Chapter 2

It was already past midnight when Reese returned to the clinic room.

He carried a cup of moonberry juice and my medicine, his face lined with exhaustion. "Are you asleep?"

I didn't move.

He pushed a straw into the moonberry juice and placed it by my hand. "I kept it tucked inside my coat the whole way so it wouldn't get cold."

So, he remembered that I couldn't drink anything cold and even the specific brand of ointment I used. Yet he still found it completely natural to abandon me alone on a clinic bed.

"How is Selena's foot?" I asked softly.

"It's nothing major." He sat on the edge of the bed, massaging the space between his eyebrows. "It's just swollen. She's terrified of pain, so she cried the entire way."

I stared at him. "Did I cry?"

Reese froze. "That's not who you are."

"Then what kind of person am I?"

He stayed silent for a moment, as if afraid to make me angry again. Then he reached out to pat my head. "You're the most understanding one."

I pulled away from his hand. His palm hovered in the air, his expression souring. But neither of us said another word.

When the healer came for my second dressing change, Reese stood nearby, his whole body tense. But as the healer peeled away the gauze, he gasped sharply. "Why is it this severe?"

The healer glanced up at him. "She has vampire blood in her veins. You need to make sure she strictly avoids direct sunlight while this heals. If she keeps getting burned like this, it'll leave permanent scars."

Reese nodded, genuine regret washing over his face.

Unfortunately, his guilt didn't even last half a day.

The next morning, as I was being discharged, the healer gave us strict instructions. I couldn't be exposed to direct sunlight, so it was best to take the underground walkway, and all the blackout curtains needed to be drawn tight once we got home.

Reese looked solemn, taking out a pen to write down every detail.

Passing patients and staff recognized us and began whispering in admiration.

"I heard the Alpha was head over heels for a woman, and it looks like the rumors are true!"

"Right? Look how attentive Alpha Reese is. He must love her so much."

After finishing his notes, Reese settled me in the shade and busied himself packing up my belongings.

The healer approved, lightly patting my arm. "You're so lucky to have a partner like him. I'm sure he'll take great care of you from now on."

I forced a stiff smile and looked up at Reese. For an absurd second, I wondered if he really had learned his lesson.

That thought lasted right until we reached the clinic entrance.

Selena was waiting for him in a wheelchair, wearing a short skirt with my blackout blanket draped across her lap. That blanket had been custom-made by Reese from overseas to block almost all light. I had used it for two years, always treating it with utmost care.

Seeing me, she waved with a bright smile. "Fiona, this blanket of yours is so comfy! Alpha said you wouldn't need it while inside, so I just borrowed it for a bit."

I stopped dead in my tracks.

Reese quickly explained, "Her ankle is still swollen, and it's windy outside. She can't catch a cold."

I looked straight at him. "But that's my blanket."

He shifted uncomfortably under my stare. "Fiona, it's just temporary."

"I'm going outside right now, too."

"The car is right at the entrance. It's only a few steps."

He had said something similar yesterday. It was as if, as long as he downplayed the damage, I wouldn't actually feel the pain.

Selena hastily made a move to toss the blanket off. "Please don't fight because of me. I'll give it back to you, okay? I don't need it."

Her mouth said one thing, but her hands tightened around the fabric, never letting go.

Reese frowned. "Selena's injured, Fiona. Can't you just give in to her for once?"

I gave a dry laugh and stood in place, watching the morning sun gradually climb higher.

Thinking I was just throwing a tantrum, Reese lowered his voice. "Fiona, don't make a scene. If you really need one, I'll buy you ten of them the moment we get home."

"I need it now."

He choked on his words, at a complete loss.

Selena chimed in pitifully, "Alpha, really, I don't need it. It's fine if I get a little chilled. Fiona needs it way more than I do."

Her surrender sounded noble on the surface, but it acted like a needle pricking at Reese.

Sure enough, his patience snapped. "Fiona, look at how considerate Selena is being! What more do you want?"

There it was again.

I had lost count of how many times we had argued like this ever since Selena arrived. In the past, I would have cried and made a fuss. But this time, I didn't want to struggle anymore.

After all, I was leaving soon anyway.

"Fine," I said, looking at Reese. "Let her use it."

Reese paused, caught off guard by how quickly I gave in.

I wasn't surprised by his shock, though. In all five years we had been together, I had never once backed down.

After a moment of surprise, relief washed over his face. "That's the spirit, Fiona. That's how a future Luna should carry herself."

Noticing the sunlight creeping closer, he pushed me further back into the shade and gently stroked my hair. "Stay here for a second. There's an umbrella in the car. I'll grab it for you right after I wheel Selena over."

He gave me a quick, gentle hug before turning to push Selena toward the car. I watched them laugh together; Selena even playfully swatted his arm.

At that moment, the morning sun broke through, its rays slowly spilling over me.

I wrapped my arms around myself as sweat stung my fresh burns.

It didn't matter. There were only five days left.

Five days from now, I would never have to compete with Selena for anything ever again.