The One He Claimed by Cooper

Chapter 159: Nerves

Sophie

I made sure that Jocelyn was settled, and I stayed with her while she was prepped for surgery. She didn’t want Zahn in the room at that time, so he remained in the waiting room. I was surprised that he didn’t even grumble about it.

“You were right about your mate,” she says to me.

“Which part?” I ask, not sure what’s she’s referencing.

“About his strength. He beat the shit out of Zahn.”

“He threatened me. No one in the pack will allow that. You saw that.”

“What does it feel like to have that level of security in your life?” she asks sadly.

“Well, I don’t bask in it. That security is a two–way street. I have to give to the pack as well. When they don’t feel safe, I need to be there for them, to make sure they know that they are safe.”

“Like what you’re doing with me?”

“Exactly,” I say, sitting on the edge of her bed and smiling at her.

She looks away, her lips trembling. “I’m scared, Sophie.”

I take her hand, clasping it in both of mine. “About which part, in particular?” I ask softly. I can smell her fear and hear it in her voice.

She huffs a laugh. “I guess I do have a lot to be fearful of, but today, it’s this surgery. Do you think I’ve made the right decision?” she asks, looking to me for guidance.

“I think that if Dr. Caspian didn’t believe that he could help you, he wouldn’t have offered to do these surgeries. He’s very good at what he does. He’s kind, gentle, and caring. He’ll do everything in his power to help you heal, Jocelyn. You can trust that. If it were me, I would try, knowing the kind of doctor that Dr. Caspian is.”

She nods, quickly brushing a tear from her cheek that leaked out.

know, that doesn’t mean that you’ll be perfect, but better is good, right? I saw your

Goddess is punishing me for trying to leave this world before

that. But you’re here now. And while I know you’ll be in a lot of pain for the next couple of days, your healing will begin and

here seems to think

her name?” I

smiling. “Damn, I miss that sassy wolf. You get used to having them in your head, you know. And when they‘ re gone…” She stops, her voice getting choked again.

same thing, but while your body is healing physically, you can also focus on healing your mind. I think sometimes that’s what helps our wolves to resurface. It’s almost like you have to give them a

says, giving me a half smile as

Luna, good morning, Jocelyn. Are you ready for today?” he asks, coming

she

I know it will be a long day, but I’m ready to go

nods, then looks at me. “I’ll be here when you get out. Dr. Caspian or Brooklyn will keep me updated on your status. Even if you aren’t awake,

“Thank you, Luna.”

should start calling me

we are?”

don’t think she really has anyone in her life that she feels comfortable or safe with.

me a

hall to surgery. I wait until she’s in her room before turning to

“How is she?”

if she’d want Zahn to know how she was feeling. “Dr. Caspian just took

how long she’ll be in surgery?”

Caspian seems to think it will be an all–day surgery. He’ll give me updates throughout the

like to be informed. She didn’t say I couldn’t be informed of

to stay here, since I’ll be with her. tonight when she comes out. Will

long as she allows me

who are on guard duty. “How long will the two of you

duty,

Dr. Caspian or Brooklyn any clarifying questions, Alpha Zahn, because their focus needs to be on your mate. So, I will tell you what I know, and that will be all that we’ll