A dad's worries

LORRY SPRINGSTONE'S / KELLY THOMPSON'S POV

"Tina, who is that? What the heck is she doing here?" Jason asks, clearly trying to assert his authority, completely disregarding any notion of politeness.

I can’t help but feel shocked (though Tina seems unfazed; she’s probably got used to this kind of rudeness) for two main reasons. First, the king hasn’t changed one bit. He’s still as rude as ever. Secondly, he doesn’t even recognize me.

It hits me that my appearance has changed dramatically. I'm shaping up nicely—slimmer and more athletic than I’ve ever been. You could say I’m a bit of a knockout now.

I’m kind of pleased with this new perspective, and I’m ready to use it to get even. It’s time for all those who wronged me to face the consequences. I can’t help but smirk at the smug and arrogant Alpha King Jason Bentley as I plot my revenge.

"You’re first on my list, little fool," I whisper to myself, feeling a thrill of anticipation for what’s to come.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty, but this is Dr. Lorry Springstone, the doctor you summoned for the young heir. She has traveled quite a long way to be here and has already started evaluating the prince's health," Tina, the head housemaid, steps in to explain.

Jason’s expression shifts as this new information sinks in. He tries to regain his composure, clearing his throat before addressing me sincerely.

"I apologize, Dr. Lorry Springstone. It's just that none of my incapable subjects told me you had arrived. I did send a messenger to Liverpool to invite you here for the sake of my ailing son, who has been under the weather for a while now. Unfortunately, none of the kingdom's physicians have been able to help him recover. My desperation led me to seek out your expertise, as one of my dear friends highly recommended you. Now that you’re here, I can only express my gratitude for your prompt arrival," my ex-husband Jason says, sounding surprisingly calm and polite—definitely a side of him I’m not used to.

Honestly, I’m completely taken aback by this softer side of the royal. It’s hard to believe he’s the same person speaking in such a gentle tone.

Plus, he seems completely oblivious to how rudely his messenger, Delta Tom Braxton, brought me back to the South pack.

But with the young prince Eddy—or Eden, as I feel he might be—I decide to set aside my surprise. Sometimes the moon goddess works in mysterious ways, I tell myself.

I reassure Alpha King Jason that I’m committed to doing everything I can to help his son.

At the same time, I notice the sick little heir, who’s been listening to his father’s voice, seems to perk up a bit. He turns his tiny face toward Jason, his expression a mix of hope and fear. His delicate fingers tighten around mine as he looks for comfort.

"Thank you, Doctor Springstone," Jason says, his voice thick with emotion. "Your words mean more to me than you know. My son... is my everything."

Watching Jason gently comb his fingers through the boy’s hair leaves me struck by how different he seems now compared to the cold, distant father I once knew. It’s like I’ve stepped into an alternate universe.

"Daddy," the child whispers, his voice barely above a murmur before he adds, "Is she the lady you said was coming from abroad to help me?"

It sends a jolt through me to hear him call my ex-husband ‘Daddy,’ especially since he still hasn’t recognized me—something that makes me feel anxious inside. I always knew he was the Alpha King’s son, but hearing it come from his mouth feels surreal. My heart aches as I look at the frail child, trying to reconcile him with my robust son Eden, who I’ve been away from for nearly six years.

"Could he really be my son?" I ponder silently.

Jason kneels beside the bed to get closer to the child, answering him, "Yes, my brave little warrior. That’s indeed Dr. Springstone from Liverpool. She’s really smart and kind. She’s going to do everything she can to help you feel better. Don’t worry!"

With those words, I see the child’s face, a miniature version of Jason, flicker between him and me. There’s a glimmer of hope there, mingled with the exhaustion that comes from being unwell. My throat tightens as I battle the instinct to scoop the frail boy into my arms, forced to maintain my professional demeanor.

"That’s right," I add softly, giving the boy’s hand a reassuring squeeze. "We’re going to work together to make you strong again. Will you be my brave helper?"

A faint smile crosses his lips, and he nods weakly.

"I'll try, Doctor," he replies.

I start my examination, fully aware of Jason's penetrating gaze observing every move I make.

"This child could truly be my son Eden," I remind myself with a jolt, "despite being alarmingly thin and his pale, yellowed skin."

Just then, Tina, still quietly watching us, comes closer and places her hand gently on the child’s forehead. "He seems a bit warm again, Your Majesty," she informs Jason softly.

I nod in agreement; I’ve picked up on his slight fever too.

"I’ll need to run some tests to figure out what’s causing his illness," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

"But first, I’d like to ask a few questions about his symptoms and medical history, if that’s alright?" I query Jason.

He nods eagerly and replies, "Of course, Doctor. Anything you need."

As I begin my questioning, I can’t help but marvel at how strange this situation is. Here I am, pretending to be a total stranger while gathering details about what might be my own child’s health from the man who used to be my husband. The irony is almost too heavy to bear, but I have to press on. There’s no turning back from where I stand now.

"When did the symptoms first show up?" I ask, ready with my notepad.

Jason furrows his brow, attempting to recall. "It’s been... almost three years," he replies slowly.

"It started shortly after his mother..." He trails off, a flash of pain crossing his face.

"...after she left us," he finishes.

His words make my heart skip a beat, but I force myself to stay calm on the outside. "I see," I say, jotting down my observations. "And what were the initial symptoms?"

"At first, he just felt tired," Jason explains, his gaze never drifting from the child. "He didn’t want to play and started napping more. We thought it was just a phase, but then..."

"The fevers started," Tina chimes in softly.

"And the little prince began losing weight," she adds, her voice heavy with concern.

I nod, my thoughts racing. The timeline fits perfectly with my departure. Could my absence have caused this mysterious illness? Guilt washes over me, but I push it aside. Right now, I need to focus on the present and helping this child—whether he’s my son or not.

"Has he been tested for any genetic conditions?" I ask, keeping my voice steady.

Jason shakes his head. "The royal doctors have done every test they could think of, but nothing conclusive has come up."

I frown, tapping my pen against my notepad.

"And what about his diet? Any allergies or sensitivities?" I continue.

"We’ve tried it all: special diets, herbal remedies, even traditional pack healers. Nothing has worked," Tina says, frustration edging her voice.

As they speak, I see the child’s eyelids growing heavy. His grip on my hand loosens as he drifts into sleep.

"I think that’s enough questions for now," I say gently, tucking the blanket snugly around the sleeping child.

"I’d like to review his medical records and run some tests of my own. With your permission, Your Majesty, I’d like to set up a temporary lab here in the palace," I request.

Jason quickly agrees. "Of course, Doctor. Whatever you need. I’ll have the staff prepare a room for you right away."

As he turns to issue instructions to Tina, I take a moment to really look at him. The worry etched into his features, the dark shadows under his eyes—they tell a story of sleepless nights and constant worry. This is not the cold, detached man I remember leaving behind.

"Your Majesty," I say, hesitant, "if I may ask... what happened to the child's mother?"

A flicker of pain crosses Jason’s face.

"She... she left us. Not long after Eden was born," he responds, his voice uncertain.