I rubbed my bruised back and shook my head. “I’m fine. My back’s a bit sore, but it should feel better soon.”
His brow furrowed as he frowned. “No, that won’t do. I’m taking you to a healer for examination. Some injuries can’t be detected without proper assessment.”
Without waiting for my response, he carried me to his car and drove straight to the Hunter Pack’s healing centre. Only after X-rays confirmed that I had no serious injuries did the tension in his shoulders ease.
I felt truly grateful as I watched his rigid posture gradually relax. “Thank you for today, Mr. Diego.”
“Looking after students is my job,” he said calmly, though something warm appeared in his eyes. “It’s nearly six. I should get you back to your accommodation.”
I returned to my chalet, escorted by Liam. The events of the day–confronting Dylan, the helicopter malfunction, and meeting a second chance mate–had completely exhausted me. After a light meal, I collapsed into bed and fell fast asleep.
However, my dreams were troubled. Images of Dylan’s gaunt face alternated with flashes of Liam’s intense gaze. My wolf paced restlessly inside me, perplexed by the opposing pulls.
Second-chance mates were supposed to be a blessing–a new beginning after loss. But what if the first mate hadn’t truly disappeared? What if the bond had been severed through betrayal rather than death?
Such complications were never mentioned in the old texts.
I awoke at dawn, drenched in sweat and confused as ever. Outside my window, a light snow had started to fall, dusting the landscape in pure white.
It’s a new day. A blank slate.
I reached for my phone and discovered a message from an unknown number:
“Rest today. Flying lessons postponed until weather clears. Call if you need anything. – Liam”
My fingers hovered above the screen.
I soon got another message from Liam.
“Are you free this weekend? I’d like to invite you to dinner.”
The invitation took me by surprise. I hadn’t expected Liam to be so forward after our brief encounter.
I was about to decline when I noticed Dylan approaching from across the street. Even at a distance, his gaunt figure was unmistakable.
“I’d love to,” I responded quickly. “Just send me the address, and I’ll meet you there.”
Liam’s eyes lit up with delight as he nodded and left.
Dylan intercepted me as soon as Liam walked away, blocking my path with his body.
“Who was that man?” he demanded, his voice brimming with barely contained rage. “Why did you agree to dinner with him?
I had assumed Dylan would have left after our confrontation the day before, but he had apparently been keeping watch for my return.
Seeing me talk to Liam triggered his possessiveness, and his eyes blazed with a territorial fury I hadn’t seen in our years together.
I frowned, keeping my voice neutral. “That’s none of your business.”
“How can you claim it is none of my business? We are still technically mated. I will not allow you to be around other males.”
