Rite of Submission - Rite 1

19: Madness

                A strange woman was shining a bright light into my eyes, "I think she is coming too." I tried to sit up but she pressed gently on my shoulder to stop me, "Give yourself a moment, dear," her voice was calm and soothing, "we don't know why you fainted yet." She turned to look at someone behind her, "She still looks awfully pale to me, are you certain she's eating regularly and staying hydrated?"

"I'm not with her every second of everyday, but she eats at the meals I've been present for," there was a weird tone in his voice, as he paced back and forth.

"Of course Alpha," she turned back to me and smiled warmly. "I'd suggest sending down for something just the same, and get some more fluids into her. It could have been as simple as low blood sugar, an electrolyte imbalance or just dehydration." She was packing things into a small medical bag, "we'll know more as soon as the tests come back, and I'll make sure that they are in your hands as soon as I get them." She tucked 3 vials of blood into a pocket on the bag, making me suddenly aware of the cotton ball taped to the inside of my elbow. "Don't let her do anything too taxing," she gave me a knowing wink before walking away, "rest, food and fluids for now."

"Thank you Dr," he escorted her out of the room, leaving me alone.

I was lying on his bed with a velvety soft blanket laid over me and folded down over my waist. I didn't remember coming back up to his rooms, had he carried me? Pushing myself up, I looked around the room. The curtains were drawn shut, and several lamps were on. How long had I been out? Was it night already? Or did they turn on the lamps because the curtains were shut? I flipped the blanket off my legs and gasped at the onslaught of cold air hitting my bare feet. They could have turned the heat on, it was February after all.

Wrapping the blanket around me like a shawl, I climbed off the bed. Swaying as I stood on my feet for a second, until the lightheadedness faded away. A few steps across the room and I could pull the heavy drapes aside and peek out the window. It wasn't quite night yet, the sky looked like it was just starting to change color on the horizon. It had been at least a few hours. It should've been close to lunch when we had concluded our deals, and that reminded me of the kiss. What was that jolt of electricity? Could it have just been static shock?

"Didn't the Dr just tell you to take it easy?" he didn't sound upset, more amused, as he leaned against the door frame, watching me. I just shrugged. "I'm going to have dinner brought up," he paused a moment, "is there anything you'd prefer to have?" I smiled at the way he looked uncomfortable asking for someone else's opinion.

"H-honestly," my voice struggled to come out, like my throat was too dry. "I don't really feel hungry." He frowned. "I am really thirsty though." My mouth felt like I'd been chewing on cotton balls all day.

"I'll have some food sent up anyway, as well as something to drink." He disappeared back through his office for a few minutes. I stayed at the window, watching the people below.

"You look cold," he filled the doorway again.

I nodded, "It is a little bit chilly in here. Don't you ever turn the heat up?"

A worry line creased his forehead as he frowned, "She said your fever had subsided," he waved towards the bed, "maybe you should get back in the bed."

He was being weird, but I was cold and would rather be under the covers. Standing beside the bed I turned to face him, pouting. "Aren't you going to tuck me in?" I teased playfully.

His shoulders tensed, like he was fighting the instinct to do something. Hesitantly, he stepped into the room and made his way beside me to fold the heavy blankets back. Giggling softly, I crawled up into the bed, a light squeak falling from my lips as he playfully swatted me on the ass. Snuggling down against the pillows, he pulled the blankets back over me. "I don't know what she was talking about," he teased, "you look like you have plenty of color to me." My hands flew up to cover my cheeks, making him laugh. A knock in the other room pulled him back out the door.