Page 54 of Alpha Bond

“Oh, my God.” The words come out hoarsely.

“Who did this to you, Sierra?” She strokes her palm over my forehead, smoothing my hair away from my face.

“I- I don’t want to talk about it,” I whisper.

“Does Jagger know?”

“Yes… No… Not about this.” I raise a hand, gesturing to my neck.

“It’s why you’ve been covering it?”

I nod.

“Oh, honey…” She lets out a sigh. “I wish you’d trusted us enough to let us help you.”

“I’m doing that now,” I bite out the words. Her sweet sympathy is bringing me dangerously close to tears, and I’ve already cried enough today. “Just… Just take it out.”

Doctor Bea straightens her shoulders. “I’ll do what I can.”

I close my eyes as I lie back and wait for her to get started. I don’t want to see what she’s doing.

It feels like she digs around forever before she stops and exhales, “What the fuck?”

I open my eyes. She’s gripping a small cylinder between her bloody, gloved fingers.

“Do you have any idea what this is?” she asks.

“No. But…” I grit my teeth. “I think it’s been making me act funny,” I blurt. I can’t stand not having answers to this.

“Funny how?” She’s rolling the small object between her fingers, her mouth set grimly.

“Like… Like I couldn’t control myself.” I clear my throat. “Around males.”

“Around males?” Her brows pull together. “In what way?”

“I wanted them. Even when it didn’t feel right.” The words are out, and I can’t take them back.

“Dear God.” Anger colors her face. “They did this to you back where you were kept prisoner?”

“Yes.”

“Motherfucking animals!” She spits the words out, then pulls in a breath as if composing herself. “You’re going to be better now, okay? I can’t see anything else in the wound. I’m going to flush it out to be certain we get the last traces of silver. There may still be some in your system, but I’ll give you something to strengthen you so you can fight it.” Metal clinks as she drops the object in the tray when she turns away. I strain to see what it is but can’t fathom it.

This was what made me feel the way I did?

I think of the hot flood of lust I’ve experienced every time I’ve been around Jagger. That’s going to be gone now. I should feel relieved.

I don’t.

I grit my teeth and try to push myself up yet again, but the doctor stops me short. “Rest up a bit. I want to dress that. And then I’m going to tell Jagger to keep you in bed until that thing closes up. It won’t take long now since your healing abilities are going to return. I’m guessing you haven’t been able to let your wolf loose?”

I shake my head.

“That will change now.” She smiles, and I’m flooded with warmth.

I’m going to get my wolf back!

But I’m not going to want Jagger.

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