Chasing His Scentless Mate

Chapter 390 Falling Ill

Ava’s POV

My stomach churned.

I had barely eaten half of my breakfast when another wave of nausea came over me.

"Excuse me," I said quietly, pushing my plate of eggs away. The smell that had seemed good just minutes ago now made me feel sick.

Kenneth looked up from his morning coffee. "Ava, are you okay? You’ve hardly eaten anything."

I pressed the back of my hand to my mouth and swallowed hard. "I’m fine. I just feel a little sick this morning."

Leila stirred uneasily inside me. "Something isn’t right with us," she whispered in my mind. My wolf had only awakened recently, after breaking through my mother’s magical seal, and we were still learning to live together.

Kenneth was at my side in an instant, his hand on my forehead. "How long have you been feeling this way?"

"It just started—" I couldn’t finish my sentence as another wave of nausea hit me.

"That’s it. We’re going to the clinic," Kenneth said firmly.

"I don’t need to see a doctor," I protested weakly. "I probably just ate something that didn’t agree with me."

Ignoring my protests, Kenneth guided me toward the door.

The pack clinic was quiet this early in the morning. Dr. Morgan immediately ushered me into an examination room.

"Alpha Kenneth told me about your symptoms," she said, her voice kind. "Let’s run some tests and see what’s going on."

For the next hour, I endured blood draws, a physical exam, and countless questions about my diet, sleep patterns, and recent activities.

When Dr. Morgan stepped out to check my results, a nurse brought me a steaming cup of tea.

"This should help settle your stomach," she said with a smile. "Alpha Kenneth had it specially prepared."

I sipped the tea. The warmth spread through my body, and almost immediately, the nausea began to subside.

"That’s better," Leila sighed contentedly.

Kenneth poked his head in. "Feeling any improvement?"

"Much," I admitted, raising the cup. "Thank you for this."

He stepped into the room fully, closing the door behind him. "I spoke with Dr. Morgan. She’s on her way back with your results."

Something flickered across his face, an emotion I couldn’t quite place. Before I could question it, Dr. Morgan returned, clipboard in hand.

"Good news, Ms. Flynn," she announced cheerfully. "All your tests came back normal. What you’re experiencing is quite common for newly awakened wolves. Your body is simply adjusting to the heightened senses and metabolic changes."

Relief washed over me. "So I’m not sick?"

"Not at all. Your wolf is strong, remarkably so," Dr. Morgan said, glancing briefly at Kenneth. "These symptoms should pass within a week or two. In the meantime, I recommend plenty of rest and avoiding strong-smelling foods."

Kenneth placed his hand on my shoulder. "You should take some time off from your duties. Rest until you’re feeling better."

I shook my head firmly. "I can’t do that. You need me, especially with the Harvest Festival tonight."

I straightened my spine, meeting his gaze directly. "I’m your assistant, and a good one at that. A little nausea isn’t going to sideline me."

"You’re stubborn," he said with a slight smile. "Fine. But promise you’ll take it easy. No overexertion."

"Deal," I agreed, setting down the empty teacup. "I have too much planned for tonight to miss it anyway."

Kenneth helped me to my feet. "The Harvest Festival is important to the pack. But your wellbeing is important to me."

His words warmed something inside me.

The Harvest Festival had turned the pack grounds into a sea of autumn colors. Strings of fairy lights were woven through the tree branches, casting a warm glow over the long tables heavy with food. Pups weaved between the adults, their cheeks painted with little pumpkins and leaves. The air was full of music and laughter.

"You’ve really outdone yourself," Kenneth said, appearing beside me with two drinks in hand. "The pack hasn’t had a celebration like this in years."

A smile spread across my face as I took one of the glasses. "Everyone needed something good to look forward to after the attack." I paused, my tone turning more serious. "Has there been any sign of them coming back?"

"Not since you saved those pups—and me," Kenneth replied, his eyes serious. "The pack won’t forget what you did, Ava. Running into danger like that... it was both foolish and incredibly brave."

I shrugged, uncomfortable with the praise. "I just did what anyone would do."

"No," Kenneth said softly. "Not anyone would have faced down three rogues to save children they barely knew. You’re special, Ava. The pack sees it. I see it."

Before I could answer, a young wolf from the pack approached me. He was one of the teenagers and looked nervous.

"Miss Ava? Would you like to dance?" he asked, his cheeks turning pink.

I laughed and set my drink down. "I’d love to, Tim."

For the next hour, I danced with what felt like half the pack. There were young wolves, older members, and even children who stood on my feet as I guided them around. The celebration swirled around me in a happy mix of music and smiling faces.

When I finally returned to Kenneth’s side, I was breathless and flushed with exertion and happiness.

"Having fun?" he asked, handing me a fresh drink.

"The most fun I’ve had in ages," I admitted, taking a long sip. The liquid was sweet with a slight tang I couldn’t identify.

Kenneth frowned as I drank half the glass. "Easy there. You should pace yourself, especially with what the doctor said."

I waved away his concern. "Come on, Kenneth! It’s a festival. Weren’t you the one who promised not to be a killjoy tonight?"

Kenneth laughed, a rich, warm sound. "Alright, alright."

He took the empty glass from my hand and gave me a new one. "Here, this one is easier on you. Doctor’s orders."

I accepted it gratefully, the cool liquid soothing my parched throat. "Thanks. I should probably check on the bonfire preparations."

"Always working," Kenneth shook his head. "Go enjoy yourself. I’ve got this covered."

I didn’t need to be told twice. Soon I was among a group of children, telling them exaggerated stories about witches and wolves as they listened with wide eyes.

Halfway through a particularly dramatic tale involving a brave wolf princess, I felt a strange heaviness settle over me. My words began to slur slightly, and the edges of my vision blurred.

"Ava, I’m so tired, "Leila’s voice whispered faintly in my mind.

"Maybe because we’re tired," I thought back, but even my thoughts felt slow and heavy.

I tried to stand up, but the world suddenly tilted, and I almost fell.