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The look Adam gave me was soft, almost wistful, and it made my heart skip another beat.

Adam cleared his throat. “Enough about them. How are you feeling?”

I sagged back against the pillows and swallowed around the dryness in my throat. “Everything hurts and I’m tired,” I admitted.

He offered a smile. “It’ll take awhile for your body to heal, but don’t worry. I’ll take care of you. You’ll be right as rain in no time.”

I met his gaze to see truth shining clear as day, and my chest tightened. “You look just as tired as I feel,” I told him.

He blinked, as if that hadn’t occurred to him. Then he let out a low chuckle. “Yeah. I’m wiped out. Seeing you like that…” He shook his head. “But you’re okay. You’re safe. That’s all that matters.”

Standing from his chair with a soft groan, he stretched his back. I heard a softpop. “Ow. Damn, I’m stiff. If you’re alright, I’m going to go home. Grab a shower and some food and take a nap, but I’ll be back. Get some rest.”

Then he did something that completely surprised me—he leaned over and kissed me on the forehead.

I sat there in shock, watching as he left the room.

After the door swung shut behind him, I brought my wrist to my nose and breathed in Adam’s scent once more.

My stomach flipped.

I laid back in the bed and tried to remember details of the attack, but all I could get were glimpses; the pain, the feeling offangs ripping through my flesh, and Adam’s voice: “Hold on. I’m so sorry.”

Tears welled up in my eyes.

Adam had saved me. Adam hadmarkedme. He cared.

Suddenly, the hot-and-cold behavior made sense. The Alpha was at war with himself, with his feelings, because he had a duty to uphold, and I had waltzed in and complicated things.

Maybe Ishouldhave left, but I didn’t want to. I had grown so fond of Adam. Of his home-cooked meals, his kindness, his gentle eyes, our movie nights and…

I began to cry.

And that’s how the nurse found me, weeping into my hands.

“Are you in pain, honey?” she asked, her tone concerned.

I sniffled. “No. I mean… Yes? I don’t know. My heart hurts.” I placed a hand over my breastbone and clutched at my chest, as if that might somehow ease the otherworldly ache.

She seemed concerned, looking me over, and I realized how that might sound. I shook my head. “Well, emotionally. Sorry.”

She squeezed my shoulder with a knowing smile. “Ah, I get it. Young love is hard, but I’ll tell you something, kiddo—that Alpha was worried sick about you. He didn’t leave your bedside once. He’s a real one. Whatever’s going on up in your head, don’t doubt that man’s feelings, alright?”

I sniffled and nodded.

“I can usually tell when someone’s found their mate. Call it a sixth sense. And he seems pretty damn invested to me.” She chortled.

I frowned, feeling my chest tighten.Mate? Me?

I couldn’t be Adam’s mate.

The nurse just patted my knee and moved toward the door. “I’ll bring you some ice chips,” she said.

I leaned back in bed, suddenly heavy and aching all over again.

But what if…

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