Page 46 of The Alpha's Chosen Fate

Ivy studied me for a long moment, her expression unreadable."I understand."

She moved, grimacing as the movement pulled at her injuries."I think I’d like to rest now."

I stood, fighting the urge to tuck the blankets around her, to brush my lips against her forehead."Of course.I'll be right outside with Colten for a few minutes if you need anything."

She didn't object, which I chose to take as another small victory.As I made my way to the door, I paused, looking back at her.

If she’d let me, I’d spend the rest of my life making it up to her.

Ivy held my gaze for a long moment.Then, with a sigh, she shifted against the pillows, her eyes closed.

I slipped out of the room, silently vowing to tear down every barrier, bridge every distance, until Ivy was mine.

Chapter 14

Ivy

I woke up with a start.Blinking groggily, my breath caught in my throat.I was no longer in the healer’s cottage.

I’d been returned to my comfy prison cell.

Briggs sat in a chair pulled up right beside the bed, watching me intently.

"What are you doing here?"I asked, hoarse from sleep.

"Making sure you're healing properly."He spoke matter-of-factly.

I threw back the covers, swinging my legs over the side of the bed and taking inventory of myself.No pain.No dizziness.

In fact, I felt well-rested.It was a welcome surprise.

When I rose, Briggs shifted in his seat like he was ready to lunge.

“I’m fine,” I told him and marched to the en-suite bathroom.

Bracing my hands on the sink, I hung my head and took a few deep breaths.

After relieving myself and brushing my teeth, I stripped off the cotton nightgown someone had put me in.The movements tugged at my nearly-healed wounds.

The skin along the lacerations was more itchy than anything.From the looks of the marks, though, that wouldn’t be an issue for long, maybe not even by dinnertime.

I stepped into the shower, sighing.I was just rinsing the conditioner from my hair when I heard the bathroom doorknob turn.

I froze, pulse pounding in my ears.He wouldn't dare.

"I brought you a warm towel from the dryer," Briggs said gruffly from right outside the fogged glass.

"Get out!"I yelped, crossing my arms over my breasts even though he couldn't see me.

"Ivy," He exhaled wearily, "don’t be stubborn.Let me take care of you."

I shut off the water with a sharp twist."Just leave the towel and go."

His shadow moved in front of the shower door, paused, then moved away.

"As you wish."

I cracked open the shower door and peeked out.Briggs was gone and the fluffy towel he’d retrieved hung from the hook.

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