The Alpha’s Companion - Chapter 76

A few minutes later, there was a knock on their bedroom door. Julien opened it and Dr. Silva was standing there. “Well? What did the test say?” The doctor sat in the chair next to the bed, looking more like a kind friend than a doctor.

Lacey forced a smile. “I’m not pregnant.” Then she bit her lower lip and released it. “So, do you think I have appendicitis?”

“I think you really need to rest.” Dr. Silva sighed, his eyebrows pulling together in concern. “But I’ll tell you what. Right now, you don’t have a fever and you’re not vomiting, so let’s get an IV in you and see if the fluids will help. Then if you’re not better by morning, we’ll take you to the hospital for a possible appendectomy.”

Julien looked at her and raised his eyebrows, silently asking her permission.

Lacey nodded. “Yes, that’s fine.”

It was time that she started being brave. She had learned a long time ago that she needed to be the one to save herself. But now she had Julien. And whether he was with her or not, she had to protect herself. It wasn’t possible for him to be with her twenty-four seven, nor should he have to. With any luck, Brock and Scar were long gone. But Rex and Thorn were another ordeal altogether.

Lacey gave Julien’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”

He nodded, smiling. “Oh, I know you will.”

“Well, let’s get the IV drip set up, but you won’t be able to toss and turn in the night….” Dr. Silva began to explain everything. And within minutes, there was an IV needle in Lacey’s arm with a bag of fluids hanging from a stand to the side of the bed. “And I want you to eat something.” He smiled, finishing his rant on healthcare as he packed up his medical bag. “Now. I’ll be right across the suite if you need me.”

Julien extended his hand, giving the doctor a hearty handshake. “Thank you, doctor. Are you hungry? What would you like? I’ll call down for Chef Mastrano to bring something up for you.”

Dr. Silva smiled. “Although I truly appreciate it, you stay in here with the Alpha Queen and I’ll take care of myself. In fact, would you like me to have the chef bring either of you up something?”

“I already ordered,” Julien replied. “But thank you.”

Dr. Silva nodded. “I would go downstairs to eat, but I don’t want to be away from the Alpha Queen for too long. Also, I put something in her IV that will help her to overcome the side effects of the drugs.”

“Thank you,” Julien said, walking him to the door. “If you don’t mind, I’ll stay here with Lacey, but make yourself at home. And if you need me, just knock.”

Dr. Silva’s lips curled into a smile as he nodded. “And if she needs me in the middle of the night, just let me know.”

Julien nodded. “I will.” Julien said his final goodnight, and then the doctor left the room.

Lacey sighed. “Julien, I’m so sorry to be so much trouble—”

“Again, it’s not your fault,” Julien cut her off. “But I swear to you that if I ever see Brock or Scarlett again, they’re both dead, along with any other traitor responsible for this.” He sat on the edge of the bed and placed his hand gently on her cheek. “I will not rest until you feel safe again in your own home.”

“Home,” Lacey repeated, smiling. “Such a small word that holds so much meaning.”

Julien raised her hand to his lips. “Well, for me, there is no home without you.”

“Nor for me.” Lacey’s abdomen started hurting again, but she thought it was probably from not eating. She adjusted herself on the pillows and winced, even though she was trying to hide it from Julien.

“Are you hurting?” Julien asked, immediately noticing her discomfort.

“I’m fine,” she replied. “My stomach’s hurting but I’m probably just hungry.”

He patted her leg on top of the quilt. “I’m going to check on the food. I’ll be right back.”

Lacey nodded and then closed her eyes for a minute after he left but opened them a few minutes later when he came in dragging a serving cart with cloches. He opened one and the heavenly aroma a lobster bisque soup wafted toward her. “My favorite soup! You remembered!”

“And you thought I don’t pay attention,” Julien teased, shaking his head. “I also had a steak and baked potato brought up for you, too.”

Lacey smiled. “It smells heavenly, but I’m not sure what my stomach can hold.”

“Well, just eat what you want and don’t worry about the rest.” Then he looked under the cart and pulled out a lap table. “Which would you like first?”

“The soup, please.” Lacey sighed, eyeing the IV. “I hate for you to wait on me like this. I can come out and sit at the table—”

“Oh, no you don’t,” Julien cut her off. “Now. Let me take care of you… please.”

Lacey smiled. “Well, if you insist….”

“I do.” Then he set the soup on the tray n her lap along with some crackers. “Is there anything else I can get for you?”

Lacey wasn’t used to being waited on like this and was happily surprised that Julien was being so attentive.

“Maybe some more water?” Lacey would have said wine, but wine depleted the water in the system, something she didn’t need. Once Lacey was settled, Julien had a steak and a stuffed baked potato for himself, too.

They had idle chit chat throughout dinner, but to Julien’s credit, he didn’t mention anything about having a baby, the pregnancy test, or any of it.. And as she ate her soup, she was thankful for the reprieve and a chance to rest.