Chapter 5
Looking at Ethan and Vanessa’s little performance, a raw bitterness rose within me. I wasn’t going to stand for this.
“You’re right,” I said, my voice sharp, cutting through their pretense. “As the patient, she
was the priority. That’s why I didn’t argue with Ethan yesterday.”
1 fixed Vanessa with a level gaze. “He already passed that along to you, didn’t he? So why are you bringing it up again? Or do you need me to spell out exactly how you both behaved?”
Vanessa’s face fell, clearly not expecting a response like that from me. I’d been the pushover, the quiet girl who’d let them run over me without a word. She hadn’t anticipated this, and her face twisted in shock.
Next to her, Ethan’s expression darkened, the dawning realization beginning to settle in.
“So you’re saying you’re not sulking?” He demanded, his voice a low growl. “Vanessa came here with good intentions, and this is how you talk to her? Do you really think I’d ever be with her?” He stared at me, as if wounded by my words. It was so absurd I almost laughed.
I didn’t respond. Instead, I got out of bed, grabbing my phone, and started making plans for lunch with Mark. Anything to get away from this suffocating drama..
It wasn’t until later that day, when Ethan tried to call, that he realized I’d already blocked his number. My phone chimed with a notification, his accusatory message slipping through my defenses.
‘So, he knows it’s rude to block people?
At lunch, Mark, noticing my unusual silence, looked at me carefully. “Did you break up?”
I gave a faint nod, the weight of it finally lifting. “We’re truly over. I used to think about salvaging things, but not anymore.”
Chapter 5
He nodded approvingly, sensing the shift within me.
Just as we finished going over the project details, my phone rang, an unfamiliar number flashing on the screen. I answered, and Ethan’s irritated voice barked in my ear.
“Claire, where are you? When are you coming back? And why did you block me
I didn’t hold back. “I’m no longer a member of your pack, Ethan. I have my own business to attend to, and I don’t need to report to you.”
There was silence, then a feeble protest. “I’m still worried about you running around with
that injury.”
“Ethan,” I said, my voice laced with irony, “if you’re so worried, maybe Vanessa should block me on her social media first. I already saw the video of you cooking for her. Why
didn’t you think of me then?”
The line fell silent, and he hung up without another word.
I’d seen that video a long time ago, but I hadn’t reacted. I was done pretending that his “worry” had anything to do with me. I had more important things to focus on.
When I got home, I was surprised to find that Ethan had prepared dinner–a perfectly plated steak, a dish of creamy pasta, and a bowl of spicy soup, each garnished with thin, vibrant rings of chili, clearly made with care and attention to detail.
He stood by the table, looking at me expectantly as I took in the meal he’d set up, a look of
tentative pride in his eyes.
“About earlier…” He started, his voice unusually soft. “I know I didn’t take care of you the way I should have, so I made dinner to make it up to you. I made your favorite.”
My eyes moved from the food back to him, my face remaining neutral. The scent of spices filled the air, sharp and tangy. I could already feel the prickle of heat just from the aroma, and it didn’t appeal to me one bit.
Chapter 5
I’d always preferred mild, comforting flavors, but Ethan had never noticed, even after all
this time. The realization stung more than I wanted to admit.
“I’ve already eaten,” I said, keeping my tone even. I watched his face, seeing the eager spark in his eyes dim as his smile faltered.
“Could you at least try a bite?” He asked, his voice carrying a hint of desperation.
No,” I replied, keeping my gaze steady. “I prefer mild food. Vanessa is the one who loves.
spice.”
- “Not “Then tell me what you like, and I’ll make it for you,” he said, his voice almost pleading. “Not hearing from you today made me anxious. I’m your mate and I want you to eat well. I just
cooked for Vanessa cause she was feeling weak.”
I bit back a bitter laugh. The word “mate” sounded hollow coming from him now.
“There’s no need to explain anything, Ethan,” I said, cutting him off. “You’re an Alpha; you can be with whoever you want. You don’t owe me any explanations.”
He looked frustrated, running a hand through his hair as he tried to gather his thoughts. “I didn’t know she’d post it on social media. That’s on me–I handled it badly.”
“Fine, whatever,” I replied, a hint of exhaustion leaking into my voice. I walked past him. without another glance, heading straight to the guest room.
Behind me, I heard the faint sound of him standing in the kitchen, perhaps realizing the food he’d made would go to waste. I had tossed out countless dinners waiting for him in the past, nights of food gone cold while I sat alone, hoping he’d come home on time.
Just when I thought he’d finally left me alone, a knock came at my door. I hesitated, didn’t
open
the door, but Ethan still entered.
He seemed kind of awkward. “What do you like, then? Just tell me, and I’ll go get it now–the store’s still open.
I shook my head. “There’s no need, Ethan. I’m an adult. I can get it myself.” I gestured to the books scattered across my desk. “go out; I have work to do.”
Forsaken Mate: Aluba’s Second Chance Love
Clagers
But he didn’t leave. He stepped closer, his expression serious. Cleirs, why are you working on werewolf medicine again? I told you it’s dangerous, that is not suited for you?
I suppressed the frustration bubbling inside. This is something every medical professional should do,” I said firmly “Reviewing and improving treatments is essential. It’s my calling”
“But didn’t you say it was exhausting? He persisted. “You don’t have to push yourself. I can take care of you.”
My patience snapped. I looked at him sharply, recalling the arguments we’d had in the past
“Ethan, get the fuck out please.” My voice was cold.
Torsaken Mara Ajka
