Chapter 460

His next slice was deeper, and the pain was back. This time, I didn’t hold back. I drew in a breath and screamed. I screamed the pain out; I screamed my anger out. I swore to the goddess, to my father, to my mother. I swore to my ancestors. I swore so much the nurse giggled.

The tears fell. I don’t know why these tears mattered…but they did. But there was no way I could hold them in. And it wasn’t the pain that was causing them. I don’t know if it was just release. Or a purging of all the bullshit I have had to endure these last few years. But somehow, all of my rage was bleeding out with these tears. The pure anger I had cooped up for my dad, for Rowan.

For myself.

Everything poured out of me, and by the time Luke pulled away, I was cracked open, bleeding but focused. I knew everything I had to do.

“We’re done.”

I furrowed my brows. “My ribs?”

Luke laughed. “Already in place. Stitches too. We just have to wrap your chest and you should be ready to head home.” He turned to the nurse. “I’m going to wash up and grab a wrap. Can you wipe her down?” He turned to me. “I’ll be back with an extra shirt for you.”

“Thank you.” He helped me up, and the nurse used the buttons on the bed to sit me up.

“You are welcome.” He looked pointedly at my bag. “You received quite a few phone calls and notifications while you were out cold or screaming. You have a few minutes to answer while Jenn cleans up our mess and gets the stuff to clean you up.”

I nodded my thanks. Jenn leaned in. “You did amazing.” I smiled and just leaned against the bed, trying to catch my breath. I waited for a second before I pulled my phone out of my bag. There were a few calls, but Rowan’s name surprised me. I don’t know why.

It’s been a long time since he’s called. Nix stalked out of the trees. I could tell she was pissed at me, but at least she wasn’t screaming at me anymore.

Megan walked out behind her. It’s also because this is the first interaction since you read the letters.

I can’t even think about the letters right now. I rubbed my eyes. I did not want to make this call, but I needed him to send his permission anyway. I stared at the screen for another minute before I sighed. A ding from my laptop gave me another reason to stall. I pulled it out and opened it.

Thoth: I’ve been thinking a lot and I really think we need to meet in person.

My stomach clenched at the thought. I would really want that…but I don’t have time.

Thoth: Hello?

Thoth: For fuck’s sake Amy…why aren’t you answering now?

My father’s messages were next.

Deadmanwalking: Hey I just wanted to let you know I got permission from the King. We just need an excuse to get you out of there with the information.

Deadmanwalking: Where the fuck are you? Rowan got a call from a doctor in the pack and said he thought he heard you as the patient. Are you hurt? What happened?

Deadmanwalking: Talk to me, baby girl, before I call you.

I winced at the desperation in his words. I heard a distant ringing. Someone was calling the clinic. I felt my phone vibrate again and I closed my laptop without answering. They could wait. My mom’s name was on my screen, so I answered the call.

“Amy! What the fuck is going on? Why have you been ignoring my calls?” She was holding back.

I swallowed past a lump in my throat. “Brandon attacked me.”

She quickly inhaled. “I’m coming.”

“Mom.” I heard her call out.

“Toya! Brandon attacked Amy. I’m running to the pack.”

“What!” Toya, Wendy and Carly all screamed, and I winced. Oh fuck.

“Mom!” I called again.

“What!” She screamed as I heard her start running.

“You can’t.” She grunted. “Don’t ignore me. You can’t show up. First, because you are across the country.” I pushed, reminding her that people were listening. “Second, because the surgery is already done.”

“Surgery!” She shrieked.

“And last, because I have to do everything tonight. I have a dinner planned.”

She panted. “Are you dumb?” I chuckled. “No, I seriously want to know. I didn’t think I raised someone as stupid as you to think that when my daughter is hurt, I wouldn’t come back.”

I shook my head like she could see me. “I’m not dumb. I am a grown woman who knows what she is doing. I refuse to leave this pack with my mother, like I am being chased out of here. I will walk out of here with a straight back and a kiss my ass attitude.”