Chapter 0045
I fastened my seatbelt as Irene did the same. Then, she shifted the car into drive and pulled away from the prison, heading toward Gavin’s villa.
After a moment of silence, she spoke.
“I’m sorry if my brother gives you a hard time,” she said with a sigh. “He’s chased off every tutor he’s ever had. I don’t know what’s wrong with that boy.”
“He seems great to me,” I admitted. “Honestly, I think he just craves attention and will do whatever it takes to get it. With Gavin being a busy Lycan chairman and Alpha of his own pack, and you being… engaged…”
I stumbled over the last word.
It felt strange discussing her engagement with her. But Irene didn’t seem to notice my hesitation.
“I suppose I have been preoccupied with the wedding,” she mused. “I just love Ethan so much. Spending time away from him is hard—on both me and my wolf.”
I stiffened.
I definitely didn’t want to talk about this with her.
But something about what she said caught my attention.
“Your wolf?” I repeated.
She let out a soft laugh.
“Yeah. Don’t get me wrong, I know Ethan isn’t my fated mate. But he’s been so sweet and attentive since the day we met that it doesn’t even matter. My wolf claimed him as ours, and honestly… I agree with her.”
My stomach churned.
I stared down at my hands, unsure of what to say.
She must have sensed my discomfort because when we stopped at a red light, she turned to look at me.
“Have you ever been in love?” she asked suddenly.
I blinked, startled by the question.
When I met her gaze, I saw something there—curiosity… and something else I couldn’t quite place.
I didn’t want to lie to her.
But I also couldn’t tell her the truth.
If I did, it would make things awkward. It would hurt her. And worst of all—it might ruin my job.
“I thought so,” I admitted carefully. “But he… didn’t love me the same way.”
For a brief moment, sadness flickered in her eyes.
Before either of us could say anything else, a honk from behind startled her. She glanced up—the light had turned green.
With a soft sigh, she pressed the gas, and we continued toward the villa.
As we neared the Silver Crescent pack borders, the guards didn’t even stop us. Irene’s car was instantly recognized. They simply bowed their heads in respect, and she offered a polite smile as she drove past.
After a long stretch of silence, Irene spoke again.
“He’s an idiot for not loving you,” she said simply. “You seem like a great girl. Any guy would be lucky to have you.”
I didn’t respond.
I just stared out the window, watching the towering trees and sprawling buildings blur past.
By the time we reached the villa, I was relieved.
Irene parked the car, and we both stepped out.
“Thanks for the ride,” I told her. “I won’t keep you. I’m sure you have a lot of wedding planning to do.”
She nodded, looking thoughtful.
“I do… but Ethan has a meeting today, so I’ve been left kind of alone.” She gave me a small, almost sad smile. “But I know you’re busy. Do your thing. Maybe we can talk more later?”
I hesitated.
Then, I nodded. “Sure.”
I turned and headed inside the villa.
As I stepped through the front entrance, I was immediately greeted by a familiar voice.
“Good evening,” Adam said smoothly.
I glanced at him.
My expression must not have been very welcoming.
I had thought we could be friends when I first started working here. But after that little stunt he pulled—trying to get me fired—I wasn’t sure I could trust him.
We hadn’t spoken since then, and I had been making sure to keep my distance.
“Is Matt around?” I asked instead.
Adam didn’t press the matter.
“He’s out back, practicing his sparring,” he said. “He’s nervous about his combat test next week.”
I nodded, remembering Matt mentioning it briefly.
Apparently, they were making him spar against someone much bigger than him, and he was worried he would make a fool of himself.
When I found Matt outside, we immediately got to work.
Together, we practiced his sparring techniques, focusing on strategies that would help him during his test.
Within an hour, he was already performing exceptionally.
We spent most of the time training with swords, and I had to admit—he handled the weapon well.
“Try to disarm me,” I told him. “Take the sword from my grip.”
Matt’s eyes lit up with determination.
He moved swiftly, using the exact techniques I had just taught him.
Before I even realized what was happening, he maneuvered expertly—twisting my wrist just enough to loosen my hold. The sword clattered to the ground.
I barely had time to react before he swung his own blade toward me—
Careful not to actually cut me.
But—
Rip!
The sharp sound of fabric tearing filled the air.
Matt froze.
