Alpha’s Rue: His Shunned Luna (Athena Enchanted) novel Chapter 370

KINGSTON

My heart is in my throat when I arrive at the mental institution. It looks just like it did in the brochure, and the atmosphere seems okay. There are several cars parked in the visitors' parking lot.

I walk up to the reception, spotting a familiar face, one of the three who came with the doctors to the house. “Alpha Kingston,” he greets. “What a surprise.”

“Is Doctor James around?” I ask him. “I’d like to have a word with him.”

“Here,” I hear him say from somewhere behind the reception. He straightens from the bench and smiles politely, “Alpha Kingston, how can we help you today?”

“I’m here to see my wife.”

“Luna Aeliana isn’t taking visitors,” he tells me. “You can see her next week on—”

“I didn't ask,” I snap. “I want to see her now, make it happen.”

He nods. “Of course, I um….I’ll see if she’s available.”

Available? I frown. Where on earth could she be?

“Oh, look, there is her nurse now.” He says, pointing to my left with his pen. I mirror his gaze, my eyes landing on a shewolf with pale skin, blonde hair, and red lipstick who seems to be in a rush to get somewhere. “Nurse Evelyn.”

The nurse pauses, her face falling when she sees him. “Yes, Doctor?”

“This is—”

“Alpha Kingston,” she smiles, coming my way now.

“He’s here to see your new patient.”

“Oh, perfect timing.” Her smile widens. “I just took her out for some air,” she says, the way she talks about her unnerving me. She says it like she took a pet out or something rogue. “I am going to fetch us some board games to keep us busy.”

“Alpha,” Doctor James clears his throat. “This is Evelyn. She oversees Luna Aeliana's care.” He says his introduction too late and obvious. “They’re together nearly all day, and if you have questions, she can answer them better than I can.”

I nod, “I see. Evelyn, how is my wife?”

“She’s doing well, Alpha.”

“Is she?” I gulp, the guilt creeping in once again just as it has every time that I’ve thought of her being here with strangers.

Nurse Evelyn nods, “Yes. She’s much better today.”

“She’s a challenge, but it's okay, I’ll make something out of our odd dynamic.” She smiles, “She sees me as an enemy right now, but I will be friends with her soon.”

I frown, “You sound—”

“Optimistic?” She asks with a soft laugh. “I am. This isn’t an easy job, and optimism is exactly what the people inside these walls need. Their lives lack colour, they’ve been abandoned and…” she trails off, eyes widening with horror as if only now understanding what she just said to me. “Shit, sorry, Alpha.” She bows, “I didn’t mean—I was simply stating how patients feel. I know no one abandons them, I’m just trying to get close to my patients, and make their stay memorable and worth it. I’m sorry, I will stop talking right now.” She blurts out. “Shutting up.” She swallows, staring nervously. “Yeah, I’ll get the board game.” She says, jogging away.

“Nurse Evelyn,” I call her.

“Yes, Alpha?” She pauses.

“Painting,” I tell her. “Luna Aeliana likes art,” I swallow, realising she probably misses her equipment. Painting always makes her feel better, and seeing her paint brings me so much peace, because then I know she is at peace, too. “She’s quite the talented artist.” I clear my throat. “I’m sure she’d like to paint or draw, board games don’t interest her much, but you can still try.”

Nurse Evelyn nods, giving me a warm smile. “What else does she like?” She asks, her eyes lighting up at hearing something that Aeliana likes.

“I’ll make you a list,” I say. “Or send me a list, and I’ll answer any questions you might have about her. You can get my number from Dr James.”

“Excellent, that will be helpful.” Her smile widens, mischief twinkling in her gaze. She’s young, just about Aeliana’s age or slightly older. She has so much energy, like she’s new in this line of work. “Now I can use calling you to get her to eat.” She tells me, “Wait here, I’ll get some safe art supplies, and then we can go and see her.” She says, turning away again.

I take a seat by the empty chairs, and while I wait for Nurse Evelyn, I fetch my phone and call Rowan to bring me food from Lexie, but he doesn’t answer his phone, nor does Noah, so I wind up calling the Hartley residence and requesting for chef Tanya make her something, hpepfully I can try to get her to eat something.