Chapter163 A Hot Misunderstanding
Aliya POV
Patrick's voice came from outside the door. "Is it okay if I come in?"
I shot a furious glare at Nikolai. "Did you do that on purpose? Making Patrick think there's something going on between us?"
Nikolai had the nerve to look completely innocent. "I just made the normal sounds someone would make when getting medical treatment," he said with a shrug. "Are you that worried about Patrick finding out? Is it because you're feeling guilty about still being in love with me?"
I glared at him harder, my hands clenched into fists. "Don't be ridiculous."
"Patrick, you can come in now," Nikolai called out, completely ignoring my murderous expression.
The door opened and Patrick stepped inside, his eyes immediately going wide as he took in the scene. Me standing behind Nikolai's shirtless form, medical supplies scattered around, the intimate proximity of our positions.
"I was just applying medicine to Nikolai's wounds," I said quickly, stepping back and putting some distance between us.
Nikolai let out a low chuckle. "Come on, Aliya, you're overthinking this. Patrick obviously knows we were just doing medical treatment. What did you think he'd assume, that we were having sex?"
Patrick cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Actually, I came to update you on the situation with the rogues who attacked you," he said to Nikolai, apparently choosing to ignore the awkward tension in the room.
"What did you find out?" Nikolai asked, reaching for his shirt.
"We've tracked down most of the rogue pack that attacked you," Patrick reported. "Only one is still on the run. A guy named Kieran Walsh. He's extremely cunning and we believe he's managed to infiltrate our pack territory. You need to be extremely careful, Nikolai. He could strike at any time."
Nikolai scoffed dismissively. "A rogue? I'm not worried about some pathetic outcast. Rogues are no match for me."
"Don't underestimate him," Patrick warned seriously. "This one is different. He's been planning this for months, maybe longer. He's dangerous."
After Patrick laid out more details about the security measures they were putting in place, he finally left us alone again. As soon as the door closed behind him, I rounded on Nikolai.
"Don't ever do something like that again," I snapped.
"Do what exactly?" Nikolai asked, standing up slowly. "And is that any way to speak to your Alpha King?"
I was already heading for the door, but his words made me stop in my tracks. "My Alpha King?" I turned back to face him, incredulous. "You're not my Alpha, Nikolai."
Something shifted in Nikolai's expression. The casual arrogance disappeared, replaced by something raw and desperate. "Don't you understand what I'm feeling here?" His voice dropped to a whisper. "I love you, Aliya. I've always loved you."
I felt my heart skip a beat, but I forced myself to stay composed.
"I don't know why you left three years ago without saying a word to me," he continued, taking a step closer. "I don't know when you and Patrick got together, or how that happened. But what I do know is that I'm still completely in love with you." His blue eyes searched mine intently. "Isn't there any chance for us? Any possibility that we could work things out?"
For a moment, I almost wavered. The sincerity in his voice, the pain in his eyes, it brought back memories of what we used to have. But then I thought of Nova, of the life I'd built without him, of Patrick's kindness and loyalty.
I looked at Nikolai with as much determination as I could muster. "It's impossible," I said firmly. "I have Patrick now. I have my daughter. My life is good the way it is. There's no way I'm getting tangled up with you again."
"Your daughter," he repeated slowly, as if tasting the words. "Right. Patrick's daughter."
I nodded, not trusting my voice.
"And you're happy?" he asked quietly. "Really happy with this life you've built?"
"Yes," I said without hesitation. "I am."
The silence stretched between us for what felt like an eternity. Finally, Nikolai turned away, running his hands through his dark hair.
"Then I guess there's nothing more to say," he said, his voice hollow.
I should have felt relieved. I should have felt vindicated. Instead, there was just an ache in my chest that I didn't want to examine too closely.
"I should go," I said. "Nova will be wondering where I am."
"Of course. Go to your family."
The way he said it, with such finality, made something inside me twist. But I pushed the feeling down. This was what I wanted. This was what was best for everyone.
I gathered up the medical supplies I'd brought and headed for the door. Just as I reached for the handle, Nikolai spoke again.
"For what it's worth, Aliya, I'm glad you found happiness. Even if it's not with me."
I paused with my hand on the doorknob, my throat tight. "Take care of yourself, Nikolai. Don't let your pride make you careless with this rogue situation."
"I won't."