His Plump Mate (Book 1: The 'His' Series) novel Chapter 174

**After His Bite, I Learned to Heal**

**Chapter 173: I Smell Your Fear…And Something Else**

*Cecilia’s POV*

A wave of anxiety washed over me as I surveyed the bustling surroundings. The hospital corridor was alive with activity, and I felt the weight of every gaze. “I…” I murmured, lowering my voice to a conspiratorial whisper, “We’ve been reckless, Sebastian. Twice. And last night… the water doesn’t exactly help.”

Sebastian’s silence stretched out like an eternity, amplifying my unease.

I continued to scan the area, my heart pounding at the thought of running into someone I knew or, worse, being caught on someone’s camera. His striking features were impossible to overlook; a figure like him would undoubtedly draw attention. In this age where people captured everything from blooming wildflowers to playful squirrels, an Alpha like him was bound to become the center of curiosity.

Before I could fully process my surroundings, I felt myself being lifted off the ground, strong arms wrapping around me and pulling me against a firm chest. My heart raced at the suddenness of it all.

“Put me down!” I hissed, my voice a mix of indignation and embarrassment.

Last night had been shrouded in darkness, with only a handful of souls wandering the streets, but this was a hospital—bustling, bright, and filled with people. Being carried like a princess was far too conspicuous for my liking!

Sebastian, however, seemed unfazed by my protests, his expression remaining composed as he strode through the busiest corridor of the hospital.

When I spotted a stranger pulling out their phone, panic surged through me. I quickly turned, covering my face, knowing I couldn’t hide his imposing figure.

He carried me straight out of the hospital, heading toward his car parked conveniently at the entrance.

Gently, he placed me in the passenger seat before sliding into the driver’s side, the engine purring to life as he drove away.

“I’m taking you somewhere,” he declared, his tone leaving no room for argument.

“But I haven’t picked up my medication yet,” I protested weakly, the panic in my voice evident.

“You won’t need it. I’m taking you somewhere else to handle this issue.” His voice softened, laced with remorse. “I’m sorry. I should have been more careful and thought this through.”

“It’s not just your responsibility,” I replied, my awkwardness palpable. “We both got… caught up in the moment.”

He hadn’t considered the need for protection, but neither had I. In the heat of passion, we had both been swept away, too lost in each other to stop. I didn’t blame him for that; it was a shared experience.

Sebastian glanced at me, his eyes darkening slightly as he spoke with a hint of humor, “Next time, I’ll have strawberry-flavored ones ready.”

“Just drive, Alpha,” I mumbled, feeling my cheeks flush. I didn’t even like strawberry flavor!

The drive stretched on for over an hour, winding through roads that led us away from the city until we reached a location that resembled a luxury spa retreat nestled among the hills.

But this wasn’t a spa.

It was an exclusive women’s clinic—discreet, lavish, and outrageously expensive.

This was where Denver’s elite came to address delicate matters, and I felt a wave of apprehension wash over me.

Sebastian mentioned he had been here once before with his mother, but I didn’t pry. Some family histories were better left untouched.

As he attempted to follow me inside, I halted him with a firm hand on his chest.

“No.”

His brows knitted together in confusion, but I held my ground. “I’m not about to discuss last night with a doctor while you sit there like a brooding bodyguard. Stay.”

To my surprise, he complied.

Dr. Ross was… not what I had anticipated.

No white coat or clipboard in sight. Instead, she wore a silk blouse and exuded the comforting aroma of chamomile mixed with the scent of old books.

Her calm, grounded energy enveloped me, as if she already understood the turmoil brewing inside my body before I even uttered a word.

The consultation unfolded as expected. Just like the last doctor had informed me, the odds of anything serious were low, but not entirely nonexistent.

Five percent.

I loathed those kinds of statistics—too small to offer comfort yet too significant to dismiss.

Fortunately, Dr. Ross had her own special formula, much less harmful than resorting to emergency contraception twice.

Coming from a lineage of traditional healers, she had seamlessly blended modern medicine into her practice, specializing in women’s health.

It wasn’t cheap, of course, but that didn’t seem to faze Sebastian.

His eyes narrowed slightly, as if he could detect the lie woven into my tone. “But if it did? What would you do?”

I hesitated, then shot back with a smirk I didn’t quite feel, “I’d handle it,” I replied coolly. “Let’s not borrow trouble from a future that isn’t coming.”

Silence enveloped us.

And then he moved.

His hand cupped the side of my face, and he leaned down, capturing my lips with his.

It wasn’t gentle or soft—it was a claiming, a warning… a promise.

When he finally pulled back, his breath lingered against my lips, warm and heavy.

“If you’re carrying my pup,” he murmured, his voice rough like gravel, “you’ll become my Luna. Do you dare?”

My breath caught in my throat.

The word hit me like a slap.

Luna.

Once, that title had belonged to me.

Once, it meant power, love, and a place in the world. Until Xavier shattered all of it—ripped away my rank, my trust, my future.

I no longer trusted wolves or promises.

But then… Sebastian’s gaze held mine—steady, strong, and real, devoid of entitlement.

And for one terrifying second, I wondered if I was making another mistake.

Not by falling, but by running.

By pushing away the one person who might actually be worthy of my trust.

I let out a nervous laugh, trying to shake off the weight of the moment. “I already said yes to dating you. Don’t get greedy.”