Axel's POV
As soon as Emily left, the room fell silent. I stood at the door, feeling the weight of Lucian's sharp gaze on my back. I took a deep breath and turned to face him.
"Lucian, I really need to go see the doctor," I said firmly.
His eyes softened slightly, and he sighed, nodding reluctantly. "Fine, but come back soon," he said, his voice tinged with concern.
I hesitated for a moment, feeling the pull of his presence, but I knew I had to go. I gave him a small, reassuring smile before quickly exiting the room, my heart pounding as I made my way to Doctor May's office.
I made my way through the hallways, my footsteps echoing in the quiet. As I approached Doctor May's office, I took a moment to steady my nerves before knocking on the door.
"Come in," came the calm voice from inside.
I opened the door and stepped into the office, greeted by the familiar scent of antiseptic and the sight of Doctor May's warm smile. She looked up from her desk, her eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and concern.
"Emily said you wanted to speak with me," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
Doctor May nodded, her expression brightening. "Yes, I did. We've been getting more patients recently, and I could use some extra hands. You've helped me a few times in the past, so I was wondering if you'd be willing to assist again," she said, her eyes hopeful.
A sense of relief washed over me. This was something I knew I could handle. "Of course, Doctor May. I'd be happy to help," I said with a nod.
Her smile widened. "Thank you, Axel. Your assistance will be invaluable. We have a few injured patients that need tending to, and I trust you know what to do," she said, standing up and leading me to the treatment area.
I followed her, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. Helping the injured patients would be a good distraction and a way to contribute to the pack. As we walked into the bustling treatment area, I rolled up my sleeves, ready to get to work.
As we entered the treatment room, I immediately noticed several familiar faces—my pack mates from the north patrol. Many of them bore burns inflicted by silver and deep scratches from sharp claws.
Seeing their injuries filled me with a mix of anger and determination. I rolled up my sleeves, ready to help in any way I could. Doctor May pointed me towards a table where a young woman with a severe burn was being treated.
"Let's get to work," I said, my voice resolute. Helping my injured pack mates was not just a duty, but a way to ensure our survival and solidarity.
I walked towards the young warrior; she was a young girl. She looked at me with a surprised face. "Alpha? What are you doing here?"
I looked at her injury and got the things I needed. "I'm here to help Doctor May, and please call me Axel. I'm still not the Alpha," I said as I started to clean her burned injury. She hissed at the uncomfortable feeling.
I pulled back my hand a little. "Are you okay? Did I push it a little too hard?" I asked.
The young warrior winced but gave a small nod. "I'm okay. Thank you, Axel," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
I smiled reassuringly. "You're brave. We'll get you patched up in no time," I said as I continued to carefully clean and dress her wound. The room buzzed with quiet conversations and the sounds of medical supplies being used.
As I worked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for my pack. Despite the injuries and hardships, there was a resilient spirit in every one of them. Doctor May moved efficiently between patients, her calm demeanor providing a steadying influence.
After tending to the young warrior, I moved on to help other injured pack mates. Each one had a story, each injury a testament to their bravery. The hours passed quickly, and before I knew it, the treatment area was quieting down as the last patients were seen to.
Doctor May approached me, her eyes filled with gratitude. "You did a great job today, Axel. Thank you for your help," she said.
I nodded, feeling a sense of fulfillment. "I'm glad I could assist. It's important for us to support each other," I replied.
As I prepared to leave, Doctor May stopped me. "Take care of yourself too, Axel. We need you strong and healthy," she said, her voice full of concern.
I gave her a small smile. "I will. Thank you, Doctor May," I said before heading back to my room. The day had been long and challenging, but it had also reminded me of the strength and unity of our pack.
I slowly made my way back to my room. As I opened the door, I was immediately enveloped by Lucian's scent, which filled the entire space. The powerful aroma stung my nose, causing me to grab it with my hand. I blinked a few times, trying to adjust, when I heard a husky voice.
"What? You don't like my scent?" It came in a low growl.
I looked around and my eyes set on him. I pulled my hand back from my nose and shook my head. "No," I said.
He came closer, and I realized he wasn't much taller than me—maybe just a few inches taller. "Did you stay here all day?" I asked, looking at him.
He raised an eyebrow at my question. "Is it a problem? Or can't I be in my own mate's room?" he asked in a low voice.
I shook my head. "No, I didn't mean it like that," I said, looking away from him. I felt a hand under my chin, gently lifting my face. I looked up and met his intense gaze.
"It didn't look like you didn't mean it," he said, a slight incredulity in his tone.
I felt a shiver run down my spine at the intensity of his gaze. I didn't reply to his comment; I just avoided his eyes and looked away.
His grip on my chin tightened, but I still didn't respond, only making Lucian's irritation grow.
"Don't ignore me," he said, his voice tinged with anger as he leaned closer.
I kept my eyes averted, my silence speaking volumes. His frustration was palpable, and he moved even closer, his breath hot on my skin.
"You can't just shut me out like this," he growled, his tone laced with anger and concern.
I didn't move at his tone but still couldn't bring myself to look at him. The weight of this mate bond pulled me towards him, and my wolf had gone insane, wanting me to hug our mate and not let him go. Kiss him, push him into the bed and—
My eyes widened, and I felt my face heat up a little. What was I thinking? I heard a low chuckle and looked at him. "What is it, little mate? Did you think of something embarrassing?" he asked, a smile playing on his lips.
I let out a frustrated growl and closed my eyes for a minute to calm down. "I want to sleep... Let me go—" He narrowed his eyes but smirked at me.
"I will let you sleep if you—" he stopped for a moment to think, then with a playful expression on his face, "Kiss me, then I will let you go."
My face heated up, and I let out a sigh. I looked at him and hesitated for a minute before I kissed him on his cheek.
I could see his face light up, looking at me with desire in his eyes. I felt a shiver run down my spine as my legs slowly went weak.
"Not there," he said, then grabbed one of my hands and moved it. "But I want it here." He pointed at his lips with one of my fingers.
I blinked a few times before processing what he meant. His smile only grew bigger. I let out an annoyed huff and pushed him over. Making my way to my bed, I heard his chuckle behind me as he followed.
I lay down on the bed and covered myself with the blanket. I saw him trying to get on my bed. "Oh no—you won't!" I said, pointing at him with one finger.
"I want to sleep, not cuddle," I said, and he scowled at me before making his way into my bed. I sighed and turned to my other side.
I felt an arm wrapping around me slowly. Millions of sparks were sent through my body, making me flinch. I felt his breath next to my neck. I don't know why, but it relaxed me and made me fall asleep faster than I thought.
Axel found himself in the forest, his body transformed into his wolf form. The cool, earthy scent of the woods filled his senses as he looked around, taking in the familiar yet dreamlike surroundings.
As he scanned the area, he saw a large wolf with cinnamon brown fur. One of the wolf's ears and a paw were white, and his eyes glowed a striking red. The big wolf ran toward him, tail wagging, and began nuzzling and sniffing him.
Axel felt a wave of recognition and comfort wash over him. The presence of this wolf felt oddly reassuring, and he instinctively responded, nuzzling back and letting out a low, contented growl.
The forest around them was quiet, with only the sound of rustling leaves and their gentle interactions.
The big wolf continued to nuzzle and sniff Axel, his red eyes reflecting warmth and familiarity.
The bigger wolf started to nibble at Axel's ear, sending sparks and warmth coursing through his body. Axel leaned into the touch, feeling a deep sense of comfort and connection.
The forest around them seemed to fade away as the bond between them grew stronger, each nuzzle and nibble reinforcing their unspoken understanding.