Chapter 10 - Stephen

I’m not going to lie. I’m kind of freaking out. I was sent here to fight and so far I’ve spent most of my time here in the hospital with Amelia. I’ve been enjoying getting to know Amelia, even if I’m anxious to join my packmates in battle.  

I’ve also been anxious to move forward with the chosen bond so she won’t have these random pains, especially at night. It kills me every time she whimpers in pain, let alone howling. Ignazio needs to die soon.  

So yes, I’m excited about us completing our chosen bond. I mean, what guy isn’t excited about mating? And obviously, I’m attracted to Amelia. So the prospect of marking her and being intimate with her is something I want.   

I just wasn’t expecting her to agree so suddenly after her shower. I think I almost tripped over my feet getting stuff packed up to leave. Amelia snickered as she brushed out her long dirty blonde hair pulling it into a high ponytail while I got everything ready.  

“You find this funny, don’t you?” I cocked my eyebrow, shouldering the tote bag.  

She shrugged, but there was humor in those cognac eyes. She doesn’t have to speak for me to know what she wants to say. And I can’t blame her. I’m sure it’s funny to watch a guy tripping over himself because you said you want to have sex. 

“Glad to provide you with some entertainment. Now let’s try and find our way out of this hospital and back to my room.” I smiled, offering her my hand. She hesitated for a moment but took my hand, lacing her fingers with mine.  

Stepping out of the door, I don’t see anyone guarding the door. That’s strange. Someone has always posted up out here because of who Amelia is. Perhaps they were short of fighters and so had to call them away since Amelia isn’t a threat to the pack. 

That would be good if they don’t see her as a threat. But something doesn’t feel right. “Stay close to me.” I whispered, bringing her tighter to my side. It was subtle, but there was some malice in the air.  

I shouldn’t have followed the smell, but I did. It doesn’t help that I have no idea how to get out of this place anyways. I frowned as we came to a door with a marker that said, ‘Chief Physician, Doctor Silvano Filippi.’ 

Why did the smell of malice, hate, and envy bring me to the door of the hospital’s chief surgeon? I considered knocking, investigating, but Amelia tugged at my arm. 

Turning my head to her, I saw her shaking her head. She’s never told me what her gift is, but she’s newly shifted so hasn’t had much time to explore it. Am I not the only one that senses something?  

I sigh and nod, guiding her away from Doctor Filippi’s office. I won’t make her deal with any uncomfortable situations. I’m still utterly lost navigating these hallways. I kept looking, trying to find a map or anything to say how the hell to get out of here. 

“Tie… please, you need to wake up.” A female voice softly pleaded. I furrowed my brow as Amelia stopped at an open doorway. Turning my head to see why we stopped, I saw a female sitting at the bedside of a male, holding his hands between hers. 

I couldn’t see her face as she was facing away from us, but her voice said it all. She was desperate for this Tie to wake up. The male must be her mate. The poor girl, I wonder what’s wrong with him.  

Amelia’s grip on my hand tightened as she stared intently at the male. I raised an eyebrow, not sure what that was about. I considered getting out the notepad to ask when a cough behind us made us both jump. Turning, I sighed in relief seeing Beta Alexander. 

“What are you two doing here? Where are the guards from her room?” Alexander questioned. I furrowed my brow. It sounds like there should have been someone guarding our room. 

“There wasn’t anyone there. We’ve been trying to find our way out of this maze. Amelia has decided she’s comfortable with moving forward with our bond. I was told when we were ready, we could return to my room at town hall.” I explained. 

“Fuck. There should have been someone. Come on. I’ll bring you to the town hall.” Alexander frowned, shutting the door to the room. “There’s no need to disturb my cousin and her mate.” he stated, shooing us from the door. 

His cousin? Does that mean the female is André’s sister? I shook away any concerns and nodded, following Alexander’s lead. 

If it’s going to get us out of this hospital, I’m all for it. Amelia kept glancing back until we turned the corner and the door to that room was no longer in view. When we get to the room, I’ll have to ask her what that was about. 

“Just make sure you stay in your room unless requested. Ignazio has been attacking in waves, so people constantly come in and out to rest and return to fight. And if you are completing your chosen bond… it might not be long before Ignazio comes out of hiding.” Alexander sighed, getting out of the way as warriors rushed out to join a battle.  

“Not a problem.” I assured with a nod leading Amelia down the hall to my room. I at least remember where my room is. Too bad I forgot who’s room is across the hall. I groaned as I saw Clement leaning in his doorway. 

“Where the hell have you been, Stephen?” If he says one rude thing, I’m knocking him out. “You’ve missed all the action.” Clement scoffed before his eyes landed on Amelia. 

“Oh, you were getting a different kind of action. Didn’t realize you’re a herdsman.” Clement chuckled as his eyes trailed over Amelia. Obviously, she doesn’t know what the term means, but I sure do. 

I dropped the bag I held, landing a solid left hook to his face. “You’re dead. Don’t you ever look at, let alone speak to or about my mate.” I snarled, moving Amelia, so she was behind me. 

“I don’t know what your fucking problem is, but I’m going to prove which is the better wolf.” Clement was growling, holding his jaw as he launched himself at me. Before he could touch me, his body turned to marble, freezing him in place. 

“Well, that’s enough of that.” Zoe sighed, leaning at the wall with a towel around her neck, her hair wet looking like she’d recently showered.  

“Welcome to Incubi town hall, Amelia. Ignore Clement. He’s a piece of trash thankfully doesn’t accurately represent the Bloodmon males.” Zoe smiled, pushing off the wall.  

I could tell Amelia felt uncomfortable with Zoe being here and obviously still confused by what happened with Clement. “I’ll have someone move the asshole back into his room. You two continue with your day.” She smiled, giving a small wave turning, and walking away.  

“Thank you, Miss Zoe.” I bowed my head before leading Amelia into my room. “Come on… this is my room.” I smiled, unlocking the door letting Amelia go in first. 

The room was simply furnished with a full-size bed, nightstand, dresser, and closet. I tossed the bag onto the nightstand, shutting the door with a sigh. 

“I’m really sorry about Clement. He’s… well, an asshole.” I apologized. “I swear our Alpha sent him here hoping he would die.” 

Amelia nodded, digging into the bag finding the notepad. She quickly found a fresh page and wrote something, turning the paper to me. 

“What is a herdsman?” I cringed because I really didn’t want to tell her. But I won’t hide things from her. “It’s not a nice term. It’s basically a rude way of saying I go after chubbier girls, implying that they are easy.” I frowned. 

“That’s not the case. You know that, right? I’ve been candid with you. I haven’t been with anyone. That you are my first and only relationship and all that goes with it.” I quickly assured her, taking both her hands in mine. 

With a sigh, she nodded. At least she knows that I’m not like that. “And to continue being honest with you. Before I met you, Conway and I decided we would start looking for a chosen mate.” I sighed. 

“And when packing to come here….” I winced, going over to my duffle, taking out the box of condoms. It wasn’t some big box. It was the Trojan Nirvana ten pack. But I still saw her eyes widen. 

“Please don’t jump to a conclusion. I brought these because… I wasn’t sure what might happen, and rather that I was prepared. And then I met you and now….” I’m rambling, grasping at straws here.  

Amelia’s face is turning red, and I can’t be sure if it’s embarrassment or rage. Her eyes are darkening in a way I haven’t really seen before. And I don’t know what it means.  

As I opened my mouth to ask and once more plead my case, her eyes took on a silvery tone, and she launched herself at me. Her arms wrapped around my neck, pulling me into a kiss with a growl.  

The hell? ‘It’s Faith! I think her wolf has grown tired of the humming and hawing. She was to be free of Ignazio.’ Conway concluded, stepping closer, eager to see where this goes.  

That makes a lot of sense. I hadn’t seen her eyes change colors before, but now I know Faith has silver eyes. ‘Shut up and kiss her back, dummy.’ Conway huffed, shoving me. ‘Or I take over.’ He threatened. 

Oh hell now. My first time is going to be in the backseat of my mind. If Conway wants to be intimate with Faith, he can wait till they shift. This is Amelia and me right now. Which reminds me. 

I pulled back or as far as I could with her grip on the back of my head. I requested. “Faith… as happy as I am to meet you. Let Amelia come forward. You and Conway will have your time. But tonight is for us.” 

Faith pouted, but I saw her retreat as the silver faded, Amelia’s rich cognac eyes returning. “Welcome back, beautiful.” I smiled, pressing my lips to hers again. 

We’ve kissed quite a lot over the last few days, never too intense. But today, as I sought to deepen the kiss, she didn’t stop me. I was cautious as my tongue ventured past her lips. I rubbed the nub of her tongue, feeling sorrow and rage but not disgust.  

I tried to back her in the direction of the bed, and she tried to move in turn, and we ended up tripping over each other. I laughed a little, moving to prop myself up with one arm to not lay fully on her. But hey, at least we landed on the bed.  

She was laughing softly, too, her hand reaching up to stroke my cheek pulling me closer for another kiss. I have no idea what I’m doing. I just really hope that I don’t disappoint her with my ineptitude.