Evangeline called out into the hallway, "Lauretta, if you do remember anything, or if you ever want to talk about it, you always have a listening ear here," Evangeline added, her tone gentler than before. Lauretta forced a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Doctor. I appreciate it." With a slight nod, she turned and made her way towards her room. She resisted the overwhelming urge to flee, keeping her steps measured and calm. She lingered just enough so as not to appear too eager to escape, but the moment she was completely out of earshot of the infirmary, her composure cracked.
Her heart pounded in her chest as she walked briskly down the hallway, each step carrying her farther from Evangeline's probing gaze. It wasn't until she was halfway back to her room that she finally exhaled properly, releasing the breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
But just as she rounded a corner, she collided with someone, nearly sending herself stumbling backward.
"Whoa!"
A firm grip caught her by the shoulders, steadying her before she could fall.
Lauretta blinked, looking up to find Erica staring at her, eyes wide with urgency. The other woman was breathless, as if she had been running, and judging by the direction she had been heading, she was on her way to Lauretta's room.
"Erica?" Lauretta said, frowning slightly. "What's wrong?"
Erica hesitated for a brief second, then grabbed Lauretta's wrist, pulling her closer.
"We need to talk," she said in a hushed voice, glancing around as if making sure no one was listening.
Lauretta's pulse spiked again. The last time Erica had looked this serious, something important, if not outright dangerous, was happening.
"Alright," Lauretta whispered back, allowing herself to be led toward the nearest secluded space.
Whatever was going on, she had a feeling her problems were far from over.
Lauretta studied Erica closely, noticing the way she practically glowed. Her skin was luminous, her eyes bright with happiness, and there was an undeniable warmth about her, like a woman who was deeply in love and well cared for.
Before Lauretta could say anything about her observation, Erica pulled her into a tight hug. The embrace was warm, comforting, and filled with a genuine affection that Lauretta hadn't realized she needed until that moment.
When Erica finally released her, she took a step back, her eyes scanning Lauretta's face with concern. "How are you feeling now?" I heard you fainted.
Lauretta offered a reassuring smile, letting out a breath she didn't know she had been holding. She was afraid Erica had gotten into trouble or something, but she shouldn't have bothered; Erica was very smart and also had a very strong sense of responsibility. "I'm better now." Evangeline checked my vitals, and she says I'm stable enough to resume light work."
Erica sighed in relief. "I was so worried. I wanted to come earlier, but..." She hesitated, then glanced around as if to make sure they were alone before lowering her voice. "I had to wait for the right moment. I just snuck out after my husband left for the meeting Alpha Marcus announced.
Lauretta's brows furrowed slightly. "A meeting?"
Erica nodded. "Yes. It was urgent, and all the high-ranking wolves were called in, including my husband. That's the only reason I could slip away without him noticing."
Lauretta's mind raced. What could the meeting be about? The rogue attack? The poison Evangeline had detected? Or was it something even more serious?
"Do you know what it's about?" Lauretta asked carefully, not allowing the urgency she felt to slip into her tone.
Erica shook her head. "Not exactly. But I heard whispers before my husband left about something about tightening security and tracking possible threats. Whatever it is, it's serious."
Lauretta's stomach tightened.
Was she the threat they were talking about? Had someone found out more than they should have?
Erica reached out and squeezed her hand gently. "I shouldn't stay too long, but I needed to see you. I've been thinking about you ever since the night you fainted, but James would not let me out of his sight. You've been through so much, and I hate that I wasn't there for you sooner."
Lauretta shook her head. "It's okay, Erica. I understand."
"Now, enough about me. How was your wedding night?"
Erica hesitated for a moment, then her expression turned softer. "It was wild and everything I thought it would be, especially when he kissed in between my thighs."
Lauretta's eyes widened, stunned that her friend would go into detail; she was usually a tad shy to discuss such things, but she guessed marriage did change her. "Erica!" Lauretta found herself chiding her friend, her cheeks flaming at the image Erica's words invoked in her head.
Lauretta felt a strange mix of emotions: happiness for her friend, but also an underlying worry that she was leaving.
She smiled, squeezing Erica's hand in return. "That's amazing news that your groom is an extreme lover boy, but I didn't need to know the whole detail." "Have you told anyone else?"
Erica shook her head. "Not yet. I am only crazy when I am with you. You're the first and only person I'm going to tell because you are the only blushing virgin right now, and I thought you would like to know how it feels beforehand in case you get with that certain alpha you have been drooling over, and when he carried you after you fainted in front of everyone, it was so romantic."
Lauretta's heart warmed at that, and a blush stole over her cheek. "You are one very crazy girl, Erica."
"I'll be here for you, no matter what, and my home is always open to you," Lauretta promised, "if you ever need help or need to come back, and if your husband ever mistreats you, you are always welcome here."
Erica smiled, and I would do the same for you too. Lauretta, you would always have a place in my husband's pack should you need it, but the moment was fleeting. She glanced over her shoulder, suddenly looking anxious. "I should go before anyone notices I'm missing." But please, Lauretta, please be careful. Something's going on, and I don't want you getting caught up in it."
Lauretta nodded. "You too, Erica. And... congratulations, I hope you have loads of pups."
The two women hugged each other, reveling in each other's comfort. They had been support systems to each other while they were being traumatized in the kitchen, and that bond had remained unbroken.
"What about your family?" Lauretta found herself asking, "How did they take the news?"
"Oh, my family would be moving with me; my mate saw how distraught it would make me to leave them behind, to suffer. At least in his pack, they would be treated with respect."
"You are a super lucky girl to have such a caring mate." Each girl was left to her thoughts as they began the slow journey to Lauretta's room.