Chapter 43 #2
“Let’s see,” the doctor looks down at the papers in his hand. “Mrs. Hale?” He looks up at us for confirmation. Internally wincing at her last name, I nod, and he continues. “I’m Dr. Allen, I’ll be overseeing her care during her stay with us.”
“Thank you,” I rise to my feet respectfully. “How is she?”
“Stable.” Dr. Allen studies Ariana’s sleeping body, then me and Nico. Like Dr. Ortiz from before, his eyes catch on the lack of mating marks on our necks. “As I understand it, her bonded mates are not present at the moment.” He reads the papers in his hands tiredly.
Nico holds Ariana’s limp hand in his. “They’ll be breaking the bond,” he informs the doctor, who doesn’t react.
Dr. Allen folds the clipboard under his arm. “We’d like to keep Mrs. Hale in our omega specific wing overnight and run some tests.”
“We’ll come with her,” Nico stands over Ariana protectively.
The doctor’s expression turns apologetic. “I’m afraid that won’t be possible. The omega wing has a no alpha policy, except for medical staff. I assure you she’ll be in good hands.”
Ice floods my veins. “So she’ll be alone?” Ariana looks almost lifeless, laying in bed not moving a muscle. I can’t stand the idea of her waking up by herself, not after we promised to be by her side.
“It’s hospital policy, sir. Alpha pheromones may distress our patients in vulnerable states,” he explains. “Many are dealing with complicated or traumatic situations. It’s prudent that we limit exposure.”
“She’s dealing with a traumatic situation.
Her bonded pack did this to her. They kicked her out into the rain in the middle of the night.
” Working hard to rein in my dominance and not raise my voice at the doctor, I implore him to understand the circumstances.
“They marked her without her consent. She’ll be afraid waking up without us. ”
One of the nurses looks at us pityingly. “Please don’t worry, omegas in that wing are not allowed to be left without a female member of staff present.” The woman’s attempt at consolation does little to make me worry less. The fact that’s necessary is a grim enough thought.
I turn my attention to her. “Her bonded mates can’t be allowed around her. They’ve hurt her before.”
The short woman nods. “I’ll note it in her chart. Security is present around the clock around the ward.”
Nico’s voice is tight. “How long until we can see her?”
“It depends on how Mrs. Hale responds to treatment. Once she’s awake and stable enough to request visitors, you’ll be allowed to see her again.” Dr. Allen chimes in.
Nico and I exchange unhappy looks. I can see the same helpless fury in his eyes that I’m feeling. It makes sense on paper, but my mind is restless with worry. If we’re not with her, I don’t trust anyone else to protect her.
“Can we at least stay until she’s moved?” Nico asks.
The doctor nods. “Of course. We’ll give you some privacy.”
He and the two nurses leave the room politely. Turning to the bed, I take Ariana’s other hand in mine. The skin is still too warm, but it’s not burning up like it was before. The IV fluids and medication must be helping.
Pressing her delicate fingers to my lips, I place a kiss against them, then hold them there. Staring at her unmoving body makes something twist in my chest agonizingly. Overtaken by a fit of desperate, frenzied devotion, I lean forward to brush another kiss against her lips.
“We’ll come back for you,” I tell her, even though I’m sure she can’t hear me. “We’re going to fix this and make them pay. As soon as you call for us, we’ll be by your side. Always.” I press her hand against my chest, over my heart.
Nico plants a kiss on her forehead, caressing her face. “Get better quickly, pretty girl. We’ll be here, waiting for you.”
My eyes land on the small braid still in her hair. “Jason and Evan too. They may not be here right now, but they send their love. We all do.” I swallow around the lump in my throat. “We all love you, Ariana.”
Moments later, orderlies arrive to move her. We watch as they unlock her bed, disconnect monitors, preparing her for transport. Ariana stirs slightly as they jostle her, making a small sound of distress that causes our scents to flare with concern.
“It’s okay, sweetheart,” Nico mutters, still caressing her face. “We’ll be back soon.”
Letting go of her hand might be the hardest thing I’ve had to do. Reminding myself she needs treatment to recover, I force myself to take a step back and get out of the staff’s way.
We follow them out into the hallway, trailing behind as they wheel her through the halls. In front of a wide pair of doors, Dr. Allen turns back to face us.
“No alphas beyond this point. I’m sorry.”
And then Ariana’s gone.
Nico puts a hand on my shoulder. “She’ll contact us as soon as she’s awake. You know what we have to do until then.”
Still staring at the doors Ariana disappeared behind, I nod. “Go find Jace and Ev. Tell them it’s time to pull all the skeletons out the closet.”
The Hale pack’s going to wish they were never born by the time we’re done with them.