She studied me for a moment, perhaps wondering if I was in some kind of trouble, but nodded, “Patient confidentiality is absolute, Ms. Brown. I’ll note your request.”
As they prepared a room for me, Iy back on <b>the </b>examination table, staring at the ceiling. Somewhere in this sterile building, a new life was fighting to hold on inside me–Dominic’s child. Our child. And he had no idea.
By the time I was settled in a private room with an IV in my arm, exhaustion had overtaken me. The pain had subsided somewhat, thanks to the fluids and whatever medication they had added. I closed my eyes, not intending to sleep, just to rest for a moment..
I must have dozed off <b>because </b>I woke to the sound of urgent footsteps in the hallway<b>. </b>My eyes fluttered open just as the door burst open.
Dominic stood in the doorway, his powerful <b>frame </b>filling the space. His face was a mask of barely contained fury and concern, his blue eyes intense as they locked onto mine<b>. </b>A muscle worked in his jaw. He wore the same suit he had on earlier, but it was rumpled now, his tie loosened as if he’d been pulling at it.
“Why didn’t you call me?” he demanded, striding into the room. His voice was tight, strained. I could hear the effort it took for him to keep it controlled. “Do you have <b>any </b>idea how worried I’ve been?”
I struggled to sit up. My heart raced at the sight of him. “How did you know I was here<b>?</b><b>” </b>
“Emily told me.” He came to <b>stand </b>beside the bed, his gaze sweeping over the IV, the monitors, my pale face. His nostrils red slightly, <b>as </b>if he were taking in my scent. “What happened? What’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing serious, I lied, avoiding his <b>eyes</b>. 1 focused on smoothing the nket over my legs. “Just exhaustion and emotional stress. With everything that’s happened–losing Jason–it was too much.”
His jaw clenched, <b>and </b>I could see him fighting for control. The vein in his temple pulsed visibly. “You should have called me immediately.”
“You have enough to deal with,” I said softly. I risked a nce up
Something in his expression shifted then, the anger giving way to something raw and vulnerable. His eyes softened<b>, </b>the hard line of his mouth rxed. He sat on the edge of the bed, taking my hand in his. His touch <b>was </b>warm, gentle despite the strength I knew those hands possessed.
low and intense. His eyes never left mine. “I should have been with you
You are never a burden,” he said, his voice low through all of this.”
I looked at him then–really looked at him. Behind the powerful exterior, I saw the weariness in his eyes, the slight dishevelment of his usually perfect appearance. His shoulders sagged almost imperceptibly. He had been worried
9:12 Fri, Sep 26 B …
about <b>me</b>. Truly worried.
And in <b>that </b>moment, something shifted Inside me. This man–this powerful Alpha werewolf whomanded respect and fear–was here, showing vulnerability because of me. Despite his obligations to his pack, hispany, his world, he had dropped everything to be at my side,
“You <b>are </b>always so <b>kind</b>, Dominic Sterling,” I said, the wordsing from somewhere deep inside me. My voice was steady despite the pounding of my heart. “That’s why I love you,”
His eyes widened, genuine shock registering on liis <b>face</b>. His lips parted slightly, but no words came out. For a moment, he seemed speechless, those intense blue eyes searching mine as if looking for any sign of insincerity.
“Even though you try to hide it behind that cold exterior,” I continued, feeling suddenly self–conscious in the silence. I tucked <b>a </b>strand of hair behind my ear nervously. “Your actions show the truth.”
When he still didn’t respond, I felt heat rising to my cheeks. I looked down at our joined hands. “It’s fine if you don’t feel the same <b>way</b>. Maybe it’s just the medication making me emotional-
“I <b>love </b>you too, Reba Brown.”
His words stopped me mid–sentence. Now it was my turn to be shocked. I looked up quickly, searching his face.
“You do?” My voice was barely audible.
A rare smile softened his features, transforming his face. The corners of his eyes crinkled, making him look younger, less burdened. “Yes. I have for some time now.”
Chapter Comments
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Visitor
9 hours ago
I’m so over all the secrets! Has she not learned anything yet? Why would you keep this from him!!!!
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