Bound By Alpha's Blood

Chapter 7

RILEY

The blare of my ringtone jerked me out of a heavy, dreamless sleep.

Morning sunlight filtered through the cracked blinds, blinding me. I fumbled for my phone on the nightstand and pressed it to my ear.

“Hello?”

“Ms. Clarkson?” Dr. Ward’s grave voice came through the speaker. “This is Dr. Ward from Bayview General.”

I sat up instantly, sleep evaporating. “Yes, Dr. Ward. Is Domi okay? Has something happened?”

“The preliminary results of Dominic’s bone marrow biopsy came back earlier than expected,” he said, his tone urgent. “I need you to come in so we can speak immediately.”

Ten minutes later, I sprinted down the hospital corridor, my lungs burning.

“I’m so sorry to keep you waiting, Dr. Ward,” I gasped, brushing a strand of hair from my forehead as I pushed into his office.

“Quite all right, Ms. Clarkson.” He gestured to the chair across from him. “Please, sit.”

I sank into the chair, my body trembling so violently I felt like I was vibrating. I twisted Domi’s beaded bracelet around my wrist, praying to every higher power I could think of that my baby would be all right.

Dr. Ward looked down at the file on his desk, his expression heavy.

“You mentioned yesterday that tests usually take days,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “I was surprised when you called.”

“Normally, it does take time,” Dr. Ward admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “But Dominic’s case was expedited. The lab flagged his samples immediately.” He leaned forward, resting his hands on the mahogany desk. “I’ll get straight to the point. Your son has an atypical form of leukemia.”

Atypical leukemia.

The words hit me like a physical blow, knocking the wind right out of me.

Some naive, desperately hopeful part of me had believed the first diagnosis was a terrible mistake—that I’d wake up and find out Domi just had a stubborn flu.

I swallowed hard, forcing my shaking voice to remain steady. “What does that mean? Atypical?”

“It means his case doesn't match standard pediatric leukemia,” Dr. Ward explained. “Usually, leukemia presents with an abnormally high count of immature blood cells—blasts. But Dominic’s cells are behaving differently. Unpredictably.”

“I... I don’t understand,” I stammered, my head spinning. “Is that good or bad?”

“Honestly, Ms. Clarkson, I can’t say for certain.” Dr. Ward let out a long sigh. “His condition requires specialized care far beyond what this hospital can provide. I strongly recommend transferring him to a specialist immediately.”

My blood ran cold. “A transfer?”

“Atypical blood conditions in young children can deteriorate rapidly,” he pressed gently. “Any delay could be catastrophic.”

“Where would he go?” I asked, my grip tightening around my bracelet until the beads dug into my skin. Bayview was already the top medical facility in the district. If they couldn't treat him...

“A top-tier research facility would be ideal,” Dr. Ward said. “However, waiting lists for public university hospitals can take weeks. In Dominic’s case, private care is his best option.”

“Private care?” I echoed, horror creeping up my spine.

I didn't need to see a price tag to know I couldn't afford it. Private specialists cost tens of thousands of dollars—money I didn't have and couldn't borrow.

“I happen to know the chief specialist at a premier medical center nearby,” Dr. Ward offered warmly. “Dr. Raphael Douglas. He is one of the leading blood disease experts in the country. I’m confident he can take Dominic’s case today.”

“I... I appreciate the recommendation, Dr. Ward,” I whispered, standing up on shaky legs. “But I need time to think. I can't afford—”

“Ms. Clarkson, please don't worry about the financial aspect,” Dr. Ward interrupted, offering me a reassuring smile.

I froze, staring at him. “What do you mean?”

“The center’s board has already authorized full coverage for Dominic’s admission,” Dr. Ward explained cheerfully. “Mr. Bryce is the primary investor of the Douglas Medical Institute. He personally cleared the transfer this morning.”

Killian.

The name echoed in my mind like a thunderclap.

The expedited test results. The sudden transfer. The world-renowned specialist.

It hadn't been luck or a medical miracle. It was Killian Bryce pulling strings behind my back.

A wave of humiliation and white-hot fury surged through my chest. I had explicitly told him to back off, yet he had bulldozed right over me anyway.

He’s doing this to prove a point, I realized, my hands clenching into fists. He was flexing his power and wealth, rubbing my face in the fact that I was broke, powerless, and completely at his mercy.

Was this step one of taking my son away from me?

I forced a tight, polite nod to Dr. Ward, excused myself, and walked out of the office.

By the time I reached Domi’s room, panic and fury were warring inside me.

When I pushed the door open, I found Dale sitting on the edge of the bed. He and Domi were zooming toy cars across the tray table, and Domi’s room was filled with bright, happy laughter.

Hannah had texted me earlier saying she’d left for her morning shift. She had been promoted to an associate at the biggest law firm in the city last month, so her schedule was practically relentless, but she had made sure Dale stayed behind all night to watch over Domi.

I loved seeing my son smile, but right now, I couldn't breathe.

“Mommy, look!” Domi cheered, waving a sleek red sports car at me. “Dale brought me a whole collection!”

“That’s wonderful, sweetie,” I managed to say, forcing a soft smile for him before turning my gaze onto Dale.

My face must have been a terrifying mask, because Dale’s charming smile instantly vanished, replaced by a cautious frown.

“Where is he?” I demanded, my voice trembling with suppressed rage. “I need to speak to Killian. Now.”