The doctor ca to them with a nurse in tow, his expression grave. Denzel imdiately stood up, stepping back to let him examine Juniper.
Once the examination was over, the doctor turned to Juniper. "Please, try not to take on any unnecessary stress. And make sure to visit a psychiatrist soon for a full consultation."
Denzel gave a firm nod, thanking him, while the nurse moved quickly to remove the IV drip from Juniper’s arm. She placed a tiny bandage over the site and handed over the discharge docunts for Juniper to sign.
Throughout their return ride, there was heavy silence between them. He found Juniper had her gaze outside the window. He chose to stay quiet until they would reach her house.
Denzel helped her inside and straight to the bedroom, ensuring she was settled comfortably before he finally spoke.
"So, what exactly happened?" Denzel asked, pouring a glass of water and handing it to her. "The doctor was adamant about that psychiatrist consultation. What is that about?"
Juniper took the glass, and stared at the water.
"Seeing Cillian after so many months gave a panic attack," Juniper replied. "Then he took to the hospital. My adoptive father is sick and won’t make it; he wants to see , and Cillian was here to fetch . I refused, and things escalated. By then, you were there and saved ."
She paused, gazing at him with a confused expression. "Why did you co? How did you even find out where I was?"
"I called you repeatedly and you didn’t answer," Denzel explained, his voice still tight with the remnants of his worry. "I told you to call as soon as you reached ho, but you didn’t. I thought sothing had happened to you, so I decided to co here. When you weren’t ho, I did so basic checks on the security footage and tracked the car."
He sat on the edge of the bed, looking at her. "You scared , Juniper. I didn’t know if the people who attacked you with the silver knife had co back for more."
Juniper looked down at her hands. "I’m sorry. Everything just happened so fast once I walked through the door. I didn’t even have a chance to look at my phone. I promise I won’t bother you anymore."
Denzel looked at her. "I don’t think that will happen. You won’t be able to protect yourself, so you’ll need ," he affird.
"Denzel, why are you so good to ? It’s not like I’ve ever done anything for you," Juniper said, looking at him with a softened expression.
"You don’t help thinking the person you’re helping will give you sothing in return. There is a difference between help and favor," he affird. "Also, I am sohow associated with you, so I can’t just walk away from you without helping you."
"Thank you, Denzel. I an it from the bottom of my heart," Juniper said, her voice trembling. "Honestly, I’ve never t anyone like you. You’re too good to . I don’t deserve anyone’s kindness."
The heat that had been suppressed by the dication began to resurface, and with it ca an intense emotional outburst. She began to weep, the mories of the palace and the family that had discarded her flooding back despite her best efforts to leave them behind.
Denzel watched her for a mont, his heart aching at her vulnerability. Realizing she needed space to process the shock, he quietly stepped out of the room.
He leaned against the wall in the hallway and pulled out his phone. He needed more information than Peter’s surface-level checks could provide. He decided to call Karn since he was the one who knew a lot more details about the Vittileo family.
"Karn, it’s Denzel," he said as soon as he picked up.
"Yes?" Karn answered, rubbing his eyes. He sounded completely groggy, as if he had just been pulled from a deep sleep.
"Did I disturb you?" Denzel asked, realizing the late—or perhaps too early—hour.
"No, I just woke up. Why did you call?" Karn grabbed a glass of water from his nightstand and took a long drink, trying to clear the fog from his head.
"Karn, can we et later in the afternoon? When will you be free?" Denzel inquired.
"Is everything alright?" Karn questioned, lowering his glass as the last remnants of sleep vanished.
"Yeah. I want to know about Juniper’s family," Denzel muttered, his voice low so it wouldn’t carry to the bedroom. "In the capital, you were involved with her case back when Ophelia was alive. I need that perspective."
"Yeah. Sure," Karn stated. "I’ll see you at our usual place."
"Great. Thanks." Denzel lowered his phone as the call disconnected.
~~~~~
Later in the afternoon, Denzel walked into the quiet corner cafe and found Karn already seated by the window. He greeted the Beta and slid into the chair opposite him.
"Oh, you already ordered the coffee. Thanks!" Denzel said with a tired smile, reaching for the warm cup and taking a long, appreciative sip.
"I do care for my juniors," Karn answered, his eyes twinkling with a knowing look. "So, what’s going on with June that you’ve asked to et specifically for her? And more importantly, why are you so interested in her affairs? Don’t tell you’ve gone and developed feelings for her."
"No," Denzel refused imdiately, though his grip on the coffee cup tightened slightly. "I just happened to cross paths with her. Cillian tracked her down this morning, and she had a massive panic attack. She’s all alone here, Karn. I just want to help her. You know how I am," he said, taking another sip.
Karn leaned back, his smile fading into sothing more serious. "I do know how you are, Denzel. Her family has never been nice to her. Daxton is serving a prison term in the capital. He killed many betas in the past because of a grudge against them. Juniper’s life beca hell in her adopted family after her adopted mother passed away. That is all I know."
Denzel pursed his lips together before speaking further, "Juniper is not in the right state. I have to help her."
"I won’t stop you. If you want to help, then do it," Karn replied. "Just don’t involve Prince Dominick or anyone. You know that the royal family has severed their ties from her and no one is going to help her anymore."
"Yeah, I know." Denzel frowned before taking a long sip of the coffee.
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