Fated To Three Betrayed By All Until She Rose (Leilani) by Ahvahh novel Chapter 51

**Healing Slowly But Surely**
By R. Joseph

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51 Newsflash.

Leilani.

As I stirred awake, an unusual sight greeted my eyes. There I was, nestled in my bed, cocooned under my duvet, with a bottle of painkillers perched precariously on my bedside table. A note lay beside it, its ink slightly smudged, reading:

“I hope you’re better by the time you come visiting later today to see you.”

The words echoed in my mind as I struggled to shake off the remnants of sleep.

I blinked, confusion swirling within me. “Who the hell is this? And why am I back in my room when the last thing I remember is fainting at the door last night?”

With a groan, I pushed myself upright, each movement sending a jolt of pain through my skull. The ache throbbed insistently, a reminder of whatever had transpired. My throat felt parched, and my lips were cracked and dry. I needed water, and fast.

I stumbled down the stairs, each step a reminder of my body’s rebellion against me. Just as I reached the kitchen, the cool glass of water slipped through my fingers, shattering on the floor with a resounding crash that echoed through the silence. But the noise barely registered. I found myself lost in thought, staring at my hands.

What shocked me was the sight of my palms—smooth, unblemished skin where fresh scars had once marred my flesh. The evidence of yesterday’s turmoil had vanished, replaced by skin that looked untouched, pristine.

I gasped, the air catching in my throat as I hurried upstairs, my heart racing. I reached my vanity mirror, peering into it with a mix of dread and hope. My reflection stared back at me, and to my surprise, I appeared… normal.

Nothing seemed out of place. No lingering voices whispered in my ears as they had before, no shadows of torment clung to me. What had happened?

I splashed cold water on my face, trying to ground myself, but the moment I turned to head downstairs again, the doorbell rang, slicing through my thoughts like a knife.

I wasn’t expecting anyone.

The words from the note echoed in my mind, causing my heart to race. “I hope you’re better by the time you wake up. I’ll come visiting later today to see you.”

Taking a deep breath, I approached the door, my heart pounding in my chest. When I finally opened it, I nearly stumbled back in shock.

“Zevran?” I blurted out, disbelief coloring my tone.

“Last time we met, you called me ‘stupid’,” he replied, a playful smile dancing on his lips as he lifted a beautifully decorated hamper filled with fruits and chocolates, offering it like a peace offering.

My breath caught in my throat, surprise flooding my senses, and perhaps a hint of annoyance. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“Didn’t you see my letter?” he asked, feigning innocence, and for a moment, I wished the ground would open up and swallow me whole.

Zevran—my savior from last night—of all people, was standing at my door.

Oh, great, just what I needed.

Rolling my eyes, I pressed on. “That isn’t the question I asked you. What are you doing here?”

“I came to see you,” he said softly, his tone almost gentle, which only fueled my irritation. “You weren’t so good last night, so I thought I’d check on you today.”

I crossed my arms, skepticism etched on my face. “Huh?”

A sigh escaped him, a mixture of frustration and something else I couldn’t quite place. He dropped the hamper at my feet, his expression shifting to one of anger as he spoke. “Last night, I felt terrible about what happened at the restaurant. I followed you home, only to find you sprawled on the floor, barely breathing…” He trailed off, shaking his head as if trying to erase the memory.

“And are you here to hear me say thank you?” I interjected, my voice sharp as I met his gaze with a steely glare.

My heart raced, and I froze, my eyes fluttering shut against my better judgment. “I don’t want it.”

“I want you to come back to the pack, please… we can right our wrongs. We can help you.”

His words felt more like a burden than a balm, and I pushed against his chest with all my strength, desperate to create distance.

Usually, as a runt, I was no match for any werewolf, especially not an Alpha like Zevran. But this time, my push sent him staggering back several feet, shock written across his face.

I backed away, my heart pounding in my chest.

“Stay away from me!” I spat, my voice steady with conviction. “Do not come here ever again. I don’t want to see you lurking around my house, and if you do, I’ll save the footage and send it off to Chalice!”

“Is that supposed to scare me?” Zevran muttered, slowly getting to his feet, brushing off the dust from his clothes. “You think I care if you send it to Chalice or not?”

“I’ll send it to your brothers, too. I wonder what they’ll think when they realize you’ve been frolicking with the enemy!” I shot back, anger fueling my words.

“That’s crazy…”

“What’s crazy is you coming here! What’s crazy is you—” I began, but before I could finish, Zevran flashed me a grin that sent a wave of confusion through me. Then, before I could react, he cupped my face in his hands and pressed his lips against mine, silencing me completely.

The words I wanted to say vanished, swallowed by the intensity of the moment.

Oh, how I loathed him.

And yet, how I hated the way my body melted into his embrace, betraying my resolve.