Page 85 of Puck Your Charity

Chapter 25

Pacing the length of the living room rug, my phone presses against my ear while the dial tone rings over the speaker. The sprawling mansion feels quiet and serene today.

Susan picks up on the third ring.

"Susan, it's Olive." I keep my voice steady, fighting the huge grin threatening to break across my face.

"Olive. Tell me you have good news."

"I have the bonding marks." Looking down at my left wrist, the healed scar stands out against my golden skin. "I'm a bonded Omega."

"That's the best news I heard all week." Susan lets out a relieved sigh over the speaker. "The hospital liability issuevanishes with those marks. I can have your reinstatement paperwork drafted by noon. When can you start?"

"I need a few days." I look toward the hallway leading to the west wing. "I have a pack matter to attend to this week. I can be back on the pediatric floor by next Monday."

"We will see you Monday, Olive. Sam asks for you every day."

"Tell him I'll see him soon."

I end the call. A fierce thrill hits my chest. I got my career back and reclaimed my independence on my own terms.

I walk down the corridor toward the master suite.

The Alpha Cup Finals start next week, demanding total focus from the Iron Wolves. Finn, Lawrence, and Malcolm left for the arena an hour ago. They face a grueling practice schedule on the ice, but Victor opted out. He requested a medical leave of absence for the week, benching himself during the most critical training sessions of the season to save a kid's life. He’ll recover in time for the actual championship game, but missing this prep time is a huge sacrifice.

The bone marrow registry doctor put Victor on a strict five-day regimen of Peripheral Blood Stem Cell injections. The shots force his marrow to overproduce stem cells and release them into his bloodstream for the donation.

The side effects hit him hard. Overproducing stem cells creates a deep, aching throb inside the bones and joints.

I push the bedroom door open.

Victor lies flat on his back in the center of the California King mattress. He wears a pair of loose gray sweatpants. His pale skin looks flushed. A quiet groan rumbles in his chest as he tries to shift his weight. The scent of juniper turns sour with discomfort.

"Hey." I walk over and sit on the edge of the mattress near his hip.

He opens his icy blue eyes. "Tell me you got the job back."

"I start on Monday." I reach out and brush a stray blond curl off his sweaty forehead. "Susan sounded thrilled."

"Good." A tired, genuine smile touches his lips. "You deserve it, Liv.”

"How are you feeling?" I trace my thumb over his jawline.

"Like someone took a baseball bat to my skeleton." Victor closes his eyes with a harsh exhale. "The doctor warned me about the bone aches, but this feels ridiculous. I feel like an old man."

"Your marrow is working overtime right now." I stand up from the bed. "I'm going to draw you a hot bath with Epsom salts. The heat will ease the joint pain. Then I'm bringing you a huge plate of food. You need protein to keep your strength up for the donation."

I walk into the sprawling master bathroom and turn the silver faucet. Hot water fills the vast marble tub. I pour a generous scoop of soothing lavender bath salts into the stream, letting the steam fill the room. The floral aroma cuts through the sour tension in the air.

I thrive in this element. Taking care of people brings me a profound sense of purpose. I spent the past few weeks feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable while the Alphas handled everything. I let them feed me, protect me, and calm my chaotic hormones.

Now, the roles reverse.

Victor submitted to a painful medical process to save a ten-year-old boy. He benched his ego to do the right thing. He lies in that bed vulnerable and aching. Being his caretaker feels like an absolute privilege. I get to baby him. I get to soothe his pain and show him my devotion through actions.

I walk back into the bedroom.

"Bath is ready." I hold my hand out to him.