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.

outside into the cool night air. I tried to

grip firm but not forceful. My mind raced, still processing the humiliation of being removed from the gathering like some kind of intruder. Carlos hadn't even looked at me as they

I leaned against 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 swam with a mixture of regret and confusion, and I felt my knees buckle

myself, I slid down to the ground, 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

voice called

"Doris?"

concern, cut through the haze. blinked, my eyes struggling to focus as the figure moved

people, it had

my body felt heavy. "Nathan... what are you doing here?"

man who once thought the world revolved around him. In his place was someone who seemed almost fragile, unsure of himself. "Just

and gently took my arm, helping me to my

were too weak to hold me up on my

I know things ended badly

This was the last thing I wanted to deal with right now. "Nathan, we don't have anything to do

move on."

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