Chapter 4

Ariella's POV

The next morning, as soon as I opened my eyes, I saw the man lying beside me. The warm sunlight bathed his face, casting a golden glow that accentuated the perfection of his pronounced nose.

I have to admit, he was incredibly handsome, like the masterpiece of the most exquisite sculptor. I marveled at the thought, but soon felt a sense of loss.

He was the Alpha of the Thron Pack, and also the uncle of my ex-fiancé. How could I possibly be with him?

A bitterness spread from the depths of my heart. I remembered the panic I felt when I saw him sleeping beside me that morning. Yet now, it seemed as if I had grown accustomed to his presence.

I shook my head vigorously, deciding to push these thoughts aside and not dwell on them further.

Suddenly, the man's voice came from beside me. "Are you awake? So are you planning to sneak off again, leaving ten dollars behind?"

His voice was as melodious as the clear springs in the mountains, yet it carried a hint of coldness and detachment. I turned away, trying to hide my unconscious blush.

"I suppose so," I replied. "Goodbye, Alpha Matthew."

"Wait."

He called out softly, grasping my wrist. The warmth and roughness of his calloused hand brought me an inexplicable sense of comfort.

My brother and father's hands were like this too. Thinking of them, my eyes grew misty.

I held back my tears and turned to ask, "What is it?"

"It's my Beta's business card. If you're interested in doing some part-time work for my pack, you can contact him."

"Okay."

I nodded, feeling something within me touched. He remembered our conversation from yesterday. It seemed he was genuinely willing to help me.

I took the business card and was shocked after a mere glance. My wolf, Lia's voice, echoed in my mind, confirming my suspicions.

"Ella, I seem to recall that this man is the heir to the Flame Pack's Alpha. How did he become Alpha Matthew's Beta?"

"That is indeed strange."

Lia and I conversed in my mind. The next moment, Matthew's voice pulled me back to reality.

"I have to go out. You can stay here as long as you like."

I looked up. He was already dressed, ready to leave.

"Oh, alright..."

I nodded in confusion.

He looked at me, his lips curving up into a slight smile. I found myself captivated once again. His shirt outlined his strong upper arms, and his suit pants tightly wrapped around his long, muscular legs. Moreover, he was indeed charming when he smiled.

After he left, closing the door behind him, I checked the time and suddenly remembered I needed to go to the hospital.

Lately, I had been interning at Bayside Hospital, studying herbal medicine and clinical treatment.

I called my aunt, telling her not to worry about me and that I had found a way to get the herbs my mother needed. She was overjoyed, and her happiness brought a rare smile to my face in the past few days.

Everything was difficult, but I knew I would persevere.

Before long, I arrived at the hospital.

"Ella, I brought you your favorite chicken sandwich."

My best friend, Erika, waved excitedly as she approached me.

I managed a smile for her and said, "Thank you."

Erika came closer and patted my back comfortingingly. "Ella, I got your message. Why haven't you replied to my texts lately? You haven't been at the hospital, and I've been really worried about you. I went to your house to look for you, but... never mind, it doesn't matter. I'm just glad you're okay."

I suddenly remembered that I had been so busy lately that I hadn't told her my family had moved to a cabin in the forest. Also, my phone had been stepped on and broken by Damien, and I hadn't had a chance to get it repaired, so I hadn't seen Erika's messages.

My eyes instantly turned red as I said, "Erika, thank you. My phone broke, so I couldn't reply to your messages. I've moved to the forest west of the Starmoon pack. My father..." I choked up for a moment, but continued, "My father built a pretty big cabin there a while back. Anyway, I'm all right."

"That's good." Erika hugged me, gently patting my back. I could tell that her voice was also a little emotional.

Suddenly, a knock sounded at the office door.

"Is Miss Ariella Beverley working here?" 

I was taken aback for a moment and looked up at the doorway. 

The man standing there was tall and handsome, dressed in a suit, exuding a subtle elite aura. 

However, I didn't recognize him. 

"It's me. What can I do for you?" 

He looked at me and smiled politely, saying, "Miss Beverley, hello. I am Alpha Matthew's Beta, my name is Parker Kempton. Pleased to meet you."

I was stunned. "Why are you looking for me?"

He still wore that polite smile as he said to me, "Alpha Matthew told me that you were interested in doing part-time work for our pack and would contact me, but I haven't received any calls from you. I found your work address, so I came here. I hope you don't mind."

"Oh..."

Only then did I remember that I had told Matthew I was a medical student. He had managed to find out where I worked so quickly.

I nodded, "Yes. Let's talk outside."

I nodded to Erika, signaling for her not to worry, and followed Parker out.

Soon, Parker briefly explained some of the part-time job duties to me, such as organizing documents and checking financial statements. I had done similar work in my father's pack before, so it was relatively familiar. Parker was satisfied with my answers, and he quickly set a time for me to start working there.

Since it was a part-time job, it wouldn't affect my work and studies at the hospital.

I nodded in agreement.

"Miss Beverley, I'll be on my way then."

Parker handed me some materials to study and then prepared to leave with his bag.

"Okay. Thank you, Beta Parker."

I nodded and turned to walk back into the office.

"Ah!"

Suddenly, I slipped. With nothing to grab onto, I fell backward.

The next second, a warm embrace caught me. My heart was pounding as I opened my eyes to see it was Parker.

"Thank you."

I quickly stood up, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

"Miss Beverley, be careful."

He nodded politely and turned to leave.

Too embarrassed to say anything, I hurriedly ran into the office.

Looking up, I saw Erika's meaningful gaze.

"Ella, that was Parker, the heir to the Alpha of the Flame Pack, right? You and he..."

"No! There's nothing between us..."

"Don't deny it! I saw everything! The way you just lay in his arms, looking into each other's eyes, it was so romantic!"

"No!"

"Don't be so stubborn."

"No!"

I didn't know how to explain it to her, and there was no way I could tell her about what had happened between Matthew and me, so I could only deny it through gritted teeth.

Fortunately, several patients arrived, and we quickly became busy, not bringing up the subject again.

The day passed quickly. In the afternoon, Erika invited me to have dinner with her, and I agreed.

We arrived at the entrance of a steakhouse and were about to go in when I saw a familiar figure.

It was Kiley!

I stopped in my tracks. Erika followed my gaze and saw her too.

Kiley was just coming out of the restaurant and quickly noticed us standing at the entrance. She approached us with a smug and arrogant smile on her face.

"Ariella, Erika, how can you afford to eat here? Ariella, didn't your father's pack disband? You, a lowly rogue, dare to come to such a high-end restaurant like me? How preposterous! Erika, I remember your family has always been poor, hasn't it? Your mother is a breeder, isn't she?"