Page 33 of Rescued by the Alpha

“I’m not hungry, but don’t skip it on account of me.”

“I can grab a couple slices of bacon as we head out the door. Come on, let’s go.”

Elam laughed as he resisted Nic’s tug on his arm. “Hold on. I need to at least take a shower and brush my teeth!”

Nic placed his hands on his hip. “Hurry up, then.”

Elam rolled his eyes. “Yes, bossy.”

Nic scrubbed his face. “Sorry. Just… try to be quick. If you can.” Nic frowned as if wondering whether he should say more. “Please.”

He’s trying. Elam worked hard to hold back a smile. “I will.”

After a quick peck on the lips, Nic went off to probably grab more than a couple pieces of bacon while Elam rolled then swung his legs around to go take a shower. Right as he sat up, his stomach roiled again. But this time, the wave of nausea took over and he rushed to get to the bathroom in time. After an enthusiastic bout of retching, he sat on the floor, trying to catch his breath.

Nic’s right. I should hurry.

Elam moved gingerly, worried his stomach would betray him again. He rinsed his mouth out first thing then took the quickest shower on record. After pulling on his clothes, he headed to the

kitchen, his belly growling in hunger underneath the veil of lingering queasiness. He glanced at the food, but as soon as the smell hit him, he curled his lip in disgust. Elam glanced up to see Alex and Nic staring at him.

Alex arched her eyebrows. “It’s just bacon and eggs. I don’t think you’ll find them too horrific.”

Nic scowled at her. “Hey. Leave him alone, he’s not feeling well.”

Her features softened as she regarded Elam. “Sorry. Didn’t know it was getting that bad.” She glanced at her brother. “Glad to note your Alpha is finally come out to play.”

After popping a piece of bacon into his mouth while narrowing his eyes at his sister as he chewed, Nic extended his hand to Elam. “Come on. Let’s get you checked out.”

As another wave of nausea hit him, suddenly Elam found himself anxious to get going too.

* * * *

Right as Nic was about to pull up to Asha’s place, Elam grabbed his arm and yelled for him to pull over. Nic’s heart raced as Elam mostly dry-heaved out of the vehicle, his worry over his mate’s health clawing at him and making him crazy. Elam remained slumped, his breathing heavy, and Nic reached across to place a gentle hand on his back.

“Hey, baby. Are you ready to go yet? We’re almost there.”

A hiccup of a sob burst from Elam. “Jesus. I hope I don’t hurl all over your spirit guide. This is ridiculous.”

Nic rubbed his back in a soothing gesture. “It’s okay, don’t apologize.” Nic reached down for his steel water bottle then tugged out the stopper. “Here. You need to stay hydrated at least.”

Elam peered over his shoulder. “I don’t know, maybe that’s not such a good idea.”

Nic shoved the container at him. “It’s a great idea. Come on.” He shook it.

Elam sighed as he angled his way around on the seat, accepting the bottle as he did. “You’re right. It’s just that I rarely get sick like this.”

Once Elam had taken a few sips, Nic continued the rest of the short distance to Asha’s. Then after he’d parked, he made Elam stay put so he could come around and help him out of the truck.

Elam’s sheepish expression as he accepted Nic’s assistance warmed him inside. His omega had pride and already he’d tried to slough off Nic’s concerns, insisting he could handle things fine on his own.

Nic kept his arm around Elam as they made their way up the snow-covered path to Asha’s door.

The same urge he’d been experiencing all week to watch over Elam kept overtaking him. His natural state as Elam’s Alpha dictated his need to protect him, but since he’d claimed Elam, the instinct had taken on an urgency he couldn’t reconcile.

Before he’d even had the chance to rap the knocker on the door, Asha called out from behind it.

“Come on in, boys!”