Chapter 9 I'm Doctor South
“Doctor South?” Derek echoed, his eyes wide with shock. “You?!”
“Yes, I am Doctor South,” Ella said with a small smile, relishing the moment of revelation. She turned to follow Felix inside, leaving Derek and his assistant stunned. They trailed after her, their expressions betraying their disbelief.
Inside, Derek's gaze shifted around the room, landing on a portrait of Ella and Alpha Moore. In the image, Moore’s arms were wrapped possessively around Ella as they both smiled contentedly. An uncontrollable surge of jealousy bubbled up inside Derek as he watched Ella take a seat beside Moore, her hand resting on his lap while Moore draped an arm across her shoulders protectively.
“I’m Alpha Moore,” Moore spoke first, his voice laced with subtle amusement. “I believe you’ve already met my Luna, Dr. South. Please, have a seat.”
Derek, his hands buried in his pockets, stood defiantly as he glared at him, the jealousy bubbling beneath his cool facade. "I’m simply surprised to see that a She-wolf from the South became Dr. South and your Luna.”
Ella bristled at the comment, her patience with Derek wearing thin. "Moore," she said quietly, though her voice was edged with anger, "tell these men to leave. You need to rest.”
Moore’s gaze flicked to Ella, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He leaned in close to her, his voice low and teasing. “This is the bastard who used and humiliated you? I’d love to teach him how to treat you right.”
Turning back to Derek, Moore’s tone became mocking. “I’m surprised my Luna wasn’t valued in the South, seeing how formidable she is. But as you can see, she’s thriving here”.
Derek’s jaw tightened, his anger barely contained. "Her former pack and Alpha, wasted their talents," he growled. "But Ella…Dr. South…should help the southern wolves during these hard times.”
Moore leaned back, his arm draped casually over Ella’s shoulder. "She can make that decision for herself," he chuckled, his tone dripping with sarcasm
Ella, locking eyes with Derek, spoke without hesitation. “I wish to only serve the wolves here. My loyalty lies with this pack.” she said with finality.
Derek’s fists tightened as he stared at them, his wolf barely contained. The sight of them together made his blood boil. Without a word, he stormed out of the room, leaving Ella and Moore to exchange knowing glances.
The silence in the room was palpable as Ella watched Moore drift off to sleep. His pale face was a testament to the toll the plague had taken on him, and while her heart ached for him, her thoughts were elsewhere.
"You don’t really look happy... still concerned about Alpha Derek?" Moore’s voice broke the silence, his eyes half-open as he studied her.
Ella stiffened at the mention of Derek but quickly masked her discomfort. "My wolf, Lila, is a little upset," she said with a faint smile, her hand resting on Moore's arm. "But don’t worry, she’ll come around."
Moore’s gaze softened as he looked at her, concern etched across his face. "Ella, listen to your heart. I will support you no matter what your decision is." His voice was calm, but the intensity of his words left Ella momentarily speechless.
She opened her mouth to respond, but nothing came. Her heart was a battlefield, torn between the unresolved emotions she felt toward Derek and the loyalty she held for Moore.
"Don’t worry, Moore," she finally said, forcing a smile. "I’ve already made my decision. Now go to sleep, you need all the rest you can get."
Moore sighed, letting go of her hand reluctantly. "Just know, I will always be here," he whispered as he closed his eyes, giving in to his exhaustion.
Ella quietly left the room, closing the door softly behind her. Her mind raced, the weight of Moore's words pressing heavily on her chest. Did he know she was still conflicted about Derek? Or was he merely offering his support in case her feelings changed?.
The next morning, Ella decided to stop by her usual coffee shop before heading to the hospital. She needed something…anything…to clear her head. As she collected her coffee from the server, she turned to leave, only to bump into a familiar figure. The impact made her gasp, but she quickly composed herself, eyes narrowing as she recognized who stood before her.
Derek.
"You haven’t gone back?" she asked icily, trying to maintain her composure.
Derek’s gaze was intense, his eyes locking onto hers with a look she hadn’t seen in years. "It’s difficult to leave, knowing you’re here."
His words caught her off guard, and Ella found herself momentarily speechless. She could feel her face flush and her heart pounding in her chest, but she quickly masked the effect his words had on her with a scoff. "Alpha Derek," she began, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "do you have a thing for married women now?"
Derek’s expression darkened, and in a flash, he grabbed her by the waist, pulling her flush against him. "The mate bond is still there, Ella," he growled, his eyes flaring with frustration. "And I know you want me as much as I want you." He said leaning closer.
Ella glared up at him, her pulse quickening as her body reacted to his closeness. She could feel the heat radiating off of him, and for a brief second, she felt the pull of the mate bond tugging at her resolve.
But she wouldn’t give in.
"Well," she spat back, her voice filled with venom, "I’m not interested in dating married men." She shoved at his chest, creating some distance between them. "And I don’t mind rejecting you again, Alpha Derek."
Her words hit Derek like a slap to the face, and for a moment, his expression faltered. But before he could respond, Ella turned on her heel and stormed out of the café, her heart racing. The emotions swirling inside her were too much…anger, frustration, and... something else. Something she didn't want to acknowledge.