CHAPTER 80: UNEXPECTED ESCORT...

Charis

"Can I at least see Rhett before I leave?" I asked as Dr Maxwell supervised my discharge process.

I had changed into fresh clothes that Kael had dropped off this morning before disappearing without a word. Slater had left at some point, too, and wasn’t back yet.

I was getting used to having the boys constantly swarming around me, fussing over what I shouldn’t do and what I should do. It was something I enjoyed and looked forward to, but today of all days, no one was with me.

"I’m sorry, Eamon," Maxwell replied, scribbling something into the clipboard he had in his hand. "Not right now. Rhett is resting."

"That’s what I was told this morning, too," I pressed. "I saved this guy, and he’s my friend; I’m supposed to have access to him whenever I want. Why am I being denied that?"

I had a growing feeling that Dr Maxwell was purposely preventing me from seeing Rhett. Something had definitely changed in the way he sneaked curious glances at me when he thought I wasn’t looking or the strange questions he’d asked me earlier about what kind of relationship I had with my father.

The nurse finished checking my final vitals and called out the results to Maxwell, who nodded and then turned to me. "You’re free to go. Remember to stay hydrated, avoid strain, and let me know if you suddenly feel dizzy or experience any discomfort. Do you have a phone I can reach you with?" he asked.

I nodded and handed him my phone. He tapped in his number, handed it back, then turned to leave.

"Wait—" I called after him. "Did something bad happen to Rhett? Is that why you’re preventing me from seeing him?"

Maxwell sighed and turned back to face me. "Nothing happened to Rhett. We’re just making sure he gets all the rest he needs. Later, Eamon. I’m busy."

Dejectedly, I walked out of the room, hugging the small bundle of my things as I trudged wearily toward the elevator. I didn’t feel particularly sad or happy; I just felt empty and abandoned.

For one thing, I’d expected at least one of the boys to come pick me up, but they weren’t here, nor were they bothered. None of them had the decency even to call and check up on me. Worse, I had no money to take a cab or even a bus fare. Not to mention, I didn’t even know how to get back to Ravenshore from this part of the pack.

Sighing, I dialled Kael’s number. His phone barely ran before he declined the call. A second later, I received a text from him: "Busy, can’t talk."

I scoffed, glaring at the message on the screen as if it were Kael himself. "So much for I’ll always be there for you," I muttered.

Next, I dialled Slater’s number, but it went straight to voicemail; his phone was switched off.

By this time, I was already at the ground floor reception, and I was contemplating whether I should swallow my pride and call Dr. Maxwell for help. I scrolled through my laughably short contact list of four people, wondering if calling Maxwell for help would be my only option.

"Hey, Eamon."

Someone called my name from behind, making me whip around. I was surprised to see Marcus walking towards me. He was dressed casually in jeans and a hoodie, hands tucked into the hoodie pockets.

He gave me a slight nod and asked. "Are you ready to go?"

"Umm..." I looked around, wondering if I wanted to deal with Marcus right now, but he seemed to be my only option. "Yeah. I was going to wait for—"

"Kael asked me to pick you up," Marcus interrupted me before I could finish. He’s swamped with something, according to him. Come on, let’s go. I have a test this evening."

Still too stunned to believe that Kael would send Marcus without telling me, I quickly texted him to confirm as we walked toward Marcus’s car. But by the time we had gotten in and pulled out of the hospital parking lot, Kael still hadn’t responded.

The drive back to Ravenshore was uncomfortably quiet. Marcus wasn’t chatting as I’d expected he would be. It should have been a small comfort, but instead, it made me anxious.

We’d driven for a while before he quietly asked. "How’s Rhett? I heard the surgery went well."

"He’s fine," I straightened in my seat, trying to sound pleasant. "The doctor said he should recover soon."

Marcus nodded. "You gave him your blood?" he asked flatly.

I tensed, unconsciously recoiling toward the edge of my seat and hoping he wouldn’t fly into an angry rage.

"Yes."

The rest of the journey passed in heavy silence until we arrived at Ravenshore. When we reached the parking lot, I unbuckled my seatbelt and was about to thank Marcus when his voice stilled me.

"You’re with Kael now?"

The question threw me completely off balance. I turned to him, stuttering. ’I don’t know what you mean."

"Don’t pretend, Eamon," he said quietly. "You told me you were living with your brother, but you’re staying with Kael. You’ve been sharing the same room with him."

"It was just a few days ago," I countered defensively. "Slater and I had issues and Kael—"

"You could have come to me, you know." Marcus stopped me mid-sentence. His voice was thick with hurt. "If you needed a place to stay, you could have come to me. I like you, Eamon. How else should I say it before you believe me?"

His eyes shone with tears as he stared at me, and my heart dropped with fear. This wasn’t the time nor the place. Plus, the sight made me uncomfortable.

"I’ve done everything to make you see it, but you’re always running toward Kael or Rhett. You want to be with anyone, gut me. You even gave your blood to Rhett..."

I rolled my eyes in confusion. Was this guy being serious right now?

"That’s because he needed my blood, Marcus and I’m not with Kael or Rhett. I told you, I’m not into boys. We’re just friends, which is only natural since they’re both friends with Slater. I’ve been honest with you about this from the start.

"Then go out with me," he said desperately. "Just once, please!"

I stared at him, feeling disgusted by the tears in his eyes and the desperation in his voice. After a long moment—it could have been sooner, but I needed to make it look as if I really thought about it—I shook my head slowly.

"I’m sorry, Marcus," I said gently. "You seem like a nice person, but I’m not into boys, and right now I’m not just in the right place to even consider a relationship with a girl. I need to focus on school. That’s all I can handle right now. I’m really sorry," I added, hoping the gentle rejection would soothe whatever anger was brewing inside him.

We remained silent until finally he unlocked the car doors, then said quietly.

"Get out!"

I gladly scrambled out of the vehicle and literally ran from the parking lot, not slowing down until I reached the administrative block and felt safely away from Marcus’s hurt and anger.

I’d missed school today, but I hadn’t forgotten my appointment with Headmistress Vale tonight. I wanted to ensure that everything would still proceed as planned.

I entered the main office and instantly, Headmistress Vale’s secretary recognised me and waved me through without any question. I knocked lightly on Vale’s door before pushing it open.

When I entered, Vale was standing by the window, speaking into a language I didn’t recognise, but it sounded like Latin. She was also nursing a cup of tea. When she saw me, she waved me in and continued speaking into the phone.

I made myself comfortable on the couch, waiting for her to finish with her call.

After several minutes, the call finally ended, and Headmistress Vale came over.

"You look like you’ve lost some weight. Are you alright?" she asked, her tone was surprisingly gentle.

"Yes, ma’am," I replied with a smile. "I’ve also rested properly since I came out of the operating room."

Vale nodded, studying me closely. She examined my eyes, the inside of my wrist, the flush of my cheeks and also checked my face and hands before stepping back and nodding again. "

"You’ll live."

I gave a small laugh. "I intend to. Can you at least tell me where we were going?"

Vale smiled. "You’ll know, soon enough."

I sighed, dropping back on the couch. "Fine."

"Now, I have something for you."

She crossed the room to the small cupboard near the kitchenette and pulled out what looked like a big gift box, presenting it to me.

"It’s a heat care kit. I know it’ll be here anytime soon. We don’t want any accidents that would make you do a lot of explaining.

I sighed, collecting the box and understanding immediately what Vale meant. My heat cycle was around the corner, and maintaining my male disguise during that time would be nearly impossible without proper preparation.

"Thank you," I said quietly.

"You’re welcome." She glanced at the wall clock in her office. "It’s just three o’clock. You have five hours to rest before coming to our meeting tonight. I’ll be expecting you by 8 pm. So, get some rest.