Chapter 7

Aisha's POV I never expected that the injured Alpha I treated would be Simon, the Alpha of the Golden Pack. A legend. A nightmare. A wolf that was avoided with everything. He was known for his brutal tactics, his ruthlessness in war. A leader who commanded absolute loyalty and crushed anyone who stood in his way. And now, he was staring at me, his piercing eyes filled with something I couldn't quite decipher. I shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. "You're quite skilled," he said, "Not many could have treated that poison so quickly." I busied myself with packing my little medical supplies, avoiding eye contact. "I just did what I had to do." His eyes narrowed slightly. "Where did you learn?" The question hit me harder than I expected. April, my wolf, was still silent. Normally, she'd help me find the right words, but after Jack's betrayal, she had retreated, hurt and exhausted. I felt like a piece of me was missing. But I knew she would come to me when she was ready. "I'm a lone wolf," I finally said, keeping my voice even. Simon didn't speak right away, but when he did, his tone was full of suspicions. "A lone wolf? That's rare." I glanced at him, confused by the flicker of disbelief in his gaze. "You don't believe me?" I asked. He exhaled, his eyes scrutinizing me with unnerving intensity. "Not really. Packs guard their healers like treasure. In times of war, no Alpha would abandon a trained wolf healer, not unless something happened to force them out." His words sent a jolt through my chest. "Did your pack cast you out?" he asked bluntly. I sucked in a breath, guilt creeping in. He had seen through my lie so easily. He didn't just assume I left, he knew something had happened. And the worst part? There was anger in his voice. A real, burning anger, as if the thought of me being abandoned offended him. Why? I lowered my gaze. "I don't want to talk about it." The silence that followed was thick. He didn't press, but I could feel his attention on me. His anger. His… concern? To break the tension, I forced myself to focus on something practical. "You'll need to take it easy for the next few days," I said, shifting to a professional tone. "Even though I treated the poison, your body still needs time to recover. Stay off your feet as much as possible. Eat well. Keep your wounds clean." He smirked. "Are you giving me doctor's orders?" I rolled my eyes. "Yes. Unless you want to collapse again and prove you're not as strong as you think." His chuckle was low, amused. "You're bold. I like that." I frowned. "I'm serious." "So am I," he murmured, his golden eyes watching me too closely. Something in his gaze made my pulse quicken. It was… warm. As if he were looking at someone precious. A lover. I swallowed, shifting uncomfortably. He tilted his head. "You're uncomfortable." "I don't like being stared at." He smirked again, leaning back against the tree with far too much ease for someone who had almost died hours ago. "I can't help it. You're the most interesting thing that's happened to me in a long time." I wasn't sure how to respond to that, so I didn't. Instead, I stood, brushing dirt from my clothes. "You should rest. Your pack will be looking for you soon." As if on cue, movement rustled in the distance. A group of wolves emerged through the trees, their armor and posture screaming Golden Pack warriors. At the front was a man with dark eyes and a strong, commanding presence. "Alpha!" he called out, relief evident in his tone. Simon sighed. "Took you long enough, Charlie." The Beta, Charlie hurried forward, his gaze scanning Simon's injuries before shifting to me. His eyes narrowed. "Who are you?" I bristled. "The person who saved your Alpha's life." His frown deepened, but before he could say anything else, I turned to leave. I had done my part. Their precious Alpha was no longer in danger, and I had no reason to stick around. But before I could take two steps, the beta's hand shot out, blocking my path. "You're coming with us." I froze. "Excuse me?" His expression was cold. "The Alpha needs to be properly treated. If you're as skilled as you claim, you should come with us to ensure his full recovery." A spark of irritation flared in my chest. "Your Alpha is alive because of me. You're welcome. I don't owe you anything." His jaw tightened, but Simon's voice cut through the tension. "It's my request," he said smoothly. I turned to face him, my irritation shifting into confusion. "Why? I already treated you. You'll be fine if you follow my instructions." He didn't look away. "I want you to come with us." Something in his voice sent a shiver down my spine. He wasn't asking. He was telling me. I clenched my fists. "I don't belong to your pack." "You will, soon enough," he murmured under his breath. I wasn't sure if I had heard him correctly. Before I could argue further, two warriors stepped forward, carefully lifting Simon to his feet. That's when I saw it. The deep gash on his leg. Or more specifically the unnatural angle of his shin. My breath hitched. "You have a fracture?" Simon arched a brow, as if the injury were nothing more than a minor inconvenience. "It's just a leg." I gaped at him. "You've been walking around on a broken leg?" He smirked. "Told you I've had worse." Unbelievable. This man had been flirting with me, completely unfazed, while suffering from a serious injury. I should have walked away. I should have left them to deal with their arrogant, reckless Alpha. But I was a healer. And Simon, despite his insufferable attitude, was still my patient. I exhaled sharply. "Fine," I muttered. "I'll come with you." Charlie didn't look satisfied, but Simon's smirk widened. As if he had won. I scowled. I would treat him, make sure he healed properly, and then leave. But as I watched Simon being carried away, that smirk still on his lips, a sinking feeling settled in my chest.