adjective ~ in an unbroken state; entire

PHOENIX

Nova had finally come out of the scans, and I had not left her side since. I could hear the steady beat of her heart in her chest, the warming thrumming coming from our child's bond. Many had tried to come in over the course of the past few days but I remained vigilant. I wasn't leaving her this time.

Charlie came in regularly, in hopes to get me dressed and clean. Most of the time I ignored him but when I was in a good mood, I listened to him and allowed him to watch over her whilst I got refreshed. He had proved himself a worthy Beta, caring for my mate whilst I lost myself to my wolf on the battlefield.

He had protected her when I could not, Ares fell victim to his instincts. I hardly remembered the brutality of it, the faint recognition of blood in my mouth as I tore into the enemy. I wanted to visit the cells, to give Donovan a piece of my mind, but I could not leave Nova. If she woke up and I wasn't here... I couldn't live with myself.

Kate had given her a sedative, but it has long since worn off. Her wolf must be comatose and keeping Nova asleep for her own repair. She would wake up feeling better than she ever has done, full of my blood and medicines combined.

Walking out of my the hospital's bathroom, I lazily dried my hair on the towel. Charlie was sat in the chair I often preoccupied, the television remote in his hand as he scrolled through channels. His brown eyes lifted to meet me, creasing in the corners as he gave me a once over.

"There, you smell a lot better. Feel any better?" He smirked.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Yes. Thank you."

He shrugged. "No prob."

I sat on the edge of Nova's bed, my hand clasping her warm ones. My chest ached every time I looked at her closed eyes, hoping for the moment she opens them and looks at me. Five weeks was just too long.

"Charlie." I began.

I raised my head to see him tense, his arm mid-stretched to aim at the television better. He swallowed, eyes shifting to meet mine.

"Yeah?"

"I just want to say thank you."

His eyebrows furrowed, arm dropping to his lap. "You already have?"

I sighed, shaking my head. "For looking out for Nova. During the battle you really stepped up."

His smile was faint as his eyes drifted off to a spot on her bed. "I felt obliged too."

"You looked after her when I couldn't, I owe you a debt."

He shook his head, a bark of laughter escaping him. "Honestly, no debt needed... But if you are offering, Charlie is a pretty good name for a kid."

He laughed at my unimpressed expression, but I just shook my head.

"How about, I'll think about it." I mused.

He shrugged, a wide grin erupting on his cheeks. "That'll do I suppose."

He stood from his chair, brushing imaginary dirt from his clothes. I watched him curiously as he bent down to pull a back and set it by Nova's feet. My eyebrows creased as he rifled through, muttering under his breath. What was he doing?

"A-ha! Here they are."

"Here what are?" I wondered.

"The papers you asked for." He smiled, passing me two sheets of paper.

"You got them done already?" I raised an eyebrow.

"What can I say, I'm good." He laughed.

I looked to Nova briefly when her blood pressure machine kicked in, tightening around her feet. Kate had decided to use it two days ago when it seemed she wasn't going to wake anytime soon. I just helped increase the blood flow to her feet, since being laid down for so long wasn't going to do anyone any good. We washed her every day and night, but you couldn't do much with a dead weight and a warm cloth.

"I'll see you at dinner, yeah?"

I glanced out the window to see the sky growing gloomy, the clock on the wall beside it read four o'clock.

Nodding, I rose to my full height. "Maybe."

He sighed, coming around to embrace me. His hand wrapped around my shoulder and waist just as mine did, a light pat on the back of my shoulder.

"She's alright, Nix."

I clenched my jaw at the nickname. We used to often call each other Nix and Lee as teenagers, a way to break each other out of a dud moment. I appreciate his attempt, but it felt weird after so long, being reassured.

"She will be." I counteracted. "When she wakes and I know she is still Nova."

"She seemed still Nova to me." He snorted, pulling away. "She practically commanded Pollux to drink her blood."

My eyebrow rose with curiosity. "She did?"

"Yeah." He laughed. "She can be damn scary when she uses her Luna command, heck even without it I think I would still sit."

I chuckled at him. "So she's still in there."

"Her body may be a little scuffed, but I don't think she's retreated. Nova is strong, you know that."

"I do." I sighed, glancing down at her. "But I also know what trauma can do to people, especially those with a past like Nova. In physcological terms-"

"I don't care about education right now, Nix." He scoffed. "Just shut up, and fill those papers in."

I narrowed my eyes at his disrespect and if realising his mix up, he swallowed.

"I mean, Alpha, Alpha Phoenix." He grinned, phrasing his words almost like a question.

I shrugged his hand from my shoulder with a roll of my eyes. "Go find your mate, Lee, before she does something to your bed next."

His lips spread into a smirk, dirty thoughts no doubt on his mind. "If she did, that would be the best thing right now... I mean, respectfully... Of course... She's just... I mean..."

I laughed this time, pushing him lightly in the shoulder. Every wolf dreamed of the first time with their mate, Charlie no exception.

"Just get out already."

He winked, faux saluting me. "Yes, Alpha."

I watched him leave the room with a small smile grateful for the weird mind of my Beta. He was able to switch of that crazy, over-indulgent mind and neutralise himself when needed, but he would always still be the same Charlie underneath; protective and loyal, yet fun and childish.

With a sigh, I walked around the hospital bed to settled back into my chair. I took the paperwork Charlie had given me, along with the pen he provided and set it down on the firm mattress. Lifting the pages upright, I scanned my eyes along the words.

I had meant to look over these a couple of weeks ago, but things happened and they got pushed aside. Thankfully, it did not hinder my plan and the work could still go on regardless. My eyes raked in the detail, admiring certain pictures and blueprints as the pages went on. I scrawled down notes where necessary, intent on not missing a thing.

I was too distracted by the calculations of costs and budgets that the sudden movement coming from my right had me jump in surprise. The pen flew from my hand as the sheets beside me shifted, a loud gasp coming from the once-sleeping form of my mate. Wide-eyed, I stared at her as she sat rigid and upright in bed.

What was going on?

I remained stoically still as she ran her eyes along the room, my mind moving ahead of my body.

She was awake?

That was rather sudden. Was she okay? What's going on?

I blinked once, then twice more, as if just realising something.

She's awake!

My hand reached towards her shoulder in an act of guidance and when my fingers grazed her collar bone, she spun around to face me and I removed my hand in shock.

Through the hungry pulse in my ears, my eyes found her green. Instant relief flowed over me as she blinked up at me, her tongue darting out to lick her lips. My eyes traced her face, taking in ever dip and curve of her jaw, cheeks and nose. She was awake.

I moved my hand back to her skin, my fingers slowly settling on her arm. I didn't want to overwhelm her, so kept my movements slow as she came to. Her mind must be jumbled, having been asleep so long. Her heart raced loudly through the monitors behind me as I encircled her dainty wrist with my hand. I felt the beat of her pulse beneath the tips of my fingers and swallowed nervously.

Her lips parted, eyes wincing as she forced herself to speak. "Phoenix?"

I nodded slowly in relief, gauging her reaction. The sudden intrusion of her scent enveloping me was a big surprise though.

My arms wrapped around her instantly, catching her as her chest collided with my own. Wires of all kinds stuck between us and I carefully rearranged them to not pull any of her IV's out. Once they were out of the way, I returned my arm to wrap around her, pulling her tighter against me as I nuzzled her neck. Her sweet honey scent was mesmerising, if I wasn't currently being kneed in the stomach, I would've thought it was a dream.

"Nova." I mumbled.

She shuddered slightly, running her nose along my jaw, unconsciously scenting me. I kissed her neck in return, enjoying the taste of her on my lips.

"How are you feeling?"  I whispered.

She didn't respond, craning her neck to allow me to trail my lips further down her sweet spot. I smirked to myself, amused by her initial reaction before I moved away. She whined but I didn't hesitate this time and moved my hands to cup her jaw. She blinked up at me, her beautiful eyes innocently staring into mine. I felt myself relax under her gaze, every stress and worry fading away as my little Nova blinked back at me.

She was beautiful as ever.

Kate. I mind linked. Nova is awake.

'Oh, excellent! I shall be right in!' She replied.

"Y-You're..." She frowned, her voice failing her.

"Don't strain your voice, my love." I shook my head.

Her eyes closed, another shiver wracking her body. I smelt the reaction it gave her, unsurprising considering how long apart we have been. Her being pregnant would only amplify her feelings, her instincts to claim each other. The sudden smell of salty tears surprised me though and my chest constricted with worry as she kept her eyes closed.

"Is this real?" She whispered.

I chuckled softly, diverting her attention to happier thoughts. "Yes. You're home safe."

With me.

'Give me some time.' I commanded, causing Kate to stop in her approach.

Nova's shoulders sagged, reopening her eyes to sadly stare into my own. I frowned, my hands still on her cheeks rubbed away at the stray tears. She studied me as I held her there, my thumb stroking smooth lengths into her cheekbone. Her hands trailed up my shoulders to cup beneath my jaw, much like how I held her. Her thumb pressed into my pulse, nail scratching my ear lobe. I moved into her touch, kissing her wrist gently. Her calming pulse jumped beneath my lips but I pulled away with a smile.

She seemed to tire quickly. As her heart came down from the sudden movements of waking, her body began to sag against me.

"You should lie down and rest, my love."

She blinked up at me frowning. I could see the thoughts running through her head but she still nodded and allowed me to scoop her into my arms. She felt lighter, something that concerned me, but I ignored it for now, concentrating on getting her comfy in the bed. Our bed would be better, but she needed to be monitored closely.

She giggled as I gently placed her head on the pillow, the sound so foreign after so long had my lips widening into a grin. It was beautiful and light, an amazing sound that reminded me just how perfect she was.

"Let me get you a drink. You've been asleep for a few days." I told her softly.

She sat shocked for a moment, but I moved away to the small kitchen sink on the opposite side of the room. I felt her eyes on my every move, the shifting of her legs through the sheets as she got comfortable. I poured her a cup of water before making my way back to where she lay.

She carefully and slowly took the cup from my hand, her small fingers only just covering the circumference. I found it satisfying, seeing how small she was compared to me, who's hand covered the entire cup.

I sat beside her once more, my hand coming to push her hair behind her ear as she drank slowly. She was quietly content as she looked up at me, her throat bobbing as she greedily drank the refreshment.

Suddenly, she spluttered, shooting water across her bedsheet. I worriedly took the cup from her, asking if she was okay but she didn't seem to hear me. Panicking slightly that she had felt some pain, I reached for a napkin and moved to wipe the droplets from her face. She stiffened under my touch, and I frowned at the reaction. She eyed me sideways but relaxed her tension, so I continued to clean her up.

How peculiar.

"You okay?" I asked again.

"Yes." She breathed before taking the cup again to drink some more water.

I didn't miss the way her voice hitched. It concerned me that she chose to hide whatever had startled her, but it had only been ten minutes since she woke. She would open up to me eventually.

"Nova?" I wondered.

She lowered the glass, pretty pink erupting on her cheeks. What had embarrassed her now? What was going on through her mind?

I took the cup from her grip, glad it was now empty despite half being in her lap. I looked over her features, taking in the tightness of her jaw and temple and crease between her brows.

"You sure?" I mused. "I didn't know water could be so deadly."

She shook her head, a faint smile covering her lips. I inhaled softly before taking her hand, leaning forward to my elbow rested on her mattress. She watched me contentedly, eyes darting between my own. I watched her with similar curiosity, just happy that she was awake, that she was here.

After a while, her pulse began to quicken and I furrowed my eyebrows with concern. She licked her lips, a nervous habit, before dropping her eyes to the monitor behind me. I followed her gaze to see her heart had increased its temp, looking back to her with worry.

"Everything okay?" I wondered.

She twiddled with her thumbs, her nervous disposition worrying me. What had made her mood change so suddenly?

Kate... I called.

Kate's footsteps grew closer before she opened the door, a flustered look on her face.

"Nova! I have been itching to get in here. I'm so glad you are okay." She breathed.

"Hi." She grinned, eyes wide with shock.

"How are you feeling?" Kate asked.

"I'm okay." She murmured.

"Any pain?" Kate wondered, making her notes of the equipment.

Nova shook her head, causing Kate to turn her gaze to her. I narrowed my eyes at the female as she studied my mate, her nose twitching to gauge a scent. I had already informed her of the pregnancy, so no doubt she was trying to scent it.

"Good. I couldn't give you too strong pain killers so unfortunately it's been just human medicine today." She smiled, shrugging.

Nova seemed to overthink her doctor's words, blinking at her in surprise.

"Everything looks great. Your blood pressure is a little high, you feeling okay? Not too worried about anything?" Kate cocked her head, stepping closer to my mate.

Nova's eyes shifted between the two of us, her pulse growing uneven. Her eyes were wide, lips parted in shock. My eyebrows creased as I studied her, wondering what was making her so jumpy.

"Nova?" I wondered.

She jumped, squeaking. "I'm pregnant?"

My breath whooshed through my lungs and I stared at her incredulously. Well that was not what I was expecting, in fact I was expecting something far worse. The fact she knew she was pregnant, meant someone had told her, and I felt my jaw tighten as I thought about who.

"Yes, we know." Kate smiled, reassuringly. "Congratulations are in order."

I blinked furiously, looking up at the doctor who grinned at me. Nova exhaled loudly and I turned back to look at her with curiosity. She knew, so did she resent it? Did she feel the pride and joy that I did? Why was she so worried? Had they done something to her?

She started to furiously pick at the edges of her nails, pulling skin up from the corners. I shifted closer to her, wrapping my hands around her own. She stopped immediately and I moved them lower, to rest them above the space our child grew.

"It is how I found you." I muttered, studying her face.

"How you found me?" She cocked her head.

I couldn't help but smile, dropping my eyes back to our hands.

"With some help from that strange witch of your grandmother's, I found a weak bond. I knew it linked it to you, and the further I encouraged it, the stronger it grew. I knew it was our baby, Nova, and without that bond, I admit I wasn't sure how I was going to find you without bribing someone on the wrong side." I explained.

Her lower lip wobbled, grief flooding the bond. ""Really? So... So, they weren't lying?"

I shook my head gently. "No, my love, it's true."

Tears pooled in her eyes and my heart leapt out of my chest. Was that a bad thing?

"What's wrong?"

"I'm fine, I'm just... it's a lot." She gasped through tears.

"I know it is." I moved my hand to wipe away her tears. "But you're here and you're safe."

"Thanks to you." She frowned.

"Thanks to you." I shook his head. "If it wasn't for you being so tough, Nova, things could've gone completely different. You are strong and brave, and you stuck through all the hell possible. I don't know what they did to you there, but you are incredible. Life hasn't been kind to you, and you have done so much by just surviving and being you."

Her tears seemed to flow quicker at my words and I felt sorrow for causing them. I knew they were the good kind; she was just overwhelmed. When Nova was overwhelmed she cried.

"Thanks to both of us then." She laughed lightly.

I grinned, accepting her words for now. I would make her realise just how special she truly was, when she had calmed down from the shock of being back home.

"Okay, I will take that for now." I hummed.

"Good." She laughed. "Thank you for always being there for me."

"Nobody will ever hurt you again, Nova. I swear by it." I pledged. "I love you so much. Both of you."

I spoke with convection, portraying my love and support with every word. I would not let her down, she and our pup were my world.

I gently placed my head upon her stomach, wanting to do this since the moment she arrived home. I had refrained myself, wanting to do it when she was awake so I could stare up at her face. Kate had left the room, leaving the two us alone. The three of us.

Through the muffling of the sheets, I could hear the faint gurgling and hum of a heartbeat. It was so fast and upbeat, that despite being muffled, I could've sworn an entire fleet of butterflies were in their flapping their wings.

I took her left hand in mine, squeezing it reassuringly. Her other raised slowly to plant itself on my head, and I grumbled in approval when she ran her fingers over my scalp. An Alpha who liked to have his head scratch, Charlie would be rolling around laughing if he was here.

I felt her snuggle down into the pillow, a quiet and content sigh escaping her. She must feel exhausted using all of her energy in such a short burst of time.

She still had the words to speak, however. "After all that I've been through, I know I will be okay because I have you."

My heart swelled, doubled in size almost. I was overjoyed and full of pride that she felt so secure with me, considering that I wasn't there to stop her being taken. It was a guilt that would eat me alive, I knew I would always chose her over some stupid training and new members any day.

"You will always have me." I murmured softly. "Why don't you rest for a bit? I'll be right here."

She nodded, her eyes already closing. I smiled up at her, despite the fact she couldn't see it. She was all mine and now we had our own little miracle growing right between us. I would've never have thought, that later on I'd find out that it wasn't a marching band of butterflies, but in fact, the amazing wonder than we had created two lives. Two pups.

I have never felt more whole.