Chapter 37 Caelan's voice carried barely suppressed amusement: "Probably just a mischievous little kitten." Heat flooded my face as I realized he knew exactly who was lurking around the corner. "Oh my god!" Peterson's voice exploded with enthusiasm as he smacked his forehead. I was completely wrong about Gabriel! I'm so sorry, Your Majesty!" "It's fine. Caelan's tone had shifted to one of resigned patience. But remember some secrets need time to unfold naturally." Peterson nodded vigorously. I understand! I heard nothing, saw nothing!" As Caelan's footsteps approached my hiding spot, he added casually: "And Dr. Peterson? I suggest you avoid making assumptions about people's romantic lives in the future." "Yes, yes, absolutely! Peterson's embarrassed voice faded as he apparently scrambled away in the opposite direction. I pressed myself harder against the wall, but Caelan's footsteps stopped directly around the corner from where I stood. "Enjoying the show? His voice was soft and amused. 1 stepped out from my hiding place, my face burning with embarrassment. "I wasn't… I mean, I was just…" "Eavesdropping like a curious kitten?" "I was coming to thank you!" The words tumbled out in a rush. "For Gabriel. For saving his life." Caelan studied my face, his expression growing serious. "Don't say thank you to me anymore, Sable. I want to hear something else, and you know what it is." I fell silent. My throat felt tight, words stuck somewhere between my heart and my mouth. "Sable. I watched you blame yourself for something that was never your fault. The way you've cared for Gabriel… that level of dedication and responsibility is extraordinary." He stepped closer, his blue eyes soft with understanding. "You checked every medication personally. You prepared everything with meticulous care. What happened today was sabotage, not negligence." His voice grew firmer. "Even if Gabriel hadn't made it, it wouldn't have been because you failed him. It would have been because someone else." His words hit something deep in my chest, places that had been bruised by years of dismissal. I thought about Darrell's constant mockery of my career. "Playing doctor, he'd call it when I worked late shifts. It's cute that you think saving random people matters, he'd said after Id spent three days straight with a dying patient. 'When are you going to grow up and focus on what's actually important?" When I'd received recognition from senior physicians, Darrell would shrug. They're just being nice because you're dating an Alpha. When I'd successfully assisted in complex surgeries, he'd change the subject. Anyway, what's for dinner?" Three years of having my passion dismissed as a hobby and being made to feel small for caring about my patients. But Carlan's words carried weight. Respect. Genuine appreciation for what I'd accomplished. My geze dropped from his face to his hands. Dried blood still darkened his knuckles. I bit my lower lip and stepped forward. 'Let me see your hand. 1/3 7:39 pm Chapter 37 My fingers touched his palm with feather light care. The wound had healed completely, leaving only a thin pink line across his skin. "Heals fast. I traced the barely visible scar with my fingertip. A mischievous smile fagged at my lips. Looks like your delicate royal body recovered nicely Then I suddenly realized what I was doing stroking his palm, fingers exploring the warm skin. Heat crept up my neck. Just as I started to pull away, Caelan's fingers closed around mine. Whether my body is delicate or not, his voice dropped to a teasing murmur, you ll find out after we're married." 1 yanked my hand back and smacked his arm. What did you just say!" Caelan immediately clutched his arm and staggered backward, bending over dramatically. "Ah! My arm!" His face twisted in exaggerated agony, eyebrows furrowed in apparent pain. My amusement vanished instantly. Worry flashed through me. "Oh god, did I actually hurt you?" I rushed forward, hands flying to his shoulders. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hit so hard…" As I leaned in to check his arm, Caelan suddenly straightened. Our lips collided. My brain went completely blank. This feels… familiar somehow. But that's impossible. This is my first kiss with Caelan. And it's an accident! Caelan didn't deepen the kiss. He simply stayed there, lips gentle against mine. I recovered first, gently pushing him away. My face burned like ripe strawberries. I couldn't meet his eyes. My fingers touched my lips unconsciously. I… I… The words wouldn't come. I grabbed at my hair, needing something to do with my hands. "I need to have a goodbye dinner with Kate The words tumbled out fast. Since we're going back to Blackwood tomorrow." My eyes darted everywhere except his face. Carlan smiled. Go ahead. I'll wait at the hotel. He paused, his expression growing serious. I'm going to investigate who tried to frame you today. Someone deliberately poisoned Gabriel to make you look incompetent. The Cozy Harbor restaurant sat two blocks from Moonridge General. Jazz music drifted from the speakers as Kate and I settled into a corner booth. 2/3 7:20 pm R Chapter 37 Kate cradled her latte between both hands. Her dark eyes held that familiar mix of concern and barely contained curiosity "Sable, I heard about what happened at the hospital yesterday." How did you- Honey, there are no real secrets in a hospital. Kate's grin was knowing. Especially when a Lycan King suddenly appears. The man who kicked Alpha Darrell across the lobby like a soccer ball." My water glass slipped in my grip. You know? "This morning someone definitely passed along instructions from certain high-ranking individuals." Kate made air quotes. 'Everyone got very good at keeping their mouths shut officially." Her voice softened. "But privately… Sable, he's your fiancé, isn't he?" I let out a long breath and nodded slowly. "Yes… it's him. We have an arranged marriage." Then why do you look so miserable?" Kate set down her latte. "Leaving Darrell to marry him aren't you happy about that?" I propped my chin in my hand, staring at the foam patterns in my untouched coffee. "I'm not unhappy about it… It's just, he confessed to me a few days ago. I'm confused now. I don't know how to face him." Kate's expression grew more serious. She leaned forward, her voice soft but penetrating. "Sable, I need to ask you something very direct.