“When you see someone fighting desperately for another person’s life,” Caelan explained quietly, “you realize that caring itself is worth protecting.
Peterson nodded slowly. “So you’re saying… you care about Gabriel?”
A soft smile colored Caelan’s voice. “You could put it that way.”
“I see! Peterson’s tone suddenly brightened with understanding. ‘Your Majesty, I completely understand now!”
1 frowned. Understand what?
Peterson lowered his voice to what he probably thought was a conspiratorial whisper: “Your Majesty, please rest assured – Ill absolutely keep your secret. Your special preferences are completely understandable.”
Carlan’s voice went flat. “What?”
“Modern society is very open minded, Peterson continued enthusiastically, patting what I assumed was Carlan’s shoulder. Even though Gabriel is a bit ulder and not conventionally handsome, true love transcends appearance and age, right?”
I clamped both hands over my mouth to stifle a laugh. Oh my god, he thinks Cuslan and Gabriel are…
“Dr. Peterson, I think you’ve misunderstood Carlan’s voice carried a note of growing alarm
‘No, no, I completely understand! Peterson’s excitement was practically radiating through the walls. You, a mighty Lycan King, falling in love with an ordinary silver miner what pure, romantic love! A romance that transcends social class!
The silence that followed was so profound I could practically feel Caelans stunned disbelief.
And you were willing to give your precious royal blood for him such deep devotion is truly moving! Peterson’s voice now held the wonder of someone witnessing a fairy tale. Your Majesty, you’re so romantic!
I was shaking with suppressed laughter, tears streaming down my cheeks as I fought to stay silent.
Caclan’s voice emerged through gritted teeth: ‘Dr. Peterson, you really have this wrong. Gabriel and I don’t have any kind of-
“I understand, I understand! Peterson interrupted with vigorous agreement. “Keeping it low-key is wise, considering your position. But Your Majesty, I must warn you – Gabriel just underwent major surgery. He’ll need at least three months of recovery before he can… ahem… engage in strenuous activity.”
I could practically hear Caelan’s temple throbbing from here.
Peterson continued with well-meaning concern: “And silver miners tend to have rougher constitutions. Your delicate royal body might need time to adjust…”
“Enough!” Caelan’s composure finally cracked. “Dr. Peterson, I have absolutely no inappropriate thoughts about Gabriel!”
Peterson sounded shocked. “Your Majesty? You’re not planning to love him and leave him, are you? That wouldn’t be right!”
“I didn’t do it for him!” Caelan’s voice rose several octaves.
“Then who did you do it for?” Peterson asked with genuine confusion.
Caelan paused. “For… someone worth protecting.”
Peterson’s voice suddenly brightened with a new realization: “Wait… Your Majesty, you don’t happen to like Dr. Sable Crawford, do you?”
THUMP!
I jerked backward so quickly that my shoulder collided with the wall behind me. The sound echoed through the corridor like a gunshot.
“Hmm? What was that noise?” Peterson asked curiously.
Caelan’s voice carried barely suppressed amusement: “Probably just a mischievous little kitten.”
Heat flooded my face as I realized he knew exactly who was lurking around the corner.
“Oh my god!” Peterson’s voice exploded with enthusiasm as he smacked his forehead. I was completely wrong about Gabriel! I’m so sorry, Your Majesty!”
“It’s fine. Caelan’s tone had shifted to one of resigned patience. But remember some secrets need time to unfold naturally.”
Peterson nodded vigorously. I understand! I heard nothing, saw nothing!”
As Caelan’s footsteps approached my hiding spot, he added casually: “And Dr. Peterson? I suggest you avoid making assumptions about people’s romantic lives in the future.”
“Yes, yes, absolutely! Peterson’s embarrassed voice faded as he apparently scrambled away in the opposite direction.
I pressed myself harder against the wall, but Caelan’s footsteps stopped directly around the corner from where I stood.
“Enjoying the show? His voice was soft and amused.
1 stepped out from my hiding place, my face burning with embarrassment. “I wasn’t… I mean, I was just…”
“Eavesdropping like a curious kitten?”
“I was coming to thank you!” The words tumbled out in a rush. “For Gabriel. For saving his life.”
Caelan studied my face, his expression growing serious. “Don’t say thank you to me anymore, Sable. I want to hear something else, and you know what it is.”
I fell silent. My throat felt tight, words stuck somewhere between my heart and my mouth.
“Sable. I watched you blame yourself for something that was never your fault. The way you’ve cared for Gabriel… that level of dedication and responsibility is extraordinary.”
He stepped closer, his blue eyes soft with understanding. “You checked every medication personally. You prepared everything with meticulous care. What happened today was sabotage, not negligence.”
His voice grew firmer. “Even if Gabriel hadn’t made it, it wouldn’t have been because you failed him. It would have been because someone else.”
His words hit something deep in my chest, places that had been bruised by years of dismissal. I thought about Darrell’s constant mockery of my career. “Playing doctor, he’d call it when I worked late shifts. It’s cute that you think saving random people matters, he’d said after Id spent three days straight with a dying patient. ‘When are you going to grow up and focus on what’s actually important?”
When I’d received recognition from senior physicians, Darrell would shrug. They’re just being nice because you’re dating an Alpha. When I’d successfully assisted in complex surgeries, he’d change the subject. Anyway, what’s for dinner?”
Three years of having my passion dismissed as a hobby and being made to feel small for caring about my patients.
But Carlan’s words carried weight. Respect. Genuine appreciation for what I’d accomplished.
My geze dropped from his face to his hands. Dried blood still darkened his knuckles.
I bit my lower lip and stepped forward.
‘Let me see your hand.
My fingers touched his palm with feather light care. The wound had healed completely, leaving only a thin pink line across his skin.
“Heals fast. I traced the barely visible scar with my fingertip. A mischievous smile fagged at my lips. Looks like your delicate royal body recovered nicely
Then I suddenly realized what I was doing stroking his palm, fingers exploring the warm skin. Heat crept up my neck.
Just as I started to pull away, Caelan’s fingers closed around mine.
Whether my body is delicate or not, his voice dropped to a teasing murmur, you ll find out after we’re married.”
1 yanked my hand back and smacked his arm. What did you just say!”
Caelan immediately clutched his arm and staggered backward, bending over dramatically.
“Ah! My arm!”
His face twisted in exaggerated agony, eyebrows furrowed in apparent pain.
My amusement vanished instantly. Worry flashed through me.
“Oh god, did I actually hurt you?”
I rushed forward, hands flying to his shoulders.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hit so hard…”
As I leaned in to check his arm, Caelan suddenly straightened.
Our lips collided.
My brain went completely blank.
This feels… familiar somehow. But that’s impossible. This is my first kiss with Caelan. And it’s an accident!
Caelan didn’t deepen the kiss. He simply stayed there, lips gentle against mine.
I recovered first, gently pushing him away. My face burned like ripe strawberries. I couldn’t meet his eyes.
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