Page 53 of Her Cruel Alpha

“Katie,” I started to sit up, unsure of where she was or what had happened. But I knew I needed to see her. I needed to make sure that she was okay.

“Henrik, what are you doing!” Katie’s voice filled the room, and I saw her standing in the doorway. She had a mug in her hands, and she hurried into the room, setting the mug down. “Lay back down. You can’t be moving like this.”

I reached out, taking her hand, feeling my entire body shaking. The pain that I felt was something I never wanted to feel again, but if I hadn’t jumped, I don’t think Katie would be with us right now.

“Are you...” I suddenly felt my lungs ache for more air.

“Shh..” She reached out, placing a hand on my chest. “Lay back down. You have three broken ribs from the hit you just took. You’re going to heal up, but the doctor said it’s going to take a while. So, don’t sit up. I’m sure it hurts.”

I placed my hand over her and allowed her warmth to seep in. Katie was okay. She was alive. The darkness didn’t touch her.

“You promise you’re okay? You’re not just saying that because I’m the one laying in the hospital bed?”

She pulled the chair up and took a seat. She shook her head. “I’m fine. It left after you took that hit for me. You saved my life. I don’t think I would have even…” She didn’t finish the sentence, but we both knew what she was saying.

“How long have I been here?”

“A couple of hours.” She reached for her mug and took a sip of it. “The doctor said you’re going to heal slower thanyou expect. You should be up and walking by now, but he said you’re not healing quickly enough. I’m guessing it’s because of the magic.”

I pulled at my sheets and yanked my shirt up. My entire chest was black and blue. My eyes widened in shock as I stared at it. She reached a hand over mine. “But you are healing. That’s what matters.”

I didn’t like this. It was one thing to hit me, but entirely another to slow my healing ability. Just who was this person, and what was this blackness fully capable of? It hit me so hard that it knocked me out. I couldn’t imagine what else it could do. I didn’t want to imagine it.

“He said he wanted to watch you for another hour or so, and then we could go home, but you have to remain off your feet for a few days, maybe a week, depending on how you’re feeling.”

I shook my head. “I can’t do that. My job requires me to be up and about, Katie.”

“You don’t have a choice,” she said quickly, leaning back in her chair. “I’m a doctor and I know what can happen if you don’t. So I already told the guys you wouldn’t be working and they would have to handle everything.”

“Katie..”

“You are going to rest,” she said softer. “I’m going to make sure of it.”

She pulled the sheets back and gave me a soft smile. “Why don’t you rest for a few more hours before we get home. They were working on getting you discharged.”

“I’m sorry,” I said softly. “I don’t want to fight.”

Katie gave me a soft smile. “I know. Just rest up.”

We were in the hospital for a few more hours before I was able to go home. Everything still hurt, and my lungs burned every time I sat up. I could see the hurt look in Katie’s eyes when we left and the entire drive home. She drove slowly and every time we hit a bump, she apologized.

Once home, she helped me up to bed. It was a sweet relief when I finally sank into my sheets. I hated the idea of being glued here, but the ride home was enough to tell me that I needed the rest. The blackness had clearly done its damage.

“Here,” Katie handed me a glass of water. “Take this medication and get some sleep. I’ll check on you in a few hours.”

I took the glass and patted the spot next to me. “I have space. Why don’t you join me?”

She shook her head. “I have to call your sister and let the lab know I won't be in today. So, take your meds and get some sleep. I’ll be back in a little while to check on you.”

Before I could even argue with her, she turned and slipped out of my room. I sighed, taking the medication she gave me with a few gulps of water. I adjusted my pillow and sighed, staring at the ceiling. I didn’t want to sleep. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little scared. I didn’t want to feel that pain again, feel that anger in such a raw form.

I don’t know when I dozed off, but I had. I woke up to Katie checking my temperature. I opened my eyes to her, placing her hand on my forehead. Her eyes went to mine, and she gave me a nervous smile. “I don’t mean to wake you. I was just checking your temperature and your bruises.”

“It’s fine,” I said, reaching for her hand. But her hand was quicker, and she pulled it away. “You seem to be doing okay. I should let you keep resting.”

“I’m rested, Katie.” I groaned as I tried to sit up. “Will you sit with me?”

“Are you hungry?” she asked, taking a step away from me. “I made some chicken pasta. Let me grab you some.”

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