“I saw the news that you got hurt, so I got on a flight and rushed over—it took two hours.” “I’m fine. Look—” I stood up as I spoke, hiding my injured arm behind me and turning slightly so he could see for himself that I was totally fine. But Aiden didn’t react. He just lowered his head slightly, eyes still fixed on the hand I was hiding, his gaze flickering with a dangerous light. I started to panic. “I really didn’t—” Before I could finish, Trent cut in from the side. “What, did you fly all this way just to interrogate your girlfriend, Mr. Aiden?” Aiden’s eyes grew colder. “Since when was it your place to speak when I’m talking to my girlfriend?” “I didn’t want to butt in either. But come on, anyone seeing their girlfriend in this condition would at least start by asking if she’s okay, don’t you think?” “It’s none of your business either way. Stay out of it,” Aiden snapped. Trent gave a cold laugh. “Do you even know what that was? Acid! That was acid on her arm! The person who shielded Raelynn is still in surgery, and you’re standing here acting like a jealous boyfriend instead of checking on her. Real impressive.” Aiden’s expression faltered. His brows furrowed, his eyes clouded with sorrow. I was just about to call out to him when a sudden jolt of pain shot through my arm. “Ah—” I bent forward, breaking out in a cold sweat from the pain. Even as an Alpha, acid burns weren’t something I could just shake off. The recovery would come, but the pain wasn’t so easy to ignore. Trent quickly leaned down and asked if I needed a doctor. I shook my head. When I looked up again, Aiden was gone. The door was slightly ajar. “He left?” I was stunned. “I need to go after him.” I tried to stand, but Trent shoved me back down. “Why bother chasing after a guy like that? He doesn’t even care if you’re hurt.” “He’s not like that.”I knew Aiden had misunderstood—again. I let out a long sigh. This was my fault. I’d lied on the phone to keep him from worrying, and now, after everything that happened with the Goldberg family, he’d probably drawn all the wrong conclusions. There was no point trying to explain it all right now. I’d wait until I healed. “I wonder how Wesley’s doing.” Trent’s voice pulled me back. My heart tightened. I couldn’t stop picturing the way he’d thrown himself in front of me. His back had been completely torn up, skin raw and bloodied—it still haunted me. “He’s probably still in surgery. You saw how bad it was. It’ll take time.” “He’ll be okay,” I said, more to convince myself. But the thought of that handsome face marred by those wounds made my chest ache. Wesley wasn’t an Alpha. He wouldn’t heal as fast as I would. Trent thought I was joking and gave a wry smile. “At least it’s his back. If it were his face, he’d probably spiral into a full depression.” “I’m not joking.” I looked him straight in the eyes. “Wait—you’re serious?” Trent looked stunned. “You can make the scars go away?” His surprise made me laugh. “Mr. Trent, you really didn’t see this coming? Of course I can. Ever heard of Raven?” “You mean that Raven? The miracle healer who can cure anything?” I let out a helpless smile. “He’s my teacher. You believe me now?” Trent’s eyes lit up. “You’re Raven’s apprentice? Then—could you help me with something?” I raised an eyebrow. “Go ahead.” “I have a childhood friend… She’s been sick for a long time. Something strange—she’s terrified of light. Can only live in the dark. No hospital’s been able to treat her. Can you take a look?” I frowned. “Photophobia?” “Maybe. We’ve been to so many doctors. No luck. She’s a good person. Her life’s just been hard. Lost her mom young…” Trent sighed deeply. “You like her?” I asked, teasing him a little as I watched the concern in his eyes.“What? No. It’s not like that. I’ve always just thought of her as a little sister.” I dropped the teasing smile. “I’ll give it a shot. Once I’ve recovered, you can bring me to her.” “Deal.” A little while later, a werewolf nurse came to tell us Wesley had been moved to intensive care. The Imperial Pack had already arrived at the hospital. A chill ran down my spine. Wesley was clearly adored. If the Goldberg family thought I was to blame, I was in trouble. Trent saw the look on my face and patted my shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’ll speak on your behalf.” I nodded, and together we headed toward Wesley’s room. The moment we reached the door, Luna Mary stepped forward— And slapped me across the face.