**Chapter Eighteen: Adrenaline - Malia's POV**
1089 Words
A lightning bolt feels like it has hit my body, a jolt of energy surging through me as if the very essence of life itself has electrified my veins. The raw power of adrenaline surges from my core, igniting every nerve ending and propelling me into a state of hyper-awareness. My wolf, that primal part of me that has lain dormant, roars within, screaming for me to wake up, to embrace this wild reality. It’s a guttural reminder that I am not alone in this skin; my instincts are clawing to the surface, desperate to break free.
As I feel the tendrils of transformation begin to wrap around my fingers, I notice the sharp sensation of claws starting to break through my skin—a visceral reminder that I am straddling two worlds. Panic slams into my brain like an avalanche, each thought crashing violently against another, drowning out any semblance of calm. What the hell is happening?
** Blake's POV **
"Wait, what?" I exclaim, my mind racing with the possibility. "Wolfsbane? How did she even come into contact with it?" I ask, my eyes scanning the room as if the answer might magically appear on the walls.
The nurse, a stern-looking woman with a kind face, begins to examine Malia's wounds, her hands moving quickly and efficiently. "We need to get the wolfsbane out of her system, and fast," she mutters, her brow furrowed in concern.
Jackson and I exchange a worried glance. We know that wolfsbane is a deadly poison to werewolves, and if we don't act quickly, Malia could...no, I won't even think about it.
"I'll go get the antidote," Jackson says, already turning to leave.
"Wait," the nurse calls out, "we need to be careful. If the wolfsbane is still in her system, it could react badly with the antidote. We need to flush it out first."
I nod, my mind racing with the possibilities. "I'll get some water," I say, already heading out of the room.
As I rush back in with a bottle of water, I see Malia's eyes flicker open. She looks up at me, her gaze confused and disoriented.
"Malia, can you hear me?" I ask, my voice shaking with concern.
She nods, her lips parting as if to speak, but no words come out. Instead, a low growl rumbles from her throat, sending a shiver down my spine.
Oh no, I think, my heart sinking. She's still transitioning. And if we don't get the wolfsbane out of her system, she might never make it back.
** Aimee's POV**
I take a cautious step forward, my eyes fixed on Malia's. They seem to be staring right through me, a feral glint dancing in their depths. The growl grows louder, more menacing, and I can feel the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end.
"Malia, snap out of it!" I try to sound firm, but my voice cracks with fear. What's happening to her? She's my best friend, my confidante, and now she's...this.
Suddenly, her eyes flicker, and for a moment, I see a glimmer of recognition. But it's quickly snuffed out, replaced by a snarl that sends me stumbling backwards. I trip over my own feet, landing hard on the ground as Malia takes a step closer, her hands curled into claws.
Jackson scoops me into his arms, his strong grip both reassuring and exhilarating. In that moment, the world outside fades away, and all I can see is the deep warmth in his gaze—a look filled with pure love and an unwavering sense of protection. It's a gaze that makes my heart race and fills me with an intoxicating blend of safety and desire. I can’t help but think how effortlessly he embodies the quality of a beta; he thrives in this role, nurturing and fierce in his dedication to me. I know that he will flourish, supporting me even in the most challenging of times.
My heart pounds in my chest as the nurse prepares to inject the antidote to Malia. He stands by my side, steady, as the nurse administers the antidote into her neck.
The room falls silent, the only sound being the beep of the machines monitoring Malia's vitals. I hold my breath, praying that the antidote works its magic. Jackson's grip on me tightens, a gentle reminder that I'm not alone in this ordeal. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Malia's eyes flicker open. A faint smile curves her lips as she takes in her surroundings, and my heart swells with relief. She's back.
**Blake's POV **
I've been through hell and back, but seeing her smile, even if it's just a faint one, makes every agonizing moment worth it. My mate, my partner in crime, my forever person is coming back to me, and I couldn't be more grateful.
**Malia's POV **
Everything just feels like a blur, a swirling haze that wraps around my consciousness like a thick fog. Where am I? What’s happened? The questions crash through my mind like waves against a rocky shore, each one more desperate than the last. I struggle to piece together the fragments of memory, but they slip away like sand through my fingers. Just as panic begins to rise, I find the strength to open my eyes. The world sharpens into focus, and a soft light filters through the haze, illuminating familiar shapes. Then, amidst the confusion, I let out a slight smile when I see him—my Blake, his presence a beacon of warmth in this chaotic landscape. He stands over me, concern etched into his features, but his eyes light up with relief as they meet mine.
"Hey, you're back," he says, his voice low and soothing, a gentle melody that calms the storm inside me. I try to respond, but my voice catches in my dry throat. Blake quickly hands me a glass of water, and I take a sip, feeling the cool liquid slide down my parched throat. As I sit up, he helps me, his strong arms wrapping around my shoulders to steady me.
"What... what happened?" I stammer, my mind still foggy. Blake's expression turns serious, his brow furrowing in concern.
"You don't remember?" he asks, his tone cautious. I shake my head, feeling a wave of frustration wash over me. Blake's eyes lock onto mine, and I see a flash of determination there.
"Don't worry, we'll figure it out," he says, his voice firm. "You're safe now. You're with me."
- Writer
