Emmett was still asleep when we parked outside of the pack building, so I picked him up and carried him to my private elevator. He popped his head up, rubbing his eyes as soon as the doors closed.
“Wow.” He looked at the buildings crawling past us outside the elevator. “We’re going over them.” He reached for the window, and I took a step closer so he could touch it.
“It's one of the tallest buildings in the city,” I explained, “And guess what?”
His green eyes turned to me. “What?” he whispered as if it was a secret.
“We’re going to the very top,” I whispered back.
His eyes went wide, and he did a little squirm, possibly a dance. He looked back toward the window as we crept closer to the top, leaning forward, both of his hands splayed on the glass.
The elevator stopped, and he looked at me as if he couldn’t believe it. I liked how easily entertained he was and how he was intrigued by simple things. I couldn’t remember the last time I really looked at the cityscape, except on my first date with Willa.
I set him down when we reached my floor. He seemed to feel better as he barreled out of the elevator, looking around at the foyer.
“This way.”
I led him to the front door and opened it for him. He walked in confidently and spun in a slow circle studying the place. I waited nervously for a kid's opinion on my interior decor.
“It’s clean,” he noted, and I looked around.
Two stories of windows overlooked my sitting area around a tall steel fireplace. It was clean, modern, and minimal, with primarily black furniture and white walls. I hired an interior decorator and didn't really have much input. I lived here, sure, but I had so much work to do and multiple offices that it didn't really feel like home.
“What’s up there?” He pointed to the second-floor landing above the sitting area.
“Bedrooms, Do you want to choose one?” I asked hesitantly, “For today?” I added I didn’t want to overstep boundaries with Willa.
“I just got my own room; it's blue.”
“Your favorite color,” I noted.
“How did you know?” His eyes went wide.
“Lucky guess.” I smiled, “Also, you told me.”
“Oh.”
Emmett bounded up the stairs peeking into the open doors of the guest rooms.
“This one.” He ran into one that faced the tallest buildings. “Can I keep it?” he asked and turned back, frowning.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s white.” I looked around the room, white walls, and matching sheets.
“There’s that painting,” I pointed at a wall. The painting cost me thousands, and he frowned at it. “How about we make a deal?”
“Okay.” He walked back toward me; his steps were slower now, his energy gone.
“We ask your mom first.”
“Fine.” He shrugged. “But she’s going to say yes,” He gave me a knowing smile.
“Wait here for one moment, okay?” He nodded, and I went to grab some stuff from a closet.
Emmett was fading again and slumped against the bed when I returned.
“Let’s go back downstairs.” I motioned towards the door, and he walked towards me.
He reached his arms up, and it took me by surprise. I lifted him into my arms, and he nuzzled into me. It was so unexpected, but it made me feel really good in a way I couldn't quite put into words.
I sat him on a downstairs chair and put the sheets and pillow I grabbed from the closet on the couch. My mom used to make me a couch bed when I wasn't feeling great or had a minor injury. The couch bed basically consisted of my favorite sheets and cartoons all day, but it always made me feel better.
“There.” I lifted him onto the couch. “This is your bed for the day, and we can watch whatever you want. The doctor will be here soon so you don't have to go anywhere. Are you hungry?”
“I don’t know.” He settled on the pillow, and I covered him with a blanket.
I put my palm on his head, and he felt hot. I needed to check in with the doctor to make sure he was on his way.
His eyes were closed before I even turned on the TV.
The door opened, and I immediately knew who was there. Only Holden would feel comfortable enough to barge in here.
I walked to the front door. “Be quiet; he's sleeping.”
Holden dropped the bags he was carrying on the floor. “How about a thank you, nice to see you?”
“That too.” I raised an eyebrow, looking at the bags he had.
“Toys mostly." He shrugged. "plastic kid plates and cups and clothes.”
“Okay then,”
“Was that not right?” He looked at me, annoyed.
“I don’t know/” I shook my head. “Did you Google it?”
“Yes, and Google said kids need clothes and food, so I bought clothes and things to eat from.” He shrugged.
“Thanks.” I carried the bags toward the kitchen and went to make some chicken and rice, something my mom made for me every time my stomach was upset.
“I never thought I would see you like this.” Holden followed me, leaning against the kitchen counter.
“Out.” I pointed toward the door.
“So pushy; I’ll send you the bill for today.”
“Do.” I ignored him, trying to find the chicken broth; when was the last time I even cooked for myself? “Wait.” I turned toward Holden's back.
“Finally, you’re going to fall on your knees in appreciation of me.” He gave me a smile, running his hand through his hair.
“I need you to get some groceries, have them ordered, whatever,”
“You have someone for that,” he scoffed.
“But you’re here.” I studied him. “Please,” I added.
“Well, just because you finally found manners, I will. Text me what you want,”
-
The rice was almost done when the doctor arrived. I led him to Emmett on the couch and gently placed my hand on his arm and wake him up. He rubbed his eyes, blinking at me.
“The doctor is here; he just wants to look you over.” I gave him a smile, trying to soothe any worries.
I sat next to him on the couch as the head pack doctor asked him questions and examined him.
“Well done, Emmett, was it?” The doctor asked, and Emmett nodded proudly.
I led the doctor to the kitchen past the open living space.
“What’s wrong?” I asked quietly.
“Seems to be a cold, a bad one.” The doctor shook his head. “But I haven’t seen any kid with a fever like that, not a full werewolf, at least, hybrids, yes. You said he's from Alpha blood?”
“His dad,” I replied dryly.
“It doesn’t make sense. I want to come back tomorrow. I’ll give him some antibiotics, but they won’t do much but might ease some discomfort. Lots of liquids and sleep; try to see if he will eat.” I nodded. I could do all that.
“I appreciate your care; I’ll see you tomorrow.” I ushered him out.
Emmett was sitting up on the couch when I got back.
“Hungry? I made some rice.” Saying that out loud sounded so boring, so dull. “My mom used to make it for me when I was sick,” I added.
“Yes, please.” He smiled at me, going to get off the couch.
“I’ll bring it to you.”
“Mama doesn’t let me each anywhere besides the table.”
“It’s a special occasion. Do you want parmesan?” I asked.
His eyes lit up. “Yes, lots and lots of cheese.” I laughed, going to bring him some food from one of the plates Holden bought.
“What do you want to watch?” I asked.
He shrugged. "I don’t really watch TV.”
“Okay then, I have a few suggestions.”