The Ivory Queen
Chapter 43

*** Aurora’s POV ***

I blink hard to adjust my eyes to the bright light coming in from the windows. My entire body aches and my head is pounding. Oliver has his arms wrapped tightly around me, making me feel safe and protected. My head is tucked beneath his chin and I take in his scent. I lift my head up and my l!ps brush up against his Adam’s apple.

Feeling me stir, he tightens his grip and holds back as sob as he showers me with k!sses.

“Please tell me I’m not dreaming,” he whimpers. “Please tell me you’re awake.”

“I’m awake,” I manage to respond. My voice is very raspy.

His body relaxes at the sound of my voice and he lets out a sigh.

I know me slipping into another coma is a very real fear of his and I can only imagine watching me slip in and out of consciousness was a terrifying experience for him. I’m sure he has a thousand things to say to me, but for now, I just let him hold me. He plays with my hair for a bit, humming a sweet lullaby in my ear and I snuggle deeper into his chest.

When he finishes his song, I pull his face to mine and examine him. His eyes are bloodshot and swollen while his hair is disheveled and unkempt. His usually clean shaven face is covered with stubble and his skin is pale.

“You haven’t slept at all, have you?” I croak, pursing my l!ps.

He shakes his head and I almost want to scold him, but I don’t. He’s had enough for one day.

“How long have I -“

“You were asleep for just under 18 hours,” he interrupts., stroking my hair. “It’s Sunday.”

“Ugh, I’m still tired,” I try to laugh but end up going into a coughing fit.

He frowns and rubs my back, soothing my tired muscles. I reach up to poke his cheeks, wanting his dimples to come out.

“Don’t frown,” I murmur.

He doesn’t respond and instead helps me sit up in bed. I instinctively reach a hand down to my neck and notice my medallion is gone. I look over at the night stand and see it sitting there quietly waiting for me to put back on. I smile as I glance around our bedroom and find it filled with hundreds of flowers and balloons.

“When did we come home and where did all these flowers come from?” I ask lifting a weak hand towards the several bouquets covering every corner of the room. “They’re beautiful.”

“Wesley took us home after Dr. Melanie cleared you. Everyone insisted that you stay there, but I didn’t want you waking up in a hospital again and I knew Meghan could watch you from home,” he says, getting up from bed and walking over to my side. “The flowers are from the wolves you saved. Many came to visit you last night but you were asleep.” He lifts me into his arms. “Now, no more questions. It’s time for your bath.”

“Are you suggesting that I smell?” I ask, feigning hurt as he takes me into the bathroom.

His face turns serious. “You smell like roses and cinnamon. Always.”

He sets me down on a stool near the bathtub and I get undressed. Knowing he thinks I’m beautiful makes it a little easier to be n….aked in front of him, although I’m still a little shy. I wrap my arms around my chest and he chuckles when he notices, bending forwards to k!ss my forehead.

“You don’t need to hide,” he whispers in my ear, trailing k!sses down my neck. “I like seeing them,”

I feel myself turn red as he stands back up and starts the water facet.

“I don’t want a bath. I’d rather just take a shower and go back to bed.”

He nods and turns the shower on instead, testing the temperature with his fingers. Oliver then lifts me and the stool up and places me in the shower. He takes the detachable shower head and rinses my body thoroughly before massaging shampoo into my scalp. He’s so gentle, working the shampoo in circular motions and cleaning the length of my hair. When he’s finished, he rinses it off and lathers up a sponge. I blush a little as he scrubs my body clean, especially when he gets to my sensitive areas and he smirks knowing he has an effect on me.

As he rinses off the soap, I make a bold decision. Grabbing the collar of his shirt, I muster up some strength and pull him in with me. He gives me a look of confusion as the water hits him.

“Your turn,” I say taking the sponge from him. “You’ve been through a lot too.” He looks like he’s about to protest so I continue. “You always take care of me. Let me do the same for you.”

He looks at me a while longer before giving in, stripping down until he’s only in his boxers and Reyna purrs in excitement.

He’s so beautiful…

“Y-you can take them off if you want,” I mumble, my face heating up.

He smirks and shakes his head. “I’m hanging on by a thread as it is.”

I nod, red as a tomato and get up from the stool for him to take a seat.

He shakes his head. “I can stand.”

“And how exactly am I supposed to reach your head? You’ve got me by a good 15 inches!” I laugh. “Sit. I’ll sit on your lap if I get tired.”

He sighs, taking the seat and I begin to rinse him off. I feel his eyes wander as I work the shampoo into his scalp. My boobs are mere inches from his face and he clenches his jaw as he uses every ounce of strength and self control to restrain himself. I give him a k!ss on the l!ps for being patient. He smiles into the k!ss and takes me into his lap. I blush bright red when I feel his excitement in between my legs and jump off of him immediately.

“I-I need you to t-turn so I can clean your b-back,” I stutter, fumbling with the bath sponge and trying to focus on my task.

He chuckles as I become increasingly nervous around him. He decides to tease me by running his hands up and down my sides. My mind goes blank as he touches me gently and I feel the ache in my core.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmurs.

Desperate to compose myself, I reach behind me and turn the faucet to cold. The cold water makes contact with his skin, causing him to gasp and stand up in shock.

I hold back my laughter and try to be serious. “Serves you right!” I huff.

He clears his throat and I see a hint of pink in his cheeks as he sits back down. I start to scrub his body, washing his back first and feeling every muscle relax beneath my touch. Next, I take a seat on his thigh and wash his arms and chest, slowly working my way down. I stop when I feel him reach out to touch my scars, his fingers lingering across my raised skin. He traces each scar on my abdomen before looking back up at me, a question in his eyes.

“Aurora… you and I have never really talked about Andrew and what he did… I just want to make sure you’re okay…” he sighs. “I want you to know that there’s no hurry for us to mate. As much as I want you, I will never force you to do anything you don’t want. I want you to feel safe and comfortable for our first time together and I will wait whatever length of time it takes for that to happen.”

I lean my forehead against his and tangle my fingers in his we..t hair. “I want you too,” I murmur before pressing my l!ps against his. “You don’t know what a relief it was to not be reminded of him when you touched me in the hospital. It gives me hope that I will be okay despite what happened and he will not have control over my life forever. I’m not there all the way yet, but every day I spend with you I realize there will never be another man that will make me feel the way you do. I’m free when I’m with you…” I cup his face and k!ss the tip of his nose. “I love you.”

He responds with a tender k!ss and for a few seconds, nothing else matters.

I grab the sponge and continue to scrub his chest and abs until I reach the bullet scar on his abdomen. I run my fingers over the raised skin.

“I love this scar,” he murmurs as I touch it. “I was the first person you ever healed.”

“I thought you didn’t like that I was a healer,” I frown.

“I don’t like how stubborn you get about healing,” he admits. “But I don’t hate that you’re a healer. I actually admire that part about you… it’s just… I’m just afraid you’ll get hurt one day because of it.”

I k!ss him softly on the l!ps. “You worry too much,” I whisper. “I’m not as fragile as you think.”

I take his face in my hands and focus my energy on him. He grabs my wrists and shakes his head.

“No, save your energy,” he orders. “I don’t-“

“You look like hell,” I chuckle softly. “I’m just reenergizing you. Please let me help you.”

He hesitates. “Will it hurt you?”

I shake my head and he agrees. Electricity flows from my fingertips and washes over him, cleansing out the sleepless night and giving him renewed strength. The color returns to his face and his bloodshot eyes clear up. He sighs when I finish and I k!ss him sweetly on his forehead.

“There. All better,” I murmur.

I finish cleaning him up and we both get out of the shower. I sit cross-legged on the sink counter as he combs and blows dries my hair before braiding it. He hands me pink sweats and a matching hoodie while he dresses in a black sweat suit.

I sense him watching me apply concealer and foundation on my bruised cheek as he shaves his face. The bruise is a lot smaller now, almost healed.

“I’m so sorry,” he mumbles, looking at me with guilt filled eyes.

I turn to face him. “I know you are.”

As he carries me back into the room when we hear a knock at the door. Oliver sets me down on the bed before answering.

Evan, Rio, Carter, and Rosalie file in. Rosalie jumps into bed with me and I curl up in her arms. Her scent is slightly different, almost like dark chocolate. I want to say something but decide against it. It’s probably just in my head.

“Oh goddess, I was so worried when Carter told you healed all those wolves! How are you feeling?”

“I’ve been better,” I mumble. “I’m just hungry right now.”

“I’ll have breakfast brought up here.” Oliver mind links someone to bring up some food and we eat over at the couches. As we finish, Oliver gets a call. He answers and after a few minutes, frowns into the phone before looking back at me.

“Are you up for any visits today?” He asks with slight annoyance.

I smile. “Depends on who’s visiting.”

“Kehla-“

“Yes! Tell her she’s always welcomed here!” I squeal.

“Tell her to bring the baby! I haven’t seen him since his birth!” Rosalie chimes in.

He rolls his eyes and continues the conversation on his phone. I look over at Carter and Evan, who have said nothing since they’ve come in. They look like hell. I pat the couch to catch their attention and motion for them to come closer. Evan looks so broken when he looks at me.

“Are you mad at me?” I croak.

Evan is my best friend and he’s always the one smiling and making me laugh. I don’t like seeing him this defeated. He shakes his head and sits on the couch.

“Then smile! I’m ok, see? Just a little tired. And stop beating yourself up about the attack at the hospital. You did everything you could,” I scold him. I turn to look at Carter who looks equally burnt out. “Come here!” I order.

He follows my instructions and kneels beside the couch. I reach for both of them and re-energize them, making them instantly look refreshed and calm.

“Better?” I ask and they nod.

Evan stretches himself onto my lap and sighs loudly while Carter holds my hand. I glance up at Rosalie but there is no jealousy in her eyes. She knows he’s only trying to comfort me.

“I’m glad you’re ok,” Carter says.

“Back away from my Luna, Carter. I’m already her favorite!” Evan warns and I burst into laughter.

Hearing this, Oliver storms over and shoves Evan off the couch before promptly stretching himself onto my lap, all while still holding the phone to his ear. We howl with laughter as Evan gets off his a….ss and sticks his tongue out at Oliver, who flips him off in return.

“Yeah, whatever,” Evan gr0ans.

Oliver finally hangs up the phone and interlocks his fingers with mine. “Looks like we’ll be having a lot of guests today. The Alpha’s want to meet and discuss the attack. They’ll be here within the next few hours and several wolves have already asked to come see you today,” he says pointing at me. “Do you think you’ll be able to handle that? I can always cancel.”

I nod and he starts mind linking someone.

“I’m having a wheel chair brought for you. I don’t want you overexerting yourself today,” Oliver says before turning to Carter. “I need you to help me get everything arranged for this alpha meeting.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

“Actually,” I call out. “Can Evan help you instead? I need to borrow Carter.”

Rosalie and Oliver look confused while Evan stares back at me with a hand over his heart.

“Am I- am I being replaced?” he asks, dejected.

“Of course not. You have a very special place in my heart,” I reply with a smile. “I just need Carter’s help with something.”

“Wow and here I thought I won you over,” Carter mutters and I giggle. “Thanks for crushing my dreams so gently.”

“Ok, Evan lets go,” Oliver orders and Evan complains about not wanting to help.

I close the door, leaving just Carter, Rio, and I. I fidget with my hoodie, unsure where to begin. I have so many things I need to thank him for, so many things to tell him. I walk over to the bed and pat the space beside me. He sits and watches me carefully.

“I wanted to thank you for lying about the silver wolves thing. You didn’t have to step in.”

“I didn’t really lie. It was a half truth,” he chuckles.

I stare at him confusion. “But silver wolves can shift on their 13th birthday like any other wolf…”

“This is true, however werewolves of your caliber can only shift on a full moon, a solstice or an equinox.”

“Oh.”

He laughs again. “Is that all?” He asks, getting up from the bed.

“No,” I say, suddenly getting nervous. “I-I found her, Carter. I found Celina.”

He sits back down, eyes wide and excited. “You did? How?”

“It was sort of by accident. These past two nights, I’ve woken up in some forest and there’s this stream where she’s always waiting for me. She says it’s our own realm that only she and I can access to,” I say growing excited.

“So what’s she like?”

“It’s like looking into a mirror. We’re identical. Well almost anyways,” I shrug. “She has silvery grey eyes.”

“Huh, how interesting. Gold wolf, gold eyes. Silver wolf, silver eyes. Your eyes must be a reflection of you parents lineage. Anyways, congrats on finding your sister. That should make shifting a breeze!”

“Yeah, she lives in-“

Carter leans forward and covers my mouth with his hand. “Don’t! It’s safer if I don’t know where to find her!” he warns. He lowers his hand. “Have you arranged a meeting?”

I shake my head. “No. We haven’t gotten around to that yet. We’ve mostly just been trying to get to know each other.”

He nods. “That’s understandable. I’d have so many questions if I ever found out I had a secret twin. I still can’t wrap my head around the idea of there being two of you!”

“Hey, we might be twins, but we are two completely different people,” I laugh.

“Right, sorry. But anyhow, your shift is very important. The next time you see her, try to arrange a meeting. Somewhere secluded and away from everyone. And don’t tell anyone where you plan on meeting, not even me. It has to stay secret.”

“What about Oliver?” I ask. “How am I supposed to leave pack territory without him knowing?”

“I believe you’re talking to the Beta of this pack. I have some power here, you know? I could get you out,” he shrugs.

I sigh with frustration. I hate all this lying and going behind Oliver’s back. Carter pulls me into his arms and I let him hold me.

“I know you’re frustrated, but I think you should trust your wolf’s instincts here. If she says it’s not safe to tell him, then it’s not safe. Also…I’ve been meaning to ask… Did you – did you kill those two rogues back at the hospital?”

I pull myself out of his arms and fidget with my hands. “Yes,” I finally reply. “I think they might have known what I was or at least suspected it…”

Carter gives me a puzzled look. “What do you mean?”

“They stared at my medallion and looked at me with fear. And their eyes,” I pause, trying to figure out how to explain what I saw. “Their eyes were yellow one second then turned bright red the next. It was almost like they were under a spell.”

Carter registers this information. “You don’t think the witch could be after you do you?” he asks.

“I honestly don’t know,” I shrug. “I mean you’re the only person who actually knows what I am.”

“Well do you think anyone else could possibly know your secret?”

I search my brain and come up with two people. “My mom -err- Emiliano’s wife, Karina,” I sigh. “She and Emiliano have obviously known my whole but… maybe Erin?”

“Erin?”

I nod. “She saw me kill Andrew using my earth element, but now that I think about it, I don’t think she knows I’m Ivory twin. She thinks I’m a witch. At least, that’s what she keeps calling me.”

Carter sighs. “Well Erin was never known for her brains so I highly doubt she would be behind all this.” He goes quiet, thinking over something in his head. “Do you think Karina is capable of sending two rogues to kill you?” he asks.

I shake my head. “No. I don’t think Karina has the back bone to do it. She had five years to kill me and she unfortunately never took pity on me and actually did it,” I say jokingly.

Carters eyes fill with sadness. “Don’t say that,” he says quietly. “You matter to us.”

I smile. “I know that now.”