An ominous phrase to use. “What’s that supposed to mean? Is there something wrong?”
“Maybe. We’ll know more after we run some tests.”
“Who’s this we? I haven’t agreed to anything, nor am I sure I want you as my physician.” The bedside manner of this lady really lacked.
“I’m afraid you don’t have much of a choice.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Honey pushed herself into a proper seated position and swung her legs over the edge of the bed.
“Ask Ulric,” the doctor said just as he entered, the edges of his hair and face damp, his eyes wide.
“You’re awake!” He sounded relieved.
“Kind of wishing I wasn’t given what I woke to.” She couldn’t help her sour tone. It matched her throbbing head and mouth.
“Are you okay?” he hastened to ask.
“Not really. This woman thinks she can just declare herself my doctor. I’ve got news for you. No.” Honey glared.
“Then I’d suggest getting an abortion sooner rather than later.”
The bluntness of the woman shocked. “Excuse me? I don’t think so. Did you put her up to this?” she accused Ulric.
Before he could reply, Dr. Silver snorted. “The only thing this idiot did was trust a vasectomy and try to keep you alive by giving you good advice. Which you’ve repeatedly rejected. But here’s the thing. Without me as your doctor, you will die, along with that baby. So do as you want. Be stubborn or accept the help I’m offering. Up to you.” Dr. Silver shrugged.
“I’m going to stick to a doctor I trust,” Honey huffed. She went to hop off the bed, and Ulric was there to catch her. Good thing since she stumbled. She ended up against him. “Can you take me home?”
“Your home has been compromised.” Dr. Silver would not shut up.
Honey whirling and snarled, “I wasn’t talking to you.” Then more softly, “Please, Ulric, I just want my bed.”
The torn expression on his face pitted her stomach.
“I’m sorry, Honeybee, I really am. But we have to do as Dr. Silver says.”
She pushed away from him. “No, I don’t.”
“You have to understand. I’m doing this to help you and our baby.”
“Since when is it our baby?”
“If you’re going to insist on keeping it, then I’m going to do everything I can to ensure you’re safe. And that means you need to listen to Dr. Silver. She truly is the only person who can help.”
Honey shook her head. “I don’t understand. This isn’t how healthcare works. I’m the patient. I get to choose who is in charge of my care, not you, and most certainly not her.” Another glare wasted on Dr. Silver, who appeared to be packing a medical bag.
The doctor addressed her next statement to Ulric. “Better talk fast. We leave soon. Oh, and don’t even think of running with her. I can only do so much to protect you.” With that, Dr. Silver left, and Honey unloaded.
“What’s she talking about? Why this interest in my pregnancy? Is this some kind of black-market stuff involving the sale of babies?” Blame the accusation on a rabbit hole she’d followed one night after an episode about it on some crime show.
“No. We would never. I would never…”
“Then what is this about? Because I’m really fucking confused.” She used a vulgar word that matched her mood.
“It’s complicated.”
“Then explain.”
“You won’t believe me.”
“Try.” Because at this point any kind of explanation would be welcome.
“I’m not like other men.”
“Obviously. You’re like inches above the average.”
“It goes further than that. I’m, uh…” He hesitated before saying, “special.”
“Given the number of stupid things you’ve said, not surprised.”
“Not that kind of special. I’m a Lycan.”
She stared at him.
He shifted uncomfortably. “Aren’t you going to say something?”
“No, because I’m waiting for the truth.”
“I told you, I’m a Lycan. You know, a werewolf.”
“I heard you the first time and am not amused.”
“This isn’t a joke. It’s the whole reason why I got the vasectomy. Werewolves can’t have babies. Something about the change makes pregnancy fatal to the mother and child.”
She eyed his serious mien before blurting out, “Oh my god, you actually believe that.”
“Because it’s true. I am a werewolf.”
Laughter bubbled out of her. “That is the most inane thing I’ve ever heard.”
“How is it inane? I know you saw that guy turn into a wolf just last night.”
She waved a hand. “A hallucination brought on by my head injury.” Never mind the fact he shouldn’t have known what she’d seen.
“It wasn’t a dream or some dazed vision. That guy who attacked you was a Lycan. The thing I don’t know is why he went after you. Is it because we’re mates, because you’re pregnant, or was it just random?”
“You’re crazy,” she murmured. How had she not seen it? It explained so much, like his infatuation with her.
Ulric huffed and eyed the ceiling. “No, I’m not.”
“If you’re a werewolf, then prove it.” She crossed her arms and waited.
“I can’t.”
“Because werewolves aren’t real.”
“Because I need a full moon.”
“When’s the next one?”
“In three days. Are you hungry?” He tried to change the subject.
“Starved. But I have waffles in the freezer at home. You’re not invited.” So much for making up. She couldn’t date a crazy man.
“You can’t go home. It might not be safe.”
“Excuse me, but where else should I go? Your place, I assume?”
“Nope. Not safe either, which is why we’re going to a safe house.”
“No I’m not.”
“Yeah you are.”
“I’d like to see you try.” Her gaze narrowed on him.
He flinched. “I’ll be right back.”
He left, but she was on his heels and emerged to see Dr. Silver speaking to a woman with dark hair bound in a bun, wearing a white coat.
Despite a lack of shoes, Honey went marching for the door. Ulric caught her around the waist, and she snapped.
“Let me go!”
“I can’t, Bee. I’m sorry. This really is for your own good.” He apologized even as she wriggled and kicked. It made no difference. He held her while Dr. Silver poked her with a needle.
When she woke, it was to find herself a prisoner.
15
A shit situation got worse. Not only did Honey not believe him when he tried to tell her the truth, he’d had to manhandle her while Dr. Silver put her to sleep.
As he held a limp Honey in his arms, his heart broke. How could he mend this with his mate? It seemed like fate conspired against him.
Dr. Silver didn’t suffer the same angst, although Maeve did chew her lower lip. “Maybe I should have talked to her. It must have been a lot to take in.”