Marie stirred in her bed as the morning light filtered through the curtains. The sound of running water from the shower in the adjoining bathroom reached her ears and she sat up in bed. Jacob was never usually there when she woke in the morning.
A sense of uneasiness settled in her stomach as she realized that something was different about this morning. Her instincts were telling her to run but she knew this was not possible. Fear grew and began to infect every part of her body.
The sound of the water stopped and Marie lay down and pulled the covers back over her in the hope he would think she was still asleep and leave her alone.
The door to bathroom opened and Jacob strode across the room and sat on the bed.
"Marie i know you are not asleep. We need to talk." Jacobs voice sounded gentle. He had not spoke to her in this way for such a long time.
Marie sat up in bed and turned to face Jacob. "What do we need to talk about Alpha?" Marie hesitantly asked. Scared of the answer. Marie's uneasiness deepened as she met his eyes, her heart pounding in anticipation of what he had to say
"We will be marrying in two days"
"Married?...two days?" Marie shakily replied whilst she could feel bile rising in her throat.
"Yes 2 days. Invites will be sent today..."
Before Jacob could finish his sentence Marie's emotions overwhelmed her, and the unexpected announcement of the impending marriage had sent her into a state of shock. Without another word, she turned and rushed to the bathroom, her steps hurried and her stomach churning with nausea.
As she reached the bathroom, the turmoil within her reached its breaking point, and she vomited, the sound of retching echoing filling the room. Marie sat on the bathroom floor, her head spinning with conflicting emotions. The prospect of marrying Jacob was not something she wanted; it felt more like an ultimatum than a choice.
Marie's heart leaped in her chest as the bathroom door creaked open, and she saw Jacob's figure in the doorway. His expression was twisted with anger and concern, and the question tumbled out of his lips before she could respond.
"What is wrong with you?" Jacob demanded, his voice laced with frustration and suspicion.
Marie's throat tightened as she struggled to find the right words.
"I, have not been feeling well lately" She did not raise her glance which she kept fixed on the floor.
"I will send a doctor" Jacob turned his back and stormed out without another word.
Marie couldn't help but secretly hope that it would be Michael whom Jacob would send. Michael. In the midst of her uncertainty and fear, the thought of Michael's presence brought a small glimmer of comfort. She knew that if he were the one to come and see her, She might be able to get out of this place.
Marie drags herself up off the cold tiles of the bathroom floor and with heavy footsteps she drags herself back to the bed. Her eyes slowly close and Marie drifts off to sleep.
Marie's uneasy slumber was abruptly interrupted by the sound of her bedroom door creaking open. In walked Adele carrying the familiar breakfast trays. The aroma of the food assaulted Marie's senses, triggering a wave of nausea.
As the smell reached her, Marie's stomach turned, and without warning, she was back in the bathroom, retching into the toilet. Marie fell back into the familiar position on the floor feeling weak and disoriented.
Adele watched with concern. She followed to bathroom and moved closer to Marie, her face etched with worry. "Oh, dear, are you feeling alright? You really must try and eat something"
As Marie's body convulsed with another wave of nausea, she took a deep breath and managed to find her voice. She looked up at Adele, her eyes watery and her voice trembling as she spoke, "I have not been feeling well but Alpha said he would send a doctor."
Adele's concern for Marie deepened as she witnessed her distress. Marie's words about Jacob sending for a doctor had raised her own apprehensions, and she wanted to do what she could to ensure Marie's well-being.
She approached Marie and whispered gently, "I'll call the doctor right away, dear. Don't worry; everything will be alright."
Adele helped Marie back up to her feet and guided her to the bed before passing her a bottle of water.
Adele opened a mind-link with Jacob.
"Alpha, I am sorry for interrupting you this morning but....."
"What is it Adele?" Jacob snapped
"It is Marie alpha. She is not well. I have called my friend who is a doctor to take a look at her"
"That is fine"
with that Jacob closed the mind link.
As Adele placed a cool, damp flannel on Marie's forehead, the touch provided some comfort, and Marie's nausea began to subside slightly. The soothing sensation of the damp cloth offered her a brief respite from the turmoil that had gripped her.
The knock on the door drew their attention, and in walked Michael, his concerned expression evident as he took in Marie's condition. His presence brought a sense of relief to her, knowing that he was someone she could trust.
"Marie," he said softly, moving closer to her, "are you okay? What happened?"