Page 52 of Alpha's Embrace
“He fainted? Why was I not called?”
“I didn’t think it was necessary. Certainly the nurses on duty thought the same. They didn’t call you, either.”
“I am an expert in my field. I’ve worked here for fifteen years. I have never heard of a Sylph bonding. Never!”
“Me either. It’s like Misha imprinted on me the instant we met. But more than that connected us. I don’t know how. I’ll admit I instantly cared about him. His plight is unusual. And unfortunate.”
“It is unusual. I agree, but he is in danger. If what you’re saying is true, then that proves it. He can never be free for the good of society.”
“We tell ourselves that. We have all these laws in place that are supposedly for the good of society, of others. But Misha has fallen through the cracks. It isn’t fair. All I wanted to do was help him.”
“And you made him your personal project.”
I couldn’t deny it. “Yes.”
Prim sighed. “For all I know about Sylphs, I will admit I have never known one such as Misha. Certainly, none who have been my patients have ever lived to age twenty. Never long enough to have even the most instinctive urge to bond. He’s one to study. He’s what people in my profession call a career-maker as far as studying him goes.”
I waited, wondering where this was leading.
“You know I have to make my report. When I do, even if I do not mention your name, this facility will come under investigation. Everything and everyone will be tested and interviewed until they find an answer as to why a Sylph has formed a bond. He will be put through many tests, put under a microscope. Probably for the rest of his natural life.”
“I understand you have to report this.” As I spoke, I wondered if I could catch a flight out tomorrow. Another thought occurred. “Why have you held off? Why come to my office, accuse me, and warn me at all?”
Prim took a deep breath. “I do not condone what you have done.”
I opened my mouth to protest. I’d done nothing but try to help the boy.
He held up his hand to stop me from speaking. “That said, I never said I didn’t understand it. No one is perfect. My own bond with my Omega has withstood good and bad times. Don’t get me wrong. We’re happy and we adore our children. But I’d do anything for him. Anything. That said, I’m a doctor. My first obligation is to do no harm. I don’t want to see you or Misha harmed.”
My mind spun. The muscles in my face tensed. “What are you saying?”
“I will wait one week. This will give you a chance to get your affairs in order and, if you are ethically-minded, turn yourself in. Do you understand?”
I couldn’t believe it. Prim was giving me yet another warning, but not the sort I’d expected. This one came with leeway, and time I sorely needed.
“Why?” I asked.
“I told you.Do no harm.”
It was a shock. If I had stayed working here longer, this rare Alpha and I might have become good friends. “I can’t thank you enough.”
“Don’t thank me. You stand to lose everything.”
I gave a tight nod.
Now, he would not look at me. “You have one week.”
Beneath his ultimatum, I read the unspoken message.You have time to run.
Chapter Fifteen
Misha
Twelve days. I counted each day and night that passed without seeing Geo, repeating the number to myself over and over.
I’d expected repercussions after attacking an Alpha. I knew I’d done wrong. But I deeply wanted the chance to explain myself to Geo. I thought he understood. I thought he cared. He’d stayed with me almost constantly in the hospital after I’d awakened. He’d spoken to me gently. He’d touched my hand.
That touch. An unbonded Alpha’s touch skin to skin! It sent me reeling. My body wanted to melt with the memory. I was so hot at times I thought I’d be reduced to ash.
