Calla finished off his meat and walked back down the hallway to the back door.
Adew peeked at him and shook his head. “No. I can’t let you out again. Maybe later,” Adew said. He ate his food, while listening to Calla scratch at the door. He gave up a few minutes later and followed him into the training room Lars had set up for him. Calla picked a corner and lay down. He watched Adew as he went through his stretching routine.
Adew gasped with every movement. He stopped and started again over and over until he could perform at least one move perfectly. He moved to a bench and sat down. Calla followed his every movement.
“It’s not going to be easy. We’ll take it one day at a time,” he said.
“Are you talking to yourself?” Lars said from the doorway. Adew turned and stared at him. He hadn’t heard him come in.
“When did you get here? I thought I told you not to come today. I can get myself to the centre and back.”
“A few minutes ago. You were so into your exercise you didn’t even hear me,” Lars said ignoring his other question. Calla got up and walked to him. The okie rubbed his head against his thigh. Lars brushed his head, playing with his fur. “You have a session with the physical therapist. You shouldn’t overdo it, or you’ll hurt yourself.”
Adew growled and got to his feet. “Do you remember a time when you trusted me. You didn’t doubt anything I did? I miss that time.” Adew walked out leaving him there.
Lars sighed audibly. “I miss it too. He’s getting grumpier by the day, isn’t he?” Lars asked Calla. The okie turned away and returned to his spot on the floor. “Damn, why do I feel like I’m not welcome in this house?” He shook his head and followed Adew to his room. He found him unstrapping the WAB. Lars hated seeing that thing. Adew didn’t deserve to be strapped to the machine, needing its assistance. He was such a strong alpha, with an aggression that was wild and made him the best fighter the UA has ever seen. It was the aggression that made Lars choose him to be his client. He was an untameable beast in the sphere. Lars knew he could take Adew to the very top of the UA ranks. It was heart breaking to see him like this. He probably felt suffocated and trapped in the machine. Tears prickled his eyes as he watched him struggle with it.
“Fuck,” Adew grumbled, breathing hard. But he was doing better than Lars had thought he would. The exercises he’d been doing earlier had been hard for him while he was in the health centre. Now, he did some of them perfectly.
He’s getting better, Lars told himself, swallowing his tears.
“Did you need something?” Adew looked up to stare at him.
“Nope,” Lars moved to the washroom and turned on the bathing bot before he threw him out. Adew came in on his moving bot. “Which setting do you want?”
Adew stared at him, unimpressed. “Massage.”
Lars pressed the button. Water filled the bathing bot and started to pulse and bubble. Lars left the washroom, resisting the urge to ask if he needed any help. He had to figure it out himself. He couldn’t be there for him every time.
“He’ll get better,” Lars whispered to himself. He heard water splashing and quickly returned to the washroom to make sure he was alright. Adew was submerged in warm bubbly water, splashing some on his face.
“I’m still alive…” he said, sinking into the bot. He sighed as he leaned against the side. “Are you sure you have nothing to tell me? You’re hovering.”
“I can’t help it. It’s part of the job, remember?” Lars said, fidgeting. “Anyway…”
“I knew it! You wouldn’t have come here if you didn’t want something.” Adew gave him a disparaging look. “You should have saved the drama and got on with it.”
Lars touched his chest. “You wound me. I thought we were friends.”
“I don’t have friends. A condition I’m grateful for. Imagine if there were two of you,” Adew cringed. “I would rather be alone.”
“Fuck you, Adew,” Lars said, hiding a smile. “Anyway, a few media outlets got wind of your discharge from the health centre. They asked for interviews. I know you’re against doing any, but I thought you should know.”
“Thanks,” he said, closing his eyes.
Lars rubbed a hand over his face in frustration. “An interview would give you a chance to tell your fans how you’re doing. They’re dying to know.”
“And give you the leverage you need to get Djohn removed from UA, right?” Adew opened his eyes and stared at him. They heated, his alpha scent filling the room.
Lars raised his hands in surrender.
“Don’t act like Djohn forced me into the sphere. And stop trying to get back at him by putting on a show. I’m not putting my life on display. Ever. It’s hard enough that you have to see this,” he pointed at his entire body.
“Is that why you chased everyone away? Why you fired them as soon as you regained consciousness? You didn’t want them to see you like this.”
“Not everyone. I can’t seem to get rid of you, and it’s not from a lack of trying.” They stared at each other for a few minutes. Lars wasn’t sure if the alpha was serious or not. But he knew he shouldn’t push him. When Adew pushed, things didn’t end well.
“Fine. Have it your way.” Lars turned away. Adew laughed. “You can be irritating sometimes.”