Healing Slowly But Surely By R. Joseph 80

Healing Slowly But Surely By R. Joseph 80 Summary

In “Healing Slowly But Surely,” the protagonist, Zevran, experiences a tumultuous encounter with Leilani at the hospital. Instead of the gratitude and warmth he anticipated, he is met with hostility, leaving him feeling rejected and heartbroken. This unexpected reaction ignites a storm of emotions within him, leading to a furious exit from her hospital room. As he drives away, anger quickly morphs into guilt, compelling him to reach out for help despite his pride. He calls Frostclaw, revealing that Leilani needs someone by her side, even though he is aware of the complicated feelings between them.

As Zevran grapples with his emotions, he realizes his jealousy towards Frostclaw’s connection with Leilani. The narrative underscores his internal struggle, illustrating his desperation to care for her while feeling unworthy of her presence in his life. When he finally relays the hospital details to Frostclaw, he is taken aback by Frostclaw’s gratitude, which only intensifies his inner turmoil. Despite his wolf’s taunts, Zevran decides to return to the hospital, battling feelings of weakness and self-loathing for wanting to be near Leilani again.

Meanwhile, Kael and Caelum are dealing with the aftermath of their actions that nearly harmed Leilani. They are anxious about Zevran’s absence and the toll it has taken on Chalice, who is worried that Zevran no longer cares for her. With their wedding day approaching, the tension escalates as they scramble to manage the chaos created by Zevran’s disappearance. Kael’s realization about Chalice’s discharge from the hospital adds urgency to their situation, highlighting the emotional stakes involved.

The story culminates in a moment of relief when Chalice returns home, bringing a sense of hope amidst the turmoil. However, the looming question of Zevran’s whereabouts hangs in the air, reminding everyone of the unresolved tensions and emotions that still need to be addressed. The narrative captures the complexity of relationships and the slow, often painful process of healing, leaving readers with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead.

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**Healing Slowly But Surely**
By R. Joseph

Zevran.

When I thought of Leilani, I had envisioned her greeting me with gratitude, perhaps even a warm smile, but instead, what I received was a fierce hostility that struck me like a slap.

I had expected her to say “Thank you” when she laid eyes on me, not hurling a rejection that felt like a knife to my heart.

My emotions surged, a tempest of fury boiling within me as I stormed out of her hospital room, my footsteps echoing against the sterile white walls. I didn’t dare to look back, as if doing so would somehow tether me to the pain I was feeling. Climbing into my Mustang, I slammed the door shut, the sound reverberating in the quiet of the parking lot, and I sped away, the engine roaring beneath me.

If she insisted on being so fiercely independent, then she could damn well take care of herself!

Yet, just a few miles down the road, guilt began to gnaw at my insides like a relentless beast. Leaving her alone felt wrong, a betrayal of sorts, but I knew deep down that Leilani would never want to see me again—not after the way we had parted. With a heavy heart, I pulled out my phone and dialed Frostclaw’s number instead of turning back.

The line rang, but he didn’t pick up.

I tried again, desperation clawing at my throat, each unanswered ring tightening the knot in my stomach. After what felt like an eternity and my fifth attempt, he finally answered. His voice came through, laced with boredom, as if my call was an unwelcome interruption.

“Alpha Stormborn, what can I do for you?”

I inhaled deeply, my hands trembling slightly at the absurdity of my situation. The thought of begging him to go to Leilani, of all people, filled me with revulsion, but desperation had a way of stripping away pride. I was more jealous of his connection with her than I had ever been of anything in my life.

But I was truly desperate.

“Leilani is at the hospital,” I managed to rasp out, my voice heavier than I intended.

As soon as the words left my lips, an oppressive silence enveloped us. I could hear his breaths, deep and measured, a low growl rumbling in his throat, but he remained silent, leaving me to continue. “Something happened to her last night, but she’s out of danger now. Still, someone needs to be there with her. And I cannot be that person; she cannot stand me.”

Frostclaw exhaled shakily, and a realization hit me like a freight train. I hated to admit it, but it was painfully clear that he cared for her—perhaps even more than I did.

Goddess, he might even be in love with her.

His tone softened, the previous tension dissipating as he asked gently, “What happened to her?”

But I would never betray my brothers, not even for the sake of honesty. Instead, I crafted a half-truth, something that wouldn’t implicate anyone. “She lost some bloo—”

“Shit!” he interrupted, his voice sharp. “What hospital is she at?”

I quickly relayed the hospital’s address and every detail he needed to find her. When I finished, he surprised me by muttering a sincere, “Thank you.”

I was taken aback, caught off guard by his gratitude. Before I could respond, he hung up, leaving my car enveloped in an eerie silence.

A strange tingling sensation coursed through my body, a mix of relief and anxiety. My mind—and my insufferable wolf—kept reminding me of the fact that I had just sent my rival to be with Leilani.

-Not that we were in competition or anything.

‘You are. You fucking are,’ Morwen hissed in my mind, but I dismissed him with a scoff.

‘I’m not.’

“Then why does it feel like you want to go back to her? Why are you stalling?”

‘Because I fear she might be in danger!’

‘Ha! The kind of lies men tell themselves!’ He retorted, retreating into the recesses of my mind, leaving me to stew in my own thoughts.

Against my better judgment, I turned the car around, heading back toward the hospital. I hated myself for being so weak and callous when it came to Leilani, and I despised Morwen even more for his mocking laughter echoing in my head.

Damn him!

Kael.

It had been two long days since Caelum and I had nearly harmed Leilani, and two days since Zevran had stopped coming home because of it.

We had reached out to him countless times, desperate to find a way to make him understand, to forgive us, but our efforts had been in vain.

What made it even worse was the worry etched on Chalice’s face, her heart aching with the belief that Zevran no longer cared for her, that his absence was a sign of his indifference.

The frustration of it all was compounded by the fact that today was Wednesday—just three days left until Saturday! The Saturday that was supposed to mark the beginning of our lives together as a couple.

Zevran’s disappearance had thrown everything into disarray. We hadn’t been able to discuss our plans with Chalice, nor had we informed the wedding planners or anyone who should have been invited to the celebration.

It was maddening!

“Why are you still dressed like that?” Caelum’s voice broke through my thoughts as he entered the living room, his sharp grey suit a stark contrast to my relaxed attire.

I glanced down at my black sweats and grey shirt, frowning. “Why shouldn’t I be dressed like this? I’m at home.”

It was only then that I noticed how dapper he looked, his suit tailored perfectly, crisp white shirt adorned by three loosened buttons at the collar.

My eyebrows shot up in surprise. “What’s the occasion?”

His expression shifted into a frown. “Chalice is being discharged from the hospital today. Have you forgotten?”

A jolt of realization struck me, and I sprang to my feet, nearly spilling my latte. “It’s today?”

“Of course it is!”

“Oh goddess! I completely forgot! Give me a minute to get ready!” I dashed toward my room, my heart racing as I rifled through my clothes, finally settling on something nice yet understated, not wanting to overshadow Caelum’s ensemble.

But when I hurried back down the stairs, I was met with a shocking sight—Chalice was being wheeled into our home by a maidservant.

My heart raced, a mixture of relief and disbelief flooding through me.

“Baby, how are you here?” Caelum exclaimed, his voice tinged with surprise. “We were just about to come pick you up from the hospital.”

Chalice chuckled softly, glancing between us. “Your mother came instead.”

“Our what?!” We both exclaimed in unison.

“Yes, your mother. She’s outside right now,” she replied, amusement dancing in her eyes.

And just like that, as if summoned by her words, our mother entered the house with an air of authority, her emerald dress shimmering, a radiant smile lighting up her face.

She cast a warm glance at us, her usually stern demeanor softening as she pulled us into an embrace, her love enveloping us like a warm blanket.

But then, pulling away, she scanned the room, her brow furrowing slightly. “Where’s Zevran?”

Oh, how could I have forgotten that he was her favorite?

*I rolled my eyes.*

Conclusion

As I made my way back to the hospital, the weight of my emotions pressed heavily upon me, a tumultuous blend of regret and longing. I had been so consumed by my own feelings of anger and betrayal that I had failed to see the bigger picture—the hurt that Leilani was experiencing, and the depth of my own feelings for her. The realization that I had pushed her away when she needed support the most gnawed at my conscience. Yet, with each passing moment, the thought of her vulnerability ignited a flicker of determination within me. I had to confront my fears and face the consequences of my actions, no matter how uncomfortable it might be. I was ready to heal, but it would require more than just my own strength; it would demand vulnerability, honesty, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

Meanwhile, Kael and Caelum stood at a crossroads, grappling with the uncertainty of their relationship with Zevran. Their worries mirrored my own, weaving a complex tapestry of love, friendship, and the consequences of our choices. As Chalice re-entered their lives, the warmth of familial bonds began to mend the fractures created by our past mistakes. In that moment, it became clear that healing was not a solitary journey; it was a collective endeavor. We all had to confront our pasts, acknowledge our pain, and support one another as we navigated the tumultuous waters of forgiveness and redemption. Together, we would slowly but surely find our way back to each other, piecing together the fragments of our lives into something beautiful and whole again.

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

In the next chapter of *Healing Slowly But Surely*, the tension between Zevran and Leilani reaches a boiling point, as both characters grapple with their emotions and the complex web of relationships that bind them. As Zevran wrestles with his guilt and jealousy over Frostclaw’s connection with Leilani, readers can expect a deeper exploration of his internal struggles. Will he confront his feelings head-on, or will he continue to let pride and fear dictate his actions? The stakes are high, and the emotional fallout from their last encounter looms large, setting the stage for a potential reckoning.

Meanwhile, Kael and Caelum’s world is about to be turned upside down with Chalice’s unexpected return from the hospital. With their mother now in the mix, tensions will rise as family dynamics play a crucial role in the unfolding drama. How will Chalice’s presence affect the fragile balance among the trio? Will Zevran’s absence be addressed, and will the brothers find a way to mend their fractured bond before the wedding they’ve been planning slips through their fingers? As secrets unravel and emotions clash, the next chapter promises to be a whirlwind of revelations, heartache, and the possibility of healing—if only they can find the courage to face their truths.

Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

Chosen by None, Feared by All Chapter 80

Healing Slowly But Surely By R. Joseph 80