Chapter 13 I Really Hate Secrets
I Really Hate Secrets
JESSICA
Present Day
Adark tingling heat brushes over my temple and descends straight into my heart. When I open my eyes, dark blue eyes like the midnight sky survey mine. Shadow’s warm breath brushes against my skin. His arms wrap around me and pull me in closer. My eyes flutter closed at his touch.
A deep-seated fear returns to the surface. His words echo in my mind: The next time you see me, run, because I will kill you, Princess. Shivers run through me. I would like nothing more than to run. I begin to squirm in his arms.
“Don’t,” he whispers in my ear. Is this a threat? Don’t what? Don’t run? Don’t scream? I don’t have the energy to think about the hidden meaning behind that word.
I open my eyes and look around. Troubled faces surround me. Why is he holding me? “Let me down,” I croak.
Shadow doesn’t move. “She needs to see a doctor,” he says to Anders, who stares at us with an indiscernible look in his eyes.
Anders nods. “Follow me.”
Shadow effortlessly maneuvers me through the crowd of onlookers.
“I set up a medical room,” Anders informs them, calling over his shoulder.
“A medical room?” I parrot in disbelief.
“Did you think I wouldn’t have a medical room with a bunch of Alpha pricks running around?”
A deep chuckle rumbles from Shadow's chest. “I’m one of those pricks.”
“Exactly.” Anders motions for Shadow to enter a room. This medical room is more like a suite, complete with an X-ray room, lab room, and physician’s office. Shadow places me on the exam table.
He raises a hand, and I wince. But the strike that I anticipated doesn’t come.
Instead, he gently brushes back a loose tendril of hair from my face.
Dark blue eyes roam over my face and linger on my lips.
Without a word, he leans forward and seals his lips over mine in a soft kiss.
I stare at him, both weary and in shock.
Is this his plan? Is this how he will kill me—woo me first so I let my guard down?
“You’re cheating,” I scoff.
He offers me a crooked smile. “Sorry. I missed you. I can tell you’re not sleeping again. Have the nightmares returned?” he asks, his low voice laced with concern. His query tugs at my heart.
Refusing to answer him, though, I turn to ask Anders a question when the room spins. Grabbing onto Shadow’s jacket, a sharp jab radiates down my wrist. I hiss in pain.
“What the hell happened to your hand?” Shadow’s tone quickly shifts from concerned potential suitor to a deep-growled threat.
When the room rights itself, I pull my hand back. He grabs my wrist, studying the black-and-blue bruise. Yanking my arm from his grasp, I cradle the back of my hand in my other palm. “Nothing. I accidentally hit it on something.”
Heels click into the room, interrupting Shadow from spouting any additional questions.
“Alpha Larson, you need to leave,” Carmen instructs, hands on hips and a no-nonsense look on her face.
“I’m not leaving until I know the Alpha Princess is fine.”
She points at the door. “Out or I will remove you from the show.” Shadow doesn’t move. She crosses her arms in a challenging stance.
Still unsure what to make of Shadow’s presence, I need him to leave. “I’ll be fine. I haven’t been sleeping, and I’m starving,” I explain softly, my head hanging, avoiding eye contact.
“And your hand?” he asks.
“Just go, please.”
He cuffs his arms and clenches his jaw. His stare burns into me.
He immediately gives orders, “You need to review the footage. I have a hunch that someone from my limo intentionally hurt the Alpha Princess.” Carmen opens her mouth to protest, but Shadow cuts her off.
“Find Owen Kaminari. He witnessed the entire interaction. I didn’t have a direct view. ”
“Why didn’t you say anything at the time?” Carmen asks, her attention focused on me.
“I was about to ask you for a break, but I thought I could make it through one more contestant.”
“And your hand?” Anders asks.
I sigh. “Nothing is wrong with my hand. I must have hit it on something.” I release an exasperated breath, irritated that I have to repeat myself.
“If it’s alright with all of you, I would like to examine my patient?” A familiar voice registers behind me.
I pivot, careful not move to my head. “Well, look at you, Doctor Sodie Fields.”
He puffs his chest out just a little, and a huge smile enhances his handsome face. “It’s been a while since I saw you last. I thought you would stay out of trouble,” he playfully chastises me.
I wrinkle my nose. “Never,” I reply with a smirk.
Suddenly, Sodie lifts his chin slightly. His posture stiffens, and his smile fades into a menacing glare.
Is he looking at Shadow that way?
“You can leave, or maybe you should stay so that you’re no longer in the contest.” Sodie’s chest sticks out a little more.
What’s happening right now?
Shadow assesses Sodie but doesn’t say a word. He simply inclines his head and leaves.
“I will let you know where I stand once I finish my examination. However, I think some rest and perhaps some food will work wonders,” Sodie claims, addressing Carmen.
She nods. “Let me see what I can do.”
Satisfied that I am under his care, Anders and Joe also leave. Sodie closes the door to the medical suite behind everyone and faces me.
“What was all that posturing about?” I ask.
He chuckles. “What posturing?”
“Between you and Shadow.”
“I don’t trust him,” he states plainly.
I frown. “He’s your commanding officer. There has to be some level of trust—”
“He was my commanding officer. He’s no longer part of the guard.”
“Is this because of me? Because of what happened?”
He shakes his head. “No. It’s between him and me.”
I sigh. “What the hell happened between you two? I really hate secrets.”
“You don’t know? I’m surprised Emily didn’t tell you. I’m sure she knew the whole story since they were…” Sodie pauses, choking on his words.
“Since they were what? Why are you being weird?”
He emits a long breath. “Since they were close, before she passed.”
“Well, she didn’t. So, just tell me what has your panties all up in a twist,” I jest.
Meeting my direct gaze for a moment, he grabs a rolling stool in the corner of the room and squats on it slowly.
“I’ll make you a deal. I tell you why I have a problem with Shadow if you tell me why you’re really doing all of this.
” He waves both arms in the air, encompassing the room, the building, the show.
I offer my uninjured hand to Sodie. “Deal.”