Alpha Alden ✔️

Chapter Twenty Eight

Word Count: 1598

~Kezziah

I should have known.

I've always known Avia has had contacts in convenient places. Little did I know it would be a nurse right in the middle of Alden's operation. Ever since Avia came across me after everything went down with Time, she has been so equipped with all the appropriate knowledge to get me through.

And now, from afar, she is still ensuring I'm okay. It fills my chest with a comfortable warmth. Someone cares for me when I doubted there was anyone left.

"You need to tell her I'm okay," I tell her urgently. "That I have to work with Alden to fix this before I can get out, but I'll be okay. She doesn't need to worry about it. She just needs to keep herself safe before Time comes for her."

The last thing I want is for something to happen to Avia.

Emily nods, and just before she was about to say something, when another nurse bustles in. Knowing no word of this can be spoken in front of anyone else, Emily casts me one last look before she walks out the door. Hopefully she will get that information to Avia so she can ensure she finds the best way to hide from Time.

The nurse moves into a stall, so I brush my hair back with my fingers then wash my hands before leaving, not wanting it to seem like a patient is conversing with a nurse.

Once I was back in my room, it didn't take long for Sermon to come.

She decided there was no way my next administration of drugs could be done in this room, so she sent me back to the one I came from for the meantime. Something tells me she did it out of spite, rather than out of necessity. At her heels, were a few nurses, but Emily wasn't one of them.

Much to my dismay, the walked in with a tray. On it, a long needle. My entire body repulses at the sight of it.

Oh no.

Noticing my expression, pure, sick amusement spread across her face. Perhaps a moment of sweet revenge for her. It's clear how much she despises me for having any kind of contact with Alden. I'm curious to know what has gone on between them to warrant that.

"This one is especially for you, my dear," Sermon says, as I reluctantly sit back on the chair. "A special medicine for your very special case."

"Special?" I question.

Already, I know what this means. This exact medicine has been curated for me especially, and the mate bond Time has forced upon me. They were quick to create it. I just hope I don't have to use one of Cian's blue pills to save myself. The fact that it's a needle scares me even more.

A nurse pulls up my sleeve, wiping the spot she plans to stick the needle with an antiseptic wipe. I watch her every move nervously. This is the last thing I want.

"It will only sting a little," the nurse says, plucking the syringe off the tray. I can't tell if she is mocking me, or is she is genuinely reassuring me. Either way, I glance away and squeeze my eyes shut while she administers the drug.

And it more than stings.

I don't react, not wanting to give Sermon the satisfaction of watching me in pain. Once the drug was completely within me, they set a plaster over it and the nurses left. Sermon lingers a moment longer, the piece of paper with all the information on what exactly is streaming through my veins held tauntingly between her fingertips.

"How was your vacation with Alden?" she asks. It takes all my effort not to narrow my eyes at her.

"I wouldn't call it a vacation."