Chapter 18: The Nurse, The Car, and The Kiss – 1

Thea’s POV

“My name is Sage, Miss Sterling,” the nurse smiled. I stared at her, scrutinizing her demeanor while Iris watched with equal curiosity beside me. Though having a nurse would be helpful given my current state, something about this situation felt off.

“I never hired any nurse,” I said firmly, glancing between them. “Either you have the wrong house, which isn’t likely since you know my name, or someone else hired you. Or this is some kind of trap.”

Sage set her overnight bag down. “I was hired by Alpha Ashworth and instructed to report immediately.”

An annoyed groan escaped my lips. Sebastian. The moment I decided I wanted nothing to do with him, he decided to play hero. Where was all this concern during our marriage when I actually needed him? Back then, he’d treated me like I was invisible.

“I’m sorry you wasted your time coming here, but you’ll have to leave.” I eased back against the sofa, fighting another wave of dizziness. Even this small conversation was draining my limited energy. The connection between Sebastian and me was solely Leo. That’s all it could ever be. I’d grown used to taking care of myself, had been doing it since I could remember.

“I apologize, madam, but he was quite clear that I should stay regardless of how stubborn you might be.”

Her condescending tone grated on my already frayed nerves. The way she spoke to me, like I was some difficult child, made me want to bare teeth I didn’t have.

“Listen carefully,” I snapped, finally reaching my limit. “This is my house, and Sebastian has no authority here. Leave before I call the police.”

An uncertain look crossed her face as she weighed Sebastian’s Alpha command against my threat. Before she could respond, another knock echoed through the house. What the hell? Was this “everyone visit Thea” day?

“Looks like you’re popular today,” Iris commented with a slight smirk before going to answer the door. She returned with a uniformed man clutching a clipboard. “Who is Thea Sterling?” he asked, scanning the room.

I raised my hand weakly. “That would be me.”

“I have a delivery that requires your signature.”

My head was already pounding. “What delivery?”

He consulted his clipboard. “Your new Range Rover.”

“Excuse me?” I stared at him in disbelief as Iris bolted outside to look.

“Holy shit!” she called from the driveway. “It’s the latest model!”

I turned back to the delivery man. “Let me guess, Alpha Ashworth purchased this and put it in my name?”

Before he could answer, Sebastian himself strode in like he owned the place.

“Actually, yes,” he stated matter-of-factly. “Your car was blown up, so I got you a new one.” He nodded to Iris. “Hello, Morgan.”

They exchanged greetings while I sat there processing. Apparently, I was the only one who hadn’t known about my brother’s mate. Then again, Roman had stopped sharing anything with me the moment my lack of wolf became apparent.

I forced myself to stand, swaying slightly. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do since I’m Leo’s mother, but it’s unnecessary. I have everything under control.”

A frown marred his stupidly handsome face. “That’s not why—”

“I really don’t need your help,” I cut him off, gesturing at the delivery man and Sage. “Please just take back the car and terminate her services.”

“Really? You don’t need help?” His voice dripped sarcasm. “I don’t see a new car anywhere or a phone. And judging by how pale you are, you can barely stand. You need rest and someone to take care of you.”

“Like I said, I have everything under control. I’ll order a new phone tomorrow and I already have—”

“Show me,” he demanded. “Show me the car you’ve picked out.”

Bristling at his commanding tone, I grabbed my laptop from the coffee table. I’d done some research during my hospital stay and knew exactly what I wanted. I turned the screen to show him my choice—a sensible used sedan.

“Seriously?” His eyebrow shot up, voice thick with scorn.

“That car’s seen better decades,” Iris chimed in from behind me.

I suddenly realized everyone was hovering over my shoulder, nodding in agreement.

“Excuse us,” I muttered, grabbing Sebastian’s arm and pulling him toward the kitchen. What I’d intended as a dramatic exit turned into an awkward shuffle as I struggled to stay upright.

I released him and leaned against the counter for support. “That car is a fucking piece of garbage,” he sneered. “How do you expect to safely drive Leo around in that?”

Sure, it wasn’t the newest model. Yes, it probably needed work. But it was within my budget and would get me from point A to point B. That’s all that mattered.

“It’s my choice, Sebastian.” I folded my arms across my chest, glaring at him.

His expression shifted to what I recognized as his business negotiation face. “You refused any settlement in the divorce. On a teacher’s salary, you can barely cover this mortgage and bills. Now you want to add car payments? Just accept my help, it will save you money.”

His words echoed Aurora’s constant condescension about my career choice. They all looked down on me for being a teacher, as if educating young wolves was somehow beneath them.

“I said I won’t accept the fucking car!” I shouted, trembling with rage.

His face hardened as he stepped into my space. “Be reasonable for once in your life, Thea.”

“I am being reasonable! I don’t need your help. I asked for a divorce so you could get out of my life. Why are you suddenly so interested in helping when you never gave a shit about me before?”

“You’re Leo’s mother – of course I fucking care! And in case you’ve forgotten, I can’t be completely out of your life because we share a son. Our lives will always be entangled.”

“Only for another twelve years or so. Being part of Leo’s life doesn’t mean you have to be part of mine or me yours.”

I sank onto a barstool, exhaustion finally winning. My head felt like it was stuffed with cotton.

“Take the car,” he commanded again.

“Why don’t you take it and shove it where the sun doesn’t shine?” I snapped, beyond done with this conversation.

It wasn’t about being ungrateful. I just couldn’t handle being indebted to him. And I definitely didn’t want any more surprise visits from Aurora, who would undoubtedly be thrilled to know Sebastian was buying me cars.

Sebastian opened his mouth to argue, but Iris appeared in the doorway.

“You know we can hear every word you’re shouting, right?” She fixed us both with an unimpressed look. “Sebastian, Thea’s exhausted. It’s been a rough morning and she needs rest. Drop the car issue – you’re just pissing her off more. And Thea, accept the nurse. You can barely stand up straight. You need help until you’re better.”

Her logic was annoyingly sound. Maybe just this once, I could accept his help without it meaning anything.

“Fine,” Sebastian and I muttered simultaneously.

Iris smiled and helped me down from the stool. “Looks like someone’s ready for a nap.”

I managed a weak chuckle as she led me back to the living room. The delivery man had disappeared, presumably waiting outside with my unwanted new car.

Iris passed me to Sage. “Looks like you’re staying after all,” she told the nurse. “Sebastian and I will head out so Thea can rest.”

She hugged me goodbye. “I’ll see you soon. Thank you for giving me a chance,” she whispered, voice thick with emotion.

I could only manage a tired smile in response. She hugged me once more before leaving, but Sebastian lingered.

“One more thing.” He placed a brand new phone on the coffee table.

Before I could protest, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek. Then he was gone, leaving me staring after him in confusion.

“Let’s get you to bed, Miss Sterling,” Sage said gently.

I nodded distractedly, still trying to process Sebastian’s behavior. I didn’t want this softer side of him that I’d never seen during our marriage. I preferred when he was the clear villain in my story.

It was easier to hate him that way.