Chapter 3
Palmer stormed into the kitchen, his Alpha aura crashing over me like a tidal wave. The force of his entrance sent me sprawling into the cabinet, my head hitting the wood with a sickening crack. Blood dripped down my forehead as I lay on the floor, dazed, watching as Palmer’s attention immediately snapped to Zoe. He scooped her into his arms, his voice thick with concern.
“Zoe, where are you hurt?” he demanded, his tone sharp with worry. Zoe clung to him, silent except for her soft, pitiful whimpers. Palmer’s eyes burned with intensity as he cradled her, his Alpha presence filling the room like a storm. As he stepped over me, his boot came down hard on my hand, the pain searing through me. He looked down, his gaze fierce and unyielding.
“Adeline,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous, “if anything’s happened to Zoe, you’ll regret it.” His words were a command, not a threat. The door slammed behind him, and the roar of his car engine echoed as he sped off, leaving me in the suffocating silence.
It wasn’t until Marceline, the pack Healer, rushed in that I began to regain my senses. Her gentle hands helped me into the car, and in the rearview mirror, I caught her worried gaze. I offered a bitter smile, though my heart felt like it was crumbling.
At the hospital, the doctor stitched me up and suggested I stay overnight for observation. Before I could respond, a cold laugh cut through the air. I turned to see Palmer standing in the doorway, his arms crossed, his expression icy. Zoe stood beside him, her voice dripping with false sweetness.
“Such special treatment,” she murmured, barely loud enough for me to hear.
My chest tightened. I searched Palmer’s face for any hint of concern, but there was nothing. Only the cold, detached gaze of an Alpha who had already written me off.
Zoe nudged his arm, her voice sickly sweet. “Alpha, since Adeline is hurt, maybe I should stay and take care of her.”
Palmer’s hand brushed through Zoe’s hair, his smile soft but dismissive. “Your well-being is all that matters, Zoe. You don’t owe anyone else your time.”
Zoe’s lips curled into a triumphant smirk as she glanced at me, her eyebrows raised mockingly. “Sorry, Adeline, but the Alpha doesn’t think I should stay. I’m hurt too, so he’s taking me home to recover. I’m sure you’ll manage.”
I stayed silent, my heart heavy as I watched their exchange. The bond between them was palpable, and it made my stomach churn.
Marceline cleared her throat hesitantly. “Alpha, I can stay with Adeline—”
“Enough,” Palmer snapped, his voice sharp as he turned on Marceline. His gaze flicked nervously to Zoe, whose smile faltered for a moment. Without another word, Zoe turned and fled the room, tears streaming down her face. Palmer shot me one last glare, his disdain clear, before rushing after her.
Marceline stood awkwardly, her hands fidgeting as she glanced at me. I turned away, wiping the tears from my face.
Marceline had been assigned to me by Palmer himself, a Healer meant to ensure my well-being. For three years, she’d addressed me as “Miss Stephens,” a sign of respect that Palmer had never questioned—until today. His reaction spoke volumes. Zoe was his priority now, and I was nothing more than an afterthought.
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