Recrudescence

“The kitchen is mostly destroyed, as are parts of the sitting area. We have to change the door, too. Adjacent rooms aren't affected by the explosion, just a few broken windows,” Ajamu said, his voice barely audible over the background noises.

“How much time will that take to repair?”

“No more than a week. We've already started the clean up.”

“Good!” Omar hung up.

He sat there, his elbows on his thighs, staring at the black screen of his phone.

Sonia was admitted to the hospital a few minutes ago. The doctors were trying to convince her to take her medication but she refused.

A hand squeezed his shoulder. He looked at his mother’s pink irises.

“She will be ok,” she said with a thick accent. He didn't answer. He wanted to believe her, but Sonia's screams told him otherwise.

Will she be ok? Could I have done things differently that could have prevented this from happening?

He felt helpless and he hated that. It was a torture to see his mate suffering when he couldn't help.

“You have to be patient. Don't give up on her.”

“I would never,” he said, looking back at her.

He felt blessed to have his mother by his side at a moment like this. He hoped she wouldn’t curl in on herself again when everything went back to normal. He would never take his family’s support for granted. If it was not for Ajamu and his sister taking care of the explosion's aftermath, he wouldn’t be here.

Not wasting another moment, he hugged her tightly. She stiffened in his arms, which made him chuckle. His mother had never been one for hugs, unlike his father who was all touchy-feely. Their interaction had always been entertaining growing up.

She tapped his back awkwardly.

“I’m happy to have you back, Luna Blenda.”

“Former Luna, I'm now officially your mate's bodyguard or adviser or whatever. My wolf took liking on her and bonded with her nicely. She is protective of her and I'm happy my wolf is coming back to her old self.”

A bright grin took over his features, making Blenda squint her eyes at him. She jumped to the seat next to her, leaving a safe distance between them, before he could hug her again. “Get a grip, boy,” she said, fighting a smile.

Sonia's father came out after a few minutes.

“She will stay here. When they judge her stable enough, they'll release her.” He sighed.

“How is she? Can I see her?”

“She’s asleep now, but we can talk with the staff so you can visit her later. I'm bringing her stuff tomorrow. You can come with me if you like.”

“I think that's a good idea, we will both come,” Blenda said, inviting herself to tag along.

“Good, let's go then. We don't have anything left to do here,” Josef said, heading to the door. He turned one last time to Omar. “I know you have your hands full right now, so we will talk about Sonia and what happened later. I will send my men to clean up the mess. Also, our company will upgrade your security system, free of charges.”

“The mess is taken care of, but I appreciate the security boost. Send me the bills. I insist,” Omar said, walking toward Josef.

Josef tapped on his shoulder, a soft look in his eyes. “Omar, son, you’re family now. Let's just hope she’ll make it this time.” Not waiting for an answer, he left the building, his bodyguards short behind him.

The ride back to the pack house was quiet. Both mother and son were immersed in their thoughts. Blenda was dreading coming back to the pack house. She didn't know how she, or her wolf , would react to whatever damage happened. She was trained and used to always have her emotions under control, but she had to build back her confidence. Maybe I could start with joining the pack's daily training again, but first!

“Omar, I need to find a house not far from the pack house.”

“I’ll see with Ajamu,” Omar said, his eyes not leaving the road.

“I’ll see with Ajamu,” Blenda said, causing Omar to chuckle.

The bossy Luna is back!

“Mum, I know you have a rocky road in front of you,” He said. His hand twitched to reach for hers, but he tightened his hold on the steering wheel. “You don't have to go through it alone. You can talk to me. If you need a professional help, let's ask for it.” Omar didn't want to take any risks.

“Stop worrying.” She looked out of the window, not daring to meet his eyes. “I saw you, you know. You came to see me everyday. I caused you and your sister too much trouble already. Let me take care of myself now. You don't know how it feels to be caged in your own mind. It didn't matter how hard I tried, I couldn't break free. I will not let myself slip in that state again. Trust me.”

He nodded. “I trust you, but I want you to let me help you and support you.”

“Sonia is lucky to have you, son.” She looked at him with love in her eyes, her tough exterior couldn't hide.

Omar scoffed “If she accepts to have me . I'm not sure I have a chance with her anymore. I caused her relapse.” He stopped the car in front of the pack house and leaned on the headrest.

“Everything will be all right, you'll see. Just be patient and learn as much as you can about her illness. You can’t help her if you don’t know what you are up against.

How her words matched Sonia’s words when they first met. ‘You can’t even protect yourself if you don’t know what you are up against.’ She was trying to warn me.

Omar's days now consisted of taking care of the pack, visiting Sonia and spending every spare time researching about the illness and how to help a loved one with schizophrenia. He realised how little he knew about it.

Every visit, his mother and sister tagged along, uninvited.

It was heart warming to see his six foot mother hovering over his mate, brushing her hair, choosing her outfits and painting her nails! He had never seen this side of her. His sister, Dahlia, was her usual bubbly self, talking Sonia’s ear off. After his first visit almost send her into psychosis—because she thought he was coming to avenge what she did to the pack house—and with the help of his mother and sister, their relationship was now progressing slowly.

When Sonia was released at last, she couldn't wait to go back home. However, she didn't know where home was now. Her house didn't feel like home anymore, but the man who was driving her did. She clutched her hands together.

Would he still want me after he saw how broken I am?

The last few weeks were the best weeks of her life.

I never thought I’d say that about my stay in a psychiatric ward, but it's true.

Everyday she looked forward to her walk with Omar, and she fell in love with him quickly. who wouldn't? She thought.

Her house came into view. Sonia’s mood dampened. Would this be goodbye? She didn't want to, but he was aloof the whole drive. He was tense. His frown never left his face. Can werewolves reject their mates after they had marked them? That would hurt, she thought, a lump forming in her throat.

He stopped the car.

It’s my chance to say something.

In a heartbeat, he was out and went to her side before she could say a word. He wiped his sweaty hands on his pants before opening her door.

Something was wrong.

Embracing herself for the worst, Sonia squared her shoulders.

If he didn’t want anything to do with me anymore, I have to let him go. I wouldn't want to be with someone who is with me by obligation. I deserve better.

She opened the door, her eyes widened and so did her smile. Her father, Blenda, Dahlia, even Ajamu were all gathered in her living room.

The room was nicely decorated, and Sonia was moved by the thoughtful gesture.

Nothing too flashy, she noted as she looked around, admiring the decoration. Her eyes landed on the banner at the centre of the opposite wall, with arrows pointed at it. In case she didn't see the huge thing.

“Marry me.” Omar's voice reached her ears as she read the same words on the banner .

The tears she was holding rolled down her cheeks. She looked back at him, a mess of cries and laughs, disbelief and relief, and hard-to-decipher hand gestures. Only a man in love would find that sight attractive.

She squeaked at last, “Yes!”