Filed To Story: Veiled Desires of the Alpha King Novel
“You are welcome. It’s my pleasure.”, Dayson responded and gave Talia’s hand a squeeze.
Yes, going in a car will take only five minutes, but he wanted to walk with Talia. It takes longer and he gets to enjoy holding her hand and chatting casually.
Dayson noticed that Talia is relaxed when they are outside, just the two of them. He liked that.
In the pack hospital…
With Jill and Cathy, the exam didn’t take long and in less than an hour, Talia and Dayson sat in Travis’s office to hear the results and recommendations for going forward.
“You have several markers that are just below or above normal, but it’s nothing too concerning, and I can see slight improvements compared to your previous checkup. Continue regular meals and vitamins and I will see you in a week.”, Travis said. “If you feel anything out of the ordinary, give me a call and we will get you an appointment. In the meantime, I recommend adding fennel, ginger, and cayenne pepper into your food, based on your taste. They will help with appetite and digestion.”
“I didn’t know that.”, Talia said.
Travis noticed that Talia’s tone had a hint of surprise, and asked, “Do you know about the medicinal effects of herbs?”
“A little bit.”, Talia responded humbly. “I know how to take care of simple wounds.”
“Simple wounds? Tell me more…”, Travis asked, unable to contain his curiosity.
In general, werewolves are divided into ones who follow a traditional lifestyle, and the ones who are modernized. The traditional ones will go to their shaman when they are ill, and they use herbs, crystals, and prayers to feel better, while modern ones rely on technology and the latest advances in medicine.
Talia obviously believes in modern medicine, yet she is familiar with herbs, so Travis was eager to probe how deep are her knowledge and interest.
Talia told him about a few herbs that she mixes to treat open wounds and the ones that are good for reducing swelling and fever.
“Do you want to learn more?”, Travis asked. “There are books I can recommend.”
“Yes, please!”
Travis stood up and walked to the wall shelf where a number of books were arranged. He pulled one thick book with dark blue covers. Based on the worn-out look, it was obvious that the book was used a lot.
“Start with this one.”, Travis said when he gave the book to Talia. “I don’t have many here, but I can always accompany you to the library and help you pick. As you read through it, take notes of your questions and if I don’t know answers, I can help you find them.”
Talia’s eyes sparkled. With his readiness to help and teach her, Travis definitely reminded her of Olivia.
Talia realized that this is one step closer to learning medicine and maybe even working in the pack hospital (if she stays in the pack). This also gave her a reason to reach out to Travis and learn from him, and once they get close enough and she gets the right opportunity, Talia will ask him about working in the hospital.
“Unless you have more questions for me, we are done for today.”, Travis said while his eyes darted from Dayson to Talia.
“One question…”, Talia started and nervously glanced at Dayson. “Am I well enough to start training?”
‘I don’t want her to get hurt’, Dayson said to Travis through the mind-link.
So far, Dayson was quietly observing the exam, and this was the first time he spoke, so Travis understood that this was important.
Travis let out a long exhale. He didn’t want to offend his Alpha, but he already said to Talia that she doesn’t have anything serious.
He decided on something in-between.
“There is nothing wrong with you, Talia, however, your stamina and muscle mass are below average. I want you to take it easy.”, Travis said. “I recommend that you take walks and gradually increase duration, distance, and difficulty. While doing that, listen to your body. If you feel a strain, pain, or you run out of breath, take a break. OK?”
“So, I can’t train?”, Talia asked dejectedly.
“I didn’t say that.”, Travis quickly said. “If you want to lift weights, take the lightest ones and work your way up. If it’s running, start with a brisk walk and gradually increase your pace. But no matter what it is, if you feel discomfort, stop. Moderation is the key, and until you gain weight, I fear that if you overdo physical activity, you might faint or worse. Until you figure out your limits, don’t do things on your own without supervision.”
Travis glanced at Dayson, and he relaxed when he saw Dayson nodding in approval.
On their way back to the packhouse, Talia noticed that Dayson’s mood was a bit off.
“Is something bothering you?”, she asked, assuming that it’s workload and that he will tell her that it’s nothing.
“Yes.”, Dayson said flatly. “I want you to take it easy and you got yourself not only into training but also into learning about medicine.” Dayson gestured toward the thick blue blook that Talia carried in her hand.
Talia was not sure why that would bother Dayson. It’s not like she did anything other than ask questions and borrow a book. “I promise to start training slowly, and reading a book is not much effort. I will do it in my free time.”
“If you are reading, then it’s not free time.”
“Is there a problem if I learn things?”
“No, no.”, Dayson backtracked quickly. “It’s just that…” He stopped walking and she had to stop as well because they were holding hands. Dayson stepped closer to Talia, and she looked up at him.
“I am worried about you, and I would prefer that you consult me before you take on more responsibilities.”
Talia blinked. Is he really worried about her? That would be first. No one ever worried about her.
“I apologize.”, she said. “I didn’t mean to worry you. Is there something I can do to make it up to you?”
Dayson’s lips lifted into a smile and Talia’s eyes moved nervously over his handsome face while trying to figure out what he was up to.
Was he going to ask her not to train? Or not to read the book? Ah! What if he asks her to stop helping in the kitchen?
Talia was oblivious to the fact that during breakfast, Dayson narrowed down the list of places where he wanted to take Talia, and this was the perfect excuse for him to pick one and go for it.
Dayson lifted her hand and placed a small kiss on her knuckles without breaking eye contact, and he enjoyed the sight of blush that invaded her cheeks.
“Come with me tomorrow.”, Dayson said, and she felt his breath splashing against the spot he kissed a second ago.
“Where?” Her voice came a bit breathy.
“You will find out tomorrow.”, Dayson responded mysteriously.
“Alright.”, Talia agreed reluctantly.
Dayson hummed in approval and resumed walking toward the packhouse.
He gave Talia’s hand a squeeze, content that she got used to holding hands. He wondered when the right time will be to move on to the next step. A hug, a kiss, a… ah! He can’t wait!
Talia’s excitement related to preparing lunch dwindled when Stephanie told her that they are just making sandwiches.
Talia didn’t mind washing lettuce leaves and cutting tomatoes thinly, but she was hoping to learn cooking techniques, and toasting bread didn’t require any mastery.
“Did you expect something more elaborate?”, Stephanie asked.
“Yes.”, Talia admitted. “It is lunch, after all.”
In the Red Moon pack, every meal was like a feast for Alpha Edward, Beta Raymond, and their family members.
“We don’t put a lot of importance on meal ceremonies unless there are guests in the packhouse.”, Stephanie said. “Normally, I prepare breakfast and eat in the kitchen. I don’t like to join them in the dining room because those three kids discuss their plans for the day, and it can get noisy.”