Chapter 3

The next day, I returned to the healing center to hand over the rest of my work.

Evan came to find me on his own and handed me an exquisite gift box wrapped in animal hide. "I forgot to give Toby his birthday present yesterday."

Surprised, I took the gift box and opened it. Inside was a lifelike wooden carving of a wolf.

Toby was terrified of fierce and snarling wolves form like that.

When Toby was four years old, Evan took him to the edge of the Forbidden Forest to practice hunting. Halfway through, Evan ran into a few werewolf colleagues he knew.

In order to hide their relationship, he let go of Toby's hand, causing him to get lost in the forest.

By the time Toby was found, he was curled up in a hollow tree, trembling fearfully after encountering a huge Rogue.

Since then, the form of a fierce adult wolf had become his worst nightmare.

And now, the one responsible for his trauma was even giving him such a figure as a birthday gift.

I couldn't tell whether I felt more anger or disappointment. I casually set the gift box aside and calmly said, "Thank you."

Evan looked at me strangely, then seemed to remember something.

"Selena's door lock still isn't fixed. There were wild beasts around last night, so I'm planning to let her stay over for a while," he said. "You don't need to work today. Go home and pack up, then take Toby to stay somewhere else for a couple of days."

Evan's words were casual, but they landed like a punch.

I stared at him in disbelief. "You mean you're kicking Toby and me out of our home for Selena?"

Evan frowned. "Don't put it like that. She's only staying temporarily. Since we agreed to keep our mating a secret, we should avoid suspicion around our colleagues. If she smells too much of you and the pup, she might start asking questions."

I let out a small, mocking laugh.

Were they really just colleagues, and was Evan really just avoiding suspicion?

Or did he think Toby and I were getting in the way of him pursuing his precious childhood sweetheart? That we should be hidden in the eyes of the public?

Not wanting to look at Evan any longer, I turned back to organizing the medicine cabinet.

"Alright. I'll pack up as soon as possible and take Toby out. We won't disturb you," I replied.

I was leaving the pack anyway. A little sooner or later didn't really matter.

Evan was a little taken aback at how easily I agreed. He opened his mouth, his tone unusually gentler this time. "I'll give you some extra spirit stones as compensation."

I remained quiet, not even looking up.

No amount of compensation could cover the damage already done.

…

When I got home, I packed lightly and took Toby with me as we headed out.

But the moment I opened the door, I ran straight into Evan and Selena.

He was carrying her suitcase in one hand, almost like he was showing off by putting his strength on display.

I could see the flash of panic in his eyes the moment our eyes met.

Selena gasped in surprise. "Why are you at Chief Healer Evan's house, Ms. Lundell?"

At that, I instinctively pulled Toby behind me, blocking her view. "I—"

"They're distant relatives of mine, staying here for the time being," Evan cut me off before I could finish.

My grip tightened around my suitcase handle.

This wasn't the first time, but it still felt like a stab to the heart every time I heard it.

I was about to speak when Toby spoke first, "Hello, Mr. Stone."

I turned around in disbelief, only to see his reddening eyes and the stubborn way he held back his tears.

Toby said, "Let's go, Mommy."

My words caught in my throat.

Forcing a small smile, I answered softly, "Alright."

As we passed by each other, Evan suddenly reached out and grabbed my arm.