Chapter 11

Patience's POV

The police's voice shattered the restaurant's charged atmosphere.

Cyrus's vertical pupils vanished instantly, and the suffocating aura receded like a tidal wave, leaving only the lingering pheromones in the air.

Cyrus froze, and I let out a silent breath, relieved to feel the sweat dampening my back.

"What's going on here? Who called the police?" the lead officer demanded, his brow furrowed as he scanned the chaotic scene.

"It was me!" I called out, slowly lowering the gun I'd had trained on the back of Cyrus's head.

The officer strode over and immediately recognized Cyrus.

"Mr. Gross, are you hurt?" he asked respectfully.

"I'm fine," Cyrus replied coolly, handing the officer the gun that belonged to the middle-aged man. "This man attacked me. That's his weapon."

The police took the gun and then turned their attention to me and the gun in my hand.

The officer's face hardened. "What about the gun in your hand? Lady, illegal firearm possession is a serious offense!"

"Oh, this? It's a toy gun," I said lightly, waving the replica gun. "I bought it at the mall today."

Cyrus, who had been wiping his hands with a handkerchief, froze at my words.

He looked up at me, a flash of surprise in his eyes.

After a few seconds of silence, a faint, meaningful smile curved his lips.

"Ms. Frost," he said, his tone half-teasing, "I take back what I said earlier. You're more interesting than I thought."

Chills ran down my spine.

This man was dangerous—the air of unpredictability around him triggered an instinct to back away.

My gut told me to put as much distance between us as possible.

Due to the shootout, everyone present, including me, was required to give a statement to the police.

When I finally stepped out of the interview room, the police station's lobby was bustling with activity.

I spotted Kelsey and the other pack members, along with Hazel, waiting in a corner.

Upon seeing me, Kelsey strode over immediately. His face showed no concern—only open rebuke.

"What were you thinking? Pointing a toy gun at Cyrus's head like that! Do you have any idea who he is? Don't forget—we're still mates. If your stunt affects the company, can you even begin to take responsibility?"

"Mates?" I snorted. "If you truly saw me as your mate, you wouldn't have shoved me aside the second the gun went off and turned to shield Hazel instead."

Kelsey was momentarily speechless, a flush of embarrassment creeping across his cheeks.

He averted his gaze.

Lionel stepped forward, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Hazel's so fragile! Of course she needed protecting in a situation like that! Are we supposed to protect you instead?"

"Aren't you always bragging about Hazel's boldness and competence?" I shot back without missing a beat. "Now she's suddenly a delicate woman needing to be sheltered?"

Lionel was left sputtering, his face turning beet-red as if slapped.

Hazel's expression flickered, and she put on a magnanimous front. "Patience, you're misunderstanding. Kelsey just instinctively protected me in the heat of the moment. You're overreacting. That's why they say women have petty minds—always dwelling on trivial things."

"Bullshit!" Yvette burst out, having just finished her statement and overhearing Hazel's remark.

She stormed over, pointing an accusing finger. "Kelsey is Patience's husband! He pushed Patience away but shielded you instead, and you have the nerve to tell Patience not to mind it? Hazel, you're a homewrecker, and you wear that title with such shameless pride, twisting the facts to your favor!"

Yvette's voice was sharp and loud, drawing the attention of others in the police station who were there for the shootout. Their curious and gossipy stares fell on us.

Kelsey's face darkened, and Hazel, turning pale with anger, raised her voice. "Don't you say that! Kelsey and I are just friends!"

"Just friends?" Yvette pressed, relentless. "Then what are you? Kelsey is Patience's husband. When the gunshot rang, instead of protecting his wife, he pushed her aside to save you. Was he being overly 'kind,' unable to bear seeing you suffer, or have you 'saved his entire family' that he owes you his life?"

Yvette's rapid-fire retort left Hazel speechless.

All eyes in the police station turned to her, filled with disdain, mockery, and amusement.

Hazel's expression stiffened, her lips moving soundlessly as she struggled to find a retort.

I watched as she clenched her teeth, enduring the scrutiny of those around her.

Infuriated, Kelsey barked at me, "Do you have to egg your friend on to make a spectacle here? Can't you behave?"

Yvette stepped forward, shielding me as she retorted, "I'm speaking my mind. What does Patience have to do with it? It's your behavior that's disgusting!"