For those in need

Chapter 13 - Surprising offer (N)

"The doctor said you might be in a hospital for a few days, my finals are getting close and I got a call I have to fly to Michigan for my case..."
Cathy was babbling on the phone.

"I didn't know where they were taking you, I was really freaking out! Michael crawled his way to the door. I had to bellyflop to reach him and at that moment I saw his business card under the hallway cabinet.
Now I see I could call Martin or maybe Greg but at that moment it was the only thing that I felt was right. I'm so sorry Nina."

I could feel the remorse in her voice and I don't blame her. It was a lot to take in for her. Thinking about it over and over this was really the best option. Alastair obviously has money so even if he'd be busy businessman he could afford to pay for a good babysitting. Martin has school and Greg - not even Chase would let him take care of our baby boy.

Another thing is if Alastair would wanted us killed we'd be dead already, if he'd want to hurt me he would hurt Michael so I can see it but what if... uggh, I don't want to think about it... honestly I think Cathy senses that feeling of safety he's spreading around too and that's the main reason she called him. As I said, I don't blame her.

"Nina...? Are you there?" I heard her heavy breathing on the phone.
"Uhm.. yes Cathy I am. And there's no need to apologize I understand. It's all good. Focus on your case I know you're going to be excellent! I'm here waiting for you, I'm proud of you and everything you've achieved so far. We love you Cathy."
I heard her breathing slowly calming down. She's panicking more often these days because of the overload of work she has.
"Okay... I'm gonna go then. I'm sorry I'm gonna miss the festival though..."
"Don't worry, some cotton candy will wait for you when you get back home." I laughed at her silliness. She loves cotton candy from one stand in a festival - no other. She's always excited about this festival to come just for this cotton candy.

"Bye Nina. And hugs and kisses to Michael."
"Bye dearie."
I hang up and put the phone on nightstand next to the hospital bed and stretch my right arm to reach Michael in Garret's hands.

I had cannula in my left so I had to be careful. It's been three days but Michael changed so much! I don't know how it's possible. I'll have to go for his 8th monthly checkup soon. My baby boy snuggled to me a bit and then started to crawl around my bed and towards the right side. I looked up from Michael to meet the eyes of two men standing there by my bed.

I still can't believe how this happened. A guy that tried to kidnap me because his boss told him to is something like my little son's babysitter and friend - Michael is so comfortable in his arms I'm almost jealous. And the guy who ordered my abduction and who I threatened to injure if I see him again is paying my medical bills.

*knock knock*
The nurse and the doctor came in.
"So, miss Alvarez. Your brother can take you home today." The doctor said and looked at Garret.
"Looks like your nephew really misses you." The nurse said when Michael almost didn't let her touch me to take away my cannula.

I just gave her a slight smile and didn't protest. This charade is ridiculous but I guess they have a reason to do that. I will not go against it now because that's how my bills get covered but I'll question that later.
When nurse and doctor left I started the process of packing my stuff from the table to a bag guys brought from my house.
"Wait for me outside." I told them.
"No! What if you fall? You are still not recovered and I..."
"I need to change!" I stopped Alastair's complains and pointed at my hospital gown.

"Oh... then...Call when you're done. Don't lift anything heavy." He said a bit nervously and walked away. Michael protested when Garret turned towards the door.
"I'll make it quick my love I promise." I winked at Michael peeking over Garret's shoulder.
"Ok" Alastair said and closed the door. That guy is just unbelievable!

....

As we walked inside I lovingly look around. I missed it. I wonder who cleaned here because it looks like there's no messy baby living here - toys away, no food on the floor, no sticky hands on cupboard doors.
"Wow, you kept the house tidy." I said as I sat on the sofa.
"We weren't here." Garret replied and put Michale in his bed. He instantly started playing with toys as if he never saw them before - taking every single one in his tiny hands and studying that.

"What? Then where were you? How did you take care of Michael then?" I asked and settled more comfortable on a coach. There was some slight infection in my wound and stitches are kinda uncomfortable so it hurts when I sit in the wrong position.
"We've asked a professional to equip the room in our pack floor." Garret plainly answered and went to the car to get some stuff.

I looked at Alastair and raised my eyebrows.
"Where's Pack Floor?"
Alastair fidgeted a bit and answered.
"Me and my friends slash colleagues have a whole floor in an apartment building in the center. We call ourselves "pack"... you know..." He gave me nervous smile and went to sit next to me.
"Nina... I want you to..."
*crash*
Garret accidentally tipped over a glass vase in the hall.
"Oops. I'll clean it." I said and I wanted to get up but hissed a bit because of pain.
"I'll do it, you stay put." Garret flatly told me and went to get the broom.

Suddenly Garret stopped and dazed out.
"Alpha! Our level is burning!" He said with the slightest hint of surprise and disbelief in his voice.
"What?! That's impossible! Who was at the patrol?" Alastair jumped up from the sofa.
"Andy, and..."
"I don't care! What about the archive?"
Now Alastair dazed out.

Looks like he and Garret had some conversation going on in their heads.
"Whaaaauuu"
Michael broke the silence. I tried to stand up but I felt my stitches moving and pain sat me back on the couch with light moan.
Alastair shook his head at me and went to get Michael from his crib.

"Get hotel rooms." He strictly commanded Garret.
"Everything is full because of that festival."
"Well, pay double... something must be vacant..."
"If you need a place to stay you can stay here." I don't even know how that came out of my mouth.
Both of the men looked at me in surprise.

"Well, it's for other 46 people Nina..." Garret said.
"It might be crowded a bit but the festival is just two nights and then something will be free." I answered.
Well, 46 plus these two, me and Michael... Cathy will not be back till Thursday so It should be fine.
"There are three rooms at the attic, four in the second floor, two on this floor and two more in the basement. Living room is big too so someone can crash on the couch and someone can use air mattresses to sleep on."

"Nina, are you sure? It's a lot of people." Alastair added and tinkled with a little bell to entertain Michael in his arms.
"Well... that's the least I can do to repay for taking care of Michael. Of course you don't have to accept my offer. If you'll find something more suitable take it, don't feel obligated to be here with all your friends... it's just..." I paused, closed my eyes and Chase's face was smiling at me from the darkness created by my shut eyelids.

"Chase always wanted this house to be for those in need of help...I share his dream too and I am keeping his house open for you if you want to." I said with my eyes still shut.
I sighed and opened my eyes and lifted my hands towards Michael in a gesture of taking him from Alastair.
"Go to see how bad the situation is and let me know."

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Hi readers 😉 thank you for reading 🙏 it's quite long...

What do you think about that offer? Will they be able to fit in that house? Will Alastair take the offer or will he find something else for his pack?