I found myself waking up slowly. My body felt heavy and my mind was fuzzy. I couldn't seem to fully wake up, everything around me was dark.

I could feel something beneath me, something warm and fuzzy. My hair was moved across my face, a touch so feather light I barely noticed it.

'...Nova?'

Cel? Oh gosh Cel, you're okay.

She whined and her face came forwards in my mind. 'I think so. We've been out a while.'

How are you feeling?

'I can feel mate nearby, he's very agitated.' She whimpered.

And you?

I was searching her mind as much as I could, she was weak but she seemed with it. Her eyes were slightly dull but her strength was returning.

'I'm just tired.' She flattened her ears against her head.

The warm fuzzy thing I was laid on suddenly moved and I felt my body tilt to one side. I couldn't hear anything, just feel the buzzing electrics from beneath me and the warmth surrounding me.

The hand came back and stroked down on my arms and along my neck and collar bone. It was a soothing rhythm that I found myself soon falling back asleep...

The next time I woke was too muffled sounds. Cel groaned and shook out her body, her claws itching to be stretched. She had become better, perkier in the hours we slept.

Hey Cel. I breathed.

She grumbled in return, bowing her chest as she stretched like a cat. 'Can you hear that?'

I turned my attention back to the muffled room. My limbs still felt heavy but the figure that was once surrounding me had left and I no longer felt the tingling warmth.

I could hear something though. It sounded like beeping from a machine, close to my head. I could feel the rise and fall of my chest and the gentle breaths they released. Further on I could hear low mumbling that I couldn't pinpoint the source of.

I lay there listening for a while, the humming and beeping of the machine beside me kept me company. Cel huffed and came to the front of my mind, I could feel her energy beneath my skin. We tried to move but didn't get very far except for a twitch of my wrist.

The sudden warmth hit me, enveloping my hand in it. A hand, I was sure. A warm, rough and large hand. It didn't have the same tingles as before but they clutched at my hand like it was a lifeline.

The mumbling grew closer and I breathed deeply to try and scent where I was but all I could smell was the overwhelming tinge of disinfectant.

The mumbling turned into a growl and the warm hand disappeared. I hear loud footsteps approach me before my hand was grabbed by the tingling warmth. I felt goosebumps rise on my skin, my heart suddenly increasing at the surge of their touch.

'Mate.' Cel whispered.

Phoenix was here? Why was he here? The last thing I remember is Alex finding me under the tree. I shuddered at the memory of the freezing rain pelting my skin, the sharp warmth of claws sinking into my flesh, and the glaring silver of the cages.

I felt a feather-light touch on my cheek and immediately knew it was Phoenix. So many questions flooded my mind at his presence. My heart ached at the fact I couldn't see him; I wanted to know what was going on. Why was he touching me so much?

His hand never left mine but I felt the pressure of him moving; he must've sat down.

Cel, can you link him?

'I've tried. Our mind isn't strong enough to receive or send any signals yet. We need to wake up.' She muttered.

I sighed but enjoyed the feeling of his hand in mine as I felt my unconscious grip me once again. Why was I so tired?

'Sleep Nova. We will try later...' Cel whispered as I drifted off.

The noises were much louder this time and I groaned at the buzzing in my mind. My hand wanted to reach to clutch at my skull as I moaned at the headache but it was still clutched in Phoenix's.

Sudden footsteps turned towards me and I felt a breath of air brush along my jaw as someone drew closer to me.

"Nova?"

Phoenix?

"I'm here Nova. Open your eyes." He whispered.

My eyes?

I winced, forcing them open at last. The light blinded me before a hush fell across the room and they were switched off. I narrowed my eyes to adjust to the dull-lit room. The first thing I saw was a white panelled ceiling, large UV lights hanging from the roof.

I looked down to see a curtained window, faint light creeping through the edges. I felt my heart speed up as the room started to become familiar. I felt sick to my stomach as I looked around before my eyes finally fell on a man.

He was different.

His beard had grown, and his hair was dishevelled and fell across his head in random waves. His top was a cotton t-shirt, and his bottoms appeared to be joggers. I looked into his eyes to see nothing but treacle, the hazel beauties staring right at me. What had happened to him?

"Phoenix?" I croaked.

He smiled and chuckled. "I don't look that bad do I?"

I frowned and studied him. My throat hurt so I chose to nod gently as I observed him. A movement to my right had me see my brother approach with a glass and straw. I eyed the glass, unsure whether to drink it or not.

"Drink Nova." Leo gestured.

"I-is it just water?" I rasped, looking at Phoenix.

Phoenix frowned in sync with Leo, worry lines creasing their foreheads. Leo mutely nodded and held the glass in front of me. I went to grab it but my arms felt too weak to lift. Phoenix took it from him; his fingers holding the top of the cup, securing the straw between them.

I eyed it hesitantly before taking a sip. I almost moaned in satisfaction; it had been days since I drank. The glass was emptied and Leo came back with more. Phoenix held it the same, concern on his features

"You okay?" He asked, stroking my hair to the side.

I watched him warily, waiting for a trick of him saying he can't be here and walk away. Phoenix wasn't usually this gentle, nor scruffy. This must be his nice twin brother, whom he has not told me about... Right?

"Wh-Who are you?" I asked, feeling better.

He frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Y-You look b-bad... and you're being..."

He smiled sadly and moved his hand back to hold mine. I stared down at them confused. Had I missed the part of my life where he acted like this? Or had the whole him denied the bond been a trick?

"I have a lot to explain, I don't want to overload you with information until you're definitely better." He explained. "I know you have questions so we'll start with the easier ones for now, okay?"

I narrowed my eyes in suspicion but nodded my head.

Leo pulled a chair to my bedside and took my other hand in his, kissing my wrist. "I'm glad you're awake... but what was with the water question?"

I crinkled my nose up at the nervous laugh he let out. "They-they p-poisoned the water, I ha-had to be sure."

He looked shocked. "Poison how?"

"A p-potion that got rid of wolves."

Phoenix grumbled and I turned to look at him again. "I'm in a hospital."

He nodded with a scowl and I took in a shaky breath, avoiding looking at the needles in my arms.

"Three days." He stated.

My eyes widened in surprise but I nodded. I suddenly remembered my injuries and glanced down at my foot and chest only to see them fully covered by sheets.

Phoenix noticed my gaze as he spoke up. "We stitched you up and checked you over. Your foot was in a cast but we did a blood transfusion so it has healed well."

I nodded, my memory flashing with the fear for my life. The dark man above me, the rogue wolf I killed flashed into my mind. I didn't realise I was crying until tissue was wiping at my cheeks. The door opened and I saw Leo walk out of the room.

I snapped my gaze to Phoenix who was staring at me in concern. "Why are you b-being so kind?"

He sighed, dropping his arm. "I'm trying to make up for what I've done. I've had some time to think Nova. I'm an ass."

I chewed on my lip and nodded. "You are."

He chuckled. "I am more than willing to grovel at your feet for forgiveness but I don't want to overwhelm you with too many emotions yet."

I had the faint memory of him saying similar before and smiled timidly in return. "I hurt, Phoenix."

He sighed, dropping his head to our hands. "I'm a terrible person Nova. I thought by pushing you away I would be saving you."

"Why?" I breathed. "I'm so mad, and so hurt... I'm your mate Phoenix."

He actually whimpered, turning his head so his hazel eyes met mine. They were red as if he had been crying and that startled me. Who was this emotional man and where was my annoying Alpha mate gone?

"I have reasons Nova, genuine ones but I went about them wrong and hurt you in the process." He started.

I went to reply but the door opening with a knock interrupted me. Kate walked in, paperwork and pen in her hand.

"Nova, your brother told me you're awake!" She smiled. "How are you feeling?"

I gave her a small smile. "I'm okay I suppose."

"Any aches or pains?" She asked, clicking her pain.

"Just a headache but it's a small one now."

"I'll up your medicine then." She smiled before beginning to fiddle with one of the drips.

I looked away when she produced a needle but thankfully it didn't come anywhere near me. When she was done she discarded it on a nearby metal tray.

She smiled at me and focused back on her notes. "I will need to check your injuries and make sure they are clean and good, is that okay?"

I whimpered an okay and she approached me. She gently pulled the covers away and I stared down at my body in wonder. I had so many layers of woollen clothes on and what appears to be a man's shirt.

Kate began to lift material from my torso. "You developed grade three hypothermia so we had to keep you warm otherwise it could've been bad."

I nodded with a frown as she revealed the fading marks along the centre of my torso. She touched them gently, her cold fingers making me jump. She chuckled an apology before writing things down on her notes again.

"Do you wish to say how these happened? They look like wolf claws?" She asked and carefully pulled my top back down.

I closed my eyes at the memory, a shudder of disgust rolling over my shoulders. "I-I was attacked by a man... he wanted to-to hurt me."

She frowned, the thoughts whirling through her head. They widened when she came to a conclusion and gave a small glance to a curious Phoenix.

"And... and did they... did they get that far?" She asked softly.

I felt Phoenix tense beside me, obviously catching up on the conversation. He held his breath, staring at the sheets in anger.

I gently shook my head and looked back at Kate. "No, that's why I'm s-so hurt."

She gave a sympathetic smile but didn't question it further. I wriggled my hand that was inside of Phoenix's grip and he loosened the tight hold he had of it. Looks like he wasn't letting go anytime soon.

Kate moved to my foot and began to touch it. "Your ankle is good now. Phoenix's blood has healed the bones from what I can feel... so we should be able to walk later. A little swelling and soreness will be normal for a while."

I stifled a yawn and nodded at her as she covered my foot back up under the sheets. "Later yeah."

I could feel the sleep tugging on my mind, my eyes getting heavier. I didn't want to sleep, I had so many questions.

"How's your head now Nova?" Kate asked.

I sighed and turned my head to the side, my eyes closing. "All good now."

She chuckled and I heard the rustle of clothing. "Good. Your vitals are looking great too. Keep healing Nova and you'll be out of here before you know it."

I yawned again and nodded my head in agreement. "Okay..."

I heard footsteps walk away before the door clicked closed again. Phoenix shifted beside me and I peeked an eye open to see him staring at me.

"Not creepy at all," I mumbled.

He chuckled as I closed my eyes. "Go to sleep, we will talk in the morning."

•••

Hiiii everybody. Finally Nova is back wooo

I wanna thank you all for your lovely comments and hope you enjoyed this chapter!

What do you think is gonna happen next? I'm curious to see what you think, and wanna know if any of you are right hehe

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