Chapter 8

• Nora’s pov
• The man who I seemed to have recognise was my doctor. He quickly set his bicycle that he had just fell to the ground withaside and rushed to my side. I could see the genuine concern across his face. "Oh, my goodness, are you alright?" he exclaimed as his eyes scanned me for any signs of injury.
• I offered him a reassuring smile while placing a gentle hand on his arm. "I'm okay doctor."
• The doctor's brows crinkled with relief, and he reached out to help me to my feet. "I'm so terribly sorry, Nora... right? I should have been more attentive to my surroundings. Please, let me assist you."
• I nodded graciously, allowing him to guide me up. "It's quite alright, truly. I know it was an accident, and I'm not the least bit upset."
• Once I was steady on my feet, the doctor's gaze lingered on me. His expression was a mix of curiosity and concern. "Are you sure you're feeling well? Perhaps I should escort you back to your room, just to be safe."
• I chuckled softly while shaking my head. "No need, Doctor”
• “If I may ask, what are you doing out here?” He asked politely.
• “Well, I’m talking to Aria” I responded.
• The doctor's eyes widened slightly at the mention of someone else as he glanced around, as if expecting to see her. "Aria?" he repeated quite perplexed. "But I don't see anyone else here."
• I couldn't help but smile at his reaction. "No, no, you misunderstand. Aria is my wolf”
• Realisation dawned on the doctor's face, and he nodded slowly with a chuckle. "Ah, I see. Forgive me, for a moment I thought you had gone mad." Then he paused with a soft gaze at me. "And how are you finding your stay here? I hope you've been comfortable in your recovery."
• I couldn't help but nod as a genuine smile spread across my lips. "It’s been incredible, Doctor. The maid has been a wonderful caretaker. I’m really grateful for everything”
• The doctor's shoulders seemed to relax at my words, and he offered me a warm smile. "I'm so glad to hear that. Your well-being has been of the utmost importance to us all."
• “Yeah I figured” I said with a smile. Then I glanced at the hallway and back to him. “Where were you headed to?” I asked.
• “I was actually on my way to the library to read. I have an upcoming exams and not studying for it will be the absolute end of me” he exaggerated with a chuckle. “Though If you’d like, I’d like to walk you to your room” he suggested.
• “Never mind, it’s fine” I said with a chuckle, politely brushing off his request. “I can do that on my own” I asserted.
• “Alright. A stroll?” He asked. It was as if he hoped I’d say yes. And with a smile, I agreed. He picked up his bicycle and rested it in a corner.
• As I strolled alongside the doctor, I couldn't help but feel a sense of ease and comfort in his company. We held hands laughing and enjoying our conversation.
• Suddenly, as we walked, I felt a strange sensation – it was as if I was being watched. Instinctively, I turned back, only to be met with the intense gaze of Maverick from a far distance under a tree, his arms crossed firmly over his chest.
• My steps faltered, and the doctor, sensing my unease, followed my line of sight. Immediately, I felt him stiffen beside me and his hand slipped from mine immediately.
• "I... I should go," he murmured as his eyes darted nervously between Maverick and myself.
• I crinkled my brow while reaching out to gently touch his arm. "Doctor, what's wrong? Why are you scared?”
• “I know that stare. It’s a warning. I had better be going” he replied.
• “But you’ve done nothing wrong” I reckoned. But before I could say more, he shut me out.
• “I don't want trouble," he uttered with a voice barely above a whisper, before hastily retreating, leaving me alone with Maverick's piercing gaze still fixed upon me.
• I stood there, bewildered by the sudden shift in the atmosphere. It was a mixture of confusion and concern. There had to be something more to warrant such a reaction from the doctor? And Maverick... the intensity of his stare sent a shiver down my spine.
• Gathering courage, I took a deep breath, squaring my shoulders as I met Maverick's cold stare. I would not be cowed, not when I had done nothing wrong. But I didn’t get a reaction from him. He just left. So I decided to go back to my room.
• Once I got into the building, I stared up at the long staircase before me and I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of exhaustion wash over me. My legs felt heavy, the energy I had mustered earlier began to wane.
• "Nora, rest. You’re tired. Have a seat” my wolf urged and I obeyed.
• Heeding her advice, I found a chair and sank down onto it. But just as I was settling in, a deep, resonant voice cut through the silence.
• "You need help?"
• I looked up to see a man. His broad shoulders and commanding presence immediately commanded my attention. "No thank you," I replied as my gaze met his.
• "Luna, you’d have to climb 104 stairs to get to your room and the elevator just recently got spoilt”
• “Fine I lied. I really need your help” I confessed, agreeing to let him help me up without knowing who he was. He scooped me up into his strong arms, and I found myself marvelling at the ease with which he carried me. We started a small conversation on our way up and he always addressed me as Luna.
• "You know, you really should call me Nora," I said, offering him a small smile.
• He chuckled, the deep rumble of his voice sending a curious sensation through me. "As you wish, Nora," he replied with a playful tease. "I am Alan, the beta of this pack."
• As we ascended the stairs, I couldn't help but to wonder how his stay in the pack was. "And what do you think of our Alpha, Maverick?" I asked, unable to hide the slight edge in my voice.
• Alan’s expression softened with a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Maverick is a complex man, Nora," he said as we ascended. "He has his flaws, to be sure, but he has also shown great strength and leadership in guiding our pack."
• I crinkled my brow, mulling over his words. "I've heard... whispers, of his cruelty. Might I even say I’ve experienced some of it” I admitted, searching Alan’s face for any sign of deception.
• Alan shook his head with a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Ah, yes, the gossip can be quite... colourful," he said. "But I assure you, Nora, Maverick has always treated me with respect and fairness. He is a demanding leader, to be sure, but his dedication to our pack is unparalleled."
• As we reached the top of the stairs, Alan gently set me down in front of my door with his hand lingering on my arm for a moment. "I hope you'll come to see Maverick in a different light, Nora," he said with his voice low and sincere. "He may surprise you, if you give him the chance."
• I nodded, offering him a grateful smile. "Thank you, Alan, for your assistance and your insight. I appreciate it more than you know."
• With a final nod, Alan took his leave, and I slipped into my room and spoke to Aria.
• "What do you make of Alan’s words?" she asked.
• I sighed while sinking down onto the bed. "I'm not sure, Aria," I admitted. "There's clearly more to Maverick than the rumours would suggest. Especially now that the doctor suddenly left me just like that after seeing Maverick. Not like he was doing anything wrong. Or does he have some persons he shows kindness to?” I wondered.
• “The thing you should be wondering is the connection the doctor has with Alpha Maverick” Aria suggested.