Chapter 8
901 Words
_Katherine's POV_
I lay in bed, staring at the flickering flames in the fireplace. The warmth spread through the room, but my thoughts were restless.
The packhouse was grand, secure, and nothing like the cold, lonely places I had been before. But safety wasn’t just about walls and locked doors. It was about trust. And I still wasn’t sure if I could trust Lucian.
I sighed, shifting slightly. My foot throbbed in protest, and I winced. Maybe he was right. Maybe I did need to see a doctor.
As if summoned by my thoughts, the door creaked open.
Lucian stepped inside, his tall frame casting a shadow against the firelight. He wasn’t alone. A man followed him, carrying a small black bag.
“This is Dr. Bennett,” Lucian said, stepping aside. “He is our pack doctor.”
Dr. Bennett was older, maybe in his late fifties. His dark brown hair was streaked with gray, and deep lines creased his face, but his green eyes were sharp. He had the calm, steady presence of someone who had seen and treated many injuries before.
He offered me a kind smile. “I hear you have had a rough night.”
I gave a small nod. “Something like that.”
Lucian walked to the side of the bed, arms crossed, watching.
Dr. Bennett placed his bag on the wooden nightstand and opened it, pulling out a few supplies. Then he knelt beside the bed, his hands gentle but firm as he examined my foot.
I sucked in a sharp breath when he pressed on the swollen area.
Dr. Bennett frowned. “It’s badly bruised, but nothing is broken. However, it’s inflamed, and if you’re not careful, it could get worse.”
I exhaled slowly. “That’s… good news, I guess.”
He nodded. “I’ll apply an ointment to help with the swelling. You’ll also need to take antibiotics to prevent infection.”
Lucian, still standing with his arms crossed, glanced at me. “See? I told you it needed treatment.”
I rolled my eyes. “Yes, yes, Alpha, you were right.”
Lucian smirked. He was clearly satisfied.
Dr. Bennett chuckled under his breath before pulling out a small jar. He unscrewed the lid, and the scent of herbs filled the air—cooling and slightly minty.
“This might sting a little,” he warned.
I braced myself, but when his fingers worked the ointment into my skin, the sensation was more soothing than painful. A cool relief spread over my foot and it eased some of the throbbing.
After a moment, he took a roll of bandages from his bag and began wrapping my foot carefully. His movements were quick and smooth, as if he had done this a hundred times before.
When he was done, he sat back and met my gaze. “Keep the bandage on for now. Change it in the morning if needed.”
I nodded. “Okay.”
He placed the jar of ointment on the nightstand beside me. “Apply this twice a day. And don’t forget to take the antibiotics. You don’t want an infection slowing you down.”
I sighed. “So, I’m guessing that means I shouldn’t be walking around?”
Dr. Bennett smiled slightly. “Not unless you want to make it worse. Try to rest as much as you can for the next few days.”
I groaned. “Great. I love being stuck in one place.”
Lucian raised an eyebrow. “You need to heal, Katherine. Listen to the doctor.”
I huffed but didn’t argue.
Dr. Bennett stood, packing away the rest of his things. “I’ll check in on you tomorrow. If you need anything before then, just ask.”
Lucian nodded. “Thank you, Doctor.”
Dr. Bennett gave me one last reassuring look before turning and heading for the door. Lucian followed him, exchanging a few quiet words before the doctor left.
When Lucian turned back to me, his expression was softer and less guarded.
“My room is right across the hall,” he said. “If you need anything, you can come find me.”
I hesitated. “Okay.”
His gaze lingered on me for a moment, as if he was debating saying something else. But then he simply nodded.
“Get some rest,” he said.
I watched as he stepped back, his presence filling the doorway for a second before he turned and walked away.
The door closed with a soft click and I was left alone with the quiet crackle of the fire. I let out a slow breath, sinking deeper into the pillows.
Lucian had gone back to his duties, back to handling whatever problems his pack was facing. But before that, he had made sure I was okay. He didn’t have to do that.
He was an Alpha. He had responsibilities, people to lead. But he had still taken the time to bring the doctor to me.
I wasn’t sure what to make of it.
Lucian was strong, powerful, and definitely capable of being intimidating. But he hadn’t been cruel. He hadn’t forced me to do anything. He had only helped.
Did that mean I could trust him?
I wasn’t sure.
I closed my eyes, letting the warmth of the blankets and the quiet crackle of the fire lull me into rest.
- Writer
