Simple And Clean

The doctor's face became unreadable for a moment as he noticed Aliceabella's expression then he moved to inspect Ryland's head.

Aliceabella shifted slightly, trying to get comfortable.

"You've had worse. You know what to do," The doctor said decisively.

Aliceabella looked between Ryland and the doctor, rubbing her eye softly.

The doctor looked pointedly at Ryland as if to say 'Run along now, boy' making the leader of the vampires glare back before slowly retreating from the room.

Aliceabella sat up as Ryland left, ignoring the stabs of pain that shot through her.

"Listen to me," the doctor said in a firm voice. "Don't go getting too attached to Ryland. His days are numbered."

Aliceabella frowned. "What do you mean?"

"The elders and myself no longer find him fit to lead our people. He's become soft with no proper protector in Chicago. He's let the clan become unorganized to the point of anarchy. It's chaos." The doctor pulled up a chair next to her bed. "We expect him to be assasinated soon. Either by one of our own or a new protector in the city or an avian."

Aliceabella's eyes widened. "But...Couldn't he just...." She shook her head, biting her lip so hard she drew blood.

"He's not a caring person by any means. He'll only take care of you so long as you're useful and his patience holds out," The older man raised an eyebrow.

Aliceabella shook her head slowly. "I know what he's capable of." She whispered. "I just..." She trailed off and winced as pain shot through her stomach.

"Try to stay calm. You'll need rest to heal." The doctor looked around for a nurse.

Aliceabella clentched her hands to stop herself retorting something not to pleasent.

The doctor sighed. "There is a chance that nothing will happen."

Aliceabella looked down at her hands. "I'm guessing that chance is slim."

"No actually." The doctor eyed her. "Despite what you may believe I don't hate Ryland. I'm not telling you this for any other reason beside that you should know. Once you recover keep Ryland focused. That means no more running off on his petty feuds."

Aliceabella nodded. "I can't excatly stop him though, it's not like I have a great influence on him or anything."

"No one does," the doctor rolled his eyes. "Just try."

Aliceabella began tugging at her burnt skin. "What could I possible do?"

"Just be persistant. Eventually it will sink through. He has a very hard head," The doctor chuckled.

Aliceabella smiled faintly, wincing as another pain went through her stomach.

The doctor frowned. "We'll have to perform some tests on you. You're a new vampire am I correct?"

Aliceabella nodded, digging her fingers into the palm of her hand to stop herself whimpering as the pain in her stomach got stronger.

"What have you done since you turned?" The doctor asked.