Page 46 of The Librarian and Her Alphas

“What were you doing out there?” he asks as we pull away. Willowstone Hospital is about twenty-five minutes from where I stay, and I know he won’t stop asking questions until I give him an answer.

“I live there. I was bringing in groceries,” I reply, turning to look out the window. “You shouldn’t even know where I live!”

“Why were you running down the stairs like a ghost was chasing you?”

“So you weren’t the one in my kitchen?” I ask slowly.

He glances at me, a frown creasing his brows. “What do you mean?”

“There was someone in my apartment,” I whisper, anxiety clawing at my throat. “I was running away when I tripped and fell down the stairs in front of the building. I thought it was you.”

“Who do you think was in your apartment?” Damon asks, his voice turning serious as he focuses on the road.

Either he’s telling the truth or is a very good liar. But he is dressed differently from the person in my kitchen. Damon’s in a sharp suit while the person in my kitchen looked worse for wear.

“I have no idea,” I reply lightly. This is delicate territory. If Zorin found me, I’d have to sleep with one eye open.

“Well, it wasn’t me in your apartment,” he growls. “I’ve never been inside. Don’t worry. I’ll track him down and take care of it.”

“Wait, then, what were you doing outside my home?” I ask suspiciously, wincing from the pain. Being near him again sends my body into a frenzy.

Deep down, I’m longing for him to hug me and comfort me despite the throbbing in my ankle.

“To protect you.”

Warmth spreads through me at the thought of being shielded by this imposing alpha with a fierce expression.

My body tingles, but the pain in my ankle cuts through the moment, forcing me to focus on it and not fall in love right here and now.

“I don’t need your help finding whoever was in my apartment,” I say stubbornly.

A part of me still suspects it washimin my kitchen and that he jumped off the balcony to cut me off at the entrance to my building, throwing off his trench coat. It feels almost too convenient that he showed up at that moment, which makes me suspicious.

“Lena,” Damon growls, “I’m not taking no for an answer. Whoever was inside your home could be dangerous. You need protection, and my pack and I are the best for the job. I don’t care if you don’t want to be with us— we will keep you safe.”

“I’m not your omega, so I’m not your responsibility.”

“Yes, you are,” he replies, refusing to budge.

“Fine, wear yourself out,” I huff, crossing my arms over my chest and turning back to the window. I don’t like it, but I’ll let it slide. If he wants to waste his time caring for me, that’s on him.

* * *

Twenty minutes later,we finally arrive at the hospital.

“Stay inside the car. I’ll help you,” Damon barks when I reach for the car door handle. I watch him walk around the car, clearly wary of my next move.

He opens the door, and I take his offered hand.

Once I’m out of the car, Damon scoops me up in his arms and carries me straight into the emergency room. In his arms, I can’t help but feel safe. His warmth seeps into my soul, invigorating me in a way I’ve never felt with my ex-alphas.

The waiting room is thankfully empty, and a nurse quickly triages me. I’m relieved because the pain in my ankle is worsening and has turned an ugly purple color.

“Miss Lena?” the nurse calls a few moments later, checking her clipboard before scanning the waiting room. Damon stands while holding me, and she smiles kindly when she spots us. “Doctor Roman will see you now.”

She wheels a wheelchair toward me, and Damon gently places me in it. The nurse pushes the wheelchair, and I have no idea if Damon is following behind us.

But as soon as we enter the room, Damon is there. He helps me onto the bed and settles into the chair in the corner. His knees are spread dominantly as if declaring that I’m his.

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