Hearing his question, water sprayed from my mouth. I coughed, patting my head in frustration.
“What’s the matter? The question didn’t suit you?”
His icy tone made me cough harder, bringing tears to my eyes. I gulped down the entire glass of water, trying to soothe my burning throat. Slamming the glass on the table, I glared at Adrian.
Should I kill him? Take revenge? Would it make me feel better? He deserved nothing. His power and position only fueled his arrogance. Should I end him right here, end the fear in the pack's hearts?
He puffed on his cigarette, watching me. His dark glare warned me against mentioning anyone's name.
“You don’t have to think about their father. You’re not the one,” I said, standing up.
Fire burned in his eyes, barely contained anger.
“I came here for your father. I’ll return to my pack tonight,” I reminded him.
“If my parents knew what their so-called favorite ex-daughter-in-law did during those two years, they’d despise you.”
I laughed. “Alpha Adrian, you need to get over me. I’m no longer your wife. Forget about our ruined past, your disastrous marriage to me. Someday, you’ll find someone Lynda.” My tone was mocking, though I knew it wouldn't affect him. He'd always be this way.
“About the rejection ceremony, I don’t want to be a part of it,” I told him.
I grabbed my phone, turned, and started to leave. It rang—Eric. I answered and headed for the door.
“Eric,”
This time, Adrian didn’t stop me. My heart felt heavy as I left the cafeteria.
“Are you okay?” Eric asked.
“Yeah.”
“I was wondering why you weren’t answering. Did Adrian do something again?”
I sat on a couch in the lobby, rubbing my forehead. I was exhausted by Alpha Adrian.
“No, Eric. You know I forget to turn off silent mode.”
“Don’t make us worry. Turn it off now.”
“Okay.”
I muted my phone. “Done.”
“Good girl.”
I giggled at his compliment. “Eric, what are the babies doing?”
“They’re having fun with their grandparents.”
“That’s a relief.”
“No, it’s not. They want you home soon. When will you return, Natalia?”
Pausing, I scanned the lobby. Adrian stood across the room. “What the hell! Is he stalking me?” I muttered.
“Who’s stalking you?” Eric asked.
“A random guy,” I mumbled, avoiding Adrian’s gaze.
“Should I teach him a lesson?”
“No way, buddy. I can handle a slap myself.”
Eric laughed. “Remember that doctor who liked you in college, the stalker?”
I rolled my eyes. “And you and Jason beat him up! He wasn’t even bothering me. You two are overprotective wolves.”
We laughed, reminiscing about our five years together, the memories with my family, Eric
“Brother called. I missed it. Should I call back?” I asked, expecting Jason’s scolding.
“Don’t. I’ll tell him you’re leaving the pack today.”
“Thanks for always saving me.”
After our call, I stood, realizing how long we’d talked. Adrian was gone. Relieved, I headed for the elevator.
I went to Uncle Lucas’s room on the top floor. He was receiving an IV. Auntie Grace saw me.
“Harold just explained his medication,” she said.
“Oh.”
“He’s discharging Lucas in a week.”
“That’s good.”
Uncle Lucas, who’d been staring at the ceiling, turned to me.
“Uncle, how are you feeling?” I asked, approaching him. His discharge meant I was free to return to my pack.
He turned, lifting his hand. I smiled, taking it. “You’ll be alright soon. I promise.” His hand trembled. He said, in a broken voice, “Can I ask something, my child?”
I nodded. “Anything, Uncle.”
He glanced at his wife, then back at me. “Stay with us for a week.”
I was stunned, wanting to refuse. Auntie Grace put a hand on my shoulder.
“Listen to your uncle. He’ll feel better. He regrets Adrian’s behavior. He wants to show his gratitude, and you’re helping with his treatment.”
I looked at them both. My problems were with Adrian, not his parents. Though I wanted to leave, I couldn’t refuse.
“Okay, I’ll stay for a week.”
It was evening. My driver opened the car door as I left the hospital. I sat in silence. He was about to start the car when I stopped him.
(The final sentence is incomplete and unclear. It needs to be rewritten for clarity.)