The Price For An Alpha's Love

“Just breathe in and out. Breathe in and out,” Ava said, her voice echoing over the phone. “Keep doing that for – let's say five times,” she added, while McKenzie squeezed her face, obviously distracted by the screeching sound from over the phone. “Why do I need to do that five times? I can't even breathe properly anymore. I'm doomed! I bet he hates me already. You need to see the way he looked at me. Like some dirt in a trash can,” McKenzie cried, wiping her eyes with the back of her palm. “You're putting too much thought into it. I bet he looked at you like he always does. What's so special about this guy anyway? He wears the usual low-cut, has tiny abs and wears glasses just to pretend he's a nerd. I swear there are other doctors in the hospital, in our department that are way better than he is,” Ava replied, chewing something McKenzie could not deduce. McKenzie wiped her face once more, then placed her hand over her face, “stop chewing that thing, please. And don't ever say that. Doctor Kelvin is the most handsome, prettiest, hottest man in the hospital. He's the employee of the year for a reason.” “Yeah! Employee of the year for being a great surgeon, not for his looks. You're taking your crush on him too far. He doesn't even see you that way,” Ava responded, threading softly so as not to upset her further. “I don't care! I don't care if he sees me or not. I'm content with simply seeing his face and hearing him talk to me. Now, I don't think he'll ever speak to me after the stunt that witch pulled. How could she accuse me of even — I'd never give a patient the wrong medication. I can't believe they all think I did it,” McKenzie finally broke down, wiping her face over and over. She pulled out her handkerchief to wipe her face clean, ridding it of the light makeup she had on. “Please, stop crying. He's not worth it. I can imagine how embarrassing it was,” Ava said, but McKenzie snapped before she could finish speaking. “You can't, okay?! I was completely embarrassed, even in front of the patients. That b***h is my nemesis.” Ava sighed, drawing her words slowly, “fine! But look at the bright side. They still trust you enough to only reprimand you. You were not suspended. Kenzie, you're a great nurse. You're good at your job, and you have a heart of gold. Kelvin is a fool not to know that you have feelings for him.” “I just want to be alone for a while. Think things over and clear my head,” Kenzie stated, hiding her face from passers-by with her handkerchief. The sun let out a shimmering glow that got a lot of people hurrying home to their families while others couldn’t be bothered as it hid gradually behind the clouds. It was a great excuse to veil her soaked face and avoid attracting unnecessary attention to herself. “So where to?” Ava asked but Kenzie shrugged. “I'm twenty-four years old, Ava. I don't need a babysitter. I'll be fine by myself.” “I don't care if you're fifty years old. You're my best friend and housemate. How do you expect me to sleep peacefully tonight if I don't know where you're off to?” Ava said, her voice rising steadily. “Give me a break, Ava. I don't ask you when you spend hours with Jake without telling me. See you later,” Kenzie responded and cut the call. She heaved a deep sigh then turned towards the other side of the road. She walked across the pedestrian sideline and down the street, moving further away from the apartment she shared with Ava. “Now, that isn't such a bad idea. I could try to loosen up for once,” Kenzie mumbled the minute she sighted a clubhouse, packing up pretty quickly with visitors. She had never been to one before or even gotten drunk. A pretty term that would suffice for Kenzie would be a boring nerd. She walked into the club and rushed to secure a spot at the counter before people started pouring in. It was fast approaching rush hour and, without realizing it, she had emptied three bottles of alcohol. “Yesterday was a full moon, so I've got to act fast before the next one. Get someplace to stay. I'll see you tomorrow,” Nikolai whispered to Ryder, before he fully entered the clubhouse. His eyes searched all over until it landed on McKenzie, who was pouring her fourth glass. He smirked, moving closer to her. Then he sat on the stool, right next to her. Her face had turned red like a crimson rose, and she held onto her cup while she surveyed his face. “I see that you're having a great time. Mind if I join you?” Nikolai asked, snapping his fingers towards the waiter. She nodded, glaring at him with wide eyes, licking her lips and playing with her glass. He was served a wine glass and while the waiter poured his drink, he kept a straight face at Kenzie. “Have we met before? You look rather — rather ravishing. I've never seen a guy with such — such long black hair. How did you manage to keep it?” she asked, dragging her words. The brightness in her eyes had been replaced by a hazy, drowsy gaze and her arm kept dropping off the table. “I'll take that as a compliment and you are beautiful. I noticed you walked in here minutes ago and the way you strutted the driveway kept playing in my head. You have a rather peculiar walk which I admire. Are you a model?” Nikolai asked, sipping his drink. Kenzie let out a roaring laughter, “do I look like a model? I'm a nurse, silly. McKenzie Walsh, the sexiest nurse in Los Angeles,” she giggled, then picked up her phone which had been ringing for minutes before she noticed. “Please, stop pestering me, Ava. I'm fine,” she yelled. “Are you at a bar? You've never been to a bar. You've got to get out of there. You're drunk,” Ava replied, anxiety taking over her. “I'm not drunk. Is it so bad that I don't want to be a good girl for once? I just want to have fun,” Kenzie said, standing up from the stool. “But you're doing it all wrong!” Ava yelled into the phone speaker. “Get off the phone!” Kenzie yelled back, staggering to maintain her balance. Her eyes dimmed and she could barely see a thing. Nikolai stood up, serving her his chest as a landing pillow. He carried her off her feet while she closed her eyes, completely overtaken by fatigue and alcohol. After securing the key to a room, Nikolai placed her on the bed, pulling off his shirt and trousers. “What — are you trying to do — with me?” Kenzie's right eye fluttered open while she still remained drowsy. “What I should have done since the first day I laid eyes on you,” Nikolai replied, standing over her, his huge figure covering any light she could see.