Lycan's Mate (His Claim) Chapter 72

Fiona's POV

"Ben, it's okay. Nothing happened. I'm okay. I'm just a bit spooked about it.

"But he never should've frightened you. I told him not to take it this far," he said, his back suddenly towards me as he faced the closed curtains in front of him.

I was about to protest until his words made me stop.

"You....what?" I asked slowly, confusion laced in my tone as I stared at his large form. He was completely hidden in the small amount of darkness behind his desk, so it was extremely hard for me to see his expression

I placed my hands on the handles of the chair to stand up before the door behind me burst open. We both turned around in the same moment Aurby stepped into the room, her light brown eyes widening as she looked past me and over at Bret. Her hand remained on the doorknob as she took a small step back.

"Ben," she said, her voice breathless for some reason.

"Is everything alright in here?"

I looked back at him, noticing how he closed his eyes immediately before pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Yes," he said, his voice deadly quiet. "What do you want, Aurby?"

I turned around just in time to see her flinch before her eyes fixated on me. A small smile immediately appeared on her features and I tried my best to return the gesture.

"I need Fiona's help setting up dinner, if you don't mind," she said towards me, her eyes unreadable.I nodded slowly, standing up in the process before looking back at Ben.

"May I leave?" In all honesty, I felt pathetic asking that question. I noticed his torso turn towards me and I couldn't help but feel that he wasn't about to let me go just yet. So before he could even utter a word, I straightened my stance and faced him fully.

"I'm going to help out Aurby with dinner. I'll see you later. If you don't mind giving these files back to Clara as soon as you can," I said, motioning to the papers with my head before turning around and exiting out of the room

I could feel both eyes on me, but I didn't bother turning around. His behavior towards Aurby and I was unacceptable. What was it with guys losing their temper so easily? Is that just a guy thing or something? Shaking my head in disbelief, I made my way over towards the front desk before waiting patiently for Aurby to return. I was actually surprised to find her here this early. It was only five o'clock and her shift doesn't start until eight. Maybe she had decided to start early, despite it being a Friday and all.

Feeling a presence emerge beside me, I turned towards Aurby who was staring down at the ground with a troubled expression on her face

"Are you okay, Aurby?

At the sound of her name, her head snapped up to me and the same small smile spread across her lips.

"Yes, perfect. Now time to get the Senior's dinner ready." She was just about to walk around me before I grabbed her arm, stopping her immediately. Her face was completely blank as she looked down at me, but I could easily sense her uneasiness as she patiently waited for my next words.

"Why are you here so early?" I asked, releasing my hold without breaking any eye contact. "You usually don't start until later at night.

She nodded slowly, her light brown eyes guarded but never once faltering.

"That is true. But Dr. Samson asked me to come in a little earlier than usual."

I raised an eyebrow at her.

"Why would he want you here at this time?"

She shrugged her shoulders, her eyebrows pulling together as she stared down at the floor between us.

"I'm not so sure actually. He just insisted I do so for some reason.,"

I crossed my arms as I studied her expression. The longer I stared at her, the more I felt like she was indeed telling me the sincere truth. Letting out a soft sigh, I leaned an arm against the counter as I stared outside at the evening sun that was now close to setting over the horizon. The sky was a variety of vibrant colors, making it seem as if the evening sky was a rainbow itself

"Well that's odd," I paused, trying to find a reason for Ben making her come here so early and sadly coming up with no explanation. Mimicking her earlier actions, I straightened my stance and motioned towards the cafeteria on the other side of the building.

"Let's get going. Don't want to have a handful of cranky elders on our hands, now do we?"

She looked up at me and her usual vibrant smile lit up her elegant features as she nodded.

"Now that is something I never want to deal with."

I nodded in agreement, a brighter smile filling my lips.

"Trust me, you don't," I said with a laugh as we both walked towards the cafeteria side by side

I sat in one of the lounge chairs outside on the terrace, stretching out my now sore legs onto the coffee table in front of me. The sun had already set about two hours ago and I had just finished helping the other nurses put the patients in their beds. Some liked to stay up reading for a little bit or would simply watch a bit of TV in their rooms. Nonetheless, they were now all fed and ready for a good night's rest. I know for a fact I needed it

Removing the band holding my hair in place, I ran a shaking hand through the waves, removing any bit of knots that had suddenly decided to build up while I was working today. I hate it when that happens.

Only several minutes had gone by before I heard the seat in front of me creak, indicating that someone was now seated in front of me. Prying one eye open, I was immediately met with a bright smile of one of the most amazing elders I have ever met

"Still up, old man?" I asked with a smile as I closed my eye once more and relished the cool breeze that was making its way through the trees outside the Senior home

"Haha, very funny," he said sarcastically before letting out a soft chuckle.

"So how has your day been, sweetie?"

I shrugged my shoulders.

"I've had better days."

I could practically picture the frown on his face as silence filled the air between us. The only sound that was heard was that of the rustling fresh fallen leaves and the howling of the wind that swirled about us. I allowed a minute to pass before I opened my eyes and stared at Joel. The old man was wearing a simple white buttoned up shirt with a red sweater vest and khaki pants and a pair of black shoes. Even if he barely went anywhere, he was always one to dress up nicely despite him spending his days at the home.

"What?" I asked, removing my feet from the table and sitting up straight in the comfortable seat

"You're not telling me something," he said simply, his eyes completely unreadable

I let out a heavy sigh.

"Is there like a big sign on my forehead saying something happened to me?" I asked, once again annoyed. It was extremely hard to get annoyed with this man so I was surprised to find myself wanting to leave rather than stay and talk to Joel for a little while

He raised both hands up in surrender, another small chuckle escaping his thin lips.

"Whoa there, I don't mean anything by it. I just know you well enough to know when something is wrong.

I rolled my eyes.

"You always say something is wrong with me, Joel.

He nodded his head.

"And I'm right about that, aren't I?" He asked, his eyes clearly amused

I let out a sarcastic groan as I leaned my head back.

"You want me to say it, don't you?"

"No need to say what I already know," he said with a wink before his face turned completely serious.

"Now what's the matter love?"

"Nothing," I said with a loud groan, throwing my hands up for emphasis. "Sheesh, why are people continuously asking me if I'm alright or not?"

"How many people have today?" He asked with a raised eyebrow

I looked back at him before rummaging through my memory, only to find myself coming up with one person in mind. "Okay, fine," I admitted, leaning forward and resting my chin on the palm of my hand.

"Only Ben has asked me. But what had happened yesterday is not that big of a deal. I'm perfectly fine.

"Yes, but something could've happened to you, love. Think of it this way," he paused, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees before continuing. "If something would've happened to you, we would've lost a precious jewel."I rolled my eyes.

"I'm not so precious, Joel. I'm simply a young nineteen year old girl who works at a home. Nothing special.

A knowing smile spread across his lips as he leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "Oh, but you are. Especially for your pack."