Chapter 97

Hannah’s POV

“Thank you for taking me home,” I said to Henry as we neared the palace in his truck. “I could have walked.”

Part of me was hoping he would have let me walk; Nora needed to stretch her legs and it would be good to go for a run in my wolf form to clear my head. But that would have to wait till later; Henry insisted that he took me home to make sure I got back safely. He also mentioned he had to get some stuff finished in the gardens anyway.

“It’s no problem,” he said softly as he parked his truck. “I’m sorry again about your brother. I hope he’s strong enough to overcome this.”

My heart felt heavy because it’s been a lifetime battle with my brother; at one point he was strong enough to overcome anything, but as the years went on, the weaker he became. I’m not sure he had many fights left in him.

“I’m sorry about Nancy,” I told him, trying to keep the annoyance out of my tone.

She took a picture of us together in Liam’s room and I knew she was going to use that picture to blackmail me later. It was something I would have to deal with when the time came; I just needed to figure out what she wanted and what it would take to get that picture from her. I couldn’t let Sebastian see it because he would lose his mind.

“Yeah, what’s her deal?” He asked, eyeing me from the driver’s seat.

I sighed before answering him.

“She’s my half-sister’s best friend. They aren’t people I get along with,” I muttered. “I just ignore them, and they usually go away.”

“Sounds frustrating,” he agreed.

“Thanks again for the ride home,” I said, sliding out of his truck. He followed me until we reached the palace grounds and then we went our separate ways. I should have ended our friendship right there and then, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Not like this.

I knew Sebastian was home before I even entered. I was just hoping he didn’t see me getting out of Henry’s truck. He was probably confused as to why I wasn’t home. It was nearing evening and I wasn’t usually gone this long unless something was wrong. I would have to explain to him that it was because something was wrong with my brother.

The butler stood at the door, and he looked a bit grim when he first saw me. I narrowed my eyes at him, confused as to why he was looking at me like that. He bowed his head once I entered.

“Your majesty,” he greeted. “The Alpha King is waiting for you in the den.”

I frowned and I could feel my heart racing against my chest. He was waiting for me? I found that to be weird. Even Nora felt like something was wrong before we even entered the den.

Sebastian sat on the couch with a piece of paper in his hands. He was looking at the paper intently for a moment before bringing his eyes to rest on me. He looked oddly calm, which only made me more nervous.

“Is something wrong?” I asked, eyeing him carefully.

“Is something wrong?!” He growled, standing to his feet quickly. His tone was hard and the way he stared at me was cold, sending a shiver down my spine. “I gave you direct orders to stay away from that gardener and you run off with him?!”

“What are you talking about?” I asked, keeping my eyes locked on his.

He revealed the paper he was holding; it was a picture of me with Henry at the hospital in Liam’s room. I swallowed the lump that was forming in my throat, trying to figure out what to say to him. I knew nothing I said could make him feel better at that moment; he was right. I did go away with Henry, but it wasn’t what he was thinking.

“I got a phone call from Dr. Davis. Liam was in trouble,” I told him, proud that my voice remained stable.

“And you didn’t think to tell me?” He asked.

I was surprised by how calm he was; instead of the normal scarlet his eyes would turn, I just saw a flash of hurt. I had hurt him.

“You weren’t home. You were at a meeting,” I reminded him, keeping my tone low. “I was in the gardens when I got the call. I shouldn’t have gone behind your back to see him. But he’s, my friend. I need you to understand that…”

Sebastian sighed.

“I don’t trust that guy, Hannah. There’s something off about him. I don’t even remember hiring him.”

I frowned and thought it was odd that he just appeared out of nowhere. Nora also mentioned having a weird feeling about him. But he seemed so nice.

“Do you think Patricia hired him before she was imprisoned?” I asked, peering up at his concerned gaze.

“Possibly,” he muttered in return. “I just want you to be careful…”

I gave him a small smile as I stepped closer to him. I knew it was my scent that’s been keeping him under control. He seemed to relax with my nearness.

“I’m careful,” I whispered in return.

At that moment, I thought about telling him about my pregnancy. I knew I needed to say something about it, despite all the fear I’d been feeling. Every time I thought about telling him, I thought about how my mother suffered in a loveless marriage because my father marked her. I didn’t want the same fate for myself, but I also understand that Sebastian is not my father. However, he did forcibly mark me.

Maybe right now isn’t the best time to tell him.

“Hannah… I need to see you right away. Can you meet me in the gardens?” Henry’s voice came through a mindlink; he sounded distraught.

I glanced up at Sebastian who seemed lost in his own thoughts.

“I promise I’m careful,” I repeated to him. “Henry just mindlinked me. Something is wrong. I need to go see what it is.”

Sebastian furrowed his eyebrows at me.

“Are you serious?” He muttered, aggravation returning to his voice. “Hannah…”

“I know,” I said, cutting him off. “But I need you to trust me.”

He didn’t look happy, but he took a step away.

“Fine,” he said before turning away and walking out of the living room.

I stared after him, feeling a heaviness in my heart. I didn’t like going against him, but Henry was my friend and it sounded like he needed something.

I ran from the living room and out the back door until I was engulfed in the night’s air and surrounded by beautiful flowers. Henry was already there, pacing back and forth. He looked nervous and frightened. He relaxed once he saw me approaching but I could still see the fear lingering behind his eyes.

“Henry, what is it?” I asked, peering up at him.

“It’s my sister,” he breathed. “She’s not okay. Her condition is worse. I can’t afford a doctor and I don’t know what to do.”

I stared at him for a moment; he needed a doctor for his sister. I glanced over at the palace, and I knew Sebastian was waiting for me to return. I couldn’t let Henry’s sister die; if there’s something I can do for her, then I got to try.

I turned back to him.

“Let’s go.”