Chapter 6

“Are you just going to keep staring at me, or are you going to explain why you pressed the button?” Lucian’s voice, low, rough and laced with clear irritation filled the room.

I didn’t blame him, though. Anyone would be cranky if they were yanked out of sleep by a loud, blaring alarm in the dead of night.

He stood in front of me, shirtless, with only a pair of loose pants slung low on his hips. Even in the dim lighting, I could make out the sculpt of his chest and arms and my eyes lingered too long. I swallowed hard and quickly looked away, embarrassed. For a second, I even forgot the reason why I had pressed the emergency button.

Lucian opened his mouth to speak again, but before he could, Kellan burst into the room and rushed to my side, eyes wide with concern as he leaned in, a little too close.

“Are you okay? Did something happen? Do you feel sick?” he asked, scanning me from head to toe, clearly checking for injuries.

“I’m fine,” I mumbled, shaking my head. There was no way I was going to tell them I’d pressed that button just because I wanted to use the bathroom. That was way too embarrassing.

“You sure?” Kellan pressed, his brows drawn together. “Should I call the doctor?”

“That was an emergency button,” Lucian cut in sharply, his tone rising with anger. “Do you think this is a toy? If there’s ever a real emergency, how do you expect us to respond seriously after this stunt? Let this joke not repeat itself and let this better be the last time you cry wolf.” Without waiting for a response, he turned and stormed out of the room.

I stared at the door, heat crawling up my neck. Why so harsh?

Kellan rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “I probably should’ve told you… That button’s only for serious situations.

I let out an annoyed huff. “Why is he always so grumpy? Like seriously, who shoved a stick up his—”

Kellan chuckled softly, cutting me off. “Trust me, if I had a dollar for every time someone asked that…I’d be a billionaire by now.”

“I just needed to use the bathroom real quick… and I needed help. “I tried standing up on my own, but it was too painful. And honestly, I didn’t expect him to be the one to come. I thought maybe the doctor or a nurse would show up. Not either of you. I didn’t mean to be a nuisance.”

“I just need help sitting up. I can figure out the rest once I’m up.”

Kellan nodded and stepped closer, slipping his arm behind me and lifting me gently into a sitting position. A sharp pain shot through me at first, making me wince, but once my feet touched the floor, it eased a little. Thanks to our fast healing, I could already feel myself getting better.

“Are you sure you can stand?” he asked, watching me closely. “You’re still healing, and it might be too much pressure on your body. You could end up hurting yourself more.”

“I’m fine,” I said with a small huff. “Just lend me your arm. I’ll be good.”

I reached out, placing my hand on his arm as I pushed myself up. But the moment I stood, everything hit me at once. Dizziness, nausea, pain. My legs wobbled, and I felt myself losing balance. My vision blurred, and just as I was about to fall, Kellan caught me.

I froze in his arms, breathing heavily. My head rested against his chest as I tried to steady myself. I should’ve let him help me from the start.

He gently moved a strand of hair away from my face and tucked it behind my ear. “Are you okay?” he asked again. “Can I carry you to the bathroom now?”

I nodded slowly, ashamed.

This feeling was new. Kaden had never treated me like this. He never helped me when I was hurt. He would’ve called me weak or useless, maybe even laughed. If he was in a good mood, he’d tell one of the slaves to deal with me. But most times, he acted like I didn’t even exist.

Kellan’s kindness was different and it made my chest feel tight in a weird way.

He adjusted me carefully in his arms, cradling me. His movement was slow, like he was afraid to hurt me more. The pain was still there, but his gentleness made it easier to bear. I bit down on my lip, holding in the discomfort as he carried me across the room.

I wrapped my arms around him for balance and I couldn’t ignore the way his muscles shifted under me as he moved.

“I hope I’m not too heavy,” I whispered, glancing up at him.

He chuckled softly. “You’re not.”

He was wearing a loose shirt, unlike Lucian earlier. And for some reason, a silly part of me wished he wasn’t. I wanted to feel more of him, to lean in and pretend just for a second that I belonged there, safe in his arms.

“Erm… we’re here,” Kellan said, his eyes meeting mine.

I blinked and looked around, realizing we were already at the bathroom door. I’d been so lost in thought that I hadn’t noticed how short the trip was.

I didn’t want to leave his arms.

“I’ll set you down on the toilet seat and wait outside when you’re done, just call me. I’ll come and help you back.”

He gently lowered me onto the toilet seat, making sure I was comfortable before stepping out and closing the door behind him.

As soon as he left, I let out a groan and buried my face in my hands.

“What the hell is wrong with you, Seraya?” I whispered to myself. “Get a grip of yourself!”

I shook my head, annoyed and embarrassed at the same time. You’re a mated wolf and you’re pregnant! I reminded myself harshly. “How can you even think like that about another male? What is wrong with you!?”

“You must be crazy,” I muttered under my breath, shaking my head again.

“Completely insane.”