Chapter 27

Serena pov

"What's wrong?" Elena looked up just in time to catch the odd expression on Adrian's face and asked with concern. Adrian casually pulled the letter out and tossed it in a drawer. "Nothing. I'm done—let's eat." "Okay." Elena was thrilled at the thought of dinner with him. … I arrived at the arrivals gate right on time. Jack spotted me the moment he emerged. "You actually came to pick me up." His mood brightened. I smiled. "I said I would. I don't break promises." "That's more like it." Jack bantered with me as we left the airport. I'd booked a restaurant in advance. After picking him up, we drove straight there. We arrived right at peak dinner hour—the place was busy. Once seated, I introduced Jack to the house specialties. He was pleased, but during the meal he noticed I only ate mild dishes. He couldn't help asking, "Didn't you used to love spicy food?" I explained, "My stomach's been bad these past couple years. The healer said no spice. To heal it, I stick to bland." "No wonder you're so thin." Jack frowned. "I still remember the first time I saw you at Master's place—your face was all round and cute." He looked me up and down. "Now you're skin and bones." "Isn't thin good?" "No!" Jack shot it down immediately. "You need to put on weight." He called the server and ordered every mild, stomach-friendly dish on the menu. I couldn't stop him in time. "I can't eat all that!" "I can help. You have no idea how much foreign food tortured me these past years abroad! First thing I do every time I'm back—straight to a restaurant for a feast!" We laughed and talked. The atmosphere was easy and warm. Elena stepped out to the restroom and, passing the main dining area, unexpectedly spotted Serena. Jack's back was to her, so she didn't recognize him. But she was certain: Serena was dining with another wolf. The discovery excited her. She hurried back to the private room to share with Adrian. "Adrian, guess who I just saw out there!" "Who?" "Serena!" Elena watched his reaction closely as she said my name. Adrian remained calm. "What's strange about that?" "Seeing Serena isn't strange! The strange part is—she's on a date!" "With a male!" She emphasized the last part. "Eat your dinner," Adrian told her. Elena's eyes curved happily. She hadn't missed a single flicker on his face. She was satisfied with his response. Her worries had been unnecessary. Adrian truly had no feelings for Serena. For years, Serena had been the only she-wolf around him—but probably just as a tool. Wolves have needs, after all. Bluntly put, Serena had simply been Adrian's outlet. Otherwise, ten years together would have led somewhere. Besides, Elena looked down on Serena. Yes, Serena was pretty—but so was she. Yet what Elena had, Serena could never reach. Distinguished family. Top education. Those were heights Serena would never attain in her lifetime. Helen had told her there was no need to see Serena as a threat—just keep her eyes on Adrian. Now it seemed her mother's wisdom was sharper. "I know!" Elena's mood soared. … Grace's surgery was scheduled for Friday. I arrived at the hospital early. The past couple days I'd still shown up at the office. I'd finish my work, then use the celebration banquet as an excuse to come here. I'd always handled those banquets before—organizing this one was no trouble, so I didn't need to oversee every detail. Most of my time was spent at the hospital with Grace. She constantly worried I was neglecting work to care for her. I told her Adrian had approved leave for me. Grace loved hearing that. She even praised how considerate Adrian was. I sneered inwardly. Adrian was considerate—just not to us. Almost every day Grace asked about him. Every time I brushed it off with "he's busy." During pre-op prep, she asked again. I gave the same line. "He's busy. He'll come when he has time." This time Grace sounded regretful. "I'm just afraid I won't make it out…" "Mom!" I cut her off. "You'll be fine!" "Okay." Jack brought some nutritional supplements to visit Grace. She didn't know him. I introduced him as a friend, and she didn't press. Jack stayed with me as we wheeled Grace into the operating room. I thanked him. He hated formalities and pretended to be annoyed. "So cold with me?" "You know that's not what I meant," I said helplessly. "I'm teasing. Why so serious?" Jack was still the same as always—always ruffling my hair. Back then I'd protest, "If you keep doing that, I won't grow tall!" He'd grin mischievously. "If you stay short, I'll take care of you." Of course, just childhood jokes. He said it casually; I never took it to heart. Waiting was endless and agonizing. Having someone beside me made it a little easier. Coincidentally, Helen's surgery was also today—slightly later than Grace's. Adrian was there with Elena. William had pack business and would arrive later. "Adrian, I'm so glad you're here. You have no idea— my hand was shaking when I signed the consent form." Elena's eyes were still red. Adrian gently patted her back. "Don't worry. The world's top medical team is operating. Helen will be fine." "Mmm." Elena sniffled. Tears shimmered in her eyes—pitiful and delicate. I returned with coffees and walked right into that scene. The she-wolf with head slightly lowered, eyes rimmed red, as if confiding in her lover. The wolf patting her back gently, voice soft with comfort. Very intimate. If only they weren't blocking the way. "Excuse me," I said flatly, ruining the tender moment. Elena quickly turned to wipe tears that hadn't fallen. When she saw who it was, she froze. "Serena?" Adrian saw me then too. His brows drew together. His tone carried clear displeasure—nothing like the gentleness from moments ago. "What are you doing here?" My first instinct was to snap back: Is this hospital yours? Then I remembered… Adrian had actually invested in it.