The Prince’s Unwilling mate

136 Griffin

We had moved Ayla to the Silver Moon pack’s hospital. Partly because the BloodMoon pack no longer existed. Partly because, unlike the Blood Moon pack had, we have been thriving. So we have more staff and a better-equipped hospital. When I first brought Ayla here, I had hoped it would mean she would recover quickly.

Maybe I wanted too much too soon, after all, it has only been two days. since we have been back at the Silver Moon pack. The reason Mom had called us in was because Ayla had twitched when she was reading to her. It had given my mom hope, she was waking up.

And it still could be the case, Tessie told us that she would have to show more signs of being responsive in the next few days. If she did not, that would mean she had slipped too far into the coma. And it would mean we would have to consider taking her off life support at the end of the week.

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It was not a decision I would make lightly and like my mother–in–law, I prayed to the Moon Goddess every day that she would help Ayla pull through. But if she wouldn’t, I would want to do the last things that a mate can do before losing the love of his life.

I already regretted not being able to bring her hto our chambers. With all the life support she needed to be on, it was impossible to have. her sleep in a regular bed. Andclimbing into bed with her, twisting and turning as I was sleeping. Meant a risk, I pulled out one of the threads keeping her alive. Tessie, however, had been very clear about the importance of keeping track of Ayla’s movements and twitches to see if she was waking up.

So I got myself a notebook, I had Ayla put in a private room and I did not leave her side. Not even allowinga full sleep, all I would allow myself were little catnaps when others were visiting her. Because my wonderful mate had clearly made a lasting impression on our pack. Every day, pack members cby bringing flowers and gifts. Several people had asked if they could read to their Princess, hoping it would help her wake up. And of course that was just the pack members. Our family and closest friends were coming over more often.

Krystel was determined to believe that her sister–in–law, new friend, and her future Queen would come back to us. Had started on her Beta duties, compiling files of what Ayla needed to learn, and making shopping lists. so that Ayla would have everything she needed in her office. She would cover at nine in the morning every weekday. Going over the tasks she had performed for Ayla. She started this when Ayla was still in the Blood Moon pack’s hospital. And she kept up with it now that Ayla was

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home. Today was Friday again, and Krystel said her weekly goodbye.

“Well, that was a productive week, although I could have done more with your help. But I will leave you be for now I know you and Griff like to have your weekend off” Only this tAyla seemed to smile.

I rushed to get the notebook and wrote down the date, exactly what had happened, and the reaction I saw in Ayla. Even Krystel agreed that it had seemed like Ayla smiled at her.

“See, I know her she would wantto keep busy to make sure she can be the best Alpha and Queen to the pack she can be” Krystel had beamed before leavingalone again.

“Con, Darling, smile fortoo. I miss that smile of you so damn much. I remember the first time you genuinely smiled at me. It was when you bit into the snickerdoodle that made you givea

chance. Maybe I should have told you that before but it was the best moment in my life. Seeing you smile after agreeing you would givea chance” I pleaded” with her, holding her hand in mine.

The memory madethink, perhaps I could bake sSnickerdoodle cookies for her. Tessie explained scents can trigger a person in a coma too. Ever since that first time, I would so often make her Snickerdoodle cookies. On occasion, I had sent couriers to bring them to her the same. day I baked them. It always seemed to make her happy. But making the Snickerdoodle cookies would mean leaving her for at least an hour. Something I still did not feel comfortable with.

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Suddenly I sensed Dillion, who was coming over unannounced and without any schedule or reason for it. Yet he was the one who cover to visit her most often, sometimes just staying for five minutes. I had asked him about it once, only to find out he had srhand reason for his visits. After he first visited the BloodMoon pack he had toldabout Ayla, stating he would like her as his Luna and Queen.

They had formed an instant connection, to the point where it madejealous before I was secure in my relationship with Ayla. Ayla had described it as a platonic love at first sight. Like she knew, Dillion was destined to be a close friend. True to his chaotic nature, Dillion would always pop over when Ayla was at the castle. Sometimes to go out and do something, to discuss something serious with her. Other times to just showed the new jeans he had just bought or brought her a coffee and donut since he had been on a coffee run. Where he would give her, the treats he got her, and would go on about his busy day.

So when he toldthe reasons for his erratic visits, I finally understood how much they loved each other.

“She will cback to us, and I don’t want our friendship to chance. She hates being pitied, so every tI would have visited her if she was still healthy, I visit her now. That is why I still bring her coffee and donuts, even if I know she cannot have them now. Or show her my new shirt, when she cannot tell me how good I look in it. Because one day she will wake up and thankfor the coffee. One day, she will look atand tellthe shirt brings out the color of my eyes.”

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He had nodded, not to make anything clear to me. He nodded to hide the tears forming in his eyes. His nod was to confirm to himself that he was right that his Fire Cracker would cback to us.

“Damn, Griff you are reek, are you not bathing?” He asked as soon as he walked into the room.

He was probably right, with not leaving this chamber I would wash myself with hand soap and paper towels before changing in the fresh clothes Gerald would bringevery morning.

“Well there is only so much I can do with this bathroom sink” I shrugged at him, thinking he would understandand leave it be.

But of course, Dillion didn’t, he toldto go hto shower, and have a longer nap, promising he would stay with Ayla. Write down every single movement and not take his eyes off her.

“I cannot leave her, Dillion, you know I can’t.” I told him, ready for this conversation to be over.

“Firecracker, please tell your man to go shower. I mean, it would be bad enough for a human, but with our wolf scent, my eyes are watering. Please squeeze his hand if you want him to shower and sleep?” He asked Ayla and just as I was about to snap at him that it wasn’t that bad.

I felt her squeeze my hand, and it felt like the entire world cto a

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standstill. This has been the most obvious response to anything ever since we found her.

“Did I see that correctly?” Dillion whispered in shock at the possibility that his pleading had helped.

“Please Darling, can you squeezeonce more if you do I promise I will shower, sleep, and then I will bake you your favorite?” I begged her, her hand twitched, and then….