Destiny or Coincidence (AlanxJeff) VI

Unraveling Truths

Alan

"How is it possible that I, being an alpha, am the one who got sick?" I wondered, increasingly embarrassed as I looked at Jeff. He was by my side, seemingly unfazed, his presence radiating a calm that contrasted sharply with the storm brewing inside me.

"You have a fever—38.5," Jeff said, his eyes lighting up with a blend of concern and tenderness as he examined the thermometer he had just placed under my tongue. His furrowed brow and the slight tremor in his hands revealed his unease. "I'll grab some emergency medicine from my room," he added before heading out, his strides purposeful yet filled with palpable worry.

I let out a frustrated sigh. We were supposed to be starting our honeymoon phase after clearing up so many things between us, and here I was, curled up in bed, feeling like a shadow of my former self. The fever made me feel vulnerable in front of him, and I couldn't help but wonder how I could take care of him if I was so easily brought down by illness.

My phone vibrated, breaking the silence of the room. It was Way. He must be worried after I hung up on him yesterday.

"Hey, Way," I answered, my voice hoarse, trying to sound stronger than I felt.

"Why does your voice sound like that?" he asked, concern dripping from his tone. "You must have gotten soaked waiting for him yesterday, right? Are you at home? I'll come take care of you. Have you eaten yet?"

Just then, Jeff re-entered with a bottle of medication and a glass of water. I propped myself up a little in bed, wanting to show him that I could handle this.

"I'll be fine; Jeff is with me, and he brought me medicine," I replied, trying to suppress a smile as I looked at Jeff. He smiled back, a sparkle in his eyes that made my heart race.

"Jeff... haven't you cleared things up with him yet? Especially after what happened yesterday. He's not trustworthy," Way snapped, his sharp tone knotting my stomach.

Jeff frowned, his face tightening as he considered what he'd just heard. My heart raced, knowing my phone had a loudspeaker, almost as if it were on speaker mode.

"Jeff, no..." I tried to explain, but he diverted his gaze, lips pressed together in annoyance.

"Alan, you're talking to me!" Way retorted from the other end.

"Give me the phone," Jeff said, his serious tone causing my heart to momentarily stop. Without thinking, I handed it to him.

"Alan is staying home because he's sick. I'll take care of him because I'm responsible for what happened yesterday and because it's my duty as his husband," Jeff asserted with a conviction that filled me with an indescribable warmth. He looked so sexy being so determined, defending our space, igniting a fire of desire in my chest.

"He's sick because of you!" Way exclaimed on the other end. "Why did you leave him waiting in the rain while you were with someone else?"

Jeff looked even more confused. He stared at me, probably wondering how Way knew. I hadn't told him anything about the photo.

"That's between Alan and me, and I've explained everything to him," Jeff replied firmly. "I know you care about Alan, but this is between us. I'd appreciate it if you didn't interfere. I'll take care of him."

The tension in the line was palpable. I could feel a cold sweat trickling down my back as Way responded.

"The truth is, Alan doesn't care about you. How can I trust you? Did you even know that I had a date with the group Beyond today, and that he'll miss it because of you?" Way insisted, and I realized I had completely forgotten about that commitment.