Anna's POV

I woke on top of Derek, and I felt embarrassed and eased off him. We were in a bigger bed, so I was able to scoot away from his warmth. Looking up, a big TV was at the end of the bed as well. I grabbed my blanket and went to the chair by the window. Sitting down, I sighed sadly and stared out into the trees. Derek would never love me, and I knew, even though it hurt, I would get over it. I would accept this loveless bond, and we could coexist and raise pups. Nora whined loudly and said to try to be happy.

Nora was talking to me about Derek's wolf Aiden and how he loved us, but even that wasn't a comfort to me. I was going to be with my mate, but the love you find with your destined other wasn't there. I was going to be alone and not able to share it. I would hide my true feelings from everyone.

"Anna," Derek said, making me jump. I didn't turn; I didn't want to. It hurt so much to see his eyes, knowing he probably wanted

Ellie.

"Yes," I said, not taking my eyes off the squirrels running up the trees. Watching them made me somewhat happy at least. At least I could stare at them wishing I had their freedom to run.

"You okay?" he asked, but I doubt he cared.

"Yeah, I'm good," I said, distracted by the cute fur balls. I heard him sigh as he got up and knelt down by me. I felt him take my cold hands in his warm ones. He was trying to warm me up, but the cold seems to have settled in my bones. I may never get warm. Nora whimpered and tried to warm me, but I told her to stop. I really didn't care anymore.

"Anna, are you hungry?" he asked, watching me.

"Not really," I mumbled, watching the leaves blow around and the squirrels run up the trees. They were so cute. At least I felt joy, right?

"Look at me," he said, rubbing my arms. Why are you trying to warm me, Derek? "I'm not her," I thought bitterly.

Looking up, I notice how close his face is to mine, and I hold my breath. He strokes my cheeks and brushes my hair from my face. I try not to react or make noises.

"You need to eat, or you're neverget out of here. Plus we have a house to go home to," he said, kissing my head softly. I wanted to pull away because his kisses meant nothing to me; all I saw was him kissing her.

"Okay," I said, letting him have his way. I wasn't going to fight him; it was useless. He scooped me up and took me back to the bed and gently placed me in it. He covered me up and headed to the bathroom. I was propped up on our bed when a nurse walked in with food. I sighed, knowing I had to eat because if not, I would be stuck here for a while. The food made me want to throw up, especially the smell.

"There is enough for you and Alpha Derek," she said, uncovering the food and leaving with the lids. The smell hit, and I had to suck in a low breath and try not to gag.

"Breakfast here?" Derek asked, looking at me with hope. I guess he hopes I eat something I did not really want to eat.

"Yeah," I mumbled, trying to eat my plate of food one slow bite after another. I heard him sigh as he got in beside me and started eating. At least one of us had an appetite.

"I had us a house built so we could go there when you're discharged," he said, drinking his water. Great, just great.

"Why?" I want to know because when we are alone, he can compare me to Ellie behind closed doors.

"Because we're mates, and we need privacy, plus we can get to know each other." Oh, the joy! Well, at least I know he doesn't want me. "He made that perfectly clear," I sighed.

"Will it have trees so I can look at them? I like sitting in a chair looking at them," I said, blushing when he looked at me. At least the squirrels never judged me.

"I'll make sure you have a room to go and look at your trees," he said, finishing his food. I ate what I could before pushing my plate away. I heard him sigh and move the bedside table away from us. Yes, sigh, because I'm not Ellie.

"Anna, you really have to try to eat a little one, or the doctor will keep you longer," he said, picking me up. "I had no desire to hear," I thought as he looked at me.

"I'm trying," my voice trembled as he took us both to the bathroom. The tub was filled and had a bubble bath in it. He gently undressed me and then himself. He picked me back up and sat down in the tub and shocked me by washing me. I was really embarrassed and couldn't even look at him.

"Are you still hurting, Anna?" I want to reply harshly but just sigh.

"A little," I said, watching his hands on me. I wish he would stop. I can't stand this; all I see is him touching her.

"We need to try to get more food for you, then we can go home," he said, washing my hair. I sighed, liking this part because it relaxed me. I mean, who doesn't like someone washing their hair?

"I'll try, but I never ate that much to begin with; just ask my parents. Speaking of parents, where are mine?" I could really use my mom's advice right now.

"We asked them to give you and me time to get to know one another. Dad figured it would be good for us to be alone for the duration of your stay here," he said, kissing my head softly. I didn't want his kisses; they hurt too much.

"Okay," was all I could say because arguing with an alpha was useless. Derek wouldn't listen to me anyway, so I just shut up and let him have control. He touched me a lot, and each time I really wanted to smack his hands away.

Once done, he stood us up and dried us. I blushed as he stared at my boobs. Yes, I had a huge chest, but I always hid it. His hands touched them, and I held in a gasp. I kept my eyes off his package, but I felt it hard under me when I sat on his lap in the tub.

From what I felt, he was huge, but I didn't care about that; he probably wouldn't want to have sex with me anyway. I heard him and Ellie used to go at it all day, and those thoughts had me almost whimpering. Holy shit, I'm going to puke; I feel it.

I fisted my towel and went over to the sink, trying to clear my mind of the thought of them. I brushed my hair and stared at my pale face. Derek loved her only, and I felt my food coming back up. Fuck me, I hustle to the toilet.

I barely made it to the toilet before I started puking.

"Fuck, little one, I got you," he said, holding my hair back. I finished and sagged on the floor, exhausted. This took a shit ton of energy from me.

"I'm sorry," I muttered.

"What happened, baby?" he asked, using her pet name.

"I guess too much food," I lied. He didn't look convinced as I got up and hurried to brush my teeth. I got dressed and hurried to get away from him. I was trying to ignore my inner voice telling me he would never want or love me, but it wouldn't stop. It hurt so much.

I felt tears prick my eyes as I collapsed on the bed. He was never going to love me, and worse, he called me her nickname.