After She's Terminal The Alpha Regrets (Elaine and Lucas) novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22

+20 BONUS

Chapter 22

“Elaine–” Lucas started, but never got to finish. She hung up.

Liam fumbled for the phone as Elaine shoved it into his hands and turned her back on him. It shouldn’t have surprised her as much as it did. She’d known for a long time that Lucas had never felt the same way she had about the marriage.

It’d been arranged, yes, but she had loved at one point. Truly. It didn’t matter now.

“Elaine, wait.” Liam caught her wrist. “You shouldn’t have had to hear that–”

“What else does he tell you?” Elaine snapped and yanked her wrist free from his grip. “How long has he been ranting about his unworthy wife?”

“Elaine…”

“You know what? I don’t want to hear it. Just leave me alone, Liam,” Elaine said, walking away from him and back into the hospital room. She held a hand at her chest, feeling it tighten. The pain was not as terrible as it’d been earlier but still there.

Perhaps her body had simply not recovered yet. She made it three strides through the door before her step faltered.

Liam was there to catch her arm before she could fall. “Careful…you’re not fully recovered yet.”

“How would you know?” Elaine retorted, but she didn’t pull away. He helped guide her to the bed, and she sat on the edge.

He wasn’t really worried about her, Elaine told herself. This was all some kind of ruse, it had to be. She knew of his reputation, the Playboy Alpha of the Moonwatch Pack. He probably only wanted one thing from her.

For years, he’d likely been listening to everything Lucas told him…

“Come on, Elaine, I’m worried about you.”

Elaine kept her gaze glued to the floor. Before she could respond, Dr. Howard entered once more, having slipped out earlier.

He held a chart in his hand, glancing up at the two of them. He could sense the tension but decided not to comment on it. He opened his mouth to speak.

“Am I free to go?” Elaine asked.

“I would advise an additional night…” Dr. Howard said.

Elaine looked up at him.

“But as long as you drink plenty of water and take it easy, I suppose I could discharge you. However, if you feel any dizziness or pain–”

“Then I’ll come back,” Elaine finished for him. She remained sitting a moment longer, making sure she wasn’t going to falter again, before standing up and heading to the door.

Liam lingered for a moment longer, looking at the doctor. “Are you sure she’s clear to go?”

“Her vitals were normal, and episodes like this are to be expected…” Dr. Howard cut himself off, snapping his jaw shut.

“What? Dr. Howard, is something wrong–?”

1/3

Chapter 22

+20 BONUS

“I’m not at liberty to discuss patient information. If you’ll excuse me, I have many other patients to attend to.” Dr. Howard promptly turned and left. Liam jogged out of the room, turning down the hall to catch up with Elaine.

He got up to her just as she walked outside the building. He watched her step, making sure she didn’t fall again.

Elaine paused at the end of the sidewalk, just now realizing she didn’t have her car here. She sighed. All she wanted right now was to go home. It’d been a long night.

“I’ll take you back,” Liam offered and walked past her toward his car in the parking lot. Elaine hesitated only for a second before she followed him. He kept glancing over his shoulder at her, but she tried to ignore the concern she saw in his eyes.

They reached the car, and he opened the door for her. She gave him a look but got in. Liam rounded the car and pulled into the driver’s seat. It was quiet as he started the car and pulled out.

Before he could turn out on the road, Elaine spoke up. “Not Lucas’ house.”

Liam pressed the brake, looking over at her. Then looked ahead again, taking his phone and opening up the map. ” Where to?”

She took it and typed in the address to Harriet’s. Gave it back. Liam started driving. They were both quiet.

Elaine elected to look out the window, leaning her arm against the door. Scenery passed by in a blur, and streetlamps illuminated the street in an orange glow. Maybe she’d been a little harsh earlier. Her tone certainly hadn’t helped anything.

He did try to help, even if she’s not sure she trusted his intentions.

They were only a few turns away from Harriet’s when Elaine spoke again. “I’m… Maybe I was a bit snappy earlier.”

Lucas didn’t say anything. 6

“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Lucas said. “It’s been a stressful night. I don’t blame you.

He pulled up outside of Harriet’s, parking along the curb. Elaine sat for a moment, staring at the house from the window. Now all she had to do was come up with an excuse to Harriet…

“Hey,” Liam said. “About tonight…”

“Liam–”

“I’m worried about you, Elaine. I know we haven’t known each other long but I want to be there for you…”

“Liam.”

“I know you’re still married right now, but I want you to know–”

“Stop, Liam. No.” Elaine turned in the seat to meet his gaze. “Just because I’m getting a divorce doesn’t mean this –” she motioned between them, “–will become a thing. I can understand your concern, but I don’t need it. Please just…don’t.”

Liam’s expression fell, but only briefly. Elaine saw that little crack in his features before he smothered it up and smirked.

“No big deal. I get it. You’re going through a lot right now, don’t sweat it.”