6. Getting to know you

Gideon

I listen as the doctor goes over all of her injuries and thank goddess, she isn’t that bad off. But hearing even the faintest of injury has my Lycan ready to tear him apart. Goddess, if we had been a few minutes later, then she may also have had been so much. I want to be here for her but my Lycan is pushing forward to make us go visit that asshole in the cells.

    Suddenly I hear what sounds like a whimper and it breaks my heart. My eyes find hers as she tries to hold back tears. The doctor continues with her assessment.

    “Do you have a mate? If so, that will help you to heal faster,” Doctor Eva tells her. I watch her eyes drop to her hands, and I am already speaking.

    “She is my mate doctor. We just met.” Doctor Eva looks at me with widened eyes.

    “Oh goddess, congratulations! I am so very happy you have found each other.”

    “Thank you, if you could. Keep this information under wraps for now. I don’t want any problems for Colette as she recovers. I want to move her to my wing of the castle as soon as possible.”

    “What? You want me to stay?” Colette blurts out. I give her an incredulous look.

    “Where else would I have you? You are my mate, Colette. I may not be big on emotions, so I am told, but this is my happy face.” I tell her without a smile. Yes, my face looks the same as happy, sad or in between. Colette quickly covers her mouth and for the first time I see her giggle. I never knew such a thing could bring me such joy but it has.

    “Well, I will let you two have some time together. I will make sure you have a place to rest as well. We will check back later tonight. Maybe we can get her out of here in a day or so. Just need those ribs to heal.”

    “Thank you doctor.” Colette tells her as she smooths out the blanket across her. I give her a nod as the doctor leaves the room.

    “Mind if I sit down,” I ask. Colette nods, watching me as I take the seat next to her. “How are you feeling? If you need more pain meds, I can call them back.”

    “I am feeling okay right now.”

    “Are you hungry?” Just at that moment I heard her stomach growl. She gives me a sheepish grin.

    “I could eat.”

    “Good, the staff will bring in some food you can eat right now,” I told her as I began mind-linking the staff after I heard her growl. I sit my large frame in the seat and even with it being plus size, I still feel like I’m sitting in a child’s chair.

    Suddenly, I get a mind-link. ‘Son, I will bring the food in.’ My mother tells me as she cuts the connection before I can tell her otherwise. The door quickly swings open and in comes my mother. I can see how excited she is. She has been waiting since I was born to find my mate. Her cream and white robe flows to the floor. Her long braid wraps around the front of her head. Then it continues hallway down her back in a light brown color. Her eyes are gray like my own. The smile on her face is so beautiful that you would swear she is happier than I am to have found her. I chuckle on the inside, but of course the same expression is on my face.

    “Hello! I had to come in here and help bring the food. I am your future mother-in-law. Queen Matilda. It is so nice to meet you, Colette. I have been waiting for you for years.”

    “Mom, please give her some time to answer one question at a time.” I give her a genuine smile. My mom waves her hand and me as she pushes the cart closer. I got up to help her with the tray, moving the tray table closer to Colette.

    “Oh please, she seems like she can handle anything I throw at her. She is a strong woman.” My mother places the covered food tray and removes the lid. “We have chicken noodle soup, some bread rolls, A grilled chicken salad, ginger ale and water.

    “Thank you.” She looks at me with a questioning look.

    “I just want to let you know that I have all the royal protocols in place for the moment that you two are ready to take over.” Mom continues.

    “Mom,” I tell her as I feel her concern. ‘Not too much at once. I don’t want to scare her off.’ My mom pauses and gives me a nod.

    “Well, that is all due in time. I just want you to know I look forward to showing you around here. Learning all about you and your family. Are they close by?”

    “No, we are not close.” She looks down at her hands. The room goes silent.

    “Oh, no worries, Colette, we will be the family you need.” My mother touches her foot as Colette smiles.

    “Well, I will let you get some rest and food for you. My mate the King will be excited to meet you then. We look forward to your full recovery!” Mom says as Colette smiles. My mother exits and then smiles at me.

    “Gideon, you are the next in line for the entire werewolf and Lycan kingdom?” Colette asks me with trepidation.

    “Yes, I am next in line. But we don’t have to think that far ahead right now. Right now, you eat some food in you. Then we can talk and get to know each other.” I don’t want to scare her off, but there is no way that I can let her get away. I will give her all the time she needs, but no matter what, she will be my mate.