Medic and the Wolf

Sickness

Jake

I knocked on her door a few times with no answer. I listened to the room. I didn't hear any movement from inside. I get the key out of my pocket when I hear her scream. I rush in and the room is dark but I can still make out a small figure on the bed. She is thrashing in her sleep and starts to scream again. I quickly closed the door, put the bags down and went to her. I slid into bed next to her, held her to me and stroked her hair. “ Shhh it’s OK.. I’m here, it's OK”, I cooed to her. She settles down and diggs her face into my chest. I thought she would have woken up by this but she is still asleep. I got her hair out of her face and saw she was soaking wet from sweat. I felt her forehead and she was burning up.

Now I’m concerned about her health but the nurse reported everything came back fine. I slide out of bed and go to the bathroom. I drew her a lukewarm bath to help cool her. I go back to her sleeping frame, pick her up and take her to the bath. I sat her on the counter and was about to lift her shirt up. I have to take a few deep breaths to control myself. I don't want to do anything that she wouldn't want to do. With her scent being strong and seeing her naked will take everything I have in me. This is about her needs and not mine at the moment.

I lift her shirt over her head and I’m relieved she's wearing a bra. I slip her pants off, leaving her panties on, I take my shirt and pants off, staying in my boxers. I lowered both of us into the bath. I pour water over her shoulders and head and start to wash her very gently, afraid I'll break her tiny frame compared to mine. After rinsing the soap off her body and out of her hair, I look down at her sweet face. I can't help thinking she looks like an angel. Her pale skin, dark lashes and pink lips. I do see the dark circles under her eyes and wonder when she got them.

I couldn’t help but brush her lips with my thumb wishing I could kiss them. Her eyes fluttered open, showing me those baby blues. They don't have the shine in them, they look haunted and my breath gets stuck in my throat. Her eyebrows furrow in the middle as she glances around the room, then they go big and wide when she realises where we are. “ Sshhh it's OK don't panic, you were burning up when I found you. You still have your bra and panties on”. I reassure her.

She starts to pull away, looks down and sees I told her the truth and my boxers. She relaxes a bit but tries to pull away again. I loosen my grip on her as she tries to sit up.

She is weak and doesn't get too far. I catch her before she falls and just rests in my arms. We sat there in silence for a while, splashing water over her shoulders and stroking her waist with my thumb. She starts to shiver and goosebumps start to form on her body. I looked down at her face and asked if she was cold. She didn't speak. I kissed her forehead and stood up with her in my arms. I dry her off first and wrap her in a warm towel. I dried myself off and walked into the room to the dresser. I get clothes out for her to change into in the bathroom while I dress in the room.

I check on her and she is still sitting on the counter in her towel. “ Are you OK? Do you need help?” I asked. I watched her just sit there. She doesn't answer or look at me. She looks so defeated and small. I unwrap the towel and take her bra off, I slip on her shirt and do the same with her panties and pants. I pick her up like a baby and take her to a chair at the table. I call the front desk asking for clean sheets. I get the food out while waiting for the sheets. I put the chicken veggies and mashed potatoes in front of her. She doesn't make a move for it. I cut up the chicken and started to feed her. She takes what I give her and slowly eats. This is what her Chief meant by ‘she can't be left alone’.

Kate is halfway through her meal when housekeeping comes. I instructed them to change the bed and need fresh towels. They should not come to the room unless called for. As they leave, I notice male wolves outside the door. They didn’t try to come in with me there. I know she is safe with me, but it concerns me when I’m not here. How safe is she here really? I link Troy telling him to post some guards out her door for the night and to come here in the morning. I’m going to have to move her if she is still in this state tomorrow. I go back to finish feeding her, she moves her face away and sighs with that I pick her up and put her in bed. I’m next to her holding her. “ Get some rest love” I say as I kissed her forehead. She snuggles into me and closes her eyes.

I lay there staring at the ceiling stroking her lower back as she clings to me for dear life. I can't help but wonder what all she has been through. Yes, her Chief filled me in on some, but I have a feeling there is much much more. It’s like she is locked inside herself. Eventually, I close my eyes and sleep as well.