For a fleeting second, she felt the warmth she had once clung to.
But it faded just as quickly.
“It’s only a sprain,” she said with a faint smile. “It’s not worth an apology.”
Yet as she spoke, she knew the apology wasn’t really about her ankle.
And that was what hurt most.
Adriana knew how dangerous tenderness could be.
If she allowed herself to soften now—if she clung to this small flicker of warmth—her resolve to leave the territory might crumble.
She inhaled slowly, steadying herself.
“Well,” she said lightly, forcing a teasing tone, “you’re the Alpha everyone has to schedule weeks in advance just to consult. Now you’re personally tending to me for free. I should feel honored. Most wolves can’t even get a proper appointment with you.”
Her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.
Nathanie’s hands paused for the briefest moment. His brows drew together faintly, as if he sensed something beneath her words.
Was she mocking him?
The thought irritated him more than he expected.
He suppressed the feeling and resumed applying the liniment, his fingers firm but controlled as he worked around the swelling.
Only after he finished rubbing the first layer into her skin did he finally speak.
“Olivia’s place was broken into last night,” he said, voice calm. “I’ve arranged for her to stay here for a while. Just until things settle.”
Adriana’s body went still.
So that was it.
The unusual patience earlier. The missing key. The guest room that had been freshly cleaned.
None of it had been spontaneous.
He had already planned everything.
And only now was he informing her.
A quiet understanding settled over her chest like frost.
She considered objecting. For a split second, she imagined asking why he hadn’t discussed it with her first.
But what would that change?
“It’s your territory,” she replied after a moment, her tone even. “Handle it however you see fit.”
Her compliance seemed to dissolve whatever explanation he had prepared. The tension in his shoulders eased.
“You’re not bothered?” he asked, almost cautiously.
She met his gaze.
“No.”
The answer came easily.
Relief flickered across his face. He rose to his feet and placed the bottle of liniment beside her.
“Reapply it gently in about half an hour,” he instructed. “I’ll go sit with Olivia. She’s downstairs alone.”
Of course she was.
“I’ll come back later,” he added.
Adriana nodded faintly.
Inside, she marked another tally.