Chapter 105
Freya
"You two are perfect together," Aiden said suddenly.
I could feel Aiden's bemused observation as Lucas and I discussed our plans in the hospital room, completely ignoring his presence as if he were invisible. There was something almost comical about how we bounced ideas off each other, two Alphas plotting without any pretense of hiding our thoughts.
Aiden sat silently on the couch. I knew he wouldn't try to dissuade me if this was my choice—he respected my decisions too much for that. He understood that I'd always been clear about what I wanted and what I needed to do.
Lucas was my choice, and our personalities seemed well-matched. Lucas understood my nature, and I could keep his more reckless impulses in check. We had the right chemistry, even if Aiden clearly disapproved of Lucas's playful, seemingly immature demeanor.
But what could he do? He respected my choice. If I was happy, that was enough.
After we'd talked for a while, the sky outside had grown dark. Lucas didn't let me stay to keep watch through the night—instead, he insisted I go home and rest.
He was concerned about me, worried I wouldn't sleep well in the hospital.
I couldn't argue with his logic, so I didn't linger. Aiden and I left the hospital together.
As we walked out, Aiden asked quietly, "You're certain about him?"
I nodded. "For now, yes."
For now, Lucas truly was the best choice available to me.
Aiden considered this and said, "That's good. At least with him, you'll be happy."
He was being practical, as always. In the hospital, he'd observed everything. Despite Lucas's exhaustion, he'd still tried to make me laugh, worried that I might develop psychological trauma from the accident.
Aiden naturally picked up on these subtle cues.
There was another point he was probably considering. By now, the anesthesia would have worn off, and Lucas should be in considerable pain. He didn't want me to see him suffering, or perhaps he was struggling too much with the pain to maintain his usual charming facade.
His consideration was genuine, at least.
Rather than let me see him weakened by agony, he'd chosen to send me away.
Of course, I understood his motives. As we reached the ground floor of the hospital building, I instinctively glanced up toward his room window.
The lights were on, casting a warm yellow glow. Lucas was leaning against the window frame in his usual lazy posture, but his gaze was lowered, watching our direction below.
For a moment, I had the strangest illusion—regardless of whether Lucas truly loved me, he had this ability to make me feel completely and utterly cherished.
Lucas raised his hand and traced a wolf's paw print against the glass—an intimate gesture in our world that spoke of protection and belonging.
I saw it and mentally cursed him for being ridiculous.
But as I turned away, I still lifted my hand and traced a small crescent moon in response.
Lucas's mouth curved into a satisfied smile.
Aiden, who'd witnessed this entire exchange, was completely speechless.
What could he possibly say about us two?
But seeing someone as rational and composed as me playing along with Lucas's antics—that truly surprised him. This was a side of me he'd never seen before.
Aiden drove me back to my apartment. Before the car had even stopped downstairs, I spotted a familiar vehicle through the window.
A black Maybach.
A tall man stood beside it, quietly smoking. In the shadows, I couldn't make out his features clearly—only the intermittent glow of the cigarette ember, like a small flame flickering in the darkness.
"Freya, is that Paxton Sterling?" Aiden asked.
He'd encountered Paxton several times at business events and recognized him.
I looked over and met Paxton's penetrating gaze—distant and naturally superior.
It was indeed Paxton.
What was he doing here so late?
"Aiden, let me out here. I need to see him."
Paxton had no idea about my relationship with Aiden, and I wasn't ready to reveal my identity yet, so I didn't want Aiden involved.
Naturally, Aiden understood my meaning and nodded slightly.
I unbuckled my seatbelt and got out.
Paxton seemed to have been waiting here for some time—several cigarette butts were scattered at his feet. As I approached, I could smell the heavy scent of tobacco clinging to him, making me slightly nauseous.
Instinctively, I touched my abdomen, my brow furrowing.
"Alpha Paxton, it's quite late. Is there something you need?" My tone was polite but obviously cold.
"What did Grandfather give you?"
Paxton's question was direct, almost demanding.
His eyes were dark, his expression stern and unyielding.
I crossed my arms, my face calm, even wearing a slight smile.
I responded, "Whatever Grandfather gave me certainly wasn't Sterling property. I trust that answer clarifies things for you."
Paxton's gaze turned icy, his voice carrying a chill. "Regardless of whether those things belonged to you originally, you should know that once something reaches William's hands, it doesn't easily return to anyone—even if it should rightfully belong to them."
He was both reminding and warning me.
My smile grew colder. "So you came here to warn me about this?"
Paxton paused, considering for a moment. "Then I can only tell you—anything that belongs to me, no matter who's holding it or who might temporarily take it back, I will reclaim in the future."
At this moment, we were practically facing off like adversaries.
My gaze was sharp and cold—I was no longer the gentle, considerate mate of the past. Now I was brilliant, assertive, and aggressive.
I had completely changed.
Changed so much that Paxton barely recognized me.
Now I was an Alpha who had become a stranger to him.
He dropped his cigarette and crushed it under his heel, his voice heavy. "I came to find you because I have something else to tell you."
I looked up at him, waiting for his response.
"What do you want to say?"
"Haven't you realized? Today's car accident—Lucas could have easily avoided it."
His tone was casual. "You don't actually believe that someone with Lucas's ability would be genuinely hurt by such a minor car accident, do you?"
His lips curved in a mocking smile. "He travels with Beta bodyguards. Do you really think those professionals didn't notice that approaching vehicle? Or that they noticed but couldn't stop it?"
If that were true, those bodyguards would be utterly incompetent.
The logic was so obvious, he'd figured it out immediately.
"They didn't intervene because Lucas wanted to get hurt. This was deliberately arranged by him."
Thinking about it calmly, someone as calculating as Lucas—how could he be easily injured by anyone?
How could Lucas not have anticipated this?
Of course he had.
He'd arranged for me to go home first, then deliberately encountered this accident alone.
He wanted to see my reaction when I learned he was hurt.
So every step Paxton had taken was calculated.
What would I do?