Ivy's POV
I woke up with terrible cramps. My period came days earlier than I expected. Shit! Curses flew out of my lips as I got up from the bed.
I waddled towards the bathroom like a zombie who hadn't eaten a brain in six months. After great efforts and almost dying, I somehow managed to take a shower and put on a tampon. I dressed myself in shorts and a comfy shirt before I flung myself onto the bed. I regretted it soon after as I saw hell and heaven at the same time when a pulsating pain hit my abdomen.
"Ughh!!!" I screamed, curling myself into the shape of a shrimp.
"What's gotten into you?" I didn't even look up to see who was talking. I knew it was Cassian, and I didn't give a fuck.
I stayed silent and wished I was dead. I just don't understand what the Moon goddess was thinking while she made us have periods. Why is it necessary for us to bleed to bear children? At least she could've been equal and made the men bleed out of their dick.
Men bleeding out of their dick? I frowned at the thought. That's weird. Maybe bleeding out their ass would be less disturbing.
"Are you not going to answer me?" Cassian asked again. This time his voice was stern.
God, why is he so annoying?
"Periods," I gritted out before turning to lie on my back.
"Oh," Cassian said as he looked around. "Uhh…are you in pain?"
"Obviously," I scoffed.
"Watch your tone. Why are you so bratty?" He frowned.
"Oh, do you think I should smile and sing you a happy little song while I feel like my internal organs are having a sword fight?" I gave him a fake-ass smile.
The alpha sighed before he shook his head. "Do you need something?"
"Yes, poison, please. I would like to die." I grunted when another wave of pain washed over me. My breasts are sore. I can't even hug myself. Goddammit!
"Is it that bad? Just try to relax. It'll go away."
I looked up at him and gritted my teeth. If looks could burn, I would've burned him with my eyes like that handsome guy called Superman I saw on TV. "I changed my mind. Can you bring me a gun? I'd like to kill,"
"Who?" Cassian looked at me, amused.
"You,"
He snorted at my response before shaking his head. "Look, I don't know much about this. I'll bring Lilly, okay? Here, drink this for now." He gave me some hot water from a flask. I wordlessly took it and sipped it.
Cassian was out in no time. I don't know if I'd still be alive when he comes back.
___
"This is common in young women. She'll be okay. Give her this painkiller and tell me if it didn't help. There are heating pads and some herbs in this. You can make her tea. It could help her relax." I recognized the sound of Lily's voice but I was too tired to even open my eyes.
"Give her something to eat. She might say she's not hungry but make sure she eats her food and stays hydrated. She might be having mood swings so don't take anything she says seriously." Lily laughed.
"How long will this last?" My mate's voice followed her.
"Four to five days. It depends. Every woman experiences it differently."
"Okay…Can you arrange for someone to look after her? I have training."
"It's better if you stay with her, Alpha. She's in pain and she might not eat or drink. Others might not be able to force her to do that…"
"Hmm…I understand. Thank you, Lilly."
"It's nothing. If you need me for anything, then give me a call. I'll be here."
I heard the door shut after a few seconds. Too tired to even lift a finger, I just stayed there silently, slipping into slumber a few minutes later.
"Ivy, wake up. Ivy?" I woke up to the sound of Cassian. He was standing there with a tray. "Have this and take the pills," He extended it towards me.
"No, thanks," I mumbled before my head hit the pillow again.
"Get up." He groaned. What's up with this persistent asshole? "Get up or I'll force it down your throat." He threatened.
"What's wrong with you?" I almost cried. Why is he being so hard on me? "Why are you yelling?" My eyes welled up with tears. "You're always so mean. Why do you hate me?"
"Now, what did I even say for you to bawl your eyes out like that?" He exhaled in defeat before shaking his head. "Here, it's porridge. Finish this and take your pills."
"I don't want to eat this…" I wiped away my tears.
"What else do you want?"
"Chocolate?" I looked up at him, causing him to frown.
"Chocolate is not food, Ivy." He closed his eyes in annoyance.
"But Ruth told me chocolate helps at times like this and it also tastes good." I bit my lips and chewed on it.
"Alright, I'll give you chocolate. But only after you finish this." He gave me a stern look and I nodded. I have no appetite but if I'll get chocolate, then I'll gobble it down.
Cassian stood there silently with his arms crossed as he watched me drink the porridge. "Slowly," He furrowed his eyebrows and I slowed down, a blush creeping up my cheek as I did so.
When I finished, he took the tray from me and told me to take the medicine before walking out. I did as he told me and went straight back to snuggle my pillows.
I was later woken up by the aroma of hot chocolate wafting into my nostrils.
Oh god, am I in heaven?
"Drink it quickly," Oh no, that sounds like a demon's voice. Cassian had a blank look on his face as he held the cup for me to take. "Put it on the table after you finish." He muttered before going to his desk. I think he's working here today.
I watched his back as he took some files to read. He stayed back to help me without any complaint? What possessed his moody ass today? My eyes narrowed as I eyed him suspiciously. He's fine, right? What if he hit his head somewhere and got a whole personality change? Is that even possible?
The hot chocolate was finished before I even knew it. I groaned and put the cup away before lying back down. The pain wasn't going away. Maybe it'll take some time for the medicine to kick in.
____
Somebody was on top of me, grinning evilly as they looked me up and down. "Wakey…Wakey…" He laughed as he showed me the driller in his hand. He pressed the switch, causing it to vibrate violently.
I screamed in horror as he laughed and aimed the drill at my stomach, stabbing me brutally again and again.
"AHHHHHH!!!!" I woke up screaming from the dream and holding my stomach in fear. My heart thumped violently against my rib cage as I looked around the room.
Cassian was on the foot of the bed, staring at me with a worried expression. "Why the hell are you screaming like that?"
I wiped my sweaty face. "I had a dream," My voice was shaky and the pain in my abdomen didn't make it any better.
Cassian put a hand on his waist and the other on his forehead as he looked down. He exhaled heavily before looking back at me. "You're gonna have people thinking I'm doing something to you here." He grumbled.
I rolled my eyes. I'm about to die and that's what he's worried about?
"How's the pain?"
"Still making me wish I was dead," I whined like a child. I don't know what to do. I really feel like a child. Why does it hurt so fucking much? I think a stab wound would hurt less than this.
"Is there anything else women do to make it better?" Cassian asked.
"Yeah," I replied absentmindedly.
"What is it?"
"A massage? I don't know. Why are you asking?" I murmured.
"Because I want to help."
I looked at him in surprise. "You want to give me a massage?" His hazel eyes didn't even show a tint of doubt as he stared at me.
"Would that help?" He raised a brow.
"I-I guess so…." I stuttered out. What's happening? Did I just give him permission to massage me? "But y-you don't need to—"
"Can you lift your shirt for me, hmm?"
Oh god. Oh my god. What's this? I'm about to die for real.
"O-Okay…" Okay? Okay what, Ivy?! You're about to die of a heart attack. Rest in peace!
I slowly lifted the shirt, revealing my stomach. Oh my goodness, if the camps and the heart attack won't take me to heaven already, I'm sure the embarrassment would be the one to do so.
Cassian hesitated for a moment before he put his hand on my belly. He slowly moved it and my face twitched at the feeling.
The pain was still there and his grip felt rough. "B-Be gentle please…" I squeaked out.
Waahh! That sounded so sexual!
I felt my face get hot at the thought. Cassian immediately looked away from me but I felt his touch soften a little. A few minutes later, I began to feel the pain slowly fade away. My muscles relaxed and I felt weirdly calm. Is it because of the mate bond or is he really good at massaging?
"How does it feel now?" Cassian questioned.
"It feels so good…" I almost moaned. I knew how it sounded but I no longer cared. This was pure bliss. "Do my sides too, please…"
"Sides?"
I took both his hands and put them on either side of my waist. "Here," I mumbled.
Cassian wordlessly continued his massage. Good lord, this man is good with his hands. His touch felt so good.
He then paused suddenly. "Ivy, are you not wearing anything underneath your shirt?"
I opened my eyes to look at him. His sharp eyes were on my chest. My shirt slipped upward and the bottom part of my breasts was visible. I tugged the fabric down and looked away in embarrassment as my cheeks grew hot.
"Uhh…m-my breasts are sore. I wanted to be comfortable so…" I stuttered out before forcing my eyes to look at him.
Cassian stared at me, his eyes clouded with something I quite couldn't comprehend. I saw his hazel eyes darken a bit before they trailed all over me. "Okay…" He said in his low-pitched voice.
I bit my lips. I could feel the tension rising in the room. Is he affected by me?
Cassian continued what he was doing for a few more minutes before he stopped. "Is that enoug—"
"No," I held his hands in place, gripping them tightly so he wouldn't pull them back. "touch me more, please…" I breathed out, almost begging.
I wasn't ready to let go of his touch. I wanted more. My fingers rubbed his big roughed-up veiny hands, wanting him to continue.
Cassian stared at me, slightly amazed at my bravery. He tried to pull away but I tightened my grip on his hands.
"Ivy….take some rest." The words rolled off his mouth smoothly, like a spell he was trying to cast on me.
I shook my head and was about to beg when a knock suddenly resonated in the room. We both looked at the door and Cassian stood up in a second to take a look.
I adjusted my clothes when I heard the familiar sound of a little omega.
"Luna! I heard you are sick!" Her sad voice reached me before she even came into my view.
"Hey there, Christy. You look pretty today." I smiled at the kid. Cassian was leaning on the door frame with his arms crossed as he watched us.
"Thank you, Luna. But look, I got you blueberries! Eat this, okay? You'll get better in no time!" She showed me her little basket of blueberries that she picked from outside.
"Thank you so much, Christy. I'll eat it all and get better soon." I smiled widely.
"Okay, then. Doctor Lily told me not to worry you so I'll go now. The Alpha will take care of you, okay?"
I nodded. Christy smiled at me before skipping towards the door. She stopped in front of Cassian and he stared down at her, waiting for her to speak. "Please take care of Luna!!" The little girl mustered all her courage and shouted before she ran away from the Alpha.
Cassian shook his head with a chuckle and I stared at him like a fish out of water.
It should be illegal to look that gorgeous while smiling.