"Well, he looks like a monster and smells like one, so I can imagine it’s practically impossible for him to live outside, but still. He should take a closer look at what’s going on here. He surely saw that the betas weren’t happy. If he had talked to them instead of just going for a fuck, he might have realized Sidorov was blackmailing them."
Salt sighs. "True, but as you said, purple alphas are not known for their brainpower. He just dumbly went with the flow. And now he dumbly went for revenge on us. Because of what? Why not Sidorov first?"
"Well, maybe Sidorov’s in prison? And we were easier targets. I exposed their dirty operation, and Bashir humiliated him in front of all the participants. It was like the last nail in his coffin. He took it all out on us."
Doctor Cooper suddenly speaks. "Luckily it’s all behind us, and I’m pleased to see you in better condition," he says, checking one of the machines.
Then he turns to me, and there's a hint of satisfaction in his voice as he says, "By the way, while you were unconscious, we removed the metal rod from your back. It was practically starting to push through the skin on its own."
"Seriously? I’m finally free of that damn thing?" I can hardly believe it. After all these years of carrying that symbol of my captivity and dependence on Anzo, I’m free?
"Yes. We managed to take it out without any bleeding. Your body was basically rejecting it."
"Wow… that’s great news," I mutter, a wave of unbelievable relief washing through me. That chapter of my life is closed for good.
And it feels incredible…
Then the doctor turns toward Salt.
"And you. Are you feeling okay? No bleeding?" he asks Salt in a lowered voice, slightly leaning toward him.
Something tightens in my chest at the words, and I dart a glance toward Salt. A terrible thought pierces my mind.
"What about the baby? Did he survive?" The question comes out more agitated than I intended.
Salt’s expression turns serious, his eyes searching my face. "Yes."
Doctor Cooper adds, "We’ve already done an ultrasound. The baby is fine, but we want to keep you under observation a bit longer. Any bleeding or contractions need to be reported immediately."
I reach out, and Salt reaches back. Our fingers touch, and I feel that familiar, almost divine shiver that always comes with his skin against mine. I squeeze my eyes shut.
"Fuck. That’s such a relief."
Doctor Cooper checks my blood pressure, then Salt’s.
"I know your regeneration will be faster than usual," he says, tapping something into his tablet. "But we can’t discharge you just now, so be patient."
"If it’s to make sure the baby is safe, I can stay here for nine months," I assure him.
The doctor leaves the room with a knowing smile.
Silence settles in.
Salt watches me closely, a small crease forming between his brows. I can almost see his head spinning with the rush of thoughts.
Our eyes lock, and he seems very serious when he speaks softly.
"Eliano… You really want this child with me?"
I let out a loud huff. "Oh yes, Salt! Very much!"
Salt tightens his grip on my fingers.
Silence again. His beautiful, feral face turns pensive, his gaze going unfocused as he clearly broods.
Soon after, a beta nurse comes in with food. As we eat, Salt and I exchange glances now and then.
We survived another storm.
