Chapter 179

Victoria's POV I handed the water glass to Patrick, who accepted it with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Victoria." I watched him drain it completely, my wolf Nora stirring restlessly within me. Even after everything, the way Patrick looked at me still sent uncomfortable prickles through me. After finishing, he held the empty glass, his gaze searching my eyes. "Victoria, is something wrong?" I shook my head. "Nothing." "The water you brought tasted different," Patrick said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Somehow, it was better." I pressed my lips together, saying nothing. My fingers unconsciously traced the edge of my bracelet—a habit I'd developed when feeling uneasy. "Sit with me," Patrick patted the chair beside his wheelchair. "Keep me company for a while." I sat back down in the chair, maintaining some distance from him. His cologne drifted over—light pine scent with a hint of herbs. "What do you want to talk about?" "Do you remember when we were children?" A nostalgic gle