The Alpha's Companion

Chapter 49 - Traitor

Julien came back a few minutes later, as promised. "The Lobster Bisque is on its way." Then he raised an eyebrow. "Anything else, My Queen?"

"Umm... I rather like the sound of that," Lacey teased.

"My Queen...." He kissed her lips. "My Queen...." His voice was low, sexy, sending a thrill throughout her whole body straight to her sex. "My Queen," he whispered, his hands gently caressing her face. Then his lips descended upon hers, gently at first, but then with a fierceness unmatched by man.

Lacey laughed against his lips.

He pulled back abruptly. "What's so funny?" One corner of his lips curled into a sexy smile. "I was trying to be sexy."

"And you were succeeding," Lacey replied. "In fact, you're sexy without even trying. I just can't believe you're waiting until now, when I’m in the infirmary, to do this."

Julien smirked, looking smug, enjoying the effect he was having on her a bit too much. "Sleep."

Lacey nodded, her eyelids suddenly heavy. "You'll still be here when I wake up?"

He leaned over and kissed her nose. "I promise." Then he started singing her a lullaby, gently at first, a tune that Lacey didn't recognize. A tune from long ago when times were simpler... and wolves ran free.

***

When Lacey woke, Julien was still there, as promised. It was dark, but moonlight streamed a flicker of light into the room. Btu with her wolf senses, she could see clearly. Julien had fallen asleep in the chair beside her bed. She was surprised that he hadn't curled up on the bed next to hers in the infirmary. But she guessed that he wanted to keep it vacant in case another pack member needed it.

When she was awake earlier, there had been other shifters there recuperating, too. But now, the beds were empty and made. She was the only one. Lacey guessed that her injuries were much more extensive than theirs had been.

"You're awake." Julien rubbed his eyes, beautiful in the moonlight.

Lacey nodded. "Was anyone else… seriously injured?"

Julien paused for a moment, pain filling his eyes. "Rock, Skylar, and Bliss were killed."

"What?" Tears filled Lacey's eyes. "But they were so strong...." She bit her lower lip to keep the tears at bay.

Julien nodded. “The three of them were guarding the wall, but they were outnumbered." Julien let out a deep breath. "But they took down several before they finished them off. They fought valiantly.”

Tears streamed down Lacey's cheeks. "Rock was the one who raised the alarm, alerting everyone...." Lacey bit her lower lip, unable to speak. "I just can't believe he’s gone… he was the announcer at our wedding… one of the pack's strongest warriors. And Skylar and Bliss were some of our best warriors… I just saw them…."

Julien pulled her to his chest, tears filling his eyes as he sat beside her on the edge of the bed. "I know.” He bit his lower lip, regaining his composure. “When you're feeling better, we need to discuss why they took us by surprise. You’re now one of my best advisors."

Lacey leaned back against the pillow. "I was thinking about that and I really think they had to have had an inside man. Otherwise, why were they able to know just the right place to attack?" She shook her head. "There has to be a traitor among us."

A low growl rumbled from deep within Julien's chest. "I hate to think that one of our own has betrayed us, but with the attack on the pack at our wedding and then today, I think you may be right." When he looked up, his eyes flared a bright gold. "And when I find out who the traitor is, I'll tear him, or her, limb from limb with my own bare hands."

Lacey rubbed his arms in a calming motion. "It'll be all right. Why don't you go upstairs and get some rest? I'll be fine."

Julien shook his head. "No. After what happened to you today, I'm not taking any chances... not with your life."

Lacey cocked her head to the side. "You could always post a guard."

Julien pulled her to his chest. "No. I couldn’t bear it if something were to happen to you."

Lacey looked up and lifted an eyebrow. "Well, then, at least sleep here with me."

He raised an eyebrow. "You're asking me to sleep with you, Mrs. Grey?"

Lacey burst out laughing. "Well, if it wasn't for the broken leg and the broken ribs, you may be able to talk me into it."

“Ugg!” Julien gasped, plopping his head back against the pillow. "It's going to be hard for me to keep my hands off you until you heal."

Lacey looked into his eyes and smiled. "I'm counting on it." Then she curled up against his chest, letting his warmth permeate her body.. And for the first time in a very long time, she felt safe as she fell asleep in her wolf's arms.