replaying. “He tells you about his day, his work, how much he misses you. The latter, often in a regretful tone,” she informed me.
“Can… Can he see us?” I asked.
Selene shook her head ‘no’. My chest slightly relaxed.
“He hasn’t left your side at all in the three weeks- besides taking a shower. He has Garret drop off everything. Talks to you all the time.” a sad smile formed on my face. “He cries at night.”
My head whipped to her. Derek, crying? No. He doesn’t cry. He’s told me plenty of times to stop, I couldn’t imagine him crying. If he was, it was because he was guilty, that didn’t mean anything…
She melancholy nodded, “it’s sad to see, but it’s personal.” I turned back to the scene to see him kiss my comatose hand. “He hates how much weight you’re losing, he rages at the doctors every so often that they aren’t doing anything right.”
We stayed a little longer, watching Derek talk to my senseless body, eyes glimmering with so much hurt. He got up and leaned over, and kissed my mark.
A gasp left my lips as I felt it. I felt the spark on my neck. I looked over to the Moon Goddess and she just gave a knowing smile before removing us from the clip.