Unmatched Wife: Not His To Claim Anymore novel Chapter 35

Chapter 35

BIANCA

“He thinks you died during the procedure,” Rivera confirmed. “That your body gave out from the strain of the ritual, and that Mia was successfully cured at the cost of your life. It was the only way to protect you, Bianca. The only way to ensure he couldn’t use pack law to drag you back.”

“Where am I?” I asked, looking around the room properly for the first time. It wasn’t the hospital I’d worked at.

“BloodMoon General Hospital,” Rivera said. “In BloodMoon City. I brought you here. You’ve been unconscious for three days while your body recovered from what they did to you.”

“Your mother’s belongings have been relocated from the storage unit,” Rivera continued. “I had them moved here, to a secure facility where you can access them whenever you’re ready. I’ve also secured an apartment for you -fully furnished, in a building with excellent security. And I’ve gotten you a new phone with a new number, so there’s no way for anyone from your old life to track you.”

He pulled a phone from his pocket and set it on my bedside table. “All my contact information is already programmed in. Louis’s school information too, in case you need to reach him in an emergency.”

A knock at the door preceded a doctor entering, a kind–faced woman with graying hair who smiled at me warmly. ” Ah, you’re awake. Excellent. I’m Dr. Palmer. How are you feeling?”

“Tired,” I admitted. “Confused. Like I’ve been hit by a truck.”

“That’s to be expected after what you’ve been through.” She moved to check my vitals, her movements practiced and gentle. “The magical damage was extensive. You’re lucky Alpha Rivera found you when he did. Another ten minutes and…” She trailed off, shaking her head. “Your condition is quite fragile right now, Dr. Morrison. You need complete rest for at least two weeks. No work, no strenuous activity, no magic use of any kind. Your body needs time to heal.”

“I understand.”

“Come home with us!” Louis suddenly burst out, his small hand squeezing mine. “Please, Dr. Bianca? You saved my life and took care of me when I was sick. Now I want to take care of you! Dad has a huge house with lots of rooms, and I promise I’ll be really quiet so you can rest, and-”

“Louis,” I said gently, my heart warming at his enthusiasm even as I prepared to refuse. “That’s very sweet of you, but I can take care of myself. I’ll be fine in the apartment your father arranged.”

Louis’s face fell, his lower lip jutting out in a pout that would have been adorable if it wasn’t so earnest. He turned to his father, his eyes pleading. “Dad, tell her she should stay with us. Tell her!”

“I

Rivera’s expression softened as he looked at his son, then shifted to something more serious as he met my gaze. The offer stands, Bianca. You’re welcome in my home for as long as you need. Louis is right–you took care of him when he needed it most. Let us return the favor.”

“I appreciate that, really.” I chose my words carefully, trying not to hurt Louis’s feelings. “But I don’t think it would be… appropriate. I don’t want to intrude on your family or cause problems with your wife-”

“There is no wife.” Rivera’s voice was flat, matter–of–fact. “It’s just Louis and me. Has been for years.”

Oh.

1/2

Chapter 35

+25 Bonus

I looked between them–father and son, a complete unit that didn’t need anyone else but was offering me a place anyway. The apartment Rivera had arranged would be safer, more appropriate, less complicated.

But the thought of being alone right now, of waking up in an empty space with nothing but my thoughts and the knowledge that my husband thought I was dead…

“Please?” Louis tried again, his eyes wide and hopeful. “I have a huge LEGO collection I could show you. And Dad makes really good pancakes. And we have a library with lots of medical books that Dad bought hoping you’d want to read them.”

Despite everything, I felt a small smile tug at my lips. “He bought medical books for me?”

“I thought you might want familiar reading material,” Rivera said, looking slightly uncomfortable at being called out. “While you recovered. But there’s no pressure. The apartment is ready whenever you want it.”

I looked at Louis’s hopeful face, at Rivera’s careful neutrality that didn’t quite hide his concern, and felt something crack in my chest.

For four years, I’d lived in a house where I wasn’t wanted. Where my presence was tolerated at best, resented at worst. Where I’d spent every day trying to earn my place, prove my worth, justify my existence.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify