Ric checked on Alex a few hours later finding her still sound asleep. "Hope you feel better, Alex. I'm sorry I scared you earlier." He whispered, stroking her hair, and when she sighed that brought a faint smile to his lips. Just as he started to leave the room he heard the blanket covering her shifting and when Ric turned back he saw me staring at him, eyes half closed.
"Ric, is something wrong?" I whispered and he shook his head at me hurrying to my side once I started to push myself up by my elbows. Seeing me panting Ric knelt and I blinked up at him when he set his hand down on my shoulder.
"You shouldn't be moving around, Alex. You still need to be resting." Ric told me and when I just blinked at him again he fixed me with a tiny smile. "Come on, lie back and rest."
"Alright, Ric. Stomach still aches." I admitted in a small voice, lying back and when Ric pulled up the blanket covering me from my waist to my legs I gave him a tiny smile. "Thanks."
"No need to thank me, Alex. I'm the reason you got hurt." Ric explained and I sighed, reaching out before I covered his outstretched hand with mine. "Hey, it's true."
"Don't keep blaming yourself. I'm the one who ran into that hay bale." I mumbled, yawning and Ric squeezed my hand as I closed my eyes. "Stupid move," I added letting out a breath and when I didn't move Ric froze though after I snuggled into the pillow he chuckled.
"I have some papers to grade but I'll be back to check on you again. Don't go anywhere." Ric whispered, leaning in before he lightly brushed his lips over my forehead. As Ric left the room he caught a tiny smile on my lips and after he closed the door behind him he leaned his back against it.
Over the day Ric spent time in his office going over the pack's school work though when his mind wandered back to Alex he found himself smiling remembering the tiny smile she'd had on her lips. "I hope she feels better soon."
I woke to silence and as I yawned, rubbing at my eyes once I rolled over onto my back I stared up at the ceiling. "What was I thinking? That was a dumb move." I mumbled unaware that someone was standing nearby and I blinked hearing a throat being cleared.
"You seem to be an expert at making dumb moves, Alex." Ric joked, leaning in the doorway and I sighed pushing myself up as he grinned at me. "But don't worry. With my training, you'll be more than a match for our mysterious wilderwolf." He added once he saw me with my eyes narrowed in his direction.
"You know you're not helping my self-esteem, Ric. I'm still learning how to be a werewolf so give me a break." I grumbled as he crossed the room, draping the blanket around my shoulders when I lowered my head slightly.
"Alex, once you heal we're going hunting for that wilderwolf. Besides I've seen how capable you are and I know you'd make a great member of the Night Patrol." Ric told me and I raised my head once I felt his hand on my chin. "I'm just teasing you about the hay bale, Alex."
"Could you stop teasing about the hay?" I muttered, feeling my face flush when he kissed me full on the mouth. Once we broke apart Ric chuckled at the silly smile on my lips but I didn't mind, especially when he pushed something wrapped into my hands. "What is it?"
"Just something that might help you feel better," Ric said, watching on with a tiny smile as I unwrapped a thin band with a red stone. "What do you think?"
"It's beautiful," I mumbled, slipping it onto my finger and Ric froze as my eyes welled. "Sorry, just a little emotional right now." I apologized but Ric shook his head, reaching up and as his thumb brushed my tears away I sniffed.
"Well I thought you needed some cheering up so I made this for you. I thought you'd like it but I didn't think it would make you cry." Ric explained and I coughed, resting my head on his shoulder once he joined me on the bed. "How are you feeling?"
"Think my fever's gone down," I told him and he nodded, tracing my fingers with his as I settled against his side. "My head doesn't feel so foggy."
"That's good to know, Alex. You had me worried for a while." Ric admitted, looking down at me when I closed my eyes. "Alex, you sure you're feeling okay?"
"Still a little tired. Guess I need more time." I mumbled and Ric nodded, helping me lie back once I started rubbing at my eyes. Once he covered me with the blanket Ric reached over, tousling my fringe with a faint smile.
"That's okay, Alex. Take as long as you need." Ric told me, watching on as I yawned. "I'll be in my office if you need me."
Once night fell Ric returned to find Alex still fast asleep, not even stirring when he gently stroked her cheek. "I'm going with the Night Patrol to look for our wilderwolf. I'll be back by sunrise." He whispered but Alex just sighed, curling into herself and he chuckled.
Once he left the room Ric stepped outside, pressing the button on his moon-band. Using the moonlight Ric grunted, transforming into his werewolf form and as he jogged toward Wolf Rock he couldn't help making one final glance at Howlington.
I finally woke with a start, trembling I found myself alone. "Figures. Leaves me when I need him the most." I mumbled, pulling the blanket around my shaking shoulders before I yawned. Despite how exhausted I was getting back to sleep proved more than a little tricky and I groaned, rubbing at my eyes before I stared at the ring on my finger.
"He did give me this nice ring but I'd feel safer if he was here with me," I mumbled, pulling the blanket tightly around my body to stop the shakes. "That wilderwolf could be anywhere. He could even be prowling around the forest."