Unforeseen Entanglements

Chapter 96: Chapter 96

Sophie’s POV

I woke up with my neck screaming in protest.

Sleeping in a small space for three days straight? Not recommended.

But I wasn’t leaving Christian’s side. Not after watching him almost die. Not after feeling his life force flickering through our bond like a candle in the wind.

I blinked my eyes open and immediately checked on him.

Christian was awake, watching me with those intense eyes that made my heart skip.

"You look terrible," he said softly.

"Good morning to you too." I stretched, wincing at every joint that popped. "How do you feel?"

"Like I got mauled by my psychotic father. Oh wait—I did."

The fact that he could joke about it was a good sign.

"Let me check your wounds." I stood, moving to his bedside.

"Sophie, when was the last time you actually slept in a bed?"

"I’m fine."

"That’s not an answer."

Before I could deflect, Diana walked in and immediately zeroed in on me.

"Sophie Knight, you look like death warmed over," Diana said bluntly. "When did you last eat? Sleep properly? Do anything apart from pumping healing energy into your mate?"

"I’ve been eating," I protested weakly.

"Protein bars don’t count." Diana crossed her arms. "Christian, tell your Luna she needs rest before she collapses."

Christian’s hand caught mine. "She’s right. You need to sleep in a real bed. Eat real food. Take care of yourself."

"But—"

"No buts. If you don’t rest, I’m refusing all treatment."

I stared at him. "That’s manipulative."

"That’s love." His expression was serious. "I can’t heal if I’m worried about you."

Damn it. He had a point.

"Fine," I said. "But only if you promise to stay put and let Diana monitor you."

"Deal."

Diana practically pushed me out of the medical facility.

Six hours later, I woke up in our actual bed feeling almost human again.

I showered, ate real food, and headed back to the medical facility with a container of Diana’s homemade soup for Christian.

He was sitting up when I arrived, which was huge progress.

"You look better," Christian said, smiling.

"So do you." I set the soup down and examined his shoulder wound. The gash that had been deep enough to see bone three days ago was now just angry pink skin. "Diana’s right. My healing is working faster than normal."

"Because you’re amazing."

"Because our bond is strong." I sat beside him and placed my hands on his chest, channeling healing energy for an hour straight.

Christian watched me the entire time, his expression soft.

"What?" I asked when I finally stopped.

"Just thinking about how lucky I am."

"To almost die multiple times?"

"To have you." His hand covered mine. "You could have run. Left Shadow Ridge. Found a safer mate. But you stayed."

"Of course I stayed. You’re stuck with me, remember?"

"Best thing that ever happened to me."

The next few days fell into a routine.

I’d wake up early, check on Christian, channel healing energy, handle pack business, then return to his side.

Marcus stopped by constantly with security reports. Connor brought legal documents. Warriors visited to pay respects to their Alpha.

Patterson showed up on day four, looking uncomfortable.

"Alpha," Patterson said formally. "I came to apologize. I doubted your leadership. Sided with Harold. I was wrong."

Christian studied him for a long moment. "You weren’t wrong to question me, Patterson. You were wrong to let loyalty to the past blind you to the present. But you switched sides when it mattered. You fought for Shadow Ridge. That counts for something."

Patterson’s relief was visible. "Thank you, Alpha."

After Patterson left, Christian looked exhausted.

"Talking is tiring," he admitted.

"Then stop talking and rest." I helped him lie back down.

"Bossy Luna."

"Someone has to keep you alive."

On day four, Diana finally cleared Christian to walk around.

"Slowly," Diana warned. "Your body is still healing."

I stayed right beside Christian as he stood for the first time in days. His legs shook. I immediately wrapped my arm around his waist, channeling energy to his muscles.

"Easy," I murmured. "One step at a time."

We made it to the window overlooking the compound.

Below, pack members worked together repairing buildings damaged in the attack. Warriors trained in coordinated groups. Kids played near the sanctuary, their laughter carrying through the air.

"We survived," Christian said quietly.

"We more than survived. We won."

"Because of you." He looked at me. "You held everything together while I was unconscious. Marcus told me. The pack comes to you now."

"I just did what needed to be done."

"You stepped into your role as Luna fully. No hesitation. No doubt." His pride flowed through our bond. "You’re incredible, Sophie."

My cheeks heated. "Stop. You’re making me blush."

"Good. You’re beautiful when you blush."

By day six, Diana cleared Christian to return to our quarters.

The walk through the compound was overwhelming.

Pack members lined the path—not blocking us, just standing respectfully. Showing support. Demonstrating loyalty to their Alpha and Luna.

Christian’s hand tightened on mine.

"They love you," I whispered.

"They love us," he corrected.

When we finally reached our bedroom and closed the door, Christian sagged against me.

"Okay, that was harder than I expected," he admitted.

I helped him to the bed. "You just walked further than you have in a week. You’re allowed to be tired."