"Aiden... what are you doing here?" Aiden took a deep breath. "I didn’t mean what I said earlier. I was just worried about your injury." The moment I heard that, all the frustration I’d been holding in burst out at once. "Aiden, I’m really fine. I swear I’m okay—" I never thought I’d say something that soft and clingy in my life. But somehow, looking into Aiden’s tender eyes, I couldn’t stop the tears from welling up. Maybe this is what it’s like to be truly loved—your heart softens whether you want it to or not. "I know. I’m sorry." I took a deep breath and opened my arms. Aiden got the message and gently pulled me into a hug. He was careful not to touch my arm, like he was terrified of hurting me. Feeling his warmth against me, I suddenly felt safe. Content. "Raelynn, tell me the truth. Did Mr. Greg keep you locked up?" I held him tighter. "I wouldn’t exactly say locked up... but yeah, Mr. Greg did want me to stay in Capital City and wouldn’t let me go back to Varken." As soon as I said that, I felt Aiden’s mood shift. His whole vibe went cold. "Then why didn’t you just tell me the truth before, huh?" I gave a nervous little laugh, hoping to play it off. "I didn’t want to worry you... If you knew, you’d definitely rush over to help. And I didn’t want to drag you into all this." "Raelynn, you’re not just on your own anymore. You’re my girlfriend. It’s my job to step in for you." Aiden gently stroked my face. His voice was soft. The tears spilled over. I’d always faced everything alone, never letting anyone carry my burdens. This was the first time someone had stepped in to shield me from the storm. I sniffled. "Got it. I’ll tell you everything from now on.""Good. I’ll stay here for a few days. Once this is all sorted, we’ll go back together." I looked up, surprised. "What about your company?" "I had Shi An go back to handle it. I moved all my meetings online. Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing." Aiden leaned in and caught my lips in a kiss. The sudden kiss caught me off guard. Before I could react, the intensity of it made me lose all sense. His lips moved like they were savoring something sweet—soft, firm, and heated all at once. I got lost in it. Finally, he pulled back and wiped the corner of my mouth with a smile. "Alright, let me take you home." I nodded, touched my burning cheeks, and laughed bashfully. Aiden dropped me off at the gates of the Imperial Pack compound and left. As soon as I stepped inside, Mr. Greg was already waiting by the door. The moment he saw me, he rushed over. "Raelynn! How’s Wesley? Is he awake yet?" "He’s awake. As long as the follow-up treatment goes well, he’ll make a full recovery. You don’t have to worry, Alpha." Mr. Greg finally let out a long breath and gave me a warm, grandfatherly smile. "Raelynn, who was that who just dropped you off?" My heart jumped. I casually made something up. "Just a friend from Capital City. He happened to be at the hospital and gave me a ride." "A friend? You sure it wasn’t Aiden from Kingsland?" Of course the Alpha of the Imperial Pack would figure it out instantly. "Raelynn, what’s so great about Aiden, really? He’s just got a pretty face and a little money. There are plenty of guys like that. Let Grandpa find you someone better, okay?" I frowned. "I only like him." Mr. Greg’s face darkened in an instant."I won’t allow you two to be together!" I’d already guessed he’d react this way. I gave a cold smile. "With all due respect, I don’t think it’s your place to decide that." He was taken aback for a second, then tried to reason with me. "Raelynn, Aiden’s just an average werewolf. There’s no shortage of rich guys in Capital City. I’ll introduce you to someone better, alright?" "No thanks." I shook my head without hesitation. Mr. Greg’s temper exploded. "You’re just like your mother—so damn stubborn!" That name caught me off guard for a moment. Then I sneered. "Maybe if it weren’t for you, she would’ve lived a much happier life." Mr. Greg trembled with rage. "This is the last time I’m warning you. Stay away from Aiden—or face the consequences!" Alpha to the core—threats and control always came hand in hand. Now I finally understood why my mother ran from her arranged marriage all those years ago. It must’ve had everything to do with this old man. I didn’t hold back anymore. My tone turned sharp. "Wesley’s not healed yet. Mr. Greg, I’d think twice before pushing me too far. Otherwise, I might just decide not to treat him at all."