Chapter 43 – Grace

Entering the medical ward once again, I slink my way towards my room and wonder if my nurse knew I had snuck out. I soon learn that yes, she indeed knew I snuck out, as I find her waiting for me in the middle of the room with a frown on her face.

“There are clean clothes in the bathroom room for you. Shower and change.” She orders, her no-nonsense attitude making me regret worrying her. I nod, slowly walking around Karina and head into the open door of the bathroom. Shifting to my human side, I turn the handles to the small shower and step into the warm spray. My body is still not at peak strength and fighting Felix had taken a lot out of me. I groan in satisfaction as the hot water pelts against my sore body and lets my thoughts wander to Caden. With him now being the Alpha King, my life will change. I know I have feeling for him, that I want to date him and see where our relationship goes, but I also know that I will be under scrutiny of the many packs as well. I wonder just how much of my life will be in the public eye now.

“Grace, Caden sent orders for me to help you prepare for the banquet. He wants you to be his date.” Karina calls out from the other side of the door. I smile and quickly wash my body before taking time to lather my hair and detangle the long locks. Now clean, I turn the water off, step out of the shower and find a few fluffy towels waiting beside the vanity to be used. Hanging on the wall beside the towels is a clear dress bag with a beautiful blue sundress carefully placed inside, one that I quickly put on after my body is dried. Leaving the towel in the laundry hamper, I leave the bathroom to find Karina waiting for me, makeup, brushes and a hair drier placed on the little table beside the bed with a large mirror leaning against the wall opposite of a chair.

“How do you like the dress?” she asks making me smile as I look at the sapphire blue sundress adorned on me.

“I love it. Its very comfortable.” I state, nervously smoothing the dress. Karina chuckles, beckoning me to come sit in the chair beside the bed. Walking closer to the she-wolf I take a deep breath and pause – Caden’s scent is lingering on her.

“How do you know Caden?” I ask, my once friendly tone slowly growing colder as I take a seat. Karina smiles, pulling my damp hair out of the towel turban I had wrapped it into and throwing it to the side.

“He is my half brother.” Sensing honesty in her answer, I settle into the chair and relax. Karina then begins to explain that she just turned eighteen a few months ago, making her six years younger than Caden and four years younger than me, and that she was forced to go to the Run, her father hoping to have her mated off to someone soon. Luckily for Karina she was asked to be a nurse and spent the last seven days learning basic first aid for when the injured will flood in.

“I got lucky. My father was ready to bribe someone into drugging me to make me weak and unable to fight against a male.” She sighs out as she places the blow drier down. Reaching over and taking her hand, I give it a small squeeze.

“I’m glad Gregory is dead.” I state, turning to see her face light up in a smile.

“So am I.” She agrees instantly, her eyes flashing with joy. I chuckle, allowing Karina to do what she wants to me as I wonder about what Caden is doing right now. If he is anxiously waiting to cone fetch me for the banquet and if this will be our first date. Karina is quick with her hands, my hair being twisted and pinned into an intricate bun on top of my head with small braids woven between the strands. I smile at myself in the mirror to see such an elegant hair style on me and wonder if I will have my hair done everyday if I were to mate with Caden. Karina admires her handiwork before stepping in front of me.

“Close your eyes so I can do your makeup.” She says quietly, already rummaging through the pallets before her. I chuckle, taking a final look at my hair before closing my eyes. Instantly I feel a brush graze my eye lids, her gentle touch calming as I allow the she-wolf to do as she pleases. A knock at the door sounds and Karina sighs.

“Not done yet!” she yells out, another chuckle coming out of me at the annoyance in her voice.

“Well I would like to take my date to the banquet.” Caden’s voice argues back, the words slightly muffled by the door. A blush creeps along my face as Karina sighs again, telling me to put the mascara on so she doesn’t poke my eyes accidentally. I smile, opening my eyes and taking the mascara wand from her outstretched hand before looking in the mirror. I am shocked by the neutral tones of brown, beige, cream and gold she has paired as my makeup, my sapphire eyes popping with the muted colours. I accepts the lash curler from Karina, quickly finishing the look with mascara and take a final look at myself.

“Very regal looking.” Karina states matter-of-factly, making me turn to see her holding a pair of black flats out to me. I thank her, taking the shoes and slipping them on.

“I think you should open the door and allow my brother to bask in your beauty.” She nudges my shoulder with her own, a playful smirk on her face. My blush deepens but I agree, making my way closer to the door. Taking a deep breath, I turn the handle and pull the door open, coming face to face with Caden who stares wide eyed at me, a soft smile on his face.