Chapter X

Ellean woke to pain. The pain gnawed at her body, causing tears to flow over. Then, struggling to open her eyes, Ellean could feel another present beside her. Ellean's heart quickened as she worked harder to open her eyes. She didn't want to be in a vulnerable place. Images flickered behind her closed eyelids, making sweat trickle down her back.

When she feels a hand move on her arm, Ellean lets a muffled scream out—finally getting her eyelids to work, almost hyperventilating when Ellean sees a huge body leaning over her.

Ellean could see his lips moving, but she had no idea what he was saying. She tried to move away from him, her breath coming out even harder. Ellean felt lost; she had no idea where she was. Her whole body ached with soreness.

Xavier tilted his head, recognizing that his tiny mate was about to pass out from fright. Then, holding up his hands to show Ellean he meant no harm. Then, backing up slowly even though it pained him to do so, Xavier smiled, showing his sharp canines, dimples appearing.

But Ellean wasn't interested in what he looked like; all she knew was that he was male. And males weren't friendly from her experience.

Wrapping her arms around herself, Ellean winces from the pain. Then, slowly lifting her hands, she signs hesitantly.

"Where am I? How did I get here?"

Xavier blinks for a moment before turning towards the Doctor.

"She can't hear? No wonder she's freaking out."

The Doctor bows, "I'm sorry, Your Highness, I wasn't sure if she could or not, so I didn't pay attention."

Xavier waves his hand "don't worry about it, we'll figure it out."

Then squatting down, so Xavier is level with Ellean as not to frighten her more, speaks slowly.

"Can you read lips as well? My name is Xavier Lopez. What is your name?"

Ellean looks at him before nodding slowly, her heart pounding.

Signing, her big grey eyes peek up at him, making Xavier's heart melt.

"My name is Ellean Warren."

Xavier grins at her. "I like your name. Very unusual. Where are you from, Ellean?"

Ellean pales when she reads his lips, her hands dropping down on the bed as her nails dig into her palms. Ellean's heart pounds so hard she gets dizzy from it.

Xavier reaches out slowly as if he is approaching a timid animal.

"It's ok, Ellean, no one will hurt you here. Just take your time."

Just as Xavier reaches her hand, Ellean jerks it back, her eyes terrified.

Xavier sits back on his heels, eyes watchful as he draws his hand back. He didn't want to push her too much. He knew something awful had happened to this precious tiny person.

Ellean eyes him warily as Xavier sits back. She waited for his next move. Ellean wasn't sure what was up with him. But she wasn't about to make a wrong move when she had no idea where she was.

Xavier notices her gaze but pretends it's nothing. He can tell she's been broken and abused. It would take Ellean a long time to trust him. So no matter what he says right now, Ellean will think he's lying.

Finally standing up, Xavier sighs then smiles down at Ellean. "Are you hungry? I will get someone to send some food up for us both."

Ellean was about to shake her head, but then her stomach growled, betraying her, causing her cheeks to flush a deep red.

Xavier smiles. "You won't be able to eat solids, but we can get some broth for you. If we hadn't fed you some blood, you probably would still be in a coma."

Ellean twists her fingers together, bending her head, nervous. How long would this tall man be kind to her? Then, when he found out she couldn't walk, Xavier would turn her back over to her clan.

Xavier tilts his head to study the small bent head. He wanted to reach out and ruffle the hair that stood straight up off of her head. It made her look rather cute. But Xavier was pretty sure Ellean wouldn't enjoy his touch very much at this time.

Walking to the door, Xavier calls for a servant to bring them food. Then, turning around, he notices that Ellean has not taken her gaze off of him, watching every move he makes.

Smiling, Xavier sits on the chair beside the bed letting his little bond-mate stare at him. Of course, he didn't mind the fact she was watching his every move. But Xavier's heart ached for the pain and suffering she had gone through before meeting him. How could anyone hurt such a tiny thing?

Leaning forward slightly to speak with Ellean, Xavier smiles again but loses his smile when Ellean's eyes widen in terror.

Ellean watches Xavier lose the smile; her heart starts to gallop in her chest. She knew something was going to happen, and there was nothing she could do. Ellean raises her arms to protect her head if he decides to hit her with something on the head.

Xavier sits back, trying to hold back the anger that surged up. If he ever caught the bastards that hurt his bond-mate, he would set them on fire and watch them roast to death. But, instead, a deep growl escapes his lips as he envisions the sight.

Glancing at the door when a knock sounds on the door, he looks back at Ellean sees her peeking out at him from behind her arms. Motioning towards the door, Xavier gets up to answer it. The servants stand there with the food ready to come in. He stands back from the door, letting them place the food on the table before they bow and leave again, leaving them by themselves.

Xavier walks over to the table to uncover the dishes. Finding the broth he ordered, he takes the bowl over to Ellean. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Xavier blows lightly on the broth before raising the spoon to Ellean's mouth, making her stunned; no one had ever offered to feed her before or even cared if she ate. This was all new to her. Ellean opens her mouth hesitantly to accept the broth. Her eyes lit up as the warm broth slid down Ellean's sore throat.