A bite from an Alpha King

Book 2 Chapter 8: Pain

-Lily-

“Good afternoon!” I said as I passed Vicky, who was packing up her things behind the receptionist’s desk. She gave me a small wave and a sweet smile before heading out. I made my way to the staff room, where I stowed my belongings and changed into my white coat and comfortable shoes. I attached my little nametag and prepared for the shift ahead.

“Good to see you again, Lily,” Katrina said as she entered the room.

“You too,” I smiled back at her.

“You ready?”

I nodded. “As ready as one can be,” I replied, though I was lying.

I was dealing with a terrible stomach ache and felt like I might throw up. I had managed to eat only half a slice of white toast for what might have been dinner or breakfast—whichever it was. I simply couldn’t handle more.

Little Diva, on the other hand, seemed to think she deserved another serving of her fishy-smelling wet food. We didn’t quite see eye to eye on what was healthy for her. Her belly was starting to look a bit rounder, and unless she had been sneaking out for some late-night meetings with a “gentlecat,” I had to assume it was due to overeating.

She gave me the cold shoulder after I had refused to give her more food, and I knew I wasn’t going to get any cuddles after making that light-hearted comment about her growing stomach. What a diva!

I couldn’t help but smile a little as I stepped into the big living room, but my smile vanished when I saw him in that same chair by the window, positioned in front of his mother. My stomach churned. How could I let myself be so affected by him, even from afar?

“He’s here again,” I whispered.

“Yes, he comes here twice a month—never more, never less,” Katrina replied.

I turned to look at her, only to find her eyes fixed intently on the back of the man in question. I hadn’t realized I’d spoken aloud and mentally chided myself for being so careless. I’d promised myself two weeks ago that I would remain professional, but as soon as my eyes landed on him, it was as if I’d forgotten who I was.

-Garrett-

The moment she entered the room, her scent hit me, but I didn’t turn to look. I had to remain composed and in control. I knew that if I looked at her, I wouldn’t be able to stop myself.

I’d be compelled to walk over, throw her over my shoulder, and claim her as my own, just as I had fantasized about over the past two weeks. I’d even gone so far as to watch her from outside her window, which only intensified my frustration because I wasn’t allowed to get close.

“There has been some unusual activity lately involving rogues. We’re not sure if it’s something to be concerned about, but we’re remaining cautious,” I said to my mother, who maintained her usual blank expression.

I hadn’t been gone for that long, and yet she looked even thinner now.

“Still no sign of Zane’s mother. No body either.”

She was so quiet today. She didn’t even call me by my father’s name or glance out the large window. Instead, she stared at the floor with a vacant expression. Clearly, it was one of her bad days. I sighed and leaned back in my chair.

I had hoped for more time—more time to find my mate, introduce her to my mother, and show her that her son was happy and would remain so until the end of his days. But now, I saw that there was no hope left. I had found my mate, but our union could never happen.

Mate, my wolf growled inside me, and I shook my head lightly.

“You can’t have her,” I whispered.

“Can’t have what?” came a soft voice that struck me to my core.

I turned to see my mate standing beside my chair, her expression neutral and her eyes guarded. My heart began to race at the sight of her, and my wolf surged to the surface. I gripped the armrests of my chair, struggling to contain the urge to leap up and claim her right then and there.

“Does your mother need anything?” Lily inquired sweetly, her gaze softening as she looked at my mother, but turning guarded when she met my eyes again. I understood why I had to keep my distance, but why did she?

“She’s fine,” I replied, my eyes scanning her.

She looked thinner, and the color had drained from her face. It seemed like even standing was a struggle for her. I was ready to scoop her up and hold her close, to calm myself with her body near mine.

“All right, just let me know if either of you needs anything. I’ll come as quickly as I can if I’m free,” she said with a small smile that made the world spin around me.

She took one last look at my mother and then left. I watched her walk away, unable to resist the urge to follow. I knew it wasn’t wise—trailing her down a narrow hallway filled with empty rooms—but I couldn’t help myself.

Something inside me compelled me to follow her. It demanded that I make it clear who she belonged to. I glanced behind me to ensure we were alone in the hallway, then moved silently and swiftly towards her.

Like a predator closing in on its prey, I approached her without her noticing. My body was tense and excited, but just as I was about to reach out for her, I saw her press her hand against the wall and lean forward, clearly in pain. My instincts shifted immediately as I saw her clutch her stomach and steady herself with her hand on the wall.

“Are you okay?” I inquired, startling her.

She quickly straightened up and forced a smile, turning to face me. “Just menstrual cramps,” she said through gritted teeth, the pain still evident.

I knew she hoped her answer would send me away, but it didn’t. Small beads of sweat dotted her forehead, and her face had shifted from pale to a sickly green. She looked as if she might faint at any moment.

“Come here,” I urged, reaching for her arm. She instinctively pulled away.

“I told you, it’s just cramps,” she insisted, clearly hoping her words would deter me again.

I shook my head and gently lifted her off the ground.

“W-What are you doing?” she inquired, her voice trembling as she wrapped her arms around my neck for support.

“You need to sit down,” I said, carrying her into an empty bedroom and setting her down on a small white couch.

“R-Really, I’m fine,” she stammered as we found ourselves at eye level on the couch.

Our faces were only inches apart. While the spicy undertone of her scent had become more pronounced, her signature lily fragrance was still clear and made the room spin slightly for me.

“You’re not,” I whispered, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.

She seemed poised to argue, but the touch of my fingers against her cheek left her speechless.

“Do you need anything?” I asked softly, gazing into her beautiful hazel eyes.

Damn, I was drowning in them. Despite her obvious struggle and the fact she was on the verge of fainting, those eyes held an incredible strength. I had truly found a strong-willed mate, and I loved it.

“I’m the one who’s supposed to take care of people,” she whispered, clearly challenging me.

I couldn’t help but smile at her attempt to send me away so she could endure her discomfort in silence.

“We all need help sometimes. We can’t handle everything on our own,” I said as I stood up from where I’d been kneeling. “Stay here. I’ll get you some water.”

She nodded, but just as I was about to leave the room, she called out to me, “Please, don’t mention this to any of my colleagues. It’s just a bit of stomach pain. There’s no need to worry them.”

I knew she was downplaying her situation, but I was okay with keeping it a secret. It meant I could take care of her.