Chapter 24
Selene’s POV
My fingers moved methodically as 1 threaded the needle, the suture kit spread out on the small table next to us. His wound, while shallow, still bled —a deep gash across his shoulder, just under the collarbone. I knew it didn’t need stitching. I shouldn’t care. He’d heal on his own, just like every
other time and faster than anyone else…
But here I was, my hands steady, stitching him up anyway. Because it wasn’t really about the wound, was it?
His arm is heavy on the chair next to me, the raw muscle tensing every now and then, but he doesn’t flinch. Of course, he doesn’t. He’s Dorian Tough as nails, always throwing himself into chaos like it’s a game.
earthy scent that always clings to
1 bite the inside of my cheek, trying to focus. The sterile smell of antiseptic hangs in the air, mixing with the faint, earthy scent him–blood, sweat, and pine. It’s overwhelming. Just like him.
I couldn’t bring myself to look up at him to meet those predatory eyes that seemed to follow my every movement. My focus stayed on the task, even though I could feel his damn heartbeat pounding beneath my fingertips, the heat of his skin burning against mine. Every breath, every twitch of his body. His presence fills the small room in a way that feels suffocating.
Dorian sat there, silently, letting me play doctor like it mattered. I knew better–knew that werewolves didn’t need this level of care. But it gave me something to do something to focus on that wasn’t the feelings raging inside me. I hated him. I fucking hated him. But I didn’t want him to be hurt. And wasn’t that just the most twisted thing?
“You’re healing too fast.” I muttered, pulling the thread through his skin and tying it off. “Slow it down.”
His low chuckle rumbled through the room, and I hated the way it made my heart stutter in my chest. “I thought you didn’t care, Selene. You should’ve let me bleed out”
I clenched my jaw, cutting the thread with more force than necessary. “I’m doing my job. You’re not my concern.”
Liar. The voica in the back of my head hissed, and I tried to ignore it
He shifted slightly, his massive form taking up way too much space in the small medical room. The packhouse felt quiet now, too quiet, after the rush of the wounded soldier earlier. The air still smelled faintly of blood and antiseptic. I straightened up, wiping my hands on a towel before finally meeting his eyes.
“The beta carlier.” I said, keeping my voice level, businesslike. I couldn’t afford to slip, not in front of him. “Would he be okay!”
Dorian’s gaze stayed locked on me, dark and unreadable. “That nameless beta will be fine. There are countless Betas under my command. He’s not irreplaceable.”
That struck a nerve. I could feel the tension creep into my shoulders as I turned away from him, organizing the supplies on the table. “Is that how you see all of them! Just numbers to throw into a war?”
I need to ask him. About Scott. About what my father wants.
I didn’t give him a chance to respond before I continued, changing the subject to what I had been waiting to bring up all along. “How many Chief Besas do you have, Dorian?” My voice was steady, but my heart was racingg
I could feel him lean forward slightly, his presence looming behind me, though I refused to tum around “Only one,” he replied, his voice low and gravelly. “But he’s dead. Killed in the last bustle. I haven’t found anyone suitable to replace him yet.”
Perfect I pressed my lips together, taking a breath before continuing. “My father’s son… Scott,” I said, keeping my tone even “he’s qualified. You know he’s strong. He’s loyal. He’d be perfect for the Chief Heta position.”
Silence, Thick, suffocating silence. I finally turned to face him, feeling that familiar knot of anxiety tighten in my chest as I met his gaze. His eyes had darkened, lips twitching into a faint smirk.
“You’re doing this for that bastard Scott?” His voice was like a challenge, smooth but edged with something more. Something dangerous. “Or for yourself?
Fclenched any lists at my sides. “He’s the best choice.”
Lie That band can’t do his own lundry without Mom waiting around them ike a servant.
His smile grew wider, but his eyes remained lard, like he was dissecting me with just a glance. “You really think I haven’t thought about that already?” He leaned back in his chair, looking far too relaxed for someone in this conversation. “Scott’s good. Strong and yet a bastard like his fatburn Hot Fun tad just handing out titles because you stitched up a little cut. Selene.”
There
push, that way lae always tried to test ine. I could feel the frustration bubbling beneath the surface, but I swallowed it down. This
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3:36 PM
Chapter 24
wasn’t the time to lose my cool. Not in front of him.
what’s right for the pack. You need someone to lead your
“I’m not asking for favors.” I shot back, my voice sharper than 1 intended. “I’m asking for wh Betas. Scott can do that.”
Dorian’s eyes flickered, a trace of amusement dancing there. “We’ll see,” he said, dragging the words out like he enjoyed watching me squirm.
I hated this power game. Hated the way he always turned everything into a twisted battle of control. But I stood my ground, crossing my arms over my chest as I stared him down
“You should be careful with that temper, Selene, he murmured, standing up slowly, towering over me like he always did. “Wouldn’t want to make things harder for you father’s son”
Dorian’s lips twitch into a bitter smile, and before I can step back, his hand is on my chin, tilting my face up to meet his gaze. “I’m simply asking out of trief to explain but he cut me off.
“Is that really why you came back!” he asks, his voice low, deadly. His breath brushes against my lips, too close, too raw. My breath catches. Shit. “Just to push your father’s fucking agenda? To throw Scott’s name at me like I owe him something?”
My heart stumbles. I can’t breathe. The intensity in his eyes, the heat of his body so close to mine–it’s too much. I try to pull back, but his grip on my chin tightens just enough to keep me in place.
“No…“1 start. my voice trembling. “It’s not like that
But it is, isn’t it?
His lips curl into a bitter smile, his other hand sliding to my waist, pulling me closer until I’m almost straddling his lap “You think I’m stupid, Selene! That I wouldn’t see through you? Is that the only reason you’re here?” He growls, vibrating through me, and I hate that it sends a shiver down my spine
Fuck, focus!
He leans in, hais lips just inches from mane, his anger radiating off him in waves. “Tell me, Selene, he murmurs, his tone so dark it makes my prickle. “Did you really not think of me when you flew back here from another fucking country?”
His words hang in the air between us, and for a moment, all I can hear is the sound of our breathing His eyes lock onto mine, demanding an answer, demanding something more.
skin
I swallow hard, trying to form words, but nothing comes out, stuck somewhere between what I want and what I’ve been told to do by my stepfather.
Dorian’s thumb strokes along my jaw, soft, gentle, yet still rough. His anger is palpable, but there’s something else there, too. Ssomething deeper. something that makes my pulse race and my stomach twist
His face is so
is so close now that I can see every line, every shadow, the raw vulnerability beneath the fury
And I have no idea what to say.
I didn’t say mp. I dia’s say yes. I didn’t say anything because every answer w
answer would simply be a lie,
