Chapter 23 : Healing Wounds Chapter 23 : Healing Wounds ( Hector's POV ) I paused as I began to tend to Samantha's hand . The injury looked worse than when I'd first noticed it , with angry red skin suggesting infection had begun to set in . " This needs proper cleaning ," I told her firmly , reaching for the antiseptic in my first aid kit . Samantha's jaw tightened visibly . " It's just a scratch ." " A scratch that could become infected if not treated properly , " I corrected , my tone gentler than my words . I dampened a cotton pad with antiseptic and held her wrist steady . " This will sting ." As I pressed the antiseptic against her wound , Samantha bit her lip hard enough to leave marks . Her eyes inadvertently met mine , and I saw raw vulnerability there - something she rarely displayed . " You can cry out if it hurts , " I said , keeping my tone deliberately casual . " No one will hear you here ." Something flickered across her face - a flash of wariness - and she quickly averted her gaze . " I'm fine , " she insisted , though her voice cracked slightly . I continued cleaning methodically , noting how she flinched with each touch . For someone who had been Ethan's pampered Luna , she seemed determined to show no weakness now . " The cut is deeper than it appears , " I observed , gently turning her hand to examine it better . The wound was jagged , suggesting a violent impact . " What exactly did Margaret throw at you ? " Samantha's laugh was brittle , almost jarring in the quiet room . " She didn't throw anything . I was the one throwing crystal . She just happened to have sharper words . " I carefully applied a fresh cotton swab to the wound . " Words can cut deeper than glass sometimes . " " Especially when they're true , " she whispered , só quietly I almost missed it . Her admission hung in the air between us . I wrapped a clean bandage around her injured hand , securing it with medical tape . Her skin felt cool beneath my fingers , and I found myself lingering longer than necessary . " Thank you ," Samantha said abruptly , yanking her hand away and shifting to the far end of the sofa . The distance she created was deliberate and unmistakable . " So this lawyer , " she continued , her voice suddenly businesslike . " Do you really think they can help with my divorce ? Even with Ethan's influence ? " I nodded , respecting her need for space . " I'll contact someone immediately . A specialist in werewolf mating laws who practices in Hong Harbor ." " And they won't be intimidated by Ethan ? " Her eyes narrowed skeptically . " No , " I assured her with complete confidence . " They won't ." " Thank you , Hector . I don't know how I can repay- " I held up my hand , cutting off her gratitude . " Don't thank me until the matter is resolved . Let me make that 1/3 Chapter 23 Healing Woun … call now . " I stood and left the room , giving her a moment alone . From the doorway , I glanced back to see Samantha sitting rigidly on the sofa , fighting visibly against fatigue . Her determination not to fall asleep again as she had done earlier was written in every tense line of her body . In my study , I made a brief call to Lawyer Shao , an old associate who owed me several favors . She agreed to take the case immediately , despite - or perhaps because of - Ethan Blackwood's involvement . When I returned to the living room , Samantha looked up expectantly , her eyes wide with hope and fear . " It's arranged , " I told her , allowing myself a small smile of satisfaction . " The lawyer has agreed to take your case . " Surprise flickered across her face . " Just like that ? So quickly ? " " Just like that , " I confirmed , deliberately choosing to sit across from her rather than beside her on the sofa . " Lawyer Shao is very efficient . " " Did you explain my situation ? " she pressed , leaning forward anxiously . " Did you mention Ethan Blackwood ? " I poured her a glass of water and handed it to her , our fingers brushing briefly . " I gave an overview . You'll need to discuss the details in person . " Samantha accepted the water gratefully , taking a small sip . " When I meet with them ? " " This afternoon , " I replied , watching her eyes widen . " Lawyer Shao is flying in from Hong Harbor specifically for this . " Relief washed over her face , transforming her features . " Hong Harbor… Ethan's influence wouldn't reach there , would it ? " " No , " I confirmed with certainty . " The Eastern Territories operate independently from the Northern . Ethan's power has limits , despite what he might believe . " Samantha nodded , her shoulders relaxing for the first time since she'd arrived . " I could meet Lawyer Shao for dinner at The Silver Fang Restaurant . I know it's ' expensive , but this is important enough to justify it . " Her expression turned thoughtful , almost embarrassed . " I should bring my own wine , though . I've been living on limited funds since I stepped back from my healing duties . " The mention of her financial situation caught my attention . It seemed Ethan's control extended to her finances as well - another leash to keep her bound to him . " The Silver Fang would be perfect , " I agreed , making a mental note to ensure the bill went to me . " Seven o'clock ? " " Yes , that works . " Samantha glanced at her watch and stood abruptly . " I should get back to my cottage now . I need to prepare some documents for the meeting . " I rose as well , reaching for my car keys . " I'll drive you . " " That's not necessary , " she protested immediately , shaking her head . " I can call a cab . You've alreay done so much . " " With your injured hand ? " I reminded her gently , gesturing to the fresh bandage . " Besides , my schedule is clear this afternoon . " 2/3 < Chapter 23 Healing Woun She hesitated , clearly torn between Independence and practicality , then nodded in acquiescence . " If you insist . " In the car , Samantha gazed out the window , lost in thought . The silence between us was comfortable rather than strained . Her scent filled the enclosed space - a delicate floral with undertones of something uniquely her . " It's strange , " she said suddenly , breaking the silence . " It's been four years since we worked together on The Minister , ' yet it feels both like yesterday and a lifetime ago . " I kept my eyes fixed on the road , aware of her studying my profile . " You were extraordinary in that role ." She laughed softly , the sound warming the space between us . " And you were so shy back then . Always looking at your feet when you spoke to me . " " Was I ? " I asked lightly , though I remembered perfectly well my awkwardness around her . " Yes . Very different from now . " She turned more fully in her seat to study me . " You've changed . Grown more confident . " " So have you , " I replied simply , glancing briefly at her . " Though not entirely for the better . There's sadness in you now that wasn't there before . " Her smile faded , and she turned back to the window . " Marriage to Ethan will do that to a person . " 。 We lapsed into silence again as I navigated through the streets of Ravenwood City . When we arrived at her cottage - a modest but charming structure on the outskirts of town - Samantha looked at me with sudden suspicion . " How did you know where I live ? " she asked , her hand pausing on the door handle . " William told me , " I explained smoothly , referring to my assistant . She nodded , accepting this explanation without further question . As she unbuckled her seatbelt , she hesitated , her hand hovering over the door . " Would you like to come in for a drink ? " The invitation seemed to surprise her as much as me . The question hung in the air between us , fraught with unspoken implications . She seemed to realize this herself , adding hastily , " Though Ethan might not like it . " " No ," I agreed , meeting her gaze steadily , " he wouldn't . " I observed the conflict in her eyes - the desire for company warring with caution . Her loyalty to Ethan , despite everything , was still influencing her decisions . " It's not convenient at the moment , " I said , giving her an easy way out . " But I would gladly accept your invitation once your divorce is finalized and you are truly free ." Comments 56 H Vote