His Knees, His Pleas, But Our Son's in Peace

Chapter 36

As the conversation moved on, I found myself thinking more and more about the family. The tragedy weighed on my mind, and I wondered whether this program, as difficult as it was, could bring them some measure of healing-just as working here had started to heal me.

That evening, I attended a staff gathering hosted by the medical organization. Vesta had invited me, and though I wasn't particularly in the mood for socializing. I couldn't refuse her. The room was f

with people chatting, laughing, and sipping their drinks, but I gravitated toward the edges, content to watch from a distance.

Vesta had to leave for a moment, so I stood alone, nursing the drink she'd brought me. I wasn't paying much attention to my surroundings until I noticed Carlos standing across the room. He was wearing a long trench coat, his face as unreadable as ever. Even in a crowded room, his presence seemed to stand apart from everyone else.

I don't know what possessed me to do it, but before I knew it, I was walking toward him, the drink still in my hand. Maybe it was the wine, or maybe it was the unresolved tension between us, but I needed to talk to him. To clear the air. "Dr. Carlos," said, my voice soft but steady.

He turned toward me, his gaze as cold as ever. "You're drunk. Please stay away from me." he replied, his tone sharp.

"I just wanted to-"

Before I could finish, two security guards appeared at his side. Carlos didn't even glance at them, but with a small nod, he had given his silent command. The guards took my arm gently, but firmly, and began escorting me toward the exit. Chapter 36

My heart raced, humiliation burning through me. I hadn't expected him to respond like this.

the cool night air. I

raced, still processing the humiliation of being removed from the gathering like some kind

the rough stone wall, trying to steady my breath. The world around me seemed to spin, my thoughts muddled by alcohol and shame. Why had I even tried to talk to him? What had I hoped to accomplish? My head

my back pressed against the cold wall as I tried to catch my breath. My vision blurred, and the lights of the street flickered in and out of focus. I

a familiar voice

"Doris?"

familiar voice, low and filled with concern, cut through the haze. blinked, my eyes struggling to focus as the

it had to

trying to push myself up, but my body felt heavy. "Nathan... what are you doing

expect to see you like this. Have you been drinking?" His voice was soft, a stark contrast to the arrogance I remembered. Gone was the self-assured man who once thought the world revolved around him. In his place was someone who seemed almost fragile, unsure of himself. "Just a little," I mumbled, the words

took my arm, helping me to

my legs were too weak to hold me up on my own. Reluctantly, I let him guide me to a

about you, Doris. I know things ended badly between us,

I wanted to deal with right now. "Nathan, we don't have anything to do with each other

move on."

"I'm in pain every day, Doris. Disconnecting from MATE... it's unbearable. My wolf cries out for