Whispered Confessions – {Part Two}

Rhydian Lay there watching over Maddy unable to rest his mind of worry and nearly losing her. Though her vitals were normalizing steadily her rest was not peaceful though he was unsure if it was born of pain, or simply the memories from today her mind still tried to process. For every soft whisper of a whimper, he stroked her hair softly hushing her and reassuring her she was safe. For every twitch of her body, he gripped her hand in his own adding more pressure and stroking the back. She was his world he saw that now. When she hurt it physically, mentally, and emotionally wrecked him, altering him in a way he had never known possible. She had given him acceptance, patience, a home, and a pack without a second thought but most importantly she had given him her heart. He could see it as his touches seemed to calm her even in her much-needed slumber. They were simply made for each other. His strong, beautiful alpha.

He wasn't sure how long they lay uninterrupted before her parents returned with a middle-aged man in tow. He scented them before they entered but, he didn't have it in him to put in the distance between himself and Maddy, they always seemed to silently demand. So, he lay there mentally prepping to be kicked out and ordered away from her yet again. The man was a Wolfblood, and he looked like Emma quite a bit between the facial features, skin tone, and dark brown hair. His eyes looked worried as they found Maddy on her bed and Rhydian knew he was family. He also took note of the doctor bag clutched in his hand yet, none of this stopped the low growl that left Rhydian's throat as the adults neared Maddy. He hadn't meant to it had simply fallen naturally from his throat. It was not until Emma and Dan held up a hand stopping the man and pushing him back that Rhydian realized how close to changing, he had become.

"It's alright Rhydian, this is the doctor Emma's cousin Alex that has come to check Maddy. No one will hurt her," Dan said holding up his hand and making eye contact. "We just need to be sure she's alright." He assured him further. It was an out of body experience, as Rhydian didn't see the normal anger and unacceptance within them, he normally did simply a caring father and calming adult.

"Right. Sorry, I don't know why I did that." Rhydian replied honestly shaking his head.

"I see what you mean now," Alex said to Emma a small smile on his lips though it didn't reach his eyes as he moved forward towards the bed. Towards Maddy. "Hello, Rhydian. I have watched over Maddy her entire life. So, don't worry she's in good hands. Just stay there and try to keep her calm once we wake her." Alex said sitting in the chair which Emma used while bandaging Maddy only hours before. "Maddy Alex said touching her shoulder lightly. Maddy without opening. Her eyes growled in response snuggling deeper into Rhydian. He could have hidden his smile if he tried but, he didn't instead he shook his head.

"Mad's wake up, the doctors here." He said softly pushing her hair off her face and gently shaking it. He was surprised and shocked that another growl had not left her lips. He honestly had never seen anyone wake her without a major fight, the growls were only the beginning.

"No." She replied grumpily, eyes still closed and an exasperated and most definitely annoyed huff following. "Pretend, they aren't there they will go away yeah?" Glancing up at her mom's frustration which was growing quickly and her dad's amused and relieved gaze he knew there was no chance of that. Not to mention he also thought she should be looked at properly by someone trained.

"Maddy, you need to be examined." He replied moving his hand to her shoulder shaking lightly as the doctor had done. "They won't be going anywhere, and I am not sure that they should." At that, her eyes opened but, not in the loving manner they had before. They looked annoyed and angry. Her lips twisted into a thin line and he knew he would hear about this when they were alone again. "Plus, if I am not helping your mum and dad are going to send me home." He added in a whisper low enough for only her to hear and possibly the doctor. Maddy's eyes widened slightly and her mouth opened knowing it was not completely untrue and he knew he had won. Though it was a low blow, and she was prickly, to say the least, she was now reluctantly complaint, which had been his goal. Slowly weakly she moved to turn over flat but, her body was still so weak, and she couldn't seem to manage on her own. At the same time, Alex and Rhydian reached to aide her.

Rhydian was thankful for his help as it jostled her less but, Maddy's glare was trained on the doctor at her side and he knew she hadn't appreciated it. He could see her alpha nature coming to the front again which made him very happy, even more as it was directed at another person and not himself.

"I have it," She said a forced smile on her lips. Alex nodded a smile on his face.

"Looks like your spirits still well off." He said laughing to himself. "That is great news. I will do a quick exam. To check the wound and rebandage it. Just lay flat if you don't mind hands at your side."

"Alright." She said gruffly doing it. Between Rhydian and her she quickly found his hand. He was sure now awake she was in extreme pain again and this might make it worse and gripped it firmly back. Neither one of them wanted this to happen all of the sudden. Sure, they knew it had to but, as fear filled her eyes again his heart took another hit.

"I heard you were a real hero today," Alex said as he began unwrapping the wound. The bandages were covered in her own blood. "Saved your friend in the face of a Wolfblood's worst fear. I believe you get that from our side of the family." Dan huffed slightly from the corner rolling his eyes.

"Yea, She does," Emma added proudly uncaring of her husband's annoyance. Maddy couldn't stop the whimper as the last one came off. Though it was no longer gushing it also was still bleeding out and stuck slightly to her skin.

"Focus Alex." Dan snapped angrily, eyes turning though it was not the man's fault. Alex took it in stride nodding as he examined the wound and area with the lightest touch necessary as least often as possible. Maddy bit down on both her lip and her cheek trying to stay as quiet as possible as Rhydian was attempting to keep it together for her eyes gone their bright golden color.

"We need to reclean and rebandage it," Alex said as his brow furrowed. Immediately Emma was at his side laying out things from his bag he might need. "Here we go." Quickly he set to work being thorough and precise as he went. Unable to stop the tears as they returned Maddy turned her face to the ceiling and shut her eyes tightly waiting for the pain to stop. Finally, it did, and Alex was wrapping it again. Rhydian continued to hold and rub his thumb over the back of her hand. "It is over now Maddy, you did well." He said softly looking at her with deep pride and respect, "I have seen grown Wolfblood's act much worse over much less." Maddy nodded head still back unable to speak quite yet, "I am going to give you a shot of medicine to help but, it won't last long your system will burn it out quicker than most." He said pulling a needle and small bottle from what Emma had brought out. "I couldn't before because I needed to see if you were healing on your own." He added in apology. Rhydian's eyes followed every movement the man made all the way to it piercing her skin and pushing in the medicine with a sharp eye. As though he may at any moment try something that would further harm her. After finishing briefly Rhydian's eyes met Alex's who nodded in a respectful manner standing a towel in hand to face her parents.

"What do you see?" Dan asked Emma locked at his side.

"It is not good, but it could be much worse. The bullet was coated in a Wolfblood poison and it was silver. Something older that isn't often used and coveted knowledge. It was in her for a while and with the silver bullet, it had direct paths into her body. She will recover in a few days at the full moon however, she will be weak still, by the next full moon she would be completely healed up." He said clearly. "She needs fluid, rest, and food. I can leave medicine for the pain but, it only helps to take the edge off. Maddy's body will have to heal on her own, unfortunately." Rhydian watched Emma and Dan as they took in the news looking at their daughter. He could see their hearts breaking for her. "There's also the Hunter matter. You know the laws. With your father on the council, they want a full testimony in forty-eight hours. Due to her condition, you two will have to be there to report this."

"No," Emma said immediately strong and clear. "It will have to wait for my pup needs me."

"This is considered an act of war Emma, if you don't go, they will come for you and the entire pack you know that," Alex said trying to reach his cousin. "Maddy doesn't need that right now."

"And if the Hunter comes looking for her?" She growled, "Who will protect her?"

"That's unlikely Emma. They don't know who you are or where you are their only lead is the car and it would be with you and Dan." Alex reasoned as Emma shook her head violently.

"Rhydian," Dan said suddenly shocking the room. "Rhydian will. Teach him what he needs to know to care for her while we are away Alex." His tone was unlike anything that Rhydian had ever heard leave the calm man. It was demanding, stern, unwavering, and dominant. It ended the entire discussion with its finality. "Call Mrs. Vaughn Emma." With that he neared his daughter leaning to kiss her forehead. "I am sorry Maddy, but this cannot go unanswered. They will come for us all if we don't go." He whispered.

"It is alright Da', I am not a pup anymore." She replied calmly in understanding as the medicine began to take the edge off her pain. With that, he left the room, Alex, on his heels. Emma walked over eyes glossy as she looked at her daughter.

"I don't like this at all." She said petting her hair.

"I will be alright Ma'am Rhydian is here." She replied her words slurring slightly.

"Take care of her Rhydian," Emma said a threat looming in her eyes. "I am trusting you."

"I will." He replied honest and strong. He would she could see it in his eyes but, that didn't ease her discomfort at all. Turning she left the room shutting the door. He waited until her footsteps faded looking back to Maddy.

"Are you alright Maddy?" He asked.

"I am gr…eat. Now how are you?" She asked looking at him and reaching for his face with her right arm. "Your pr…ett…y."

"Your high Maddy." He said letting a small relieved laugh fall from his lips as her hand missed.

"You are high." He repeated as she attempted again.

"Kiss me again." She said suddenly like it was the best idea in the world.

"Not like this Mad's. Maybe you should eat it." He added thinking about how empty her stomach must be.

"Meat." She said her eyes lighting. "Yea, kiss later meat now." She said letting his hand go quickly. "Ham, or roast."

"Alright, I will be right back." He agreed thankful he was able to change her desire. He was sure if Emma saw them kissing, she would never agree to the arrangement and the pack included him and Maddy. Although he didn't know about a council or anything of that nature, he knew the danger. He knew threats were looming much closer than he liked and danger around Maddy was not an option. Carefully he left the bed stretching before glancing at Maddy who was singing to herself about meat at the moment oblivious he was still in the room. Shaking his head and smiling he made his way downstairs rubbing his head and making his way to the kitchen where Alex and Dan stood.

"What is it?" Dan asked appearing exhausted.

"Maddy she's hungry." He replied as Alex slid over a quick handwritten document and Dan busied himself in the fridge.

"This is the information you will need. Change her dressings three to four times tomorrow especially. It has to be clean, so an infection doesn't appear." Alex said looking stressed. "You two may not understand why we have to leave but, it is for the protection of all Wolfblood's." He added. Rhydian nodded looking at the paper and taking it in his hand as Dan placed a plate down. Rhydian mentally checked to ensure ham and roast was on the plate before grasping it to take upstairs.

"Emma called the Vaughn's you should be alright. Tom is going to bring a bag sometime soon for you." He added quickly almost as if he might forget. "The trip is long we may not make it back by the full moon, stay in the den."

"We will," Rhydian assured him the memory of him and Maddy in a cage coming to mind, Healthy running and mischievousness was one thing but, right now that was not in his list of desires. His only goal was to help Maddy heal. Turning he went to head upstairs but paused looking at Dan. "I will protect her." He assured him strongly.

"Rhydian, I know you will. I have no doubt." He replied smiling at him. With that, he turned back heading upstairs. As he entered kicking the door shut behind him, he saw Maddy messing with the bindings. She was definitely not going to make this easy he thought. "Maddy, don't mess with it." He sighed walking closer. "Don't you want the food?"

"Yes." She said excitedly pulling herself up to reach for it. He watched her wince and his anxiety picked up again. "Don't do that. I am right here to help you." He huffed laying down the plate on her lap and paper on the table.

"Rhydian…I am not a fragile doll or… something. I am alright to lift myself." She said rolling her eyes and grumbling as she went to grab the food. His eyebrows raised as she ate, or rather inhaled the food. She looked at the food as if it were prey and had never looked so much like a wolf than right now.

"Breath Mad's Breath," Rhydian said chuckling again though she did not seem to slow her actions. Before he knew it, the food was gone, and she was placing it on the bedside table.

"Much better." She said laying back again. Quickly Rhydian helped her despite her growling and grumbling. "I want to be on my side like before." She said huffing and puffing.

"Alright." He said assisting her.

"Lay with me again?" She asked eyes pleading. He could not possibly tell her no.

"For a while. Tom's dropping off my bag," He answered moving to slide on from a different angle. As he did, he moved with caution carefully and quickly.

"He can leave it by the door. I don't want to share." She answered eyes heavy again. The medicine talking again he was sure but, it still brought a smile to his lips. He couldn't remember a time that he had ever smiled so much before she was in his life and he never wanted that again.

"Sleep Mad's I will still be here when you wake up." He assured her. He didn't think physically he would be able to.

"You did once though." She said sadly. Guilt pooled in his heart. He had meant to protect her keep her safe from him and the family he hadn't known existed. He never meant to cut her so deep. Their bond was so deep even then he should have known, should have done more. Looked harder for an answer. Instead, he did what he knew best he left.

"I know Maddy. I know. It will never happen again okay. I love you." He assured her guilt wracking him. Eyes closed and sloppily she reached for his face prying her eyes open briefly.

"I love you too. Pretty blue eyes." She said words slurring again heavily. "Like the ocean. They make us happy when I see them." She added. He said nothing waiting as her breathing grew heavy and even again. She was so honest right now he knew she felt that way. Small reassurances that she truly loved him were everything to him. He was always waiting for her to change her mind and walk away; realize she was so much better for him. He kissed her forehead softly before sneaking away back down the stairs with the plate.

Dan, Emma, and Alex stood their bags in hand ready to leave. "She is asleep." He told them answering the unsaid question in the air.

"Alright, take care of her. No one comes inside this house. No one." Emma said sternly. Rhydian nodded knowing she meant Jana and Shannon. "If you need us to call."

"Be safe Rhydian," Dan added opening the door as the others left out. Rhydian nodded as Dan left. He moved to lock the door when Tom appeared a bag in hand worry on his face.

"How is she?" He asked quickly.

"She is recovering. The wounds clear and no infection she just needs to heal." Rhydian assured him. A relief overcame Tom instantly and his body relaxed. "She is asleep now." Tom nodded his emotions pooling. Rhydian moved forward and placed his arms around his friend briefly before pulling back.

"I have your bag and a new phone. Jana said yours was not working." He said passing his bag and a bag over to Rhydian.

"Thanks, mate," Rhydian said a little relieved that he didn't have to explain that to his foster mom.

"No problem mate." Tom said, "Can you ask her to call when she feels up to it. I know she is upset I just want to talk and make sure she was alright." Rhydian nodded to his friend.

"I will try but, Maddy doesn't always listen to me." He replied adding a little insurance on his part.

"No, she doesn't," Tom said smiling. "Alright. I'll see you soon." He added turning to the door.

"See you soon," Rhydian replied as he left shutting and locking the door. The day weighing heavy on him. He took time checking all the doors and windows making sure they were locked tight. He didn't need any more surprises. Reaching forward he dug through his back for sweatpants, a shirt, and his new phone quickly he changed and made his way back to Maddy. Carefully he climbed up beside her gripping the paper and his phone and laid back. He read through the information several times committing it to memory. Folding it he placed it in his pocket and opened the mobile going through the motions so he could set up the alarms. Quickly he set them placing it nearby. As he did exhaustion set in and he found himself facing Maddy again reaching for her hand. In perfect comfort, he found sleep easily.