CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE...

VLADIMIR'S POV.

"If you came in here to scold me about what happened between Carlos and I then save it because I don't want to hear it". I said rolling the glass of scotch in my hand before dropping it on the table and turned to face Gracie who was still standing at the door.

"Look Vlad, I'm not here about that. I am here to tell you that you could come see her now", she paused.

"But can I say something I know you've been wanting to see her since you got back and no one wants you to because they are all upset with you right now, and I also know that you could have gone in and no one could have stopped you but you felt like you deserved it. Your mother and I were able to convince the others that with you being close to her it might help her heal faster. But don't think that we are not upset with you, we are, But I also think that the guilt of not being here that night is enough punishment for you".

"Thanks Gracie". She gave me a small smile before leaving my room. I sighed. I really did deserve this, only goodness knows how much pain she had been in, and I wasn't there to help her through it because I was being a coward who ran away from his problems. I stood up and left my room.

Standing in the hallway was Jo and Shawn. She still looked mad and he looked smug. I didn't know why but I knew he was going to say or do something stupid.

"You know Vladimir, I did want to help Gianna relieve her pain, but they didn't let- "I knew what he was doing he wanted to get my wolf angry and he successfully did. I was going to punch him to shut him up when Jo came between us.

"Now is not the time to display your stupidity both of you.". she turned to look at me.

"if you want to see her get in there now, and you get out of here". She turned and left.

Shawn smirked before turning to go.

No one was around her room. I guessed they had all left to give us privacy. I didn't know what I was going to say when she woke up, but I knew I had to apologize to her and make amends for the way I had been treating her since the day we met. I only hoped she would forgive me.

I stepped inside the room but stood by the door just looking at her. She was unconscious but she looked peaceful. You could also see the strain the heat put on her.

I sighed and went closer to her bed. I knelt beside her bed and for a moment I did nothing but look at her. She was really beautiful. I touched her hair before finally taking her hand in mine and I immediately felt the tingles, that passed through us and I knew she felt it too because she sucked in a sharp breath. She was going to be very sensitive when she woke up, but I knew me being close to her right now was going to help.

I looked down at her slender fingers, they were so soft, just like her and instead of treating her well I treated her badly. I knew I wasn't ready for a relationship with her yet but I had to try. I just wanted her to wake up soon.

"You know; I never knew that something like this would happen to my daughter". I looked up to see Kristen standing in front of the door.

"I just assumed that she wouldn't have to go through her heat alone but I guess I was wrong because she's lying there now unconscious from the pain. She doesn't deserve what you put her through you know because she's such a sweet girl". I didn't know what to say to her so I stayed silent.

"I'm going to warn you Vladimir. If you ever hurt my daughter again, then you wouldn't just be facing the wrath of my son but you'll be facing me and you don't want to see my bad side". She turned and left.

I had to make it up to her family but first I had to make it up to Gianna. I can't even imagine what they must have felt watching their daughter writhe in pain. My wolf whimpered at the thought of Gianna in pain.

I was about standing up to leave the room so I could go talk to her parents and apologize to Carlos for the fight earlier when I heard my name, it wasn't loud. I looked down at Gianna and saw that she was awake. Oh thank goodness.

I immediately grabbed the jug of water and a cup on her night stand and gave her a glass to drink.

She gulped it down slowly and I knew she was still very weak from last night so I quickly left the room to get her something to eat.

"What are you doing down here Vladimir, I thought you were going to stay with her till she woke up" Jo said, I could tell she was still upset with me seeing as she was using my full name.

"She's awake now; I just came down to get her something to eat".

"Great I'll go see her now". I stepped in front of her stopping.

"Wait, I need to talk to her so maybe afterwards". Jo looked at me for a while before nodding and leaving the kitchen.

I quickly packed up a tray of food and went up to the room. My palms were sweaty. I didn't know what I was going to say to her. What do you say to someone who you caused so much pain?

You could always start with an apology.