My Claimed Mermaid Queen

Chapter One

Alpha Nate

I was anxiously waiting in the living room as the doctor looked over Ayla. Why would she have asked me to leave?

“Is she okay?” Xander rushed into the alpha apartment.

“I don’t know. The doctor is in with her.” I shrugged. I should be in there with my mate.

Xander and I were waiting outside the double oak doors to the bedroom I shared with Ayla. It didn’t take long before the doctor walked out, closing the door behind him.

“How is she?” I demanded.

“Alpha, Luna has been through more than anyone could imagine. She needs to rest. I believe it was the stress of everything, but I’ve asked her to come to the hospital after she has gotten some rest to run a few tests.” He explained. I blew out a breath as I ran a hand through my hair.

“Thank you, doc. We will make sure she rests.” Xander said.

“And I will bring her down when she is ready,” I told him. He nodded before leaving the apartment.

“What the hell happened?” Xander quietly asked me.

“I don’t know. I came in and she was throwing up. Maybe I shouldn’t have told her about the news you had about Noah. She is under too much right now.” I sighed.

“What did you guys find?” Ayla asked from the door of our room. She was pale and looked to be in rough shape. How did I let this happen?

“Baby, how are you feeling? It would be best if you rested. Don’t worry about anything but getting better,” I went to her and pulled her against my chest. She wrapped her arms around my waist and rested her head on my chest.

“Ayla, I’m going to make you a tea and then you can rest. Everything can wait until you are feeling better.” Xander told her.

“But, I want to know. I’m okay, just tired.” She reassured us. I looked at Xander as I held my mate. She wasn’t just tired. There was more to this, but she wasn’t saying.

“We have a lead on Noah’s location. I will keep you updated,” he said. Kaden had men who had a man in custody who knew where Noah was hiding, so the man said.

Xander went into the kitchen to make Ayla tea while I led her over to the couch in the living room to sit. I didn’t want another male scent in my room. It's hard enough keeping my jealousy at bay.

Ayla yawned as she snuggled into my side. She had changed into a pair of sweatpants and one of my sweatshirts. Her body started to tremble, and I grabbed the blanket that was folded on the top of the couch to wrap around her.

“Baby, I think you need to take a step back for now. You have been through too much over the last week and your body and mind need rest.” I mumbled against the top of her head.

“Nate, I’m fine.” She whined, but I knew she wasn’t.

“Ayla, Nate is right. You need to rest and spend some time in the ocean. I know you want to avenge your mother, but right now you need to take care of yourself.” He placed a mug of tea on the coffee table in front of us before taking a seat in the chair.

“If the doctor agrees that I’m fine, will you both drop this? I admit it's been a rough couple of days, but I’m fine. And I want to be a part of this. I deserve to be a part of this. He took my mother from me and I need to know why,” she pleaded. I squeezed her closer as I looked over at Xander. I could see him fighting the same thing I was.

“If the doctor says you are okay. You rest and feel better, then and only then will you be included in this. I can’t let anything happen to you, baby. Honestly, I don’t want you anywhere near him. If he was capable of doing that to the mother of his child, I don’t want to find out what he would be capable of doing to you.” I explained, and Xander agreed. Ayla let out a sigh.

“Ayla, I’ll be back. I’m going to track down a lead with Kaden,” Xander said, and her head snapped up.

“Xander, I,” she stammered and I squeezed her tight.

“I’ll be safe, Ayla. Don’t worry about me. Just try to get some rest. Ryan will stay behind, and he will accompany you when you swim in the bay. No arguing.” He gave her a pointed look and she pouted.

“It's to keep you safe, baby,” I said, kissing her head.

“Fine, but you better be safe, or I’m coming after you to kill you myself,” she exclaimed and he chuckled.

“I promise. Now, rest.” He told her before leaving our apartment.

“I’ll keep you informed,” he said through the link.

“Nate, can you take me to the hospital? I want to get the tests done before I rest.” I stood up before leaning down and scooping my Luna into my arms.

“Thank you,” she mumbled, kissing my cheek.

She snuggled into me as I carried her down to the hospital to see the doctor again. I didn’t know what was going on with my mate, and I was worried. It takes a lot before a wolf gets sick.

“But she is part mermaid. And she has also been through so much, Nate.” Duke whimpered.

“How about after the tests are done, we go for a quick swim? The water will help,” I asked, kissing her forehead.

“That would be wonderful, thank you.”