Chapter Six: An Unexpected Proposition

The world outside seemed to blur as I walked aimlessly, the cold evening air nipping at my skin. The events at the hospital played over and over in my mind like a broken record. I kept thinking about Nicholas — the betrayal he felt, the rage in his eyes, and how he had dissolved their bond in front of us all. It was too much, too overwhelming. I found myself longing for solace in my small apartment, away from the chaos that had unfolded.

As I entered my building, the familiar ding of the elevator seemed to invite a heavy sense of relief. Finally, the walls of my sanctuary surrounded me. I dropped my keys on the small table in the foyer and made a beeline to the lounge. I slid onto the couch and grabbed a half-eaten tub of vanilla ice cream from the freezer. Comfort food had always been my solace. Digging an oversized spoon into the tub, I let the cold sweetness melt across my tongue, hoping it would cool the turmoil inside me.

A knock on the door interrupted the rhythmic sound of my spoon scraping the ice cream carton. My heart skipped a beat. Who could it be at this hour? I placed the ice cream down and walked to the door, my breath hitching slightly. Hesitating for a moment, I finally opened it, my eyes widening in surprise.

"Beta James?" The words escaped my lips before I could even process my shock.

"Emma," he said, his tone neutral but his eyes scanning my face with a scrutiny that made me feel exposed. "May I come in?"

I stepped aside, letting him in. He walked in with an aura of authority, his presence filling the room. With Nicholas out of commission, James had taken over the pack’s responsibilities just until Nicholas was better. He exhaled deeply before turning to face me.

"Is everything okay with Nicholas?" I asked, my voice tinged with worry.

"Nicholas is fine," he replied, his voice steady. "He has requested to see you first thing tomorrow morning."

That stopped me in my tracks. "Me? Why?" I asked, confused and slightly apprehensive.

"Be there at 8 am, Emma," James said firmly, ignoring my question. Without another word, he turned and walked out, leaving me in a vortex of confusion.

I closed the door, leaning against it for support. The ice cream on the lounge no longer held any appeal. What could Nicholas possibly want from me? Did he have more accusations or grievances to air? My mind raced with numerous scenarios, each more unsettling than the last. Sleep felt impossible as I spent the entire night tossing and turning, trying to make sense of Nicholas’s request.

Morning arrived far too quickly. The first light of dawn seeped through my thin curtains, casting an eerie glow on the room. Exhaustion weighed down my body, but I knew I had to face whatever Nicholas had in store. I showered, got dressed, and tried to make myself look more composed than I felt. Pulling on my scrubs, I made my way to the hospital, each step burdened with anxiety.

Standing outside Nicholas's room, I hesitated. I whispered to myself, "Pull it together, Emma," hoping it would give me the strength I needed. Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door and stepped inside.

Nicholas was sitting up in bed, staring out the window. He turned to look at me, and for a fleeting moment, something flashed through his eyes — an emotion I couldn’t quite place. But then, his usual cold expression returned.

"I'm so sorry, Nicholas. I had no idea," I began, my words stumbling over each other. "I mean, I found out right before—"

He held up a hand, cutting me off mid-sentence. "I want you to be my nurse when I return home."

I stood there, stunned. "What?"

"You heard me," Nicholas said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I will pay you double what you get now and support your father's company."

Part of me wanted to laugh. The offer was absurd. But the sincerity in his eyes made my protest die in my throat. "Why me?" I asked, still reeling from the shock.

He reached over to the side table and picked up two envelopes. "One is for you, a contract for the job. The other, I would appreciate it if you delivered this to your sister. I want your answer as soon as possible."

Nicholas handed me the envelopes and without another word, he turned to the television, effectively dismissing me. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as I stood there, holding the envelopes tightly, watching the man who had once been an indomitable Alpha, now reduced to making desperate bargains.

I turned, leaving the room after an awkward pause. My steps echoed down the hospital hallway as I left, my thoughts spinning. The envelope in my hand felt like a heavy anchor, tying me to a fate I wasn’t sure I wanted.