Chapter 11 New Beginnings Moiras POV The ceiling above me is wrong . White tiles instead of water stains . Clean fluorescent lights instead of the bare bulb that used to flicker in my bedroom . The antiseptic smell fills my nostrilsmedicinal , sterile , nothing like the musty warehouse or stale cigarette smoke that always clung to our house . ' Where am I ? ' I try to sit up , and pain shoots through my ribs . My head throbs , and my left eye feels swollen shut . But underneath the agony , something else stirsa warm presence I've never felt before , like having a friend curled up next to my heart . ' Emerald ,' I think , and the presence purrs in response . Memory floods back . The warehouse . Victoria's laughter . The chains . Then purple light and the Moon Goddess telling me about matespluraland a wolf spirit named Emerald . I turn my head slowly . Medical equipment beeps steadily nearby . People fill the chairs around my bedsome faces familiar , others complete strangers . Jaxon sits closest , his clothes rumpled and blood - stained , dark circles under his eyes . When he sees me looking at him , relief floods his features . " Moira . " His voice comes out rough . " Thank God you're awake ." Rosalie stands behind him , her face streaked with dried tears . She wears pajamas under a jacket , like she got dressed in a hurry. But it's the two identical men against the far wall who make my breath catch . Both are massiveeasily over six feet with the kind of broad , muscled frames that come from years of hard training . One has his dark hair pulled back in a man - bun , intricate tattoos covering his face in tribal patterns that should look intimidating but somehow make him more striking . The other lets his hair fall in loose curls to his shoulders , a full beard framing a face that's both gentle and commanding . Their eyesdark brown and intense haven't left my face since I opened mine . They watch me with an expression I can't name , hungry and protective and desperate all at once . 21:28 6.21 % ' Why are they looking at me like that ? ' The door opens . A man in scrubs enters , carrying a chart . " Hello , Moira . I'm Dr. Flynn , your attending physician . " He approaches with professional warmth . " How are you feeling ? " " Like I got hit by a truck . " My voice comes out as a croak . " That's understandable . You've been unconscious for nearly twenty - four hours . " Dr. Flynn checks the machines efficiently . " You'll need several follow - up procedures over the next few weeks . " " We've also scheduled psychiatric therapy sessions , " he continues , glancing between me and Jaxon . " Both of you . What you've been through requires professional help to process . " Jaxon nods immediately . " Whatever she needs . " The idea of talking to a stranger about what my family did makes my stomach clench . But maybe it would help . " Okay , " I whisper . Dr. Flynn smiles . " Rest is your priority right now . Your body has been through significant trauma . " He makes a note and leaves . Jaxon leans forward . " Are you hungry ? I could get you something from the cafeteria . Anything you want . " My stomach growls . " Mac and cheese . And grilled cheese with tomato soup . And chocolate milk . " The request sounds childish , but it's what I wantcomfort food that reminds me of Mom's lunches with little notes saying she loved me . " I'll be right back . " Jaxon stands , his voice breaking . " I'm glad you're okay , Moira . " Rosalie takes his chair , scooting closer . Her expression turns serious . " How much do you remember about last night ? " 21:28 5.95 % Chapter Be " Most of it . " I touch my swollen face . " Jaxon warned me . I chose to stay . Victoria was ... creative . " Rosalie's jaw tightens . " I'm sorry . I'm so fucking sorry that happened to you . " " We need to discuss your future , Moira . Can you feel your pack connection ? Try reaching for it . " I close my eyes and search inside myself for that thread connecting me to Phantom Veil . Nothing . Just empty space where the bond should exist . " It's gone . The connection is completely severed . " Rosalie nods grimly . " Alpha Sterling must have broken it when you didn't show up as promised . " Relief and terror war in my chest . I'll never go back to that house , but now I'm truly alone . " So I'm officially rogue now . " " Yes . Which means you have options . " Rosalie leans forward eagerly . " You could join Crimson Eclipse . My brothers ' pack would welcome youl'd make sure of it . You'd have a home , protection , a chance to start over completely . " Before I can respond , the two identical men step forward . Up close , they're even more imposing . Both tower over my hospital bed , all muscle and raw power barely contained in rumpled clothes . The one with the man - bun has paint or dirt under his fingernailsworking handsand the way he holds himself suggests coiled violence ready to spring . His tattooed face would be terrifying on anyone else , but something in his dark eyes makes my stomach flutter instead of cringe . The bearded one moves with deliberate care , like he's afraid of breaking something precious , his curls falling across eyes that hold depths I want to drown in . They both look like they haven't slept in days , clothes wrinkled like they've been camped out here waiting . But it's their eyes that make my breath catch . Dark brown , intense , focused on me with an expression that makes heat pool low in my stomach despite my injuries . ' Why are they looking at me like I'm the most important thing in the world ? ' 21:28 6.1 % " Who are you ? " I ask , my voice smaller than intended . They exchange a quick glance. The one on the left runs a hand through his hair . " I'm Lucas York , " he says , voice rough like he hasn't slept . " This is my twin brother , Logan . " " We're Rosalie's brothers , " Logan adds , his voice slightly deeper but carrying the same tension . York . Alphas of Crimson Eclipse , one of the most powerful packs in the region . ' But why are they here ? Why do they care about what happens to me ? ' " We wanted to meet you properly , " Lucas says , stepping closer . " We've been waiting to talk to you , " Logan adds , something in his voice making my pulse quicken . They move in perfect synchronization , like they share thoughts . " I don't understand , " I say , confusion rising . " I'm nobody . I'm just a broken rogue with no pack , no family , nothing to offer anyone . Why would two Alphas want to meet me ? " The twins exchange another look , longer , more significant . Some kind of silent communication passes between them . Logan steps closer to my bedside , his movements careful and deliberate . " Because , Moira , " he says , his voice soft but carrying absolute certainty , " we're your mates . ' Chapter Comment ( 2) 21:28