Chapter 16
Chapter 16
Elara pov
“Huh, it says right here that you’re a doctor,” a voice interrupts me, smooth and teasing
Stanled, I turn toward the open window and spot an infuriatingly attractive man leaning casually against the frame. His legs are crossed, and a file is in his hands as if he has all the time in the world. The wind catches his hair, toushing it just enough to make him look like he’s stepped out of a painting. This time, he’s fully clothed–but the smugness in his expression is unchanged
And yes, as you must have guessed. I choose Mr. Crazy
Earlier today.
“Well, that sendes it. She picked the most attractive–me,” Damien declares smugly, pointing to himself with a grin when I choose him.
I don’t respond, as I watch Lucian’s shocked expression. There is something in his eyes–a flicker of hurt. But why would he be hurt? He never loved me in the first place. So why would he care whether I return to his pack!
The answer was simple. He wasn’t hurt because I had rejected him. He was hurt because I had chosen the one man he couldn’t stand losing to. Lucian hated loung and Damien had a way of getting under his skin like no one else could. I remembered how Lucian would stay up nights on end, strategizing ways to secure more resources and outdo Damien’s pack, but it was never enough. Their rivalry ran deep, and they despised each other
The other reason Lucian wanted me back in his pack was even clearer–so he could punish me for a crime I didn’t commit
So when both of them turned to me, I saw the belief in Lucian’s eyes dat I would choose him, after all, I had loved him for so long. He must have thought that would sway me. But instead, when I saw that hope, an overwhelming urge to crush it surged within me. I didn’t want to be in either of their packs, but despite everything. I chose Damien.
So yes, I choose Damien, my mate, over Lurian because it’s the most sensible choice at that moment. Honestly, I’d choose anyone over Lucian any day, and today, it just happens to be Damien.
My face is blank as I tum away, not acknowledging Damien, not sparing hum even a second glance as I take the medicine from Martha’s outstretched hand. I mutter a quiet thank you to her, deliberately pretending I didn’t just see the most beautiful man I’ve ever laid eyes on pretending my heart didn’t skip a beat at his sight and the intoxicating pull that draws me toward him doesn’t exist.
“Wait, did you hear what I just said” Damien asks, his voice laced with surprise at my blatant disregard.
“You’re a doctor? I didn’t know that. What field do you specialize in Martha asks, her eyes widening in surprise, excitement sparkling in her voice. She completely ignores the fact that her brother has just casually appeared at the window, as if that’s a perfectly normal thing to do.
“Hey! Don’t ignore me too, Martha. I’m right here!” Damien interjects, but Martha doesn’t as much as shoot him a single glance.
“I–erm. I won’t call myself a doctor since I haven’t worked as one in five years,” I reply before adding, “but I used to specialize in brain surgery
“Wow, you specialize in brain surgery? That’s the toughest specialty there is” Martha gasps, her eyes wide with admiration, as Damien scoffs softly. I can feel his gaze on me now, his eyes studying me with a slight tilt of his head
Martha’s right. Brain surgery is rare, especially in the werewolf community. Few can claim such a specialty, and for good reason. A werewolf’s brain is far from simple–it’s intricate and complex, with many failed surgeries to prove it. That’s why brain surgeons in our world are not only rare but deeply respected
“My goddess” Wait a damn minute Martha suddenly yells, snapping me out of my thoughts. Her mouth is opened slightly as she stares at me, “Your name is Elara, and you’re from the Moonfang pack! Oh my–are you really-?”
“Goddess, just ask the question already.” Damien cuts in with a low chuckle. His voice is smooth, with a teasing edge that makes it impossible to ignore. I glance over to see he’s no longer perched at the window but casually strolling toward me, his movements unhurried, yet commanding
“But you’re right,” Damien says, a slow smirk tugging at his lips. “She’s the Elara–the famous brain surgeon from the Moonfang pack and the most skilled brain surgeon in the world. And yes, she’s standing right here, probably wishing you’d calm down a little”
“Well, she’s sitting if you want to be technical, Martha gushes, practically bouncing on the spot. “But oh my goddess! 1–it’s really you! I can’t believe I’m meeting you–I’m a huge fan!” She beams and grabs my hand, shaking it rapidly.
1— 1 start, wanting to say something, but the words catch in my throat. The Flara they’re talking about is me, yes, but that was five years ago, i haven’t even held a scalpel in half a decade.
12:51 PM c c
Chapter 16
[ shift uncomfortably, about to say something, but Damien
in beats
me to it
“Martha, do you mind leaving me alone with
mate for a ba
The way he says the word mate makes my heart skip a beat. Without realizing it. I glance up at him, only to take a sharp intake of breath. His eyes- intense, deep, and utterly mesmerizing. Goddess, they’re the most beautiful ones I’ve ever seen.
Damien is the kind of man who has the looks of a prince charming, the kind from fairytales who would make everyone swoon with his charming smile. But if Damien looks like a prince, then Lucian looks like a knight–strong, stoic, and ready to fight for what he believes in.
He’s staring right back at me, and when I catch that infuriating smirk spreading across his face as he realizes I’m checking him out, I quickly look away, my cheeks burning a deep shade of red. Get it together, Elara. It’s just the mate bond–that’s the only reason I feel drawn to him.
“Ah, okay, but I’m seeing her as soon as you’re done,” Martha says with a hint of exasperation before leaving the room, closing the door behind her and leaving me alone with Damien…
I take a shaky breath, trying to steady myself as I prepare to say what I must. I have to tell him to reject me, I think, bracing for the words. But before 1 can summon the courage, I feel the air shift.
When I glance up. Damien is already standing in front of me, far too close for comfort. His proximity makes my heart race, his scent–a mix of cedar and something intoxicatingly masculine–clouds my thoughts. His piercing eyes lock onto mine, and for a moment, the words I wanted to say completely evaporate
“Now that we are finally alone without all the drama,” he says as he leans down to my level, his voice low and smooth, sending a shiver down my spine. “Shall we have a talk, little mate!”
“My voice faliers as his hand lifts his Engen brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. The gentle touch ignites a spark, and I freeze under his gaze.
Ө
