Page 6 of Knot Now Knot Ever

I nodded and started stroking the top of her head. “Tell me, sweetheart, if that promise isn’t enough, what would be something better to make you feel safe?”

“Promise me that if you die, you’ll take me with you so I don’t get left behind. I’ve seen what that looks like, and it’s worse than death,” she answered.

Leaning down, I rested my forehead to hers, breathing in the soft lily scent with the comforting note of Earl Grey. It was the purest scent I’d ever encountered, and I didn’t know how I’d lived this long without it. While I had so many questions and things I wanted to know about this woman, I figured it was best to start simple.

“If that is the promise you need from me right now to feel safe, then as your Alpha, how can I deny you?” I murmured for only her ears to hear. “But before I can make that promise, I need to at least know your name.”

She licked her lips nervously, making me want to kiss the hell out of them, but I held back.

“Lyra, Lyra Clark,” she divulged.

“It’s nice to meet you, Lyra. I’m Eli, your scent-matched Alpha,” I greeted. “I’m going to get you through this, Lyra. You’re not alone anymore.”

This seemed to have the desired effect of easing some of her fears, and when I gazed at the monitor, her vitals had started to even out. I was no stranger to the medical world, having spent many long hours in hospitals looking after my sister. Bailey-Rose had grown up needing to be so incredibly careful with how much she exerted herself. Little B had been born with a hole in her heart along with a valve that didn’t work quite right. To top it all off, she had a rare genetic abnormality, which made everything all that much harder for her. Now, my baby sister was getting a new lease on life with a pack that adored her and did everything they could to make up for all she’d missed.

I knew one of these days, Little B would leave the nest and find her place in the world, but it didn’t make it any easier when it happened. Besides running the family business, taking care of Bailey-Rose had been a full-time job I shared with my younger brother, Crew. He’d built a studio on our family estate so he didn’t have to leave Little B alone to do his work. Many famous musicians and artists had come to our home to have Crew be their audio producer. I was jealous of my brother and how he could roll with the punches, happy for change instead of stuck in his ways like me.

A little over a week ago during a family party celebrating the bonding between Bailey-Rose and her pack, my mother had dropped a bomb in my lap. Unwilling to deal with the shock this information had given me, I decided to take an extended trip to get some space and deal with another pressing matter. All that had gone out the window the second I stepped foot in my office suite. A light floral scent had stopped me dead in my tracks, searching for where it came from. When my gaze fell on the stunning woman sleeping on the couch curled around a pillow, it was almost as if the blindfold I didn’t know I’d been wearing was ripped off.

Nothing was more important in that moment than to figure out who this mysterious woman was. Her skin was flawless, and she had a soft, healthy pink hue that complimented her rich honey-colored hair, which had fallen across her cheek. The next thing I knew, I was beside her, gently brushing her hair back when a tear rolled down her cheek. Bending closer, alarmed at the tear water from my waterlogged state landed on her skin, waking her. Never had I seen eyes with such a vibrant blue color that I felt as if I were being swept out into the vast ocean, and I didn’t care if I ever found land again.

Then, the moment was shattered as fear flooded her gaze, and she ran. My Omega, the person I’d willingly give up my soul the second after I met her, ran from me. That stunned realization allowed her to get enough of a head start, landing us where we are now. As I reflected on the whole event, I still couldn’t understand what brought on such a visceral reaction. The blow to her head clearly rattled her mind, but what would happen once she regained her senses? No, I couldn’t think about that now. Whatever the issue was, I would be able to handle it, or I’d hire someone who could. Money and the power of the Thatcher family name had given me an almost unlimited reach to get a job done. The fact I hardly ever called in favors probably helped, but I would cash in every last one without a second thought.

“We’re pulling up to the hospital now. It’s pure chaos inside, so be prepared. Lucky for you, getting a ride with us puts you at the head of the line,” the paramedic said as he got Lyra ready for transfer. “Stick close.”

The back doors opened, and medical staff jogged out to meet us. I was forced to let go of her hand as a nurse shoved me out of the way. “I’m sorry, sir. I need you to stand here out of the way while the doctor looks her over.”

“I will stand here and let the doctors work,” I assured the nurse. “While I wait, I need you to get ahold of Isobelle Price and tell her Eli Thatcher is in her emergency room.”

The nurse’s eyes went wide, probably recognizing my name. Bailey-Rose had been treated at this hospital all her life, and in a show of gratitude, my family had donated a substantial sum over the years. Enough that the state-of-the-art cardiac wing was named after my father, Adrian Thatcher, who passed away from heart failure.

“Of course, I’ll have our charge nurse get on it right away, Mr. Thatcher,” the nurse said before darting into the sea of people hustling around the ER.

“Mr. Thatcher?” a man asked, stepping out from behind the curtain where Lyra was.

“Yes,” I answered, waiting for him to continue.

“It looks like Miss Clark is going to be just fine. She’s suffered a nasty blow to the back of her head and caused some minor confusion, but she’s responding well to questions. I’d like to keep an eye on her overnight just to be safe,” the doctor shared.

“Yes, whatever you think is best, and covering the cost of any treatment needed is no problem,” I informed the man.

The doctor nodded and seemed a little uncomfortable, but I tended to have that effect on people. “Forgive me for asking, but I need to be sure it’s not related to the head trauma, but the paramedics told us you were her Alpha. However, Miss Clark is unaware of that fact, claiming she doesn’t have a pack or an Alpha. If this is the case, I’m going to have to ask you to wait in the waiting room. Only family and pack members can be back here.”

“I can see why she’d say that since we’ve only just met today,” I clarified.

This admission clearly took the doctor aback, and I could see doubt of my claim brewing in his mind. I could feel the icy demeanor I used when dealing with someone who tried to manipulate me into getting what they wanted. “Miss Lyra Clark is my scent-matched Omega, Doctor. Regardless of that fact, Miss Clark is also an employee of my company, making her my responsibility no matter what you choose to believe. In this situation, I am Miss Clark’s guardian, and you will treat me as such. Have I made myself clear?”

“Eli,” Isobelle called out when she spotted me, saving the doctor from embarrassing himself any further.

Isobelle was the head of patient care and relations for the hospital. She was a bonded Alpha and had been working here for over twenty-five years, but you’d never know it looking at her. What I appreciated about her most was she’d once been a nurse and worked her way up the ladder to where she is now. It gave her insight, making her a force to be reckoned with in this position.

Clasping my hands, she kissed both cheeks. “Eli, good to see you. Are you all right? Is it Bailey-Rose?”

“No, I’m fine, and Little B is doing amazing after her surgery. It’s my personal assistant… she was out in the storm and hit her head. The doctor thinks she’ll be fine but wanted to keep her overnight,” I explained. “Would it be too much trouble to get her into a quiet, private room?”

“Not at all. Let me find out who’s been put on her case, and I’ll get things settled with him. I’m also going to send up some dry clothes. You’re soaked to the bone. The last thing I know you want is to get sick and held back from work,” Isobelle reasoned, giving me a look, warning me not to argue.

Smiling, I kissed her cheek. “Thank you, Isobelle.”