Caged Between the beta and alpha novel Chapter 58

DAMON

I ran into the Jacobs home a minute or so behind Liam , only to see him running down the stairs with Raven’s body in his arms .

” What the … ” 11 ” I need to get her to the hospital .

She’s injured and I think there’s poison in her system .

She isn’t healing ! Her mom’s dead .

” He said , the fear and worry in his eyes tearing at my own heart .

I nodded , knowing he was the fastest to get her there … but to my surprise , he held her out to me , his cerulean eyes full of pain .

” Make sure she’s ok .

” He said , his voice hoarse .

My heart thudded as I took her in my arms .

She was tiny and didn’t weigh much at all , her head falling against my chest .

I nodded , not saying anything then turning and running from the house .

I knew he wanted to find whoever did it , and I could see the pain in his eyes as he let her go .

I could feel her blood coating my arm , which meant she wasn’t healing .

Was it the same poison that was killing the people around us ? If it was , it meant we’d be able to save her .

The fact that the killer let the body shut down itself by using a mix of ricin , silver and wolfsbane was very intelligent .

I quickly mind linked the head doctor and told him I was on my way , filling him in o n the situation and carrying my little mate as I ran as fast as I could .

When a pack member is killed , or when they broke pack ties or joined another pack , the Alpha would feel the pack link break .

But when an ill person passes away or if someone is dying slowly , it wasn’t really noticeable to the Alpha .

The tug was so subtle , you wouldn’t realise it at all .

These murders shut down the organs first , slowly yet surely .

The fact that they seemed to have thought this entire thing out so fucking cleverly worried me .

Time was running out and we were no closer to the truth .

I rushed to the room the nurse guided me too and placed Raven on the bed , placing a kiss on her forehead .

She was pale and looked so fucking fragile ….

The ” Please step outside Beta Damon ! ” T doctor said , before he began to shout orders .

” She’s been poisoned , get the antidote for silver and wolfsbane .

The Alpha said there may be ricin ! We need to pump it from her body .

Hook her up , check her blood pressure !

” I was pushed from the room , my heart thundering at the clear worry on the doctor’s face .

We couldn’t lose her .

I tried t o contact Liam , but all I reached was a block , Fuck ! ‘ How is she ? ‘ Taylor’s strained voice came through the link .

‘ I don’t know yet .

Where’s Liam ? ” I asked .

‘ He’s trying to search for clues .

He’s angry and I feel so damn guilty .

I’m sorry , I swear I feel like shit .

I didn’t hear her leave or I would have gone with her … I’m sorry , I know she’s your two’s mate and I can’t imagine how you must be feeling .

‘ She’ll be ok … ‘ I said softly .

I ended the link , pacing the hall feeling so damn frustrated , worried and helpless .

I ran my fingers through my hair dropping onto the bench .

Please be fucking ok … I was scared of losing her .

We needed her , heck I’d give anything for her to be ok .

I’d happily take her place too .

Her smile , her unique eyes , her selflessness … Come on Raven , fight .

A few hours had passed , Liam had mind linked a few times asking how she was , but that was it .

He didn’t say much but I could sense his pain from his voice , although he was desperately trying to hide it .

Finally , the doctor said she was safe .

The poison had been administered close to her neck , and if she had been brought in any later , things could have been worse .

I entered the hospital room , a bandage was wrapped around her head .

The doctor said she had been struck with a sledgehammer , but not with enough force to have done severe damage .

Either the killer was in a rush to leave , or they were generally not fucking strong enough .

My thought went back to what Zack had said .

Was it a woman ?

I brushed my knuckles down her cheek , a tingle of pleasure following .

Her soft , plump lips were parted slightly as she breathed softly .

Her long black lashes fluttered slightly at my touch , I bent down and placed my lips gently on hers .

The sparks of the bond rushed through me , and the sweet taste of her mouth was something I wouldn’t forget .

That ache in my heart was growing .

I didn’t know if I had a chance , or if I ever would .

She was that special , rare gem that you wanted to protect forever and not hurt anymore .

I love you .

I took her delicate hand in mine , thinking how small and slender it was in comparison to mine before I kissed it softly .

I heard the sound of running and I knew it was Liam .

I slowly placed her

hand down , the pain in my chest heightening .

She was meant to be mine too , but I couldn’t have her … I smiled gently , just hoping that no matter what , she got her happily ever after … The door opened and Liam ran over .

He was shirtless , the necklaces around his neck hitting against one another , the sound loud in this silent room .

His eyes were fixed on Raven as he caressed her forehead , his other hand stroking her arm , before he curled his fingers under her chin pressing his lips to hers .

His heart was racing ; I knew he was as worried as I had been , if not more as he wasn’t able to be here .

I looked away , feeling the painful tug at the scene before me … His love was so intense for her … Was mine any less ? Was there a difference between our love ? Don’t think like that Damon …

But no matter how much I told myself to stay positive , I did feel like I was losing all hope of the three of us making it work .

Liam pulled the armchair forward , sitting by her bed , now holding her hand to his chest .

” Found anything ? ” I asked .

” A footprint , a partial one but it’s there .

The killer wasn’t expecting Raven to show up , that was for certain .

” He said coldly .

But we found no one that looked suspicious .

Everyone seemed to have been asleep , but I did fucking order a search of the nearest places .

I don’t know … I feel like we are missing something big .

” He said , running his free hand through his hair .

I nodded , grabbing the other armchair and situating myself on the other side of the bed .

I glanced at her hand and placed my hand over it , feeling Liam’s intense gaze on me , but he didn’t say anything .

” And was there a note ? ” ” ” Obviously .

” ” What did it say ? ” ” You deserved this .