Selling Myself To The Alpha
Chapter 45

Liana POV

The rhythmic beeping sound is the first thing I register, followed by muffled voices and somebody crying softly. The room is dark except for a dim light coming from the hallway.

Where the hell am I? I groan involuntarily as I turn my head towards the light. I blink a couple of times to adjust my sight. Suddenly I remember the wet, cold bathroom and my struggle to get out. I must be in the hospital; I realize as I look at the monitors next to me. But how did I get here?

I want to move but my entire body is stiff and sore as if I had tumbled down twenty flights of stairs. I fight the fatigue that is threatening to consume me and look around once more. Two figures are sitting in the corner, and I focus on them.

"Carol?" I croak as I recognise her and Drew. She is sitting on Drew's lap and crying on his shoulder.

"Liana," she sniffs and jumps up. "Drew, call the doctor."

"Thank you, goddess," she laughs through the tears as she takes my hand. "You had us worried."

"Why?" I frown. Sure, I know I was stuck in a bathroom and felt like I was freezing but is that really worth all this drama?

"Because you nearly died, kiddo," Drew's voice is hoarse as he comes to stand next to Carol.

"Really?" I gape at them.

"Yeah," Carol kisses my hand. "If Axel didn't replace you when he did, you would've died."

"Where is he?" I ask and look around hopefully. I know we were fighting the last time I saw him but now all I want is to see him. "He'll be here soon," Drew comforts me. "He spent the entire night in the hospital and only went home to take care of business." "How long have I been here?" I frown as I try to make sense of everything.

"Thirty hours," Carol sighs. "It's been the longest hours in my life."

"Wha..."

"Miss Erickson," the doctor interrupts me as he walks into my room. "Wonderful to have you back with us."

"Thank you," I try to hide my disappointment behind my smile because he is not Axel.

"If you'll excuse us," the doctor looks at Drew and Carol. "I need to examine her."

"We'll be right outside, honey," Carol leans over and kisses me on my forehead.

**

Axel POV

"You know," Angela pouts next to me as we drive home. "You haven't kissed me since we got engaged. Or held my hand." "Be fair, Angela," I smile to hide my irritation. "I've never been affectionate in public. I'm not going to change now."

"I know," she sighs longingly. "But it would've been nice to seal the deal with a kiss, don't you think? I've always dreamt ..."

"Either you take me as I am or I'm taking that gorgeous ring back," I threaten her, and she instantly goes quiet.

I keep my grin to myself as she stares out of the window. I never thought I could control her with the ugliest ring known to humankind. But it also makes me realize how desperate she is to marry me. No wonder she tried to kill Liana. Not that it is an excuse, it only proves to me how dangerous she is and that I am doing the right thing. With a ring on her finger, she will go home and plan a wedding that will never happen, forgetting about Liana.

My phone rings and I anxiously answer when I read Drew's name.

"Axel," Drew's voice is soft and steady. "It's Liana, she's awake."

"I'm on my way," I grunt and accelerate.

"Is something wrong?" Angela looks at me.

"Business," I reply brusquely. I want to get rid of her and go to the hospital. "I need to go."

"But we just got engaged," she protests as I stop the car with screeching tires in front of the mansion. "We must tell our parents and celebrate."

I grind my teeth not to lash out at her. I must remember to play my part but dammit, her nagging is driving me insane.

"I'm sorry," I smile apologetically as I turn to her. "Your dad's an Alpha, you know how it is. I'll be back as soon as I can and then I'll make it up to you."

"Promise?" She pouts with a little girl's voice, and I stop myself just in time to sigh.

"Promise," I nod.

"See you soon," she hops out of the car, and I pull away.

**

My heart is racing, and I can hardly breathe as I rush towards Liana's room. I should have been there when she woke up. Instead, I was with Angela, and I hate myself for it. "Easy, Alpha," Drew stops me when I reach her door. "The doctor's still examining her."

"But she's awake?" I ask anxiously. "And okay? She's okay, right?"

"I'm not a doctor but she seemed fine to me," Drew rests his hand reassuringly on my shoulder.

"Thank goddess," I sigh and close my eyes as I push my fingers through my hair.

"Good evening, Alpha," the doctor says when he sees me. "I'm surprised to see you again."

"What does that mean?" I ask aggressively. "Are you implying that I don't care about my employees and their wellbeing?"

"No, not at all," the doctor quickly replies. "It's wonderful that you care so much about the pack members."

"It would do you good to keep that in mind," I grunt.

"Yes, well," the doctor clears his throat awkwardly. "Your employee will make a full recovery."

"Thank you," I say grateful as I hide my immense relief. "May I see her?"

"Technically, only family is allowed, but I will make an exception this time. But only for a moment, she needs her rest," he smiles before walking away.

"We'll wait our turn," Drew smiles sympathetically and I nod.

My legs feel weak as I walk to Liana's bed. She is still terribly pale, and she looks tiny and vulnerable against the white linen.

"Liana?" I say softly as I take a seat next to her bed and she turns to face me.

"Hi," her voice is hoarse, and she smiles weakly.

I have so much to say to her. I want to tell her I love her. I want to say I am sorry that I did not go look for her sooner. I want to apologize that Angela did this to her because of me. I want to tell her that she is my mate and that I want to spend the rest of my life with her. But my words are frozen by tears of relief threatening to consume me.

I take her fragile hand and kiss her palm long and tenderly.

"Why are you crying?" She asks softly.

"I'm not," I sniff and wipe off the wetness that is clinging to my eyelashes. "It's allergies."

"You're allergic to the bullshit you're talking," she grins.

"I'm relieved, okay," I try to sound self-assured but fail miserably. "Do you have any idea how much paperwork will be waiting for me if you died on my watch?"

"Please," she groans. "You'll just make Juliana fill it out."

"True," I chuckle as I stand up and kiss her softly.

"You scared the shit out of me," I whisper as I rest my forehead on hers. "Don't ever do that to me again."

"I'll replace better hiding places," she smiles.

I cup her face and kiss her long and tenderly before I sit down again.

"Do you remember what happened?" I ask as I take her hand in mine.

"Yes," she clears her throat. "I was trying to get away from Angela."

"I know and I'm sorry," I squeeze her hand. "I gathered as much when I watched the surveillance videos."

"Did she jam the door or was that a freak accident?" Liana asks and I can tell she is angry.

"About that," I sigh heavily as I look at her. "I need you to call it an accident."

"But..."

"I know it wasn't," I say quickly to calm her down. "Just please listen. Angela did break the sprinklers and barricaded the door. I know that and I'm not going to hide it. But Liana, you must realize this proves how dangerous she is. All I'm asking is to tell people it was an accident. Just for now, please. For your own safety. I will deal with her, I promise."

Liana looks at me with hurt and confusion before she turns away.

"Liana, please look at me," I plead with her.

"Do you think I'm afraid of her?" She turns to me with blazing eyes. "She might have a wolf and nearly killed me but I'm not afraid to fight back, Axel. I'm not a coward and she will not have the power over me to live in fear or hiding."

"And you don't have to," I say urgently. "I need you to trust me. I already have a plan to keep her occupied and away from you. If you tell the truth, she will try and destroy you. As long as she thinks you're not a threat, she will leave you alone. For goddess's sake, Liana just heal first and get out of the hospital."

"She's not getting away with this, Axel," Liana says adamantly.

"That was never the idea," I smile as I lean forward and kiss her.

"She will pay for this dearly," I whisper against her lips.

"Axel," Drew whispers urgently from the door. "The doctor is on his way."

"I must go," I quickly kiss her again before I stand back. "But this conversation is not over, I give you my word."

She tiredly nods and closes her eyes.

"Good night," I whisper.

"Axel," she grabs my hand and I look at her. "Thank you for saving me."

"Anytime and every time," my heart pulls together as I lean over and kiss her. "Now please, heal and come home, okay?"

"I'll see what I can do," she closes her eyes and reluctantly I let go of her and walk away.