3- You Still Smell Of...ME

EVELINE

Uncle.

The word echoed ominously in Eveline’s head as she shifted her gaze from Damon to the man she had fucked the night before.

This could not be happening. Damon never mentioned having an uncle. Neither did his father mention having a brother. And even if he was to have one, why was it this man?

“This happens to be my hospital,” Lucian replied coldly.

“I thought you were in exile,” Damon said. He was still staring at his uncle with that hate in his eyes.

“You thought wrong.”

Lucian turned back to Eveline, his face suddenly serious. “We need to talk about your father’s condition. Perhaps somewhere private.”

She swallowed, as memories of last night invaded her head. His touch, his tongue, his skin on her skin…

“Will…will he be alright?” she stammered.

He gestured down the hall. “This way, Miss Hart.”

She pursed her lips, but followed him all the same as he walked away.

He led her around the corner quietly, then stopped in front of a room. Through the glass on the door, she could see her father lying on the bed, breathing through an oxygen mask.

“He’ll be fine,” Lucian’s voice cut into her thoughts. “But not for long.”

“Why not?”

He held up his clipboard, frowning down at it. He looked nothing like the man she had met the night before. No, this man was a doctor, in charge of a life.

“His condition is too severe, but I’m sure you’ve heard it before.” His blue eyes met hers again. “It’s a nervous disorder, wholly unknown. His wolf is fighting it, but it’s only getting worse. And at this rate, it might affect his ability to shift.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean that your father is currently a danger to himself; and to others; at this point.” He lowered the clipboard. “I might have to take him into my personal care.”

“Your personal care?”

He nodded. “Away from here, away from people he could endanger if he shifts out of control. I will have to treat him privately.”

“What’s it gonna cost?”

His eyes dropped to her clothes, then back up at her face.

“You didn’t go home?”

She felt her neck heat up again. “No.”

“You should. And take a shower too. You still smell of…me.”

Right. As if his mark on her neck wasn't already doing enough to remind her of him.

“What we did last night was a mistake,” she snapped.

“Is that what you would call it?” His eyes twinkled as he stepped closer. “You sounded like you wanted it more than I did.”

“I just…wanted to take the edge off.”

“I see.” He cocked his head. “I suppose my nephew was the cheating fiance you were talking about.”

“I didn’t know Damian was your nephew.”

“Of course you didn’t.” He smiled and leaned against the wall. “Doesn’t change the fact, though.”

Which was what made it worse. She thought she was running from one Vale, but ended up fucking another one.

She pursed her lips. “I’m not here to talk about that. My father’s life is on balance here.”

“He’ll be in my personal care, like I said.”

“And I asked what it was going to cost.”

She hoped it was something she could afford. Damon had been the one taking care of her father for a couple of months now. and now that she had caught him cheating…

The corner of Lucian’s lips lifted in a sly smile, and she saw his eyes drop to the mark on her neck. It started to burn again, as if in response.

“It’s not a matter of money, dear.”

She almost hissed in frustration. “What is it?”

Lucian stepped closer, his eyes burning brighter. “I will require you to move in with him as well.”

“You want me to…You want me to move into your place.”

“Your father needs all the care he can get,” he said simply, with a shrug.

Eveline turned, looking through the glass at her father. He looked so frail, lying on the bed.

She thought about refusing Lucian’s terms. He could be a good doctor, he could be good in bed, but he was also Damian’s uncle. If they were from the same family, how could they be any different? Why would she want to agree?

‘It’s not like I have a choice' she thought.

Lucian’s face was blank when she turned back to him. “How long would the treatment take?”

“Hard to tell.”

“Fine. It’s a deal.” She held up a finger. “But nothing happened between us. last night was only a mistake.”

“I’ll be expecting you at my place by four o'clock,” was all he said.

“The hotel?”

“No.” He took another step closer to her. “I’ll text you the address. Wear something pretty.”

She felt her breath catch in her throat as his scent filled the air. She tried to take a step backwards, but her body betrayed her. Her wolf tugged her closer, wanted to rip off that white coat and feel his muscled body…

“I wasn’t aware we were going on a date,” she mumbled.

“It’s not a date.” Lucian stepped closer, one hand caressing the side of her neck. “It is a deal that you have to make, for your father’s sake.”

Before she could reply, someone cleared their throat.

They both turned to find Damon standing at the other end of the corridor. His eyes seemed to glow with anger and suspicion, and this gave her a bit of satisfaction.

“Well, how is he?” Damon asked, walking up to them.

“That is yet to be decided,” Lucian replied.

They looked nothing alike, Eveline realized, yet there was a certain pride that they both had in their postures. Like alphas, about to rip each other apart.

“Exile looks good on you, uncle. I’m surprised you didn’t stop by to say hi to the pack.”

Lucian’s eyes flashed red. “I am not in exile anymore. And yes, some day, I will stop by and say hello.”

He leaned forward, until he was barely inches away from Damon’s face. “Then, I will claim every dime that belongs to me.”