It's incredibly dark.

So dark that I can't see anything in front of me. 

I blink many times, trying adjust my eyes. But not even with my werewolf sight, I can't see. I question for a moment if I actually died, but that's silly. Especially when I run my hand across the plush comforter that's draped up to just under my chin.

I wiggle my fingers, rubbing them across the silk sheets and confirming I'm not dead. I really get a confirmiation when my head begins to throb and pain floods my entire body. It hurts to even move. Which I attempt to do weakly. 

I don't even let out a grunt of pain. I can't. My throat feels so dry, a long with my lips. I probably look like I've come back from the dead.

And now that leaves me with where I am. I'm certainly not at the hospital. I discover that when a loud flash, presumably thunder, lights up with the room. 

I'm nearly binded for a minute before I focus my eyes long enough to get a glimpse of the wooden walls. Wooden walls? 

Was I in some sort of cabin?

Another flash of thunder eliminates the room, this time, I peer around long enough to realize the only thing in this room beside the bed, and of course myself, is a lone chair that's positioned directly next to me.

My eyebrows furrow. Who else was here? 

My heart quickens at the thought. So hard that my blood pounds in my ears and I suddenly grow painfully hotter than I like. 

It's at that moment that I can hear heavy footsteps and then the squeal of a knob being twisted.

I shut my eyes tightly, pretending to be asleep. Though I highly doubt I'll fool anyone with the rate my heart's going at.

Or the smell of my fear.

I mean, what if those guys came back and did something to Liam? What if they got me and dragged me to their head corridors where they could torture me?

Just like they had in my dreams. 

It's true. Most of the time I was passed out, it was all a sea of black. Then there was times where I would dream horrible things containing those exact six men. But what happens to me this time is much worse. And I'm not the only victim.

Liam was in those nightmares too. And Anna. Even my father who I wasn't sure knew of my existence anymore.

Most of the time, they'd make me watch. Their cruel laughter filling my ears a long with Liam's, Anna's, and my father's screams.

I remember one dream in particular. One where I laid in not my own blood, but Liam's. I remember him whispering to me as he died, the same sentence playing like a broken record; "Why didn't you save me Ronnie?"

I could never speak in these dreams. My mouth felt like it was full of cotton each time. 

I wanted to tell him I was sorry. That I never meant for this to happen. 

The scariest part was that I could never wake myself from these dreams. I was stuck in an endless pit of despair.

But now I'm not. This is real. This isn't a dream. And whatever happens right now, is real. 

I can hear the squeak of the door as it opens, letting in a cold draft and a light that ulimates everything just beyond my eyelids.

I'm tempted to reach up and cover myself from the brightness that itches at me. I don't. I remain as still as possible, not even daring to draw in a breath.

I hear the person sigh, and then their breathing. I know they're standing over me when I can feel the immense heat that's radiating off of them.

That's how I know they're a werewolf. And that's it's not just anyone, but Liam.

It's evident when he presses his fingers to my face, reminding me of right after I was beat senseless by the Purgatory pack. 

"You can stop pretending your asleep, Ron," He rumbles, his voice unnaturally husky, as if he had just woken up. "I know you're awake."

I open my eyes slowly, meeting his tired green eyes. I'm apalled by his appearence.

He's not the perfect looking Liam Farley I'm use to seeing. Or, well, hearing about it.

His hair is messy, sticking up in many directions while black bags rest right under his eyes. He also appears paler than usual.

My lips part slightly, "What.." I trail off, not able to finish the sentence when the burning returns in my throat. 

He gives me a lazy grin before he turns on his heels and disappears out the door. I want to follow after him, or at least ask him where he's gone, but either one is practically useless in my situation.

I slump back against the pillows, a weird sound stirring at the back of my throat. One that slightly resembles a grunt.

I glance around the small, stuffy rooms. Then down at myself. 

I'm not wearing my dress. I notice that when I manage to lift the sheets. The only thing I have on is a overly sized gray t-shirt. Obviously Liam's by the size and the smell. 

But that's not even what really catches my attention. It's the purple bruises that covers my legs. 

With a gasp, I raise the blanket off of me. 

Everywhere I look, to my arms, stomach, and legs, I'm covered in bruises and cuts. Though some appear to be healing, I can't help but cover a hand over my mouth to contain the wail that's crawling up my throat.

I should be healed by now. I'm a blood werewolf for crying out loud!

I naturally heal faster than humans. I shouldn't feel this sore,

Then again, these marks weren't caused by humans. They were caused by my own kind.

I can only imagine how my face looks right now. And my hair. I probably look twice as worse than Liam.

And in all honesty, Liam still looked just as good even if he did look dead tired. I wonder if he looks so distraught because of me. 

My chest tightens at the thought.

The creak of the floor boards causes me to look to the doorway, only to see Liam there with a glass of water, staring at the numerous bruises covering my legs.

He's eyes meet mine before walking over and grasping the blankets. He drags it up to my chest and tucks me in tightly. He then presses the cold glass to my lips, commanding me to drink. 

I do, just hesitantly. 

After a minute or two, he pulls the glass away and smooths back my hair. "How are you feeling?"

I lick my dry lips, "Fine." I lie, and quickly ask, "What time is it?"

"Three AM." He replies and takes a seat down on the chair by the bed.

"Oh," I mutter, "What made you wake up?"

"I wasn't asleep," He says.

I frown at his monotone, "Are you okay?"

"Shouldn't I be asking you that instead?" He chuckles, a smile grazing his lips though it doesn't meet his eyes.

"You already did." I counter, "Besides, you don't look so hot."

He shrugs, "I've had a lot on my mind."

I swallow roughly and out of habit, I lick my lips again. They feel like sandpaper. And that's probably what they look like too.  

I honestly feel like I've just been ran over by bulldozer.

My face throbs madly and so does my body. Numbly, I reach up and graze my finger tips across my lips, to right under my eyes. That's where it hurts the most. I can't help but ask, "How many bruises are there on my face?"

Liam shakes his head, "Does it matter?"

"Yes," I say and then try to add some humour into the situation by adding, "I just want to know if they did any permanent damage to my beautiful face."

Liam doesn't laugh. Instead his eyes darken with an emotion I can't read. Mostly because he doesn't give me the time to.

He glances down, staring into glass. 

His face scrunches, almost as if he's in pain. After a long strong of silence, he utters, "I'm sorry."

I shake my head, confused. "For what?"

"For not getting there sooner," He mutters, setting the glass down and digging his fingers into his hair. "It's all my fault."

I roll my eyes, "Please don't tell me you're one of those people who blames themselves for every bad thing that happens around them."

"No, Ron, I'm not one of those people." He spat, more harshly now. It takes me back for a moment. "This is actually, really, my fault."

"Why?"

"Because I killed their pack mates," He states, his eyes darting to mine. "Remember?"

I nod stiffly, "How could I forget?"

"They got me back for it. They went after the only person they knew I gave a damn about," He mumbles, "You."

"It's not your fault. Trust me," I mutter the last part. Mostly to myself.

I contemplate telling him for a minute about Alpha Beckett. About how he's been black mailing me this whole time. But I fear if I do, Liam will go right after them. And probably murder Alpha Beckett.

Then again, that's not so much of a repulsive thought.

"I just wish I could have got there sooner," He whispers, almost brokenly. 

This is a new side of Liam. One I'm not familiar with. Mostly because this is the most vulnerable I've ever seen him. And frankly, it surprises me. Liam has always been so head strong. Daring, even. How can someone like him ever feel weak?

Then again, just because we're werewolves, doesn't mean we're unstoppable. We all have our moments. 

I shuffle uncomfortably in my place, clearing my throat, "So, how long have I been out?"

"Three days, tops." 

"Three days?" I screech, "Does anyone even know where I am?"

"I told the school you were sick," He says, "They buy it. Anna does too."

"And Adam?" 

He shakes his head, "He doesn't know anything. He keeps demanding to know what's happened to you."

Was that true? I think silently, pinching my lips together.

I don't think Liam is lying, I think Adam is. I mean, wasn't he the one who warned me in the first place? Wouldn't he know what his father had planned for me if I disobeyed?

I don't dwell on it for long. Mainly because the thought of Alpha Beckett makes me blood boil. "And what's my injuries, doc?" 

He laughs softly, a real laugh this time at the nickname. "Nothing that won't heal. Though I'm worried about your side. I think you broke something."

"You think?" I inquire, "A blind person would be able to tell I broke a rib. You're not a very good doctor."

"That's because I'm not actually a doctor." He rolls his eyes, "Besides, you're not dead. So I did a pretty good job with patching you up."

I glance down at myself, playing with the collar of my shirt. Or well, his shirt. "How did this happen, exactly?"

I don't need to elaborate on what I mean. He get's it by the amusement that lights up in his green eyes. But just to tease me, he says, "Well, you see, I first start by putting the shirt-"

"Shut up," I grumble, rolling my eyes. "You know what I mean."

"I put my shirt on you. It's as simple as that."

"Yeah, I noticed you put a shirt on me," I huff. "I'm just curious.. did you.. well... you know, look?"

"Yeah," He nods. "Nice underwear."

Blood immediately rushes to my cheeks, "Are you serious? You looked? Liam!"

He let's out a roar of laughter, shaking his head while pressing a hand to his stomach. Though I'm not comfortable with the conversation, it's better than before. When he was feeling guilty about what happened when it really wasn't his fault.

"No, I didn't look." He finally says after his fit of laughter ends, "You're so innocent."

"Yeah, yeah."

He gives me a meager smile. "You should get some sleep," He inquires. "It's late. Tomorrow, we'll get some food into you and maybe I'll move the TV into here so you aren't so bored, okay?"

Though I honestly don't feel like sleeping anymore, I agree reluctantly. "Okay. You should get some sleep too. You look horrible."

"You're very blunt," He comments and stands up. 

"I know," I say, "Now go sleep."

I almost ask him to stay with me. To actually sleep in the same bed with me and hold me, so he can ward the nightmares off.

I mean, just these few minutes speaking with him he's made me forget what's happened. My dreams, most importantly. And the image that's burned itself into my mind. The one of me holding him in his own pool of blood.

"Okay, okay," He grunts. "If you need anything, just call, alright?" 

He reaches out, tucking a piece of my hair behind my ear. I smile weakly at him, "Yes sir. And Liam?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you." I say, sincerely. I catch his hand in mine for a minute, giving it a squeeze before I release it and lean back.

He smiles tiredly back at me, "You're welcome." He leans and presses a kiss to my forehead. He shuts off the lights without another word. Though he leaves the door open. 

It gives me a sense of security, knowing that he's just across the hall. I close my eyes with that, somehow, I fall asleep within a matter of minutes.

                                    The next three days I spend my time in bed. Most of the time watching TV or chatting with Liam.

He tells me how this is his cabin. And how he discovered it months ago and decided to fix up the place.

He spends every moment of every day with me, getting me anything I need. And though I want to tell him I'm getting better, I don't really feel it.

I'm still in pain. So much that attempting to stand up hurts. I haven't tried it since.

I can't do much but lay in bed, eat, talk to Liam, and watch stupid cartoons. And when I'm not doing that, I'm over thinking. About Alpha Beckett. Adam. Anna. And my father.

Mostly my father. Which is weird.

I can't help but wonder what he would think if he knew. Would he care? Would Adam care? Or even Anna?

I highly doubt it. Anna was too busy with her new boyfriend. 

Liam tells me that she spends most of her time with him at school. And Mandy. 

I almost feel jealous that Anna was more caught up with Mandy then worrying about me being supposedly sick.

And though I tell myself that Anna is my best friend and that of course she cares, I don't buy it. I had seen the way Anna acted with boys before.

The news didn't get any better when Liam told me the teacher's were starting to get suspicious. If I didn't show up by next week, I knew something drastic was going to happen.

But how could I show up to school with a black eye and cut lip and explain that?

Yeah, I had a black eye. A long with a busted up lip. It took two days of convincing for Liam to finally let me look into the mirror. 

The first time I did, I cringed at my own reflection. 

I certainly did not look as extravagant as the night I went to the ball. My once sleek waves were tangled and knotted, a long with a patch of dried blood in my hair. 

My body, of course, was no better. I was sporting many bruises, though they were starting to go away.

And my side, wasn't getting better. I coudln't turn without hissing in pain. I had definitely broken something, and I knew it would take more than a stupid week to heal. 

I was stuck to rot in bed. In my own fiflth. I probably smelt like a dumpster.

I wonder how Liam could stand by me without shuddering in disgust. Nonetheless, look at me.

He was my rock, really. There were many times those three days that I would wake up in the middle of the night, completely hysterical by the same dream that haunted me every night. Not the one about me being beat to almost death, but about Liam. Anna, and my father.

I told him about them. How I was scared.

He did his best to comfort me. To reassure me that nothing would ever happen. But I didn't buy it. I couldn't. Not when something like this happened.

I still didn't know when was the right time to tell him. Or if I was going to tell him at all.

I couldn't go on like this forever. What if I disrespected Alpha Beckett again, and something happened? What if I didn't get lucky and actually got killed that time? What if Anna died? What if my dad died? What if Liam died?

There were so many things to take into consideration. I almost wanted to ask him to run away. That we could get Anna and run away where the Purgatory pack, nor Alpha Beckett, could ever touch us. But that was silly. I couldn't leave my whole life behind. And I certainly wasn't going to let Alpha Beckett believe he had gotten to me.

I had too much pride, anyway. And I'm sure Liam did too.

He wouldn't leave this place till he got his revenge. That's for sure.

Many times, I would catch him looking at some map. One that he explained had marked out all the wolfs in our distance.

"Why does the Purgatory pack have a red 'x' over their location?" I remember I asked. Liam didn't reply. His jaw simply clenched. That answered my question.

He was planning something. Something that might end up getting him killed.

And the more time I spent with him those three days, the more I find myself depending on him, when I knew I shouldn't.

But as weak and needy as I sounded, I needed him. I needed someone to lean on so I wouldn't fall further than I had the years I spent by myself.

I never realized how much I missed someone's hugs, kind words, or even appreciation till I spent those days with him.

It made me think of the past. And why I've ended up the way I am today. 

I wondered about my mom. Was she proud of me? Was she proud of who I had become? 

My mom told me she'd always love me no matter who I was with, who I was, and where I was. 

I would myself missing her company more and more. I missed someone looking after me when I was sick. I missed everything about her. 

Her laugh, her smile. It made those feelings I had pushed away so long ago emerge. And I could hear the walls around me that I had built up for so many years cracking. I think Liam could hear it too.

Today was the fourth day I had been here. Or well, the fourth night. It was the middle of the night and I couldn't sleep.

Memories of my mother haunted me. More than those six men that had nearly killed me. 

I always told myself that I didn't miss her anymore. That I didn't need her and I'd be perfectly fine on my own. Because I was strong.

I could only imagine it was worst for my father. The one who had spent half of his life with her, creating memories that could go on forever.

That didn't excuse his actions, but I understood what he felt. 

I stare up at the ceiling, the soothing sound of rain drops hitting the window. It's been like that for the last few days. Gloomy. 

It didnt' help how I was feeling.

I suddenly hate the fact that I've been throwing myself a pity party. That beating wasn't a life scarring reason. It was just a bump in the road and I needed to grow up. To be strong. Just like I had told myself to be when I was twelve years old. 

Over come with a new sense of determination, I push myself to the edge of the bed and throw the blankets off of me. 

I plant my bare feet on the cold wood flooring, slowly beginning to push myself up. I stand up wobbly, pain shooting up my legs and side.

I don't feel as strong as I did just moments ago.

I fall to the ground, right on my injured sound with a loud wail right on impact. My own cry rings in my ears and surely throughout the cabin.

"Ronnie!" Liam immediately calls out, and the door is thrown open. I don't even flinch when the door slams loudly into the wall.

I'm too busy wailing in pain. 

Liam rushes to my side, calling my name, "Ronnie, what did you do? Ronnie, what happened? Ronnie!" I don't reply, making him become more frantic. "What do I get you? What do you need? How do I stop the pain? I'm so sorry, Ron. I'm so sorry." 

I shake my head at him. I don't question my next move as I throw my arms around his neck.

He immediately sets me right into of his lap, wrapping his arms around me, tightly, but I don't mind. All I want is for him to hold me. I want him to hold me together when I know I can't. I want him to do what he's done for days, I want him to be my rock. To tell me nothing will ever happen to Anna. My father, or him.

I want him to be strong for not only him, but me. I need him to be. 

I press my face into the crook of his neck, ignoring the pain and whispering, "You. I just need you."

-------------------

 FINALLY! I HAVE UPDATED!

Not much is going on in this chapter but Liam and Ronnie. And I hope that's interesting? Is it? Let me know in the comments. :P

I liked this chapter. I think I showed a different side to Ronnie and both Liam. 

I mean, Ronnie was pretty vulnerable. And she pretty much hates being like that. And she trusted that side of her with Liam. Progress, I tell you, progress!

Sorry if I'm not making sense right now. It's late and I've spent half of the night working on this. I finally managed to get a hold of the ethereal cable from my brothers, haha.

Hopefully, the next update will be faster. But I hope this was at least somewhat worth the wait. If anything is phrased wrong or whatever, don't worry, it'll be gone over with soon enough.

Just not by me. Probably by Emy because I'm super lazy to edit. :P I can't read through my stuff without cringing and going, "Did I really write that?" And that'll just make me second guess everything.

And I know you guys wanted Liam's POV, but I wanted to make it Ronnie's so I could describe her emotions more thoroughly. But I promise a future chapter will be of his POV, if that's what you guys want, that is.

Before this turns into a whole rant, I'm going to post this chapter. Listen to the song on the side if you want. (:

Until next time, which is hopefully soon,

- CeCe.