The Lone Wolf's Lycan Princess

Appointment

Erin POV

River slowly eased my fears. In just a few days, River had opened up a world of unimaginable experiences for me, taking me to places I never thought I'd have the chance to explore. His patience was remarkable, considering the challenges I presented. It couldn't have been easy for him, but he persisted, working with me and earning my gratitude.

There were moments when he frightened me, like when he snapped, but he always took the time to explain his actions, helping to calm me down. I understood his fears, and I admired his willingness to open up to me, even when I struggled to communicate effectively. I wasn't even upset when he looked through my journal; after all, it wasn't hidden, and perhaps he held the answers to my lingering questions. He had already provided me with so much insight, and his admission about reading my journal only deepened my trust in him.

Was it crazy to be falling for him so rapidly? Perhaps. Our circumstances forced us into an intimate encounter due to my supposed heat, but he made it a beautiful experience for me. Despite the initial discomfort, he was incredibly gentle, ensuring my comfort and prioritizing my needs. I recognized the need to build my confidence, to reciprocate his care and attention.

Is it insane that my thoughts are consumed by the desire to be in his embrace once more? That I may already be in love with him? I longed for his mark, for the connection he had been teaching me about. But deep down, a fear lingered. What if this was all just a dream? What if, when he bites me, I awaken to find myself trapped in the same hellish world I've known for years? The uncertainty gnawed at me, threatening to shatter the fragile hope I had found.

I sipped on the warm coffee, its rich aroma wafting into my nose, instantly comforting me. River had ordered it just the way I liked it, surprising me with his attention to detail. A splash of milk and two sugar packets, just the way I prepared it for myself. He even got a basket of delectable muffins, their sweet scent mingling with the coffee's warmth. As I took a bite, the burst of blueberry goodness exploded with flavors in my mouth, sending me into a state of pure food heaven. River chuckled, his eyes fixed on me. "I'm going to make sure I always have muffins for you from now on. You don't know how adorable you look savoring that bite," he said, his words making me blush with embarrassment.

"Erin, in about five minutes, a man I know will join us. I have some quick business with him, but he poses no danger to you. If you need to, keep your hand in mine to help calm yourself. He's one of the few humans I can tolerate," River explained, his voice steady and reassuring. I nodded, taking a deep breath, determined to handle this situation. If River trusted this person, then I had no reason to worry, right?

Almost exactly five minutes later, a tall man, probably in his forties, dressed in professional attire with short light brown hair, approached our table. "River, I'm glad to see you in the city for a change," the man greeted, his eyes briefly lingering on me. Before he could say anything else, River introduced me, his voice filled with affection. "John, this is Erin, my girlfriend," he

said, his words causing my heart to flutter with joy. John extended his hand, and I reciprocated.

I inhaled deeply, the air filling my lungs as I prepared myself. "Pleasure to meet you," he said. "You must be a real champ if you can handle River," he chuckled, his warm laughter filling the room.

Glancing at River, It was as if he could read my thoughts, for he spoke, "Erin is glad to meet you too, but she is unable to speak."

"My daughter is deaf, so I completely understand," John said, his kind smile putting me at ease.

"I'll hand over your request now. I hope it helps. I had to pull some strings to get all of this, so please understand if any new requests take time." John slid a file to River. River then reached into his pocket, retrieving a wad of cash. It was more money than I could ever imagine making in a month. The man stood up, his gaze shifting between the two of us. "Stay safe, you two. I hope you have an enjoyable day. Erin, maybe you can convince River to take a break from his work or spend a day out of his house," he chuckled warmly. With that, he left.

River slid the file closer to him. He glanced at his phone briefly, the soft glow of the screen illuminating his face. "The day seems to already be slipping away. What's the address for your appointment?" he asked. I reached into my pocket, pulling out my phone and showing him the address. "It's within walking distance from here," he remarked, his warm hand enveloping mine. "Are you ready to go?" he gently inquired. I nodded, a mix of anticipation and anxiety swirling within me, as he held the file in one hand and firmly grasped my hand in the other.

I despised these appointments, the sterile atmosphere always made me uneasy. Typically, I would stick close to the buildings, avoiding the bustling crowd of people as much as possible. However, River held onto my hand with unwavering determination, leading me through the throng of busy pedestrians. With each step, I could feel his protective presence, offering me a sense of security.

As we entered the building, River followed my lead, his eyes darting around the room, surveying the surroundings. I demonstrated to him how I signed in on a piece of paper, guiding him through the process. We then took our seats in the sparsely occupied waiting area, a silence settling between us. Throughout the wait, he never once released his grip on my hand, his touch providing a comforting reassurance.

"Erin," my name was called, causing me to rise from my seat. River stood up alongside me, his supportive presence unwavering. "Visitors wait here," the receptionist instructed. I shook my head, silently communicating to her that River would be accompanying me. However, her response shattered our hopes. "I'm sorry, but that isn't allowed," she stated firmly. I placed my hand on River's, attempting to convey that everything would be alright, and then looked into his eyes.

A sigh escaped his lips. "I'll be waiting for you, Erin," he murmured, accepting the situation. I nodded, acknowledging his words as the receptionist led me to the familiar room I frequented.

As I entered the room, the sterile scent of disinfectant filled my nostrils, mingling with a faint hint of anxiety. The receptionist gestured for me to take a seat in the chair. She adjusted the chair, reclining it slightly to ensure my comfort. With a gentle touch, she secured medical restraints around my wrists and ankles. Although I knew this was for my safety during the session, a wave of unease washed over me. "Just relax, Erin. The doctor will be in soon," the receptionist reassured me before closing the door behind her, leaving me alone in the room.

I tried to take deep breaths, calming myself. After a few minutes, the heavy door swung open, and in walked the doctor, Lynn. She had a blonde pixie cut that framed her face, and her large glasses magnified her eyes.

"Erin, I'm happy to see you today," Lynn said, her voice soothing yet professional. "I'm sorry for the mix-up, but our scheduling department responded wrongly to your initial request. Now, I see you came with a man today. We have been working hard on your fear, Erin, but I advise against any relationships as I do not think you're ready yet."

I vigorously shook my head. "I know that's not what you like to hear, but I strongly advise against it, Erin," she replied. I could feel the weight of the situation pressing on me, making my chest tighten with panic.

"Now, I need you to relax today," she said, her voice laced with an unsettling calmness. "We're going to have a longer session, and I think it's best if we use a mild sedative to help. You've had it before, it won't be too bad. Just a little pinch." As she approached me, a small syringe in hand, I vigorously shook my head, desperately refusing any part of this. But she ignored my plea, and panic tightened its grip on my chest.

"It's okay, Erin, please try to relax. It'll all be over soon," she reassured me, her words doing little to quell my rising fear. Before I could protest further, she swiftly injected the needle into my arm. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I was helpless, restrained by straps that held me in place. And then, like an explosion, the door slammed open, the sound reverberating through the room. River stood there, his voice dripping with anger. "What the f**k are you doing to her?" he demanded, his presence filling the room with a newfound sense of hope.

"Sir, visitors aren't allowed back here," the doctor retorted, attempting to assert authority. But River's growl cut through the tension. "I'm taking her home," he declared, his voice filled with anger. In that moment, his hand reached out to touch me, offering a lifeline amidst the haze of the sedative. "I'm with you, Erin. I won't let them do anything to you," he whispered, his words a soothing balm to my troubled mind. I struggled to keep my focus on him, but the sedative's effects were overpowering, dragging me into a drowsy abyss. And as I drifted away, I clung to the assurance that River was by my side, protecting me from whatever horrors awaited.