I turned my head. There he was: Alpha Adrian, standing a short distance from my chair. Other doctors recognized him and rose to bow. Adrian's hands were in his pockets. His face was impassive, but his eyes were fixed on something.

I followed his gaze. His eyes were on my hand, which rested over Harold's. I slowly removed my hand and rolled my eyes. I shifted my attention back to Adrian. Now, he was looking at the bouquet of white roses. I assumed he'd seen it when he entered or left his father's cabin that morning.

I ignored him. I'd only come for a day, but I'd already encountered him twice!

Harold looked away from Adrian and started to rise from his chair. As he prepared to bow, Adrian walked over, lightly pushing him back down.

“Doctor Harold, no need to stand,” Adrian said calmly.

Harold looked nervous under Adrian's imposing presence. Even seated, he bowed his head slightly. Adrian then gestured to the other bowing doctors, signaling them to sit. I noticed Adrian's hand remained on Harold's shoulder.

I silently thanked my lucky stars. If we hadn't been quiet after discussing my children, Adrian would have heard our conversation.

A waiter arrived with two place settings.

“Oh, you two are having lunch,” Adrian said, removing his hand from Harold's shoulder.

“Alpha, please have a seat,” Harold said politely.

I didn't want Adrian at our table, but I couldn't stop Harold. It was his duty; Adrian was his alpha.

“If you insist…” Adrian muttered, sitting beside me.

My fists clenched in anger. What a shameless man! It wasn't insistence; Harold was simply showing respect. Did he have to sit with us? There was an empty chair next to Harold.

After regaining his composure, Harold asked, “Alpha, you’re here at this hour?” He was also frightened Adrian might have learned about his lies.

“Why? Unexpected?” Adrian asked mockingly.

“It’s not like that, Alpha.”

“Perhaps I interrupted your date,” Adrian murmured, turning to me.

I frowned. His eyes were scrutinizing, revealing an unsettling resentment.

“You’re misunderstanding us. We were discussing your father’s health. Natalia agreed to help,” Harold explained.

Adrian raised an eyebrow, his eyes still on me. “Oh, really? How?”

I averted my gaze, feeling awkward. My wolf was going wild from his scent. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.

“Nancy,” I tried to communicate with my wolf mentally.

“He’s right here! Our mate!” my wolf exclaimed.

“He’s not a good man. Stop it,” I warned.

“He’s our mate. You can’t deny it.”

I shut her up and rubbed my forehead. I couldn’t let her take over. This man didn’t deserve us.

While I was dealing with my wolf, Harold had given Adrian his father’s health report.

“Didn’t you say only Max Harrison has the cure?” Adrian asked Harold. “Yes, but Natalia said—”

“How can I trust her with my father’s health?”

I shook my head in disbelief. I’d come to see his father, and he questioned my trustworthiness?

“Who needs your trust? Your mother trusts me. I believe your father does too,” I retorted.

Adrian ignored me, asking Harold, “How long will the procedure take? When will he get the cure?”

After considering, Harold replied, “We need to observe Mr. Lucas for a week. We’ll prescribe some medication to help him withstand—”

“Okay,” Adrian said.

Harold's phone rang. He answered, his face falling. He stood abruptly, hung up, and bowed to Adrian.

“Emergency. I must leave.”

Adrian nodded. Harold looked at me.

“Take care, Natalia.”

I noticed his untouched food. “You didn’t eat.”

“I’ll have the waiter send it to my room.”

I nodded. He picked up the bouquet, gave Adrian one last look, and left.

Adrian's presence had ruined my appetite. As I considered leaving, I heard him.

“Not bad, woman. Two-timing, huh?”

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