182 Fractured moments … Ramsey I sat behind my desk , the warm glow of the morning sun casting long shadows over the stacks of documents on my table .
The room was silent except for the rhythmic scratch of my pen against рарет .
My concentration was broken by a soft knock , followed by Lenny entering my office .
Alpha , he began .
The doctors at the pack hospital just informed me that theyll be discharging Cassidy today I nodded , my eyes not leaving the papers before me .
Good , I said simply and continued writing .
Silence stretched between us until Lenny cleared his throat .
Theres something else , he continued hesitantly .
Theb called carlier .
They called to inform you that the finished product for the anti pheromone depressor is ready and can be used now .
They want you to use it on the person it was made for so that they would know if adjustments need to be made .
I paused for a fraction before nodding .
Good , then have it sent to the person it was made for .
There was another slight pause before Lenny called out to me .
Ramsey , he started , his voice was filled with irritation .
Wont you give it to her yourself ? I dont need to deliver it myself , I responded quietly .
Cmon Ramsey , Lenny sighed .
Youve been working on this for years .
The resources youve poured into it , the time youve spent … you should at least … I said its not necessary I cut him off .
What happened to all the ns you made ? This was supposed to be youreback path .
Why are you still hesitating ? Shes engaged to another man , Lenny .
Im not that stupid to break off their union .
Its over , Lenny He stood still for a moment , I could feel his frustration but he knew better than to push further .
Tine then , Ill go about my duties .
See youter , he turned and left the room , closing the door with more force than was necessary .
exhaled deeply , rubbing my temples .
Lenny bad barely left when the door opened again .
This time , it was my grandfather , Elder Eldric , who strode in holding a small stack of ornate papers .
I brought some samples for the wedding invitations , he announced , cing them on my desk .
I nced at the designs briefly before returning to my documents .
Pick whichever one you think is best , Pop I trust your judgment .
He hesitated , his eyes studying me .
You could at least pretend to care , he muttered .
182 Fractured moments …..
I care , I replied tersely , not looking up .
I just have a lot on my te right now .
He sighed .
Fine , Ill handle it , he muttered , lingered for a moment longer , then left the office , closing the door behind him .
Alone again , I leaned back in my chair , running my hands through my hair , the tension in my chest refused to ease , and for the first time today , I allowed myself a moment of stillness .
I didnt want to think about anything .
However , my moment of solitude was short lived when another soft knock on the door came and the door opened immediately .
I raised my head , irritation shing in my eyes .
I said … The rest of the words dried up on my lips when I saw L standing in the doorway .
She hesitated , her hand still on the doorknob as our gaze met .
What do you want ? I asked , with a weary sigh .
I wasnt even angry .
She blinked .
I … nothing .
Its just that Ive been trying to see you for two days now and we will be leaving tomorrow .
I just wanted toe see you As she spoke , she entered the office fully , closing the door softly behind her .
I also heard Cassidy was injured .
I hope shes doing better now .
That night , I wanted to exin … Talk to someone whos an expert in these things , I interrupted , my gaze returning to my desk .
Im not .
My brows knitted together as confusion and hurt crossed her face at the same time .
Whats with the cold attitude? Not now , L , I murmured under my breath .
I dont have time for things like that .
She stepped closer, her voice was firmer .
I thought we were cool .
We are, I replied tly without looking at her .
Im just busy .
Her shoulders sagged , and she let out a frustrated sigh .
Fine , she said turning to leave .
But just as she reached the door , she paused again and came back to face me .
I just wanted to thank you , she with a trembling voice .
For everything .
While I was here at the pack , even though you didnt say much , I felt your kindness .
Im truly grateful for all your help .
I nodded .
Its fine We stood in silence for a moment , until L spoke again .
Nathan proposed to me .
My gaze didnt waver , I know , I replied .
He came to me before the festival to ask for my permission Her lips parted in surprise , but she quickly recovered .
Well … I wanted you to know .
And … I feel indebted to you , Ramsey .
Id feel better if youd let me buy you a meal .
Just one meal , to show my gratitude 182 Fractured moments … You dont have to … I said with an exasperated sigh .
Please , she interrupted , her eyes pleading .
I insist L , I tried not to snap , rising to my feet .
You dont need to feel indebted to me .
Everything I did for you ; I did because it was necessary .
Because its my duty as Alpha .
She flinched at the sharpness of my tone .
For a moment , neither of us spoke .
Then quietly , she said , I see .
Η Without another word , she turned and left the office , the door clicking softly shut behind her .
I stared at the empty space where she had stood .
My knuckles were white where they gripped the edge of my desk .
The weight of everything Id left unsaid pressed down on me like a physical presence , but I refused to acknowledge it .
Instead , I forced my attention back to work … Burying myself in the familiarfort of duty and responsibility .
That was after all … the only thing I was good at .