Page 49 of Unknowingly Adopting the Alpha
I somehow managed to sit on the toilet and actually wept from the joy of finally getting to relieve myself.
“Baby?” Jeremy’s voice was a tad raspier this morning.
“Yes?” I rasped back, feeling so tired already.
What the hell did we do last night? Gingerly touching my neck, I felt disappointed not to find it sore. There should’ve been a mating mark.
Jeremy came into the bathroom then, not caring at all that I was peeing. Or had finished and was now just sitting there, touching my neck.
He kneeled in front of me, clearly not understanding personal boundaries. “How are you feeling?”
Frowning, I tried to remember what had happened yesterday. I felt sort of hungover, if my pounding headache was any clue.
I groaned. “Did I get drunk and have us postponing the claiming?” I could kick myself, just as soon as I could get up from the toilet.
It was Jeremy’s time to frown. “You don’t remember?”
Shaking my head no, I winced from the pain. I tried to get up, but slumped back when my legs protested.
“Here,” he stood and with more strength than I’d expected, he picked me up and carried me bridal style back to bed.
Daisy was smushed in between our pillows, unbothered by our movements as she slept soundly. I hadn’t told Jeremy yet, but I didn’t want to adopt the other cats anymore. One day when our queen had had a long and pampered life, we would adopt our next queen. But I’d planned on having a house full of cats back when I thought I would be living alone. With Jeremy now firmly attached to my hip, I felt I got plenty of love. With the pack, as well, it seemed perfect to just be Jeremy, Daisy, and I at home.
I was laid down with so much care it had to strain his muscles, but he didn’t show it, just shot me a loving smile and joined me on the bed, his hand finding mine and lacing our fingers together.
“What do you remember?” he asked, his worried green eyes searching mine.
I thought about it, like truly thought back, but it was all muddled together. “I remember bits and pieces and some don’t make sense. I remember blood, and feeling pain. I also remember being afraidandhappy. It’s confusing, to be honest. Like why would I be both happy and afraid?”
“Well, lots of stuff happened,” he began. “And it seemed to happen so fast, too.”
“Can you explain from the beginning?” I begged, desperately wanting to hear it all. From what I could remember, I’d been scared for Jeremy, but he seemed fine. I, however, was not.
“Well, Fillian challenged me for the Alpha title.” I frowned at that. Stupid guy, thinking he could take on my man. “And he decided to break the rules of the challenge, targeting you, instead.” Was that what my fear had stemmed from? I’d been attacked? “Marcus jumped me while I was distracted by Fillian running towards you.”
“You were attacked?!” I gasped, looking him over. He had a few scrapes, but they looked to be months old.
“I was, but even though I dealt with Marcus, Fillian still went for you. Milo was the one who saved your life.”
“Milo?” I repeated, not understanding.
“Yes, Milo. He shifted and jumped between you and Fillian, taking the full attack head on. You were pushed to the ground and hit your head badly, while Milo fought Fillian, who’d gotten a head start in their fight.”
“Well, yeah! Because he fucking cheated!” I was almost angry Fillian was dead. I wanted to slap him myself.
Jeremy gave me a fond smile before kissing my cheek. “So feisty. I love it.”
Rolling my eyes, I gestured for him to continue.
“Milo won the fight, of course, but was so badly injured that once I’d finished Marcus off, he was already unconscious right next to you.”
I nodded, slowly piecing the events together in my head. I wouldn’t have remembered those parts anyway, considering I was out cold on the ground. Seriously, fuck Fillian and Marcus.
“Dad, Darius, and I, got both you and Milo to Nic’s place. He’s the pack healer.” I closed my eyes and just listened to the rest. My eyes felt too sensitive to focus on anything at the moment. “You got two stitches on the back of your head and have a concussion. I have potions you need to drink daily for three days and then Nic will come by and check on you.”
“Potions?” I asked. “Is it like those that are made in a cauldron where they add bones and teeth and what not?” I felt sick just thinking about it. Maybe it would be better not knowing.
Jeremy let out a soft laugh. “God, I love you. No, he’s just using ingredients from the woods.”
