The Doctor's Alpha Mate

Chapter 8 Bound By Secrets

My heart thudded as I walked down the corridor, my eyes straying to glance through some open doors, hoping to see Jason. Where was he? I wondered, a pang of guilt hit me at the memory of his cold eyes staring at me. Way to go, Sophie, I thought. I ditched him for coffee and he walked in on me kissing Max, a patient who was brought in days ago.

Thinking of Max, my eyes became clouded. He'd disappeared, leaving a vague message that he'd be back, he had something important to do. What could be so important? I couldn't even stop him. Despite myself, I felt a ball of something settle in my belly—worry. I worried for him, and the realization hit me hard, strangely I hoped nothing happened to him.

Be calm Sophie, I whispered under my breath, I just needed him to be safe so I could know what exactly was going on. But even as the thought crossed my mind I didn't believe my thoughts.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair, I couldn't imagine how Jason was gonna look at me. But it's not your fault, a voice whispered in my head. He's a human, if he gets involved in all this, he'll get hurt.

“Hey, Claire,” I greeted, approaching the counter. “Have you seen Jason by any chance?” I asked, “I've been looking all over for him.”

“He just left,” Claire’s words made my heart sink. “You’re just a few minutes behind him, he took an excuse,” Claire explained. “I think he's sick or something, he didn't look so good.”

There! I'd done it, I clenched my eyes shut, waves and waves of guilt flooding me. I supported my face with my hand as I took out my cell phone and dialed his line, the line beeped for a few seconds without a response.

“Is something the matter?” Claire asked, noticing my expression, her voice snapped me out of my daze.

“No, it's nothing,” I shook my head, forcing a smile. At that moment the doors opened and Evelyn walked in, bag in hand, I glanced at the clock and a look of surprise flashed past my face. I hadn't realized time had flown by so quickly. Claire and Evelyn traded pleasantries before Evelyn glanced at me.

“You're early today,” she smiled, her eyes seemed to see through me. I blushed, aware of what she was getting at. “You're done going round?” Evelyn removed her stethoscope from her bag as she spoke.

My eyes widened, I'd forgotten, I’d been too focused on finding Jason and wondering about Max to remember my rounds. “I…I didn't,” I stuttered. “Jason was supposed to but he's gone out, I don't know if…” I tried explaining but Evelyn interrupted.

“It’s fine. Let’s see where he left off.” Her tone didn’t leave room for argument. Evelyn smiled frostily. I nodded without a word, Evelyn put a white labcoat over the neat gown she'd put on before she walked away, and I followed her.

“How's the patient?” she didn't look at me, striding toward the wards. My breath hitched at her reference to Max, I'd not told Evelyn anything concrete but it was a matter of time before she asked.

“He's f—fine,” my voice shook a little, I nodded as we walked past some nurses.

“Of course he is,” Evelyn snorted, “he has a nurse coming in early to make sure he's fine.” Her words made me flush and I lowered my face. The smile on her face slowly faded away, her expression becoming serious, and she paused in her tracks.“What's going on Sophie?” she stared at me, her eyes searching.

My heart lurched my words lodging in my throat. I couldn't tell Evelyn anything, what was I even supposed to say? I couldn't simply say, ‘Evelyn I'm not a human, I'm a werewolf on the run who also coincidentally found her mate.’

“It's complicated, Evelyn,” I sighed, seeing her eyes not leaving mine. I silently racked my brain, looking for an excuse. My cell phone buzzed, shattering the tense atmosphere, “Sorry, I have to take this,” Evelyn didn't say a word, she walked into the ward. I stared at the phone screen with complicated eyes, Lucas’s name flashed on the screen.

I hesitated before I picked up the call, “Hello, Lucas?” My voice shook slightly and I exhaled, bracing myself for what he had to say.

“Ava's not here,” Lucas sighed, reading my mind. “Look we're all worried for you, it's not safe out there anymore,” Lucas’s voice was tense as he spoke.

“It's not that simple, Lucas,” I whispered, glancing around to be sure I was alone. “I'm fine, I always keep a low profile, they won't find me.” Because they already have, a tiny voice reminded me, my breath hitched as I recalled the werewolf that'd trailed me to Max's ward. I shuddered, a chill crawling up my spine. No, they were after Max weren't they? He was their problem, not me, I tried to reassure myself even as a wave of panic rose within me.

The line went silent for a while, “I don't want you to take that risk, Sophie,” Ava's voice spoke over the line. “Come back, please,” her voice was stern but I could feel the faint tremor that went through it. “We've lost enough people, Sophie. I don't want to add you to that list.”

“No,” my voice cracked as a mix of emotions swirled within me. “You won't,” I wiped my eyes, glancing around. “I'm fine, Ava, you just need to trust me. I can't live a life of being on the run forever, Ava,” I whispered, my voice choked with emotion.

“It doesn't have to be forever,” Ava's voice hardened, her hard edge coming through. “You need to be alive first.”

“They're not after me,” I sniffed, “there's someone, he's the one they're after. Once it's sorted, I'll let you know,” I spoke quickly. “I'm sorry, Ava,” I whispered, I ended the call. I couldn't leave the life I chose, I just couldn't, but I also had a small thought at the back of my mind. I'd find out why I felt this bond with Max, my breath hitched, maybe it was time to take risks. Maybe it was time to take risks. But deep down, I knew—taking risks could cost me everything