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.

good, right? I saw your x–rays. You must be in so

the Moon Goddess is punishing me for trying to leave this world before she was

probably feels like 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, you’ll have peace. Hopefully, that peace and your healing will allow your wolf to

to

name?” I

head, you know. And when they‘ re gone…” She stops, her voice getting choked again.

know that’s not the 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 place that they feel safe returning to, does

does, actually,” she says, giving me a half smile

good morning, Jocelyn. Are you ready

she

if you weren’t. The good news is, I’m not. I know it will be a

out. Dr. Caspian or Brooklyn will keep me updated on your status. Even if you aren’t awake, just know

“Thank you, Luna.”

call you Jocelyn, you should start calling me Sophie. That’s what friends do,” I say as Dr. Caspian

that what we

been through a lot. I don’t think she really has anyone in her life that she feels comfortable or safe with. Here, hopefully, she’ll

me a moment. “Thank you,

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

“How is she?”

mind link, not sure if she’d want Zahn to know how she was feeling. “Dr. Caspian

how long she’ll be

be an all–day surgery. He’ll give me updates throughout the

She didn’t say I couldn’t

to stay here, since I’ll be with her. tonight when she comes out. Will you be staying here in the hospital, Alpha Zahn?” I

not leaving until she does….as long as she allows me to stay,”

the warriors who are on guard duty. “How long will the

duty, Luna,” one

needs to be on your mate. So, I will tell you what I know,