Nickel POV

The ride was long. What should’ve only been four hours felt like eight. By the time we got to the hospital I was so worried, it took Liam a lot of coaxing to get me out of the car. I zipped up my coat in the frigid cold air, as we walked to the entrance of the large, elaborate building. The doors slid open automatically and I followed Liam inside. There was a hybrid sitting behind the desk. They seemed to be part red fox. “Good morning, do you have an appointment,” they asked rather curtly. Then again I’d be pretty done with a job where I had to constantly interact with others. “Yes, we do actually, it should be under the last name Walsh.” The hybrid seemed to pause for a moment, looking up at Liam with a wide-eyed expression. “Oh, yes, of course, pardon me. I’ll lead you to your room.” They typed something into their computer before standing up. 

They gave me a quizzical look as they walked behind the desk but they didn’t say anything. We went to an elevator and headed up to the 5th floor. The person walked us down a hallway leading us into a completely white room. There was a couch, t.v. two chairs, a small refrigerator, sink, and a hospital bed in the center of the room. “The surgeon will be right with the both of you soon, but we’re scheduled to proceed with the actual procedure in another 20 minutes,” they said. Liam gave them a warm smile and a thank you causing them to blush before leaving. I felt a pang of jealousy hit me but I chose to ignore it. “How are you feeling so far?” Liam asked once we were both sure that the person was no longer in the hallway. “Fine, I guess,” I grumbled.  

He put his hand on my shoulder giving it a tight squeeze. “Everything will be ok.” I nodded in return. We sat down on the couch before a nurse came in to put an iv in my arm. “I’ll be back soon with the doctor,” he said, before leaving. Ten minutes later the nurse and doctor came back. It was the same man with a southern accent who visited the cabin. “I’ll spare the pleasantries. I’m sure you already know more or less how things will go.” The man was a bit shorter than me but still intimidating. Liam stood up. “Actually, sir, I’d rather you not skip the pleasantries. I’m sure explaining once more won’t hurt,” he said nicely. “I’m already doing you a favor so if I were you I wouldn’t push it.” His eyes landed on me and I immediately glared back, baring my teeth. “You don’t have to be a shitty bastard about it,” I growled, arms crossed. Liam and the nurse turned to look at me, but I didn’t break eye contact with the large man. Before I knew it a hand was grasping the back of my neck causing me to stop and try to whip my head around. “Apologies,” Liam said, trying to remain kind. 

“He gets five minutes to calm down. After that, Mr.Jeffrey here will take you to the x-ray room, then the examination room.” Liam nodded as the two exited. Before the nurse left though he turned around and mouthed a “sorry”. Liam waited a moment before turning to me. “I know that you’re stressed and that he’s a shitty guy; but please behave while we’re here,” he begged. “Tch! You just let him completely walk over you. He was in the wrong!. I mean, what kind of doctor acts like that!” I fussed trying to defend myself. “Yeah, well, under the circumstances I’m willing to let him say whatever he’d like to me. There are times you just need to keep your mouth shut and this is one of those times.” Liam let go of my neck. The area went cold as the warmth of his hand was removed. There was no point to this. Was the facility really monitoring my stats? Even if they saw my location change for whatever reason why would they care? Then again there was always the risk. Liam pet me on the head and scratched me behind the ears. “What’s going through your head right now?” 

I laughed dryly. “That I shouldn’t have gone along with this so easily.” He looked at me sadly. “Sorry, Kitten. If it makes you feel better he won’t be the only one in that room. You’re in good hands I promise,” Liam said. He removed his hand and stepped back as the door opened. “We’re ready, but Mr.Walsh you’ll need to remain here if that’s ok,” the nurse said.  

“Why can’t I come?” He questioned nicely but it wasn’t hard to tell he was upset. “Sir, it’s simply protocol. We don’t allow anyone into the operating room if they aren’t the doctor, staff, or patient.” 

“Well, I can accompany him to the x-ray room, correct?” The nurse looked between the both of us for a few seconds. “I suppose.” He turned to lead us out of the room and we followed. 

After that, everything seemed to be going by quickly. They did an x-ray and marked where they’d need to operate. Before I knew it, I was on the surgical table being given anesthesia. Liam was back in the waiting room and if it wasn’t for the ever so kind nurse by my side, different from the one before, I would be in a complete panic. “What’s your name?” she asked as I inhaled the gas. “Um, Nickel,” I responded. I wasn’t sure why she asked since I was sure there was paperwork with my name on it. “Is that your boyfriend waiting for you?” I shook my head though I’m sure a blush came to my face. I started feeling as though I was out of my own body. I also strangely took note of the fact that the blonde nurse had the slight stench of feline to her. Perhaps she had cats at home.  “How are you feeling right now?” she asked sweetly. I nodded my head not being able to speak and not even processing her words. She turned to the doctor. I heard something along the lines of, “He’ll need three more minutes,” before everything went blank.

Thanks for reading! Please like, subscribe, comment, and share! Hope everyone enjoyed this long-overdue chapter. As always suggestions are highly appreciated. The next chapter will hopefully be longer and I should be able to post by this weekend so look forward to it! See you all then! 👋🏾