Grace of a Wolf by Lenaleia

Chapter 68: Grace: What Are the Chances...?

Lyre’s pulled her phone out and frowned at it at least fifteen times in the past few minutes, driving me mildly batty.

My nurse fiddles with a new bag of IV fluids, having saved us from the incessant squawking of whatever machine they have attached to a pole. A few buttons beep, and clear fluid drips in steady rhythm once again.

I crane my neck around the nurse’s blue scrubs, trying to catch Lyre’s eye. What’s with all the phone checking? But she doesn’t notice my curiosity, her eyes fixed on whatever message is on her screen.

The nurse taps the IV bag once more. "All set, honey. Your fluids are running nice and steady now."

"Thanks," I mumble, distracted by my friend’s increasingly pinched expression.

"Just hit that call button if you need anything. Anything at all," the nurse chirps.

As soon as the door clicks shut behind her, Lyre finally looks up from her phone.

"What are the chances your boyfriend’s gotten himself kidnapped by the local pack?"

A laugh bubbles out of me. "Caine? Getting kidnapped?" The absurdity of it makes me laugh harder. "Maybe if they’re dragons in disguise."

But Lyre doesn’t join in. Her slitted eyes narrow further.

My laughter dies in my throat. "Wait. You’re not joking."

"I wouldn’t say I’m genuinely concerned." She taps her phone against her palm as she glances out the window. "More... cataloging unusual happenings."

My heart does a nauseating somersault. "What unusual happenings? Is he okay?"

"Well, up until an hour ago, he was incessantly messaging me for updates. Now it’s radio silence. I watched him leave with one of the local shifters. It’s a small pack, so it shouldn’t be a problem even if they act up, but..."

of worry disappears. It’s Caine we’re talking

it’s okay for me to stop worrying

arching her brow as if she needs my permission. "Sure. You’re free to ignore all worries about his

says, sounding as if she’s warning me. "I’m washing my hands

yeah, I get it." My lips keep twitching as she

easing a little. "Okay. With that done, I’m afraid I need to run a few

I blink. "Again?"

got needs, Grace. Specifically..." She pauses, tilting her head. "Let’s say

piece offered like a gift when the time is right. It better be worth it. Her cryptic rainbow personality isn’t exactly getting old, but... Yeah,

unsettling perception. "I don’t

long since anyone’s prioritized my comfort over their own agenda. First Caine breaking his own rules to protect me, now Lyre ready to

I guess

I wave my hand toward the

run a hundred marathons, and my brain is a little heavy after our conversation. A

A nap might.

this pillow is flatter than a folded sweatshirt. And it crinkles.

You

to pass out while you’re gone. It won’t be very fun

me for a moment longer, then nods. "Okay. But if

call. Promise." She’s got my phone on the cabinet by my bed, charging so

at the door, her hand on the

surprised laugh escapes me. "I’m held hostage by an IV pole and a hospital gown. If I try to get out of bed, everyone’s going to see my backside. I’m pretty sure I can’t get into

door open. I

pass before her rainbow-colored head pokes back

while I’m gone—no sex in the

jaw unhinges. "Excuse