Chapter 64
I’m not sure why I’m so upset that Kane used me. Yes, it didn’t feel great to figure out that I was just a moving piece in his overall plan, but – at the end of the day – this is just an act. I’m just playing a role.
But it did sting. Maybe because dinner had actually gone well and there was a foolish part of me that thought Kane and I were getting somewhere – we could somehow be civil even if we were stuck in a loveless marriage. But I was mistaken.
Apparently every part of it really is just an act.
But Bianca’s words don’t bother me because I want Kane to want me. They irk me because Bianca enjoys and thrives off of being cruel and vindictive. And all of the pack members just willingly feed into it.
Slowly, I stand from my table, leaving my bagel untouched as I clear my throat.
“So, Bianca,” I begin, keeping my calm. “Tell me…did you go see Kane before or after you saw the photo?”
Immediately, I know my answer as I see Bianca’s cheeks begin to flush.
“I don’t see why that matters,” she rushes out defensively.
I shrug. “Well, clearly it bothered you that he kissed me. So I’m sure you wanted some reassurance.”
“But he didn’t kiss you!” Bianca throws out.
“Are you sure about that?” I ask, still calm as I slyly bait her. “Or did he just tell you that to make you feel better?”
Now, Bianca looks uncertain, which only makes her angrier. I won’t be insulting with my comments back to her, but that doesn’t mean I’ll roll over and take her bullying. Getting inside of her head is beyond satisfying as I see her question everything.
“You’re lying!” she says, taking steps toward me. “He’d never kiss you.”
My only response is to smile at her, which annoys her further. I swear she’s ready to throw herself at me, but we’re interrupting as someone comes running into the room, calling my name.
It’s one of the nurses from the pack hospital – Sophie.
“Evelyn!” she says again as she approaches. “We need your help at the hospital. Some of the feral wolves are acting up and things are getting out of hand.”
I nod at her, sensing her urgency. Swiftly, I begin to follow her out of the room, but I’m stopped as Bianca tightly grabs my arm.
“We’re not finished here,” she practically spits. “You can’t just leave.”
I tug my arm away but she continues to hold on, digging her nails into my skin.
“He didn’t actually kiss you,” Bianca states, sounding as though she’s trying to convince herself. “Admit it!”
Finally, I tear my arm away, earning some scratches from her sharp nails. However, she steps into my path, determined not to let me leave.
“If you keep intervening and something goes wrong with those feral wolves then are you going to take responsibility?” I ask her firmly.
My words finally seem to knock some sense into her and Bianca shrinks, looking shaken by the idea. I’m able to
1/2
slip around her and follow Sophie out of the room and straight to the hospital.
+25 Bonus
Sophie wasn’t kidding. There are a lot of feral wolves who seem to be on edge or acting out this afternoon and it takes me a while to go around and provide care for all of them. It seems like more and more wolves are struggling.
It makes me wonder that if my wolf was stronger then maybe we’d also see improvements with the feral wolves I’ve been treating. As if the effects of my abilities would last longer, or maybe even forever.
As I finish with the last feral wolf, I walk down the hall as I prepare to head back to the pack house. However, I spot Dr. Borsheim coming from the opposite direction, causing me to instantly wave.
“Evelyn,” he greets me. “How nice to see you.”
“You too,” I tell him sincerely. “Actually, I’m really glad I ran into you. I was just thinking about my wolf.”
“Oh, any issues?” he asks.
“I wouldn’t say there are any issues. At least, things don’t seem to be getting worse. I’ve noticed some improvements, but…,” I trail off, thinking. “Well, I was wondering if you have any recommendations on how I can strengthen my wolf? I’ve seen some progress, but I thought there were maybe things I could do to help her along.”
Dr. Borsheim nods. “I understand. I’m glad to hear you’ve been noticing some growth. As for recommendations, I do have a few suggestions.”
