Chapter 25 - Gifts
Alyssa's POV:
I woke up to find our bed empty with a note from my mate telling me he had gone into work early while I was sleeping so that he could go with me to pick up Tenley and we could all have lunch together. Smiling, I rolled over to my back and stretched my arms above my head. The images of last night danced in my head, and I could swear I could still feel his tongue between my legs at just the thought. My skin prickled with goosebumps at the recent memory, causing me to squeeze my thighs together in response.
'Mate. Work is quite difficult with you sending such sexual thoughts through the bond. I can practically smell your arousal from my office,' he groaned with pleasure. Causing me to blush with embarrassment. I hadn't even thought of the bond still being open.
'Well then stop giving me such tantric moments to reflect on,' I shot back.
'Never,' he growled.
Laughing, I got up out of bed to head to the shower, cutting off the bond to allow him to work. I couldn't promise the thoughts wouldn't plague me once in the shower so I felt it was necessary even though I knew it would frustrate Brent.
I was excited to find that not only was our bedroom done, but so was our bathroom and it was incredible. The tiles were heated and I loved the way they kept my damp feet warm after a shower. The vanities were set up as one long double vanity with counter space between the two sinks. It was white, with a marble countertop. I couldn't help but remember the way Brent had set me on this counter last night, kneeling in front of me and taking my legs over his shoulders, the thought causing a shiver to go down my spine as I began to press the buttons and turn the knobs to the intricately designed shower. Realizing it had been a very good idea to have closed the bond. I stepped into the shower, groaning as the stream massaged my aching muscles. The night had been wonderful, but I'd be lying if I said it hadn't made me sore.
My stomach rumbled in hunger and I began to get excited about my iced coffee and the amazing breakfast burritos that the kitchen served. Unfortunately my stomach began to churn at the very thought. My mouth filled with saliva and I rinsed my hair as quickly as I could. I slipped on the tile with my haste, barely catching myself as I threw the toilet lid open and emptied my stomach contents for what felt like hours, heaving when there was nothing left. I laid down on the floor, having no energy to return to bed. I didn't want to bother Brent with this, as I knew he was very busy. Besides it wasn't like there was anything he could really do about what appeared to be some kind of bug.
The rhythm of sitting up to throw up or dry heave and laying back down lasted over the next few hours. I became weaker as the time wore on and finally ended up falling asleep in just my towel right there on the warm tile floor.
Brent's POV:
I had yet to hear from Alyssa. She had closed the bond earlier, making me anxious, but I understood if she needed privacy. I just hadn't expected it to be closed for so long and figured she would've at least let me know she was leaving our house to go to breakfast, knowing the kitchen renovations had been the largest project and it still was unfinished.
With that thought I had an idea. I picked up my phone and after too many rings they finally picked up. I launched in, not bothering with any pleasantries, "I am calling to see if Luna was picked up this morning?" Upon hearing the drivers answer I put the phone down and immediately linked my Beta.
'Anderson?'
'What up, Alpha man?' He cheerfully responded .
I sighed... Why must he be like this , 'did you see Alyssa at breakfast?'
'No, I sure didn't, I assumed she was with you?' He returned.
My defenses went up, stirring my wolf. Damn it, I should've just stayed until she woke up. Surely she was fine, she had to have just fallen back asleep I told myself as I stood up from my desk and closed my laptop. I called once again for the car service and told them it was urgent.
I got down to the lobby just as a car was pulling into place, thankful for the fast service. I asked him to step on it. Once again assuring myself she was fine, and probably had just gone back to sleep, but I still wanted to see that for myself to ease my mind.
I tipped generously for the last minute notice, and jumped out of the vehicle and ran up the sidewalk to the house. I made quick work of the security system and noticed workers in the kitchen. I ignored them and took the stairs three at a time climbing them to our bedroom. I opened the door and the overwhelming smell of vomit instantly had me on high alert. The closer I got to the door the stronger it got. My mate's scent overpowered it, but it was still intensely strong. What the hell was going on? I thought as I pushed the door open to see my passed out mate on the floor in front of the toilet, bringing back images of her in the field.
I rushed to her, rolling her from her side to lay in my lap as I shook her awake. She was so pale.
She began to mumble, "I'm awake. I just need water, please." Remembering there was a water bottle in the bedroom from last night, I scooped her up and took her to the bed. I handed her the opened bottle and she began chugging it.
"Easy, baby, slow down," I warned her, but it was too late, the water hit her stomach and came right back up, all over my shirt and pants. She began to sob as I pulled the clothes off, discarding them in the bathroom before I walked back to her.
"Baby, baby, shhhhhh..," I comforted her as I climbed into bed and pulled her onto my chest from where she lay propped against the headboard, "I am not mad, you are okay. I could never be mad at you."
I rocked her until she calmed down, "why didn't you tell me you were so sick? How long have you been like this?"
She sniffled, "I don't know, I got up and the clock said 7:00. I linked with you for a bit, and then took a shower. I barely got finished before feeling like I was gonna puke and practically fell on the floor trying to get to the toilet. So maybe like 7:30?"
I growled in frustration, "Alyssa, that's been over three hours. Please don't ever do that again. I could've been here. I could have helped you and cared for you, my love. I think we need to get to the doctor," I said, sitting up to go and grab another set of clothes .
She sat up as much as her exhausted body would allow, tears threatening to fall again.
"No," her chin trembled, "no more doctors, no more hospitals. I spent way too long in one and I'll be damned if I go back. Besides, a hospital is a bit dramatic for what is likely the stomach flu."
I pulled her back to my chest, settling my chin on her head, my breath ruffling her hair, "fair enough, but let's please at least have them come to the apartment and run you an IV."
She whimpered, "can't I just stay here? I don't know if I can get up..." Her voice, raw from vomiting, broke my heart.
"Baby, this is a construction zone. One night was fine, but we need to stay in the apartment for just a few more days." I rubbed her shoulder, "and of course I will be carrying you down to the car, you will not be walking. Let's get your clothes on and get going."
I carefully peeled off her towel, causing her to shiver in the chill of losing her only layer of warmth. I grabbed her leggings, but instead of her shirt I pulled my large sweatshirt from my bag to keep her warm and comfortable.
I scooped her up in a blanket and off we went into the cool air, reminding me of the passing time. I couldn't believe Thanksgiving was this coming Thursday. I placed her in the warm car as snow flurries began to fall and we were off.
We pulled into the pack house drive about thirty minutes later, the snow fall lengthening our drive a bit. I had mind linked the doctor already and he was waiting for us at the Alpha tower elevator, and followed us up. He placed the IV as quick as he could. The dehydration made it hard to find a vein, but thankfully he did, and we got her settled in bed .
With fluids flowing she nodded off to sleep again, the scene all too familiar. I could completely understand her aversion to the hospital because this was hard as hell to watch.
___________
Alyssa's POV :
1 DAY LATER
I was propped up on pillows working on not only a Thanksgiving menu but a super special birthday surprise for my Alpha. He was going to be 38 this year. With me being only 27, there was a decent age gap, but that didn't affect anything, clearly. I smirked at the images that flooded my mind but got back on track with my to-do list.
I also shopped for a dress for myself and Ten for the Thanksgiving feast. I found a trusted online store since going into town was not an option, paying way too much for rush shipping. I had suddenly decided I really wanted a blue theme, hating the green I had first decided upon. My mood swings were out of control, but I'd never admit that out loud. Speaking of mood swings, fighting with my mate about my need to stay in bed after yesterday's events was a trip, but in the end he won.
Finally having chosen the dresses, I then sent pictures to Brent's private tailor for his matching suit to be pieced together. I settled back, proud of the work I'd gotten done with my mind drifting to where It had been all morning, that stupid piss stick in my purse. I had gotten slightly suspicious after adding up all the odd symptoms, especially vomiting after thinking about food items. I had yet to tell Brent what started the vomiting, not sure how to explain it so I just kept it to myself .
Fuck. I'm doing it. I was here all by myself for the entire daywith Brent announcing it was, "take your daughter to work day" however I knew it was simply a guise to let me rest in a quiet house. Regardless of his motives, I appreciated the gesture because if I had to be stuck here all day, I was going to get some work done. I'd never tell Brent this, especially after being such a brat this morning, but I honestly needed a day just to focus on all of the details.
I walked over and fished the wrapped item from my bag and marched into our bathroom, willing myself not to get too excited. I ripped it open and found it to be digital, even better I thought as I pulled the blue cap off, peeing on the tip as I hovered over the toilet.
Finishing, I placed the cap back on and laid the test on top of a stack of toilet paper, trying to keep my pee from going everywhere and held my breath as I waited on the results.
Minutes felt like hours as I paced the bathroom. I would've sworn that that test was taunting me, and had just about decided it was defective when the answer to all of my suffering from yesterday popped on the screen.
I covered my mouth, laughing and crying at the same time, jumping up and down in the bathroom like an excited child.
"Alyssa?" Brent called from the hallway, shit. Why was he home so early?! I quickly grabbed the trash and stick and shoved them into one of the drawers in my closet and took off toward the bed.
Just as I was climbing into bed he opened our door, giving me an exasperated glare, "you're not supposed to be up, Alyssa. We had a deal," he sighed as if I had taken years off of his life.
I rolled my eyes at the use of my name and not a pet name I'd groan accustomed to, "Ok, Brent , I didn't think you wanted me to poop in the bed. I'll do better next time." Gross I know, but he was getting on my nerves.
Brent fell into side splitting laughter at my response, holding the door frame to keep himself from falling over. Once sobered up from his laughter, he walked over to me and ran his fingers through my hair, " my love," he winked at me, knowing I had gotten petty hearing him call me by my name. I stuck my tongue out in response, getting another smirk from my handsome man.
He cleared his throat, "I can assure you I don't want you relieving yourself in our bed. I'm sorry for scolding you, it was just really hard seeing you like that yesterday." He leaned down to lightly kiss my temple.
I looked up and met his eyes, those deep blue pools drawing me in, igniting all of my senses. My heart swelled as I stared back into the eyes of my mate, and now father to both of my children. The mere thought caused hot tears to burn the corners of my eyes. To say I felt blessed would be an understatement.
Brent mistook my mood change for sadness and pulled me in stroking my hair, "are you okay?" He mumbled into my hair as he bent down to kiss the top of my head.
I silently nodded, giving him a big smile to prove it when he pulled away. I wanted to tell him so badly, but I wanted it to be so special when I told him and I think I had the perfect idea. I couldn't wait to see his response, knowing this was going to be the longest two and a half days of my life, but it would be so worth it.
"Well, I was just coming home to check on you since your block was up again, no worries, I meant what I said, I will honor your decisions," he assured me, "but it made me nervous you might be sick again so I wanted to come up and check on you."
I smiled, "thank you, Alpha. I appreciate that very much. I would also appreciate being kissed by my mate before he heads off to work again."
Giving me that smile I loved so much, he leaned down to peck my lips, but before he could pull away I reached up and grabbed his face and pulled him back to me. Capturing his mouth in mine, running the tip of my tongue across his bottom lip, silently asking for admittance which he gladly allowed.
I kissed him with every fiber of my being. The gratitude that our child was growing inside of me overwhelmed my every sense, making my love for this man grow impossibly bigger.
We pulled apart simultaneously, "to what do I owe that incredible kiss?" He asked lovingly while he brushed his thumb across my cheek.
I shrugged, "I just love you and wanted to show you how much." I grinned as he smiled adoringly back. It wasn't exactly a lie.
He sighed, "as much as I want to stay I truly must return to my office." He had returned to stroking his thumb on my cheek and I leaned into his hand as he held my cheek in his palm.
"I know, you're a busy busy man," I winked at him.
His look became stern as he responded, "but never too busy for you. Please let me know if anything happens, okay?" He stared at me intently.
"I've learned my lesson, scouts honor," I saluted, making us both laugh and easing the tension .
He walked out after one more kiss to my forehead, leaving me to my planning. Only now I was on to my next task, a birthday brunch for my mate. I had invited his entire family and set it up to be in the 10th floor sunroom overlooking the mountains, but I had yet to finish the menu. Which I needed to get done because it was tomorrow, oops. I did my best to focus and get this done, but the fact that I had invited Brent's father as an extended olive branch had me nervous, and now the knowledge of the little bean in my womb was equally, if not more, distracting. I honestly did not expect Brent's father to return. I truly didn't, but I had hope that this time could be different. I just hoped Brent felt the same. I probably, ok, definitely should've asked, but I knew he would say no and I wanted this mended if at all possible. This was a Hail Mary and I sure hoped it would work. If not this could very well blow up in my face.
I finished up the menu and sent it off, as well as confirming the gifts I had previously planned to go to town with Tenley to purchase, were being delivered. Anderson was in charge of that and was to bring them to the apartment within the next hour. It was all coming together, in more ways than one, and I was so very excited.