Maddox carried Tatiana stiffly while doing his best not to stumble.
He had no idea why she wanted him to carry her, and he was unable to think beyond his hard-on because she was wearing only a bikini and he was in his swim trunks, addictive sparks were dancing over his skin wherever they touched, and it was driving him mad.
He was sure that he will have a serious case of blue balls.
To make things worse, Tatiana snuggled into him, and he had to focus not touch her inappropriately.
After all, she called him a caveman who thinks only about sex and if she realizes how turned on he was, he will only confirm that.
Maddox wondered, at what point did he turn into a masochist? How can he be turned on in this situation?
Sure, Tatiana is a Goddess, and this was the most skin-to-skin contact he got from her, and her skin was smooth, and her scent of strawberries was delicious, and she had curves in all the right places, but still… he was not allowed to touch her beyond this carrying.
Maddox knew that Tatiana was playing some game again, and he had no idea what the game was, but he was painfully aware that he was failing miserably.
Maddox was glad that Caden was leading the way because Maddox didn't need to think about the direction beyond simply following Caden.
Tatiana leaned onto Maddox completely and she pressed her palm against his firm pecs. She silently marveled his physique.
Every muscle on his body curved seductively, in a silent promise of many carnal pleasures.
How is it possible for a man to be so hard?
She never touched an Alpha before, and she knew that humans don't compare to werewolves, but she thought that Alphas are only a bit more muscular than regular werewolves.
Tatiana wondered if he was bigger everywhere.
Tatiana's face turned red when she realized that this was her mate, and soon she WILL find out how big he is down there.
Ah! Was she getting aroused?
Tatiana squirmed in Maddox's arms.
Maddox cursed internally. It was already difficult to hold her like that and not go crazy, yet she started moving around and rubbing on him? What's her problem?
"Are you alright?"
Tatiana reluctantly looked up to meet Maddox's gaze and she could see the moment when his nostrils flared, and his eyes widened. Could he smell her arousal?
Tatiana swallowed hard. "I… I…" She was not sure what to say. Should she just tell him that she was fine and that she wanted to roll in the grass with him right there? They can tell Caden to scram.
"Caden!", Maddox exclaimed. "Can we hurry up? Tanya is all red. I'm afraid something is wrong."
Tatiana was not sure if she should laugh or cry. Maddox noticed that something was off with her, but instead of thinking that she wants him, he assumed she was ill. Before she could say anything, Maddox broke into a run.
This will be harder than she thought.
Caden entered the pack hospital first and spotted Travis waiting for them with four nurses by his side.
Caden explained that woman who nearly drowned was Maddox's mate (aka soon-to-be Luna of the Blue River pack), and she was also the eldest sister of Kalina (aka the future Luna of the Lightclaw pack), and that she was a guest of the Dark Howlers pack.
With such a background, Travis knew that slightest negligence could cause unimaginable consequences, so Travis called a squad of warriors to be ready to ensure safety.
The image of Maddox walking into the pack hospital with Tatiana in his arms was impressive and everyone stopped to gape at them.
Maddow was tall and muscular, and Tatiana's toned body matched him perfectly.
But more than their captivating visual, it was the majestic aura that spread around them. There was immense power with a hint of arrogance that told everyone Maddox and Tatiana were important individuals.
"Alpha Maddox, Miss Wilkow", Travis greeted them respectfully. "I am Doctor Travis. We prepared a wheelchair…"
"No need.", Tatiana interrupted him. "I want Max to carry me." She really didn't want to let go of him. Somehow, she could feel his discomfort and she feared that he might escape.
Maddox cocked an eyebrow at her. "How will they examine you like this?"
Tatiana looked at him with big puppy eyes. "You want to let me go?"
Maddox's brows came together. What's with that choice of words?
"Be good, Tanya. This is the hospital, and Doctor is here to make sure you are well." Seeing that her face fell, Maddox quickly added, "I won't leave your side."
Tatiana gave him a small nod and he lowered her in the wheelchair.
The moment Maddox straightened his posture, he realized that Tatiana was exposed. "Do you have some clothes?" She was only in a bikini, and he saw those warriors gaping at her! And he didn't trust the Doctor either.
The nurse swiftly got a hospital gown and Maddox nodded in approval when he saw that Tatiana was covered up.
It was Tatiana's turn to frown. "Can you get one for him also?", she asked Travis while gesturing toward Maddox.
Maddox couldn't believe this. Why would he wear a hospital gown? Surely, Tatiana was not bothered that those nurses stole glances at him, right? Or was she repulsed to see his body?
No one ever complained about his body, but no one slapped him before either. There were many first with Tatiana.
No matter what Tatiana's reasons were, Maddox was an Alpha, and his torso was frequently exposed. She should get used to it!
"I'm not a patient.", Maddox said stiffly and grabbed the wheelchair to push it. Before Tatiana could complain, he asked Travis, "Which way?"
Tatiana wanted to say how that was injustice, why should she cover up while he lets all those women to gape at him? But she swallowed those words back. After all, Maddox agreed to accompany her, and he didn't seem thrilled about it, so she should take this slowly.
Talia said that it goes both ways and Tatiana already decided to give them a chance, so here it is. Compromise. It's the most she did so far for any relationship.
The tests didn't take long, and other than for x-rays, Maddox was by Tatiana's side all the time.
Nurses helped Tatiana settle in one of the VIP rooms before making themselves scarce.
"The results should be ready soon. In half an hour…", Travis paused as his eyes lost focus. It was Caden.
Travis cleared his throat. "At least an hour. Probably longer. Until then, try to rest. Let us know if you need anything." He turned to Maddox. "Alpha Maddox, when mates are close, our healing rate increases." With that, Travis left the room.
"I have pack-related things to handle.", Caden mumbled a universal excuse and followed after Travis.
Maddox stilled when he realized that it was only him and Tatiana in the room. She was lying on the hospital bed, and he was standing in the middle of the room that was filled with the impossibly addictive scent of strawberries.
This will be difficult. Should he also leave? But he promised to stay by her side.
