False Expectations

Chapter 7 - New job

Adelina's pov:

The days at the hospital passed quickly, but they were also surprisingly pleasant. Alex kept me company, conducting every test he knew, all the while making me laugh with his dry wit and light-hearted remarks. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, he couldn't uncover why I was still anemic even though I was a werewolf. It remained a mystery. Maybe we'd never know the answer.

Eventually, I was discharged from the hospital and returned to my dim, solitary room. The first week was relatively easy for me to follow Maximus' rules. My body was still recovering, and I preferred the quiet of my bed to the rest of the world. But as time passed and my health returned, staying locked away in this room became a challenge. I started to grow restless, frustrated, and desperate for something—anything—that would break the monotony.

Fortunately, I hadn't seen Maximus since the day he visited me at the hospital. To be honest, I didn't mind his absence. I had no idea how to even begin understanding him anymore.

If he had already chosen a woman to be his Luna, why had he brought me here? What had possessed him to reveal that we were mates to the entire pack? If he had kept quiet about it, no one would have known. But no—he'd made sure to announce it, regardless of the consequences, regardless of the burden it placed on both of us.

From the way he treated me, it was clear that I was nothing but an inconvenience to him. So why hadn't he just let me go back to my own pack? If no one knew about our bond, what was the point in keeping me here? Was he doing this to exert control over me? I couldn't understand his motivations. The more I thought about it, the more confused I became.

I was lost in thought when a knock on the door broke my reverie. I hesitated, wondering if it was just one of the omegas bringing me lunch. Goddess, I was so bored. Could I even be too bored to eat? That would be a new low for me, for sure.

-"Adelina? May I enter? It's me, Alex," came the familiar, comforting voice from the other side of the door. Alex. Oh, how I missed him! His presence was like a light in my otherwise dark, monotonous existence. He was the only person who seemed to understand me here, and the thought of his company brought a smile to my face.

-"Alex, of course, come in!" I said eagerly.

He walked in with a playful grin. "How is my favorite patient today?"

-"I'm not a patient anymore. On second thought, maybe I am... a patient of absolute boredom! Is there such a disease? And if there is, can you cure it?" I quipped, hoping to lighten the mood.

He laughed, clearly amused by my comment, before replying, "Oh, please, don't whine about it. Look at me... I don't have free time at all. I'm always so busy."

I raised an eyebrow, not buying it. "I thought that was an excuse for the annoying ladies... Don't play that card on me."

He grinned but continued, "Don't make fun of me. I'm serious. Besides my duties as a doctor, I've been forced to take over the hospital's administration from our favorite Alpha. The previous manager found his mate and left. So until they find a replacement, I'm stuck doing the job. And honestly, I have no idea what I'm doing. I'm at my wit's end."

I raised a hand, playing along, "Would you like some help?"

He stared at me, exasperated. "Any help would be welcome and valuable. But where would I find it?"

-"Hey, do you see anyone else here?" I smirked. "It's me, you silly! Who else?"

He blinked, surprised. "From you?"

-"Yes, from me! Why are you so surprised? I was the financial manager and second-in-command after the Alpha—who, by the way, happens to be my brother—at my old pack," I said, feeling a little prideful about my past role.