The Alpha's Rejected Silent Mate

Chapter 28

Damien POV

I spend the whole night tossing and turning and checking on Winter who’s fast asleep in her bed. I’m terrified to leave her alone too long and in the end I end up sleeping in the hallway on a mattress in case she needs help for

something, anything during the night. When it’s bright, my eyes open and I groan as I sit up, my muscles stiff and

protesting. She hadn’t called out last night and when I poke my head in she’s still out for the count.

I get dressed for school, tossing on a shirt and any old jeans, glance at the time and make my way into Winter’s

room. I gently shake her awake. I don’t want to startle her. Her eyelids flutter at me and then her eyes widen when she sees me, her mouth making a shocked O. I wonder if she’s scared of me still, because she still trembles everytime I touch her or I’m near her.

“It’s time to get ready for school” I say lightly and glance down at her foot. Is it healed yet?

She pats the bandage. “You want it off?” I ask and she nods. I softly take hold of the end of the bandage and

unwrap it, watching Winter’s face the entire time. I can barely believe my eyes once it’s off and I can see her skin, perfect, except for a tiny scar that the bullet presumably left. Theres a wide smile on Winter’s face as she stands up

and takes a few steps.

She whirls around and hugs me, my breath catching in my throat as I hold her tight, not wanting to let go and I step back, looking into her eyes. “School” I say firmly and she nods, pointing to the bathroom where I assume she wants to take a shower first. I give a nod. “I’ll make breakfast” | offer and she nods again, before going into the bathroom and firmly shutting the door close on me. I figure since she’s walking fine now that she won’t get into any

downstairs to the

enough to make toast and coffee for her and by the

in looking somewhat downcast. I get her

“What’s wrong Winter?”

a look, realizing that it’s still matted with dried blood. Clearly

“Do you want me to help

head looking miserable. “How about you try again tonight?” I urge

some elbow grease.”

toast. I watch her take a tentative nip and then push it away,

the toast too much? I didn’t think it was

she’s probably still nervous about

and then point to her school bag. She grabs it without a word and walks

whole time, noting that her body is shaking and that her

the car door and looking panicked as all

say sharply “calm down. The principal knows your situation and so do the

the school. If this is too much for you I can drive you

slightly.

open the door and climb out, hoping she won’t lock herself in the car.

hand, ignoring the strange looks from everybody as

timidly leads the way as I stand right next to the door along with her.

school Winter” he says cheerfully while I scowl at him. The nerve of this guy. “I forgot to mention that Thomas’s parents know the full story of what went on and the police