Chapter Six

POV: BELLA

“Who does he think he is?” I muttered, slamming my hands on the wall. My knuckles hurt, but I didn’t care.

Did I look like someone he could trample on like a doormat and walk back into my life like nothing happened?

Nah. 

I wasn’t taking this, not anymore. I am no more the weak omega he used to know.  

I will not act like I give a damn, because I didn’t. “I’m done with this bullshit,” I fumed, storming into the bathroom.

Stripping myself, I stepped under the bathtub while putting the shower on, letting the water stream over me. It should have cooled the heat emanating inside me, but it didn’t. My mind kept whirling, my anger burning hotter.

Thirty minutes passed. But I didn’t notice.

Then it hit me, I had a shift.

Shit.

I dashed out hastily, barely drying off before putting on my nurse uniform. There wasn’t time to fix my hair. I was already late.

Grabbing my bag, I swung the door open and crashed straight into him.

Sage.

My worst nightmare. I recoiled instantly. “What the hell are you still doing here? I thought you’d be gone by now.” I half yelled rolling my eyes. 

He barely blinked. “I will answer that, but first…”

His hand was in my hair before I could even think of making any movement, fingers brushing through the tangled strands.

My breath ceased. My heart slammed against my ribs, fingers jerking at my sides. No. No. No.

I shoved him back, a little too hard. “I didn’t ask you to do that,” I snapped, biting my lip to steady myself. My hands weren’t just shaky, they were trembling.

What’s he doing to me?

I hate him. Right?

“You look better now,” he said casually. “Why go to work looking like a mess?”

I glared. “No one asked for your opinion.”

He smirked, lips curling as he bit down lightly.

I wanted to slap it off his face.

“I don’t have anywhere to go,” he said, suddenly switching topics. “I’ll stay here for a few days. Then I’ll figure things out.”

I scoffed, my arms crossing tightly. Unbelievable.

“Fine,” I said sweetly. “Stay as long as you like.”

His brow lifted.

Then a sly smile played on my lips. “You must be a fool to think I’d let you stay after everything you put me through.”I thundered pointing fingers at him.

He didn’t even flinch.

“If I were still an Alpha,” he said, voice as smooth as ever, “you’d be in the dungeon for talking to me like this.”

My lips drew back in a snarl. “Oh, shut the hell up.”

No remorse, no apology, nothing.

Pride had swallowed him whole. And I’d be the one to knock it out of him. He strolled past me, dropping onto the couch like he owned the place. Not a single care in the world.

Fury curled through my chest.

I yanked my bag higher on my shoulder. “By the time I come back, take your nonchalant ass out of my house.”

He didn’t move.

“I mean it, Sage. I don’t have time for your tantrums,” I threw my keys at him as I stormed out.

Let him figure something out, I wasn’t his second chance.

I exhaled calmly, trying to shake off the tension gripping my body. Acting like I didn’t care was harder than I thought.

I was still lost in my thoughts when Lane’s car pulled up, snapping me back to reality.

“Good morning, Bella. Hop in,” Lane muttered, pushing the car door open for me.

Finally, a breath of fresh air.

I scurried inside, only for reality to hit me, I was late.

“Good morning, Lane,” I muttered as I settled into the seat.

He beamed. “How are you doing? You don’t look good. Hope the rain didn’t drench you last night,” he asked, switching glances between me and the road.

I sighed. “Not really. I’m doing fine, I promise.” I adjusted my seatbelt, avoiding his eyes.

He didn’t seem convinced. “Umm… are you sure?”

“I’m fine, Lane. You don’t have to worry about me. Besides, we’re already late, so drive faster,” I pressed, shifting in my seat.

I wasn’t about to start spilling personal stuff. He was my close friend, but for now, Sage’s safety came first. I couldn’t risk blowing his cover.

“We’re here!” Lane squealed excitedly.

I furrowed my brows. “Stop acting like a child, idiot,” I fired, smacking his head playfully.

“Ouch, that hurts.” He groaned.

“Shut up!” I snapped, stepping out of the car. Without waiting for him, I hastened towards the hospital, my heart pounding.

“Wait for me!” he screamed from behind.

I didn’t slow down. I had bigger things to worry about, like the impending interrogation waiting inside.

“Such an ungrateful idiot,” he half-yelled, catching up to me.

I smirked. “You do realize we’re late, right? Our shift started at 10 AM, and it’s already 11.”

“Shit. Damn!” He cursed under his breath.

The second we stepped inside, a thunderous voice froze us in place.

“What are you both doing here at this time? Your shift starts at 10 AM, doesn’t it?”

My stomach twisted.

The very man I’d been trying to avoid for ages. Our head doctor, he stood before us, eyes blazing.

Lane opened his mouth. “We’re sorry, sir. Tra….”

“Shut up!” The doctor cut him off, his glare shifting to me. “Why aren’t you saying anything, Bella?”

A lump formed in my throat. “I-I’m s-sorry, sir,” I stuttered, lowering my gaze.

“Same thing you said yesterday?” he barked, pointing his fingers at me.

“It won’t happen again, I promise,” I begged, biting my fingers nervously.

“The next time this happens, you’re fired. And you too, Lane.” His tone was harsh, leaving no room for argument.

I swallowed hard. This man was the very definition of a weapon fashioned against me in this hospital, and he didn’t even bother to hide it.

“Thank you, sir,” we muttered in unison.

“Get out of my sight!” he snapped.

We didn’t wait, we dashed out.

As we hurried towards Ward 3, Lane scoffed. “Mr. Johnson needs to be transferred immediately. He’s mean as hell.”

I snorted. “Not just mean, ugly. With that big stomach that makes him look pregnant.”

Lane burst out laughing. “You’re brutal.”

We reached the ward, only to find an operation already in progress. We quickly slipped inside, and then I froze.

I saw her.

“Laura?!”

“Bella?!”