Chapter 4

That night finally arrived.

I stepped out of the car nervously. The gown I wore was nothing more than a simple dark blue dress, without any flashy jewelry—so different from the other women who sparkled in expensive gowns and dazzling ornaments.

But my awkwardness only deepened when Liam stepped out beside me. He was dressed in a formal black suit with a silver tie, his black hair neatly combed back, his aura radiating the authority of a true Alpha of the Darkmane Pack. The moment we appeared at the entrance, every eye nearby turned toward him.

Liam looked at me, then without saying much, offered me his arm.

"Doctor, I..."

"Hold on," he said shortly, his tone leaving no room for refusal.

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding. Reluctantly, I slipped my hand into his arm. We walked into the hall. The lively hum of conversations suddenly hushed for a few seconds, then shifted into a chorus of whispers.

"Look, that's Dr. Liam Darkmane, Alpha of the Darkmane Pack. He's escorting a woman?"

I could feel their eyes on me, making me squirm with discomfort. I was just a medical student, and yet here I was, standing at the side of a powerful Alpha and senior surgeon.

And then my gaze fell on someone.

Ronny.

He stood not far from the main table, wearing a black suit. Beside him was Kayla in a striking red dress, clinging to his arm. His face stiffened the moment his eyes met mine. He clearly couldn't believe what he was seeing—me, arriving with Liam Darkmane.

"Sienna?" he muttered, loud enough for me to hear.

I saw his jaw clench, his eyes shifting between me and Liam. Kayla quickly glanced at my simple gown before looking back at me with a mocking sneer, as if laughing at my presence in such a lavish event.

I lowered my gaze, wanting to hide, but Liam's arm pulled me closer to his side—as though to show everyone that my being here was no accident.

The weight of so many hostile stares pressed down on me—not only because I was just an ordinary omega, but because, for the first time, Liam had appeared in public with a woman on his arm. Yes, I had heard he still had no Luna. I tried to lower my head, wishing I could blend into the crowd, but it was impossible. The eyes of dozens of guests pierced through me and Liam, as if we were the center of the entire event.

And sure enough, Ronny started striding quickly toward us, Kayla trailing behind him.

"Sienna," Ronny's voice rang out clearly, even over the classical music. He stopped right in front of us, his eyes sharp on me before flicking to Liam. "Is this real? You came with Dr. Liam Darkmane?"

I opened my mouth to answer, but before I could speak, Liam pulled me even closer to him.

"Yes. She came with me. Is there a problem?" Liam asked.

The words were brief, but they silenced the whispers around us.

"So now you're with him, Sienna? Just days after we broke up, and you already have a new boyfriend," Ronny spat.

"That's none of your business," I said.

His face flushed red, his hands balling into fists. Kayla quickly clutched his arm as if to calm him, her eyes filled with smug satisfaction—as though she had already won by taking Ronny from me.

"If you call yourself a wolf, then learn to respect a woman's decision. Don't cause a scene in front of everyone," Liam said coldly.

Some senior doctors and hospital officials began to watch us. My face burned with shame. My body stiffened at Liam's side, but somehow, his firm hold gave me a flicker of safety.

Ronny looked like he wanted to argue again, but Liam's piercing gaze pressed down on him until he finally restrained himself. He yanked Kayla away roughly, pulling her back with him.

The moment they left, I exhaled shakily.

"I shouldn't be here."

"Don't pay attention to them. Tonight, you're my partner. Stand tall, Cole."

I remained at Liam's side as he asked, trying to calm the wild beat of my heart. It was hard to believe I was really here, escorted by the famous surgeon and Alpha of the Darkmane Pack.

"Cole," Liam's low voice made me turn to him. "Come with me."

We walked through the crowd. With each step, I could feel every gaze following us—some admiring, some envious, others curious. Liam stopped in front of a group of men and women in formal attire: senior doctors, the hospital director, even leaders from other packs.

"This is Sienna Cole, a medical student from Ashborne University. Tonight, she's my partner," Liam introduced.

A woman in her fifties smiled thinly.

"How rare, Dr. Liam, for you to bring a partner—especially a student." Her eyes briefly swept over my simple gown with clear disdain.

I wanted to disappear on the spot, but before I could lower my head, Liam answered in his cool tone.

"I choose based on potential, not appearances. She is a competent doctor in the making," Liam said.

Competent? On my very first day in the OR, he had practically thrown me out.

Some guests only nodded, others looked dissatisfied, but no one dared to argue. They all knew who Liam was—an Alpha whose authority could not be taken lightly.

From across the room, I saw Ronny. He stood rigid, glaring at me. Beside him, Kayla whispered with a sly smile, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to look away.

"Cole, don't fear their stares. As long as you're at my side, you're safe," Liam said.

"Yes, Dr. Liam."

Time passed, the evening unfolding with ceremony after ceremony. Honestly, I felt useless here. I sighed, the Alpha's scent clouding my focus. Liam's eyes flicked toward me, and I quickly looked away, though my heart was pounding violently.

"I need to speak with Alpha Sebastian. Stay here and enjoy the food," Liam instructed.

I only nodded and picked at some of the luxurious dishes—foods I had never tasted before. At least they distracted me from the humiliating stares I had endured earlier.

Then I drifted a little to the edge of the hall where it was quieter. A waiter approached with a tray of ruby-colored drinks. Without thinking, I took one and drank. It tasted sweet, with a bitter aftertaste, but I didn't care. I just needed something to steady myself.

But within minutes, my head grew heavy. My vision spun, the crystal chandeliers above doubling and multiplying. I clutched the wall to keep from falling.

"What's happening to me?"

Unsteady, I stumbled out of the hall, searching for the restroom. Cold sweat dripped down my temples as I barely kept my balance. I found the bathroom door, rushed inside, and bent over the sink, splashing my face with water. Hoping the dizziness would fade—until the reflection in the mirror froze me.

Ronny stood behind me.

"I told you, you can't run from me," he said.

I staggered back. "Ronny, don't come any closer. I'll scream if you do!"

"No one will hear you."

In an instant, he grabbed my arm and shoved me against the wall. My body was trapped. I struggled, but my head was too light, my strength fading.

He leaned closer, his face nearly pressed against mine. "If you're not mine anymore, then you won't belong to anyone."

I screamed, tears streaming down my cheeks. At that moment, the bathroom door slammed open.

A figure stood in the doorway, his eyes blazing with fury, his Alpha aura radiating danger. Ronny froze, though his hand still gripped my shoulder.

Liam stepped inside. "Let her go. Now."

"Why? What business do you have with Sienna? She's mine!" Ronny shouted.

"She is my mate," Liam declared.