I entered the 42nd floor again, most of the rooms had already been released, leaving only those 3 occupied. I entered Andreas' room first and saw him already sitting on the bed, with his wife by his side and the woman who was previously in Perseus' room, was now there too.
“Good afternoon Mr Andreas Lykaios, I see you are feeling very well.” I said smiling slightly, I approached, grabbed the glove on the side table and started checking the information and the bandages.
“Yes, I am, this hospital really lives up to the awards it has won.”
I looked first at what was in the center of his chest, seeing that there was no more blood and it also looked well healed.
“We are the number one hospital in the country, it is obvious that our staff would be one of the best equipped.”
I answered calmly, finished the checks.
"Hahahaha, well I was told you were very serious."
I smirked, a little ironically.
“Only with those who deserve it and make remarks as if he were a god in person.” I answered and walked away, writing everything down in the system, took off my gloves and threw them in the toxic waste over there.
“Er, sorry. I didn't mean to sound that way."
I heard his voice and turned to face the direction.
“Normally, people like you don't want to sound arrogant, but you're so used to it that you don't notice.”
I put the tablet down and headed towards the exit.
"You also talk like you're superior, but you're just any human."
It was the first time I had heard that voice, so I knew it was coming from the woman who had been in Perseus' room and I don't know exactly why that irritated me so much.
“Shut up, Daphne! If you continue with this attitude, you will end up being expelled!”
Andreas's voice was strong and determined, it had a certain power to it, it was smaller and different from what Hyperion exuded.
“I like being a mere human.” I spoke low, those people really thought they were better than others. I left the room before I could say anything else and I heard the muffled voices inside, an argument had started.
I entered the second room and looked at Achilles, he was also sitting and for the first time I smelled oak moss, mixed with orange blossom and sandalwood in the background.
"I don't think Mr. Achilles is in such good shape as to wear perfume." I commented and smiled in the corner, approaching the bed and the side table, putting on the pair of gloves, starting to write down the data from the monitors and then I felt a small shock in my arm.
“Hey!” I looked at him, startling a little, I hated it when that happened, and gave a low chuckle. I noticed that his gaze had widened. "Static electricity, relax, it won't hurt you."
I noticed that several bandages had already been removed and the ones that were left were very dry.
“Are you Sophia Turner?”
His voice was low and husky, I felt a chill run down my spine. It was a voice that made me think of climbing into his lap and kissing him like there was no tomorrow. He definitely reminded me of a radio announcer.
“Yep.” I answered a single word, because I'm not sure I could control my voice enough not to let on how I was feeling. At least I had control of my body not to let myself get turned on.
“How is Perseus?”
There was an undertone of confusion in the question.
"I cannot release information about other patients."
I responded professionally, making sure to keep my contact with his body as professional as possible, but I'd better leave the room soon.
"I understand."
I felt like he was going to grab me again, but I quickly pulled away. Best to avoid any other contact, I don't trust myself if I feel his touch on my skin.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."
I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding.
"Hope to see you soon."
I should say something, but there's no way I can do that without giving away what I was thinking and I leave the room, I wanted to lean against the wall and have some time to compose myself, but I needed to finish the round.
“Sophia! Calm! You haven't eaten anything and you've already come straight to work.”
I turned my face and saw Alexander arrive with a small package of cookies and a juice.
“Here, better sit down for a while, you are a little pale.”
I started to walk towards him, but I'm sure when I walked away from the door I heard a grunt.
“Thanks, Alex.”
I thanked him and smiled, ignoring what I'd just heard, I walked over to one of the chairs closest to reception. I took the little package and opened it, I took a sip of the guava juice, as soon as I did that I felt better, with more energy.
“Um… I definitely needed this.” I closed my eyes and ate another cookie.
"Hehehe. I bet you do that a lot, forgetting to eat while you're working.”
I looked at Alexander who was leaning against the wall, arms crossed looking at me in amusement.
“Well, not really.” I took a chocolate-flavored cereal bar out of my lab coat. "I can't go too long without eating, I think I ended up forgetting because I was tired."
“If you could stop working, would you do it?”
I cocked my head in the corner, trying to read what was implied in that question.
"Why?" I asked
"Nothing, it's just that I can't imagine you doing anything else."
“Hum… I like being a nurse, but I do intend to retire, buy a house by the beach and just enjoy the day at sea and drink lots of coconut water.”
I smiled in the corner imagining what it would be like, if at some point my problems were resolved, that could happen, but it certainly wouldn't be so soon and much less so simply.
“I thought you wanted something more complex, this seems pretty simple.”
“Well, what might be simple for some is very complicated for others.”
I finished eating and closed my eyes for a few moments, composing my thoughts, returning to the present, I opened my eyes taking a deep breath, took my cell phone and looked at the notifications and the time.
“Hum…” I twisted my mouth, doing an extra shift caught me off guard, at 10 pm I had an appointment, I sent a message to the group.
[Hey guys, looks like I'm going to take an extra turn, I don't know if I'll be able to play with you.] I
[Serious???? Today is the end of the campaign!!!] Angel
[Yeah, I know, but I have to take care of the hemodialysis machine.] I
[Poh, check with Mi, since it's about 5 am for the whole process, can't you play while you keep an eye on it?] Vic
[Well, I can ask, but it's for the Heroux family, I don't know…] I
[All playboy… They have a bizarre hierarchy… I heard about Alphas, Betas, Gammas, those things…] Claire
[Hahahahah! Hey, Heroux=Wolf Army, so taking the description of the family name literally.] Me
[LOL, it makes sense! Phew, even more relieved.] Claire
[But that they are scary, they are…] Claire
[Normal, they just think they're better than others.] I
[Yeah, I heard there was a fight between you two… Is it true that you asked the head of the family to get down on his knees?] Vic
[It's not a lie.] I
[Man, I wish I had 10% of your trust.] Claire
[Well, 10 years of therapy helps!!! And about 4 more medicines there.] I
[Hahahahaha!] Vic
[KKKKKK]Claire
[I'll check with the head of the family if you can play while you keep an eye on the patient.] Mi [But I can't guarantee anything.]
[EEEEEE!! You know I love you right?] I [Now I'm going back to work, I love you all]
I turned off the cell phone screen and got up, stretching and cracking my neck joints and doing a brief stretch, when I finished I jumped about three times.
“Okay, now I'm awake. hahah”
I said laughing quietly, I took the tablet and checked the notifications of the other patients as I walked towards Perseus' room, I opened the door and again the woody smell, like pine, apple tree, pines, mixed with something that resembled aged leather, only this time a little stronger and this time he was alone. Was it coming from the body of Perseus?
I wrote down the information shown on the monitors and looked at the bandages, nothing had changed, at least he hadn't gotten worse, there was nothing else I could do there, but that smell was intoxicating, that I couldn't deny. Obviously a man like that would also have a unique scent that was like perfume. I let out a low chuckle and leave the room, if I didn't know myself better I'd say I'm interested.
"Then?"
I heard Alexander's question and just smirked.
“I cannot release patient information.”
I didn't mind that they knew from other sources, but I kept my professional, family-only medical information policy.
“That's the fourth time, I think, I've heard you say that. Is there no way to get information out of you?”
I couldn't help but chuckle.
“No, if they say in the medical record that I can disclose information to people other than the family, then that's fine. Other than that, no, no, no way.”
I ran my fingers along my mouth and twisted the end, like it was a zipper and I smirked listening to Alexander chuckle. Really for a big, muscular guy, he was cool.
“So where are we going?”
“I have patients on the 25th, 15th floors, and I also need to look at the emergency personnel.”
As I walked past the other guards, I got the impression that they were jealous of the way Alexander and I were treating each other. Strange, isn't it? We stopped in front of the elevator and it didn't take long for him to arrive.“Um… Sorry to intrude, but you and Joshua?”
“We have been together for 4 months.” It was the only thing I could answer, I don't know anymore if I'm going to have something more with him, or if I'm even going to continue with him.
"Got it, he seems like a nice guy."
I looked at Alex and smirked.
"Why? Are you already wanting to ask me out?”
I saw him turn red and embarrassed, looking away from me.
“No… No… I’m just curious!” His voice was a little thinner than usual. “I wouldn't dare, definitely not.” The last sentence said in a more solemn tone, making me wonder why that sentence.
“Um… I see.” The elevator door opened and I started walking towards the first patient on the 25th floor. “But if you asked me out, I would definitely think about it. You don't seem like the others you work for.”
I heard him choking and looked back to see him take several steps back and then I threw my head back and laughed out loud, drawing the attention of a few people in the hall.
“Relax, I told you I was just going to think about it.” I commented at the end, walked again and stopped in front of the first room.
After that joke I noticed that Alexander became more serious and started to respond in monosyllables until I finally stopped trying to talk to him. If he couldn't stand a prank without pretense, then whatever. Or maybe it was his job, not being able to get involved, but either way, I didn't force the conversation anymore.
Floor 15 and the emergency floor passed without incident and without conversations with my new bodyguard. I looked at the notification of Perseus' situation and realized that they had already collected and separated the blood to start the hemodialysis.
Sophia POVI entered the room and saw that the machinery for the procedure was already there, as well as Miriam and Claire, I went to help them and it didn't take long until everything was ready to start the process."Couldn't make the request, didn't see Lord Hyperion today." Miriam communicated to me.“Well, I’ll be here anyway.” I went to the seat next to me. “If you could ask someone to bring my note, I would appreciate it.”"Clear. If you see him, you can ask permission yourself. I am going home."“Thanks, Mi, good sleep.”“Hey, Soph… Take care, okay?”"All good."I found that end of the conversation strange, as I saw the two leave the room. I took my phone and started looking at the videos on TikTok, it didn't take 10 minutes and I could feel Hiperion's presence at the door, don't ask me how I know, I just know that I know.“Good evening, Miss Sophia.”I looked up at the man, head of the family."Goodnight. It should take around 5 hours to complete this procedure.”“I just ran i
Sophia POVThe hours went by very quickly, between one play and another I looked at Perseus' information and wrote it down next to the tablet and also held myself back from screaming. There were many critics, both positive and negative and the crowd had fun, but as I expected, the crowd betrayed me and my character ended up dead. Hiperion asked me some questions about the rules and the history of the characters, but nothing that interfered with the game.It was interesting to see a man like that interested in something like that, but well, let's face it, there are many wealthy and powerful people who gamble, actors and actresses in Hollywood.“You do know that the next campaign is mine and that it will be Cthulhu!” Warned.“Er… I think we have to go to sleep. Goodbye!" vicEveryone else nodded and then got off the call, I rolled my eyes and let out a low chuckle.“Actually, this is really fun. You guys really get into the characters.”“Well, that is the intention.” I put the laptop on
Sophia POVI woke up feeling my body throbbing a little, an uncomfortable pain, but not unbearable. I looked around seeing that I was in one of the break rooms, the light was off, but I could still see something by the light coming through the window curtain and the light under the door.My purse was there on the side, on top of the bedside table, I opened it and took my cell phone. It was already 5 pm, I had slept for 14 hours, almost a record, but adding the tiredness of the shifts and everything that had happened, maybe I had little sleep. I saw Mirian's notification asking me to go see her when she woke up. I got up and stretched, grabbed my purse, went to the bathroom, washed my face and brushed my teeth, combed my hair, and finally saw my face as I am, tidy and rested. Smile in the corner."Everything will be fine…"I told myself, I took my medicine and deodorant and finally left the room. I know I need to take a shower, but that was enough for now until I got home. I greeted pe
Sophia POVI was one of the last to get on the helicopter, my mood right now is not one of the best, but that didn't mean I would be rude and I greeted everyone briefly with a nod and then I took the tablet to do the last checks.Basically the Houroux family had brought in their own doctor to supervise the transport and also check all the information.Too much ego fighting for my taste, the doctors at the hospital thinking it was absurd to be supervised by an outsider, while the family doctor started pointing out mistakes that weren't mistakes at all, as he seemed to have information about the physical condition that we didn't. we had access.To avoid a confrontation I just went to my house, packed a small suitcase, when I got back the chaos was almost over as it was time to leave. My date with Joshua wasn't the best thing about my day either and in the end we ended up wrapping up something that hadn't even started to get serious.When Dr. John Ioannidis started to say something about
Sophia POVAlexander spoke and started walking toward a corridor that was on the right side, I followed him unhurriedly, with my hands in my pockets. We stopped in front of room 803, he took a card from his pocket, opened the door and handed me the card.I went into my room, it was quite large, almost the size of my living room, the whole room was decorated in glass and black wood supports, while the floor had a light gray marble and under the king size bed there was a rug in darker grey. With minimalist and modern touches, were the other rooms the same? Because it looked like that place had been decorated for me, the colors were what I liked the most and I didn't like anything fancy. To say that I liked my room was an understatement, I was loving it. On the left side there were two doors, probably one for the closet and one for the bathroom.“Thank you, you are excused.”I told him and turned to watch him leave."Sophia... It's not that I..." I noticed that Alexander was watching me
Sophia POVWhen I finished I went to my suitcase, grabbed the towel, wiped my face, took a sip of water and stretched, cracking some bones, to finish relaxing my muscles. Now all she needed was a good shower and she would be ready for the next step. I took out my cell phone and started looking at group messages.When I started to answer one of them I felt a gaze directed at me and the characteristic smell of Achilles permeate the room, I know I got tense... I closed my eyes, shuddering, I don't know why, but I want to turn around and just throw myself in his arms of that man.“Heavens! I need to get laid!”I thought and shook my head, I had no problem screwing guys I just met, but that same feeling I have that I need Achilles is what's going to keep me away from him. I don't know what would happen to me if I let those instincts take over. But… My body doesn't want to do what my mind does, because I turned and looked into that man's eyes and it was like everything else lost color and t
Sophia POVI woke up feeling my body sore, my muscles had probably tensed while I was passed out. My mouth is dry and my head is pounding. It's like a hangover, only much worse. I hated it when that happened and it had been so many years since I'd had a seizure.It seems that meeting the Houroux had brought a lot to light and attacks that I haven't had for years would now occur frequently, panic, fear, anxiety… I don't want this for myself, I need to go back. Coming here was a bad idea.“I want to leave…” I said, my voice hoarse and dry, but I know he heard me.I open my eyes and blink a few times getting used to the white light of the hospital room.“Miss Turner… I'm sorry… It's my fault.” Hyperion's voice is filled with guilt."I just... I want to leave, as soon as possible." I spoke again and sat up and saw Hyperion handing me a glass of water. He looks much older now, there are black circles under his eye.“How long was I unconscious?” I asked and finally realized I'm wearing the
Sophia POVI took a deep breath, twisting my mouth, and then handed him the handle of my suitcase. Do I really want to talk to Perseus and Hyperion? I honestly don't know... I hadn't said yes or no...Thinking about leaving... Going back to my friends, to my life... I can feel a metallic taste in my mouth. This is very strange, I'm having a physical reaction to a thought that could benefit me. My unconscious wants to stay here? Why?Alex grabbed the handle of his suitcase and started walking. I followed a little behind him. Trying to come up with explanations for my reactions. It was a complicated spiral. How long have I been displaying negative actions? I can't answer that precisely... I need a session with my psychiatrist.Soon we were in the car heading towards the building I was staying in, I took out my cell phone and texted the psychiatrist asking for an urgent session, she accepted, and now I just needed to get to the room to make the call to her. Meanwhile, I could feel my anx
Sophia POVNina turned with the same grace that always surrounded her, her movements smooth like a silent dance. Her eyes landed on Alexandre, and to his surprise, her expression remained serene, unaltered, as if the words he had just spoken were no more than part of a trivial conversation.Alex was not prepared for such tranquility. The lack of reaction completely disarmed him, and I could see insecurity take over his features. Even his wolf, which had been animated and even aggressive, retreated inside him, as if shrinking before Nina's calm. All the aggressiveness that had emanated from him dissolved into the air."Interesting." Khalid said with a low laugh.Nina looked at him, and for a brief moment, I saw a subtle smile on her lips, but then she turned back to Alexandre again."My name is Alexandre." Alex introduced himself, almost stammering."I remember your presence in our laboratory." Nina replied, her voice maintaining a neutral tone.Alex nodded, not daring to speak. Nina's
Sophia POVKhalid nodded at my response. There was no questioning, no questions, and certainly no doubts, only understanding and acceptance. And that brought me a peace I didn't know I needed.This had always been my bond with Khalid, long before he became my mate… The vampire understood me on a different level from Achilles and Perseus, but that didn't mean something would happen between us.I had never thought of betraying my mates, I had never thought of Khalid as anything more than a good friend, only now, feeling the attraction of the bond, I started to feel this way, never before."When do you want this change?" Khalid asked me, his voice now carrying a more sensual tone, something I hadn't noticed before."As soon as possible!" I replied without needing to think much about it.I felt Achilles's body tense up, and I turned my head to look at him."You just woke up…" Achilles explained. "I don't want to put you in another coma… Your body is under a lot of stress."I sighed and he
Sophia POVI feel a shiver run down my spine with that phrase, something I didn't know was possible, because there's a different tone, it's not like Khalid telling me I'm an object, it was different…It was acceptance, certainty, as if, by calling me that, he was recognizing something beyond the physical, beyond desire, beyond the blood that pulses in our veins.He didn't see me as a possession, but as part of something ancient, sacred.My Shi. A phrase that meant our souls were connected…Maybe that's how I should have felt from the beginning with Achilles and Perseus, but I was different back then, I didn't know about this world and had to learn about everything…It's not that the connection between me and Khalid is stronger, but it's different… And this difference is glaring… Because Achilles and Perseus had to fight from the start to win me over…They were the ones who taught me about the Bond, the Balance, and what it means to be a mate, and in this difference, there's an added w
Sophia POVWaking up should be easy, but honestly? In my current state, it's not. My whole body aches, as if needles are penetrating my muscles, and I let out a groan of pain. But that only worsens the situation, as my head starts spinning, even with my eyes closed.I took deep breaths several times to try and make the sensation go away, until I felt my hands being held. The touch is gentle and loving, and I can feel the sparks of destiny taking effect, spreading through my wrists and up my arms, easing my pain.After a few seconds, I managed to blink a few times before focusing my gaze. I know I should pay attention to Achilles and Perseus, but what catches my attention is a completely different smell.It's a strange mixture, dark yet warm at the same time… It's like black amber, with myrrh, mixed with the dry heat of the desert at sunset, where the sand still holds the warmth of the sun, but the air begins to cool. There's a subtle scent of dried earth after rain, rare and sacred, m
Achilles POV"Shut up!" I yelled at the illusion, my voice reverberating through the space like a furious thunderclap.I turned abruptly to Perseus, my breathing heavy, and without hesitation, I raised my hand, slapping him across the face. The sharp crack of the impact echoed through the place, my Alpha widened his eyes, surprised not only by the blow but by the intensity of my gaze that openly challenged him."I know you better than anyone, Perseus, and I know you're not like this! You're not a monster!" I exclaimed."This is the second time I've put her in a hospital!" Perseus shouted, his voice filled with anger and despair.He pushed me hard, but my feet remained firm on the ground. His strength could have knocked me down, but I wouldn't back down."Next time she might not survive!" I said with determination. "And will you allow there to be a third time?"My voice came out cold as ice, sharp as a blade. I watched the red mark of my fingers begin to form on his face, standing out
Aquiles POVThere is a lot of information, but it all makes sense… Although I don't like the idea of Khalid being a permanent part of our lives. I would have liked a moment just for me and Perseus with Sophia, something we've been seeking since the first moment we saw her, and now we have to accept that this moment may never exist.I closed my eyes for a few seconds and sighed. My body and my wolf are tired; after all, we've been drained intensely and constantly, and I feel my body losing strength and my legs giving in under the weight of exhaustion. Before I could react, I felt a pair of firm hands holding me, preventing my fall.“Aquiles!” Hélios shouted while hugging me around the waist.Hélios's scent became stronger, always with a woody touch and a hint of aged leather. That same scent calms me and gives me a bit more strength.“Hélios…” I whispered his name and rested my head on his shoulder. “I'm tired… My energy is drained.”“I know, my love.” Hélios said and led me to the bed
Khalid POVWe opened the door and saw Alex there, he had already tidied up the room, and then Hélios gently placed Sophia on the bed, as if she were the most precious and fragile thing in the world. My heart tightened seeing her so vulnerable. Despite everything we've been through, I still don't know if this will last, if this connection will remain intact when the storm passes.‘What will Sophia think when she wakes up?’ I thought to myself, feeling the weight of that doubt in my chest.I sighed, automatically adjusting my suit, just to keep my hands busy. My eyes turned to Hélios, who now observed Sophia with a serene expression, something rare to see in him. I was still impressed at how someone so explosive and unpredictable could seem so calm at that moment.“No, I didn't know… At least not with 100% certainty, but I already suspected that something like this could happen.” Hélios finally turned to me, after adjusting Sophia better on the sheets. “What woke me up was feeling the b
Khalid POV“You are dismissed… For now.” Azrik spoke after a few seconds, his voice carrying undeniable authority.His expression was one of suspicion, a glimpse of doubt that he couldn't openly express, as, at that moment, he had no concrete proof to support it. Nevertheless, his sharp eyes analyzed every detail, every remnant of truth hidden in the gestures of those present.“Soon, I will contact you regarding the punishment for Alpha Ivar Volkheim and his pack.” Azrik turned to Ivar, his gaze assessing and relentless.“Will she be okay?” Ivar asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.“Yes, she just needs to rest.” It was Aquiles who answered, with the usual calmness that characterized him.“I will analyze the information I obtained from the ritual and about the possible spells Gáta may have cast on Ivar and his pack.” Shangō declared, his tone firm, walking towards Ivar, who bowed in respect to the magnitude of his power.“We will wait.” Hélios replied, making an educated bow,
Khalid POVBefore I could get an answer, a sharp, piercing pain shot through my chest, as if an invisible blade was tearing me apart from the inside. My gaze shot to Sophia. She was kneeling inside the circle, her eyes wide, her body trembling in involuntary spasms. A trickle of blood ran from her mouth, followed by an intense flow from her eyes, nose, and chest. The metallic smell spread through the air, permeating every corner of the hall.I stood up immediately, my instincts screaming in alarm. I placed myself between Aquiles and Hélios, a firm barrier preventing any rash advance."No!" My voice came out firm, unquestionable, filled with determination.At the same time, Ivar stood up and took a determined step towards Sophia. But something was different about him. His gaze, once filled with arrogance and superiority, now showed genuine concern. His aura was no longer as oppressive, and his stance seemed to differ from the ruthless man he had become over the years."Naomi!" He calle