Lahat ng Kabanata ng MATED TO MY BESTIE'S ALPHA DADDY: Kabanata 31 - Kabanata 40

Dr. Amalia closes her medical bag with a soft click and turns to face me. She's a tall woman in her fifties, sharp-eyed and no-nonsense, the pack's most trusted physician. I've known her for two decades. I trust her with my life."She's stable," she says, her voice low and professional. "The hypothermia was concerning, but we've warmed her core temperature. However, she's running a fever now—unusual for a patient in her condition.""What does that mean?""It could be a reaction to stress or trauma. Her body is fighting something, and I can't tell what." She pauses. "I need to watch her overnight. We can't wake her just yet.""Why not?""If we force her awake too quickly, there's a risk of brain damage. Her system is in shock. We need to let her come back on her own."I nod, my eyes fixed on Raylynn's pale face. She's lying in my bed, surrounded by pillows and blankets. She looks small. Breakable."She looks so fragile," I say.Dr. Amalia's expression softens. "She's been through somet

I'm breathless. My heart is pounding against my ribs. Adrenaline is still pumping through my veins."You almost hit me," he says, his voice low. Almost amused."You startled me." I try to pull away but my wrist stays stuck in his palm."You're shaking," he says."I'm fine.""You're not fine."His eyes search mine. I can feel his warmth through his shirt. His scent fills my lungs enough for me to feel drunk on it."You've been through something traumatic," he says. "You don't have to pretend that you're okay."I feel the tears before I can stop them. They spill over, hot and shameful. I try to turn away, but he won't let me."Raylynn—""I can't," I whisper. "I can't do this right now.""Do what?""Pretend I'm okay." My voice cracks. "Pretend I'm fine. Pretend that I—" I stop before I confess how much I want him to wrap his arms around me and kiss me deep enough that I forget my name.As if reading my mind, he pulls me closer. His arms wrap around me while his hand cradles the back of m

The study is too quiet.I stand by the window, staring out at the grounds, but I don't see anything. My mind is still in the gym. Still replaying the way Ivy burst through the door. Still feeling the ghost of Raylynn's lips on mine.I should be relieved. Ivy didn't suspect anything. She thought I was forcing Raylynn to train. She dragged her away without a second glance.But I'm not relieved.I'm restless. Unsatisfied. My wolf is pacing inside me, growling with frustration.'She's still here,' he says. 'In this house. We should go to her.''No.''She needs us.''She needs space.''She needs—'I cut him off. I can't think about her right now. I can't think about the way she felt in my arms. The way she kissed me back. The way she said my name.I press my palms to my eyes.Get it together.The door opens behind me and Calder walks in, his expression serious. He's holding a tablet, and he looks like he hasn't slept."Zephyr," he says. "We need to talk."I turn from the window. "What is i

I open the door.No one is there.The corridor is empty. The only sound is the distant hum of the hotel's heating system.I stand in the doorway, frowning. I could have sworn I heard a knock. I could have sworn someone was here.But there's no one.I close the door and lean against it, pressing my palm to my chest. My heart is still racing. My skin is still tingling.For a moment—just a moment—I thought it was him.I push the thought away.I'm being silly. Wanting him so badly that I'm imagining him at my door. That's pathetic. That's—My phone buzzes. Ivy's name flashes on the screen. I answer."Raylynn!" Ivy's voice is bright. "Tell me everything. How was the first day? Did Terry try anything? Did you wear the outfit I packed?""He tried to kiss me.""What?!"I can't help but smile at her outrage. "Relax. I handled it.""How? What happened? Tell me everything. I need details."I settle onto the edge of the bed. My fingers find the hem of my shirt, twisting it nervously."I told him

I stare at him.He's holding the pizza box like it's the most natural thing in the world. Like he hasn't been ignoring me for two weeks. Like he didn't watch me walk away and say nothing."Alpha," I manage. "What are you—""Pizza guy was at the gate." His voice is flat. "I signed for it."He holds out the box. I take it. My fingers brush his and I pull away like I'd been burned."There's something else." He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small velvet pouch. "Ivy said you forgot this."He hands it to me. I look at the pouch. I don't open it."Thanks," I say.He nods. Then he turns and walks away.I stand in the doorway, watching him go. The front door clicks shut as I carry the pizza box, still holding the pouch, to the counter. I open the pouch. Inside is a small silver bracelet—one I left at the estate. One I'd forgotten about.I touch the cold metal. He came all this way to return it. Or he used it as an excuse.I press my palm to my chest. My heart is pounding. I should be