Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Sophia

I sat on the edge of the hospital bed waiting for discharge papers. Every ache in my leg and ribs hurt but I was glad to finally get out of there. Mia poked her head in looking rushed as usual. “Sophia I am so sorry but my shift is slammed with that big intake. I cannot drive you home like I promised. Are you okay calling a ride?”

Before I could even answer Kellan stepped up from where he had been waiting nearby. “I got her. My arm check is done and I am heading out anyway.” He said it casually but his eyes stayed on me like he was not taking no for an answer.

I blinked at him still surprised he stuck around this long. “You sure? You have been around a lot today Kellan. Like more than just helping with the wreck.”

He shrugged and grabbed my bag before I could reach for it. “I am free. I got training later but nothing pressing right now. Let me help.”

His tone left no room for arguing and I was too tired and sore to fight it anyway. We headed out with him walking close enough that his arm brushed mine every few steps. I kept glancing at him wondering what his deal was but the words stayed stuck for the moment.

The drive to my city apartment was quiet at first. I shifted in the seat trying not to wince too loud. Kellan kept one hand on the wheel and the other tapping lightly like he had energy to burn. “You need anything before we get there? Pain meds or food or whatever.”

“Nah I am good for now,” I said rambling a bit because the silence felt heavy. “Just weird going from patient to this. Colleagues seeing me like that after the ceremony gossip. Solia probably heard everything by now and is loving it.”

He nodded quickly and cut in. “Forget her. Ryder too.” When we pulled up at my building he parked and came around to my side fast. He helped me out with a hand under my elbow. Inside the lobby he carried my bag like it weighed nothing and guided me up the stairs careful with my bad leg. “Lean on me if it hurts.”

I laughed a little. “Bossy much? But yeah thanks. This leg is not cooperating.”

At my door he took the keys from my shaky hand and let us in like he belonged there already acting all boyfriend-like. Not in a weird way but it felt really nice. No man ever, had done this for me before, even my own dad thought I was strong and huge enough to get things handled by myself, unlike the softer siblings I had.

He set my bag down and helped me to the couch easing me onto it with strong hands on my waist. His touch stayed warm and solid and I felt that pull again mixed with confusion.

Once I was settled he sat across from me and leaned forward. “Okay so I have been thinking Sophia. Now that you are out we need to formalize this. As we agreed, you assist with my recovery. PT sessions when my arm needs work. Pack events when they call us back. I publicly claim you as mine. We make Ryder and Solia jealous enough to regret hurting us and even break up. And we get our revenge. As simple as that.”

I stared at him with a stern intensity because this was nothing to joke about and I wasn’t even in the mood for jokes.

“Wait when did we agree to all that? I was loopy on meds in the hospital and you throw this at me now? Personal assistant fake dating the whole thing? What do you even think this is? Some rom com?”

He grinned with the corner of his mouth and for a split second his eyes softened. “There it is. You have a pretty stern gaze.” His gaze dropped lower to my chest for a second where my shirt shifted from all the movement. I noticed right away and heat rushed to my face. He did not look away fast.

He let me see the heat in his eyes before he met my gaze again and this time his face was back to the stronger more commanding like look. “This benefits both of us and I don’t see what else you don’t understand. Or do you not want to be seen with me Sophia?.”

I sighed leaning back into the couch still surprised “No no of course that is not it. It is just so sudden. This is crazy. I am the chubby half-human reject and you are the hockey alpha stepson. Why would this even work?”

Kellan stood up and stepped closer. “Doubting me?” Before I could protest he bent down effortlessly and scooped me up right off the couch.

He did it with no strain at all. His arms were solid under my thighs and back. My soft belly pressed against him and my curves settled full against his chest but he held me like I weighed nothing. “See?”

I yelped surprised grabbing his shoulders. “Kellan put me down! My leg…” But I was laughing again breathy and messy because it felt good being held like that safe and wanted. “Okay okay you proved it. Now down before I freak out.”

He lowered me back slowly. His hands slid protective over my waist and lingered on my hips. “I am strong enough to take care of you, carry you and parade you where ever. I have that power Sophia . ” His voice dropped lower with clear heat in it. “Your curves fit perfectly anyway. Soft and real. Nothing to change in them.” His fingers brushed my side again warm like he meant every word.

My heart raced messy. Safe with him felt nice after every guy had rejected me before. Ryder was built bigger and I had hoped he would like someone as big as me but I was still scared too. Because this was supposed to be fake and yet his touches and compliments hit deep.

“You keep saying that but I do not know. Part of me wants to believe it after the rejection but what if real feelings mess up the revenge plan?” I rambled overlapping his next words. “I am conflicted okay. Safe here with you helping but terrified this turns into more and I get hurt worse.”

He sat next to me on the couch close enough our knees touched. “I get it. My outsider pack stuff makes me careful too. But this is the only way, say yes.”

“But tomorrow your event,” I said when he mentioned pack events.

“Come watch it,” he cut in quickly. “Sit in the stands. I will feel better knowing you are there. Say yes.” I did not even know what to say.

Just then my wolf stirred inside me stronger than it had since the ceremony. Warm and curious and pulling toward him. It can not be possible right? Was the Moon Goddess toying with me? Did she give me two mates?