Chapter 6: Sutton

I was tucked up under the covers again when Alpha Lucas came back in. It was the first chance I got to really look at him. I was too disoriented and worried about being trapped with a strange man before. Now, I was able to examine his features. He was tall with broad shoulders and a large build. His sandy brown hair suited his gray eyes and a full beard covered a strong jaw. I wouldn’t be surprised if half of the women in the pack were constantly fawning over him.

He came around the bed and, moving the chair from the table, sat next to me. I still felt awkward as he looked at me, but it didn’t stop my stomach from doing a little flip. He smelled nice. I don’t know why I just realized how nice he smelled. It was… comforting. Even the silence that filled the room felt calming.

Although, that could have been the pain meds the doctor had given me. Because there was no reason I should feel so comfortable sitting in the same room as this formidable and impressive wolf.

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. Alpha Lucas got up and went to answer it. I didn’t see who was on the other side. There was a muffled voice, Alpha Lucas responded, then wheeled in a tray completely filled with an array of food. The moment the aroma hit my nostrils, my stomach was growling. Alpha Lucas glanced at me.

“How is your stomach right now?” he asked. “Any nausea?”

I swallowed and shook my head. It was mostly honest. The truth was, I had gotten used to the nausea a long time ago. A lack of food often caused the state. So, right now, food sounded incredible. But I didn’t want to seem too eager. So I waited for him to give me permission to make a plate.

“Would you prefer to eat at the table?” he asked as he picked up an empty plate from the server. “Or would you rather rest there?”

“Oh… um…”

I was caught off guard by his question. It had been a while since I had been given a choice. I looked toward the door, thinking about how he hadn’t even let them bring in the cart. I didn’t think he would like the suggestion to go downstairs. My eyes drifted to the window. Wishing for some fresh air.

“Sutton,” his deep voice gently regained my attention. “Tell me what you want.”

“I… I’d like to go outside,” I said, trying not to sound as nervous about the request as I was.

“Okay,” he replied plainly. Setting the plate down, he disappeared through the bathroom door. A moment later, he came out with a garment draped over his arm. Coming to my side of the bed, he held up a thick robe. “There’s a table on the balcony. It’s a little chilly to go out in your night clothes. You should put this on.”

The care and consideration in his voice was shocking.  Terrifying almost.

If I had never experienced anything like it before, maybe it wouldn’t have been. But there were times, in the beginning, when Mason would show the same hints of kindness. But it was a game. Just another way to toy with me.

Alpha Lucas held out the robe, looking at me expectantly. I was suddenly finding it hard to breathe. And it wasn’t because of the broken rib. I needed space. I pushed passed him quickly, putting a few feet between us.

“Why are you doing this?” I demanded. “What do you want from me?”

Alpha Lucas sighed, lowering the garment he had been offering. He looked at me with contemplation, but there seemed to be kindness in his eyes.

“Right now, I want to have a meal with you,” he said gently.

“And then?”

“That’s up to you,” he said. “But I think we should talk at some point.”

I chewed the corner of my lip anxiously. What choice did I really have? I didn’t have the strength to fight him off. At least he seemed to be interested in letting me heal. Dr. Callahan was nice enough, but he was still her Alpha. There was only so much she could do on my behalf. Either way, I would need some time to figure out a plan. So, I might as well stay on this man’s good side.

Alpha Lucas raised the robe again tentatively. I reached out and took it from him, throwing it on quickly. A smile played at his lips, but he moved before I saw it turn into anything more. He went back to the food server, which had him passing closely by me. Our shoulders almost grazing, wafting that wonderful smell of his my way again. I breathed it in involuntarily, unable to help the impulse. A fluttering in my stomach erupted unexpectedly and I felt my cheeks flush.

“There are slippers by the bed. I’ll start you with something light,” he started to speak. “You don’t want to put too much or anything too heavy on your stomach yet. I doubt you’d be able to keep it down for a while. Luckily, we have the best cook in the pack here.” He produced a full plate of fruits and steamed vegetables and delicious-looking fish in front of me. “Here. Don’t try to eat it all but eat what you can. I’ll be right out to join you.”

All I could manage was a nod. I felt like someone else was controlling my body as I opened the balcony door and stepped outside. I was immediately greeted by the cool air and sun shining on my face. I couldn’t help but close my eyes and take a moment to revel in it. After a few deep breaths, I looked to find the small metal patio table that was located to the right of the glass doors. I took a seat, setting my plate in front of me and my hands in my lap, waiting for Alpha Lucas to join.

As I looked at the plate, I started to think about what I would do once I got my strength back. It would go a long way if he kept feeding me like this for a little while. I would have to get an idea of what to expect once I was healed.

Alpha Lucas took his seat, taking up a surprising amount of space in the small area. He was larger than I thought. But he managed to make enough space I could avoid touching him.

“Eat, Sutton.”

Taking my fork, I took a bite of fruit. It was fantastic. My hunger took over and I quickly made it through half the plate within a few minutes. It wasn’t until I started to slow that I realized he was still watching me. Swallowing, I took the opportunity to speak.

“You didn’t answer my question before,” I said softly.

He didn’t reply. I looked up to find him staring at me expectantly.

“Why are you doing all of this?”