I yawned, exhausted, as I stepped out of Julian's car and onto the hospital's parking lot. The past few days had been a blur of endless work, meetings, and paperwork. Julian's demands had left me drained, both physically and mentally.
As I entered the hospital, my thoughts shifted to Luca, my mate, who lay recovering from his injuries. Guilt gnawed at my conscience; I hadn't visited him in days, tied up with my new job.
I made my way to Luca's room, my legs heavy with fatigue. I pushed open the door, and a mix of emotions flooded me:
Relief: Luca looked better, his wounds healing.
Guilt: I hadn't been there for him.
Anxiety: How would he react to my new job, my proximity to Julian?
"Luca," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
He turned to me, his eyes locking onto mine. "Luna."
I forced a smile, trying to hide my exhaustion. "Hey."
Luca's gaze narrowed. "You look tired."
I shrugged, feeling a pang of guilt. "Just work. Julian's been keeping me busy."
Luca's expression darkened. "Be careful around him, Luna."
My heart skipped a beat. Did Luca sense something?
"I will," I promised, trying to reassure him.
As we talked, I struggled to keep my eyes open. The strain of my new job, combined with the emotional weight of my secrets, threatened to overwhelm me.
Just as I was about to leave, Aria, Luca's sister, entered the room.
"Luna, what's going on?" Aria asked, her voice laced with concern.
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. Aria's piercing gaze seemed to see right through me.
I took a deep breath, letting my exhaustion show. "Aria, I'm so tired. This job is draining me, but I have to do it. For Luca."
Aria's expression softened, understanding etched on her face. "What do you mean?"
"Julian's paying for Luca's treatment," I explained, my voice barely above a whisper. "If I don't do this, Luca might not get the care he needs."
Aria's eyes widened, comprehension dawning. "Oh, Luna."
She opened her arms, embracing me in a warm hug. "We'll get through this together."
I felt a lump form in my throat as I hugged her back, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes.
"I feel like I'm losing myself in all this," I confessed, my voice muffled against her shoulder.
Aria pulled back, her gaze searching mine. "You're doing this for Luca, for your love for him. That's not lost, Luna. That's strength."
Her words wrapped around my heart, comforting me.
Just then, a nurse entered the room. "Akira's ready to see you now."
I nodded, taking a deep breath. Time to put on a brave face.
As I followed the nurse to Akira's room, Aria's words echoed in my mind:
"You're doing this for Luca, for your love for him."
But was it enough?
And what about Julian? Where did he fit into all this?
I entered Akira's hospital room, forcing a smile onto my weary face. Akira's bright smile greeted me, and I felt a surge of relief.
"Luna, it's so good to see you," Akira said, her voice weak but warm.
"Akira, you're looking better," I replied, taking her hand.
"The treatment's working," she said, her eyes sparkling. "And I heard you got a job to pay for Luca's treatment."
I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. "Yes, I did."
Akira's gaze turned serious. "That's amazing, Luna. Luca needs this treatment. You're doing the right thing."
I felt a lump form in my throat. "Thanks, Akira. It means a lot coming from you."
Akira's expression turned curious. "But what about after Luca heals? Will you quit the job?"
My mind went blank. I hadn't thought that far ahead.
"Akira, I...I don't know," I stammered.
Akira's eyes narrowed. "What's going on, Luna?"
I hesitated, unsure how to articulate my feelings.
"It's just...working with Julian...it's not what I expected," I said finally.
Akira raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What do you mean?"
I felt my cheeks flush.
"His eyes, his smell, his hair...everything about him is just so...captivating," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper.
Akira's expression changed from curiosity to surprise.
"Luna, be careful," she warned. "You're already vulnerable, and Julian's...well, he's Julian."
I nodded, knowing Akira spoke the truth.
But a part of me couldn't deny the connection I felt to Julian.
Akira's expression turned serious, her voice low and urgent. "Luna, listen to me. You're mated to Luca, and Julian is a human. You can't let yourself get distracted."
I nodded, feeling a pang of guilt.
"I know, Akira. I'm just...confused," I admitted.
Akira's grip on my hand tightened. "You can't afford to be confused, Luna. You have to stay loyal to Luca. He needs you now more than ever."
I felt a surge of determination.
"You're right, Akira. I won't let my feelings compromise our bond."
Akira's gaze intensified. "And, Luna, Luca must never hear of this. He's already struggling with his own demons."
I nodded vigorously. "I won't say anything, Akira. I promise."
Akira released my hand, her expression stern.
"Remember, Luna, your loyalty is to Luca. Don't let Julian's charms cloud your judgment."
With that, Akira stood up, her movements slow but deliberate.
"I need to rest now," she said, her voice firm. "Remember what I said."
I watched as Akira walked out of the room, her words echoing in my mind:
"Your loyalty is to Luca."
I felt a pang of guilt, knowing I had to suppress my growing attraction to Julian.
But could I truly ignore the connection between us?
Aria re-entered the room, concern etched on her face. "Luna, what's going on? Akira looked serious when she left."
I forced a smile, trying to deflect Aria's curiosity. "Oh, nothing. Akira was just worried about Luca's recovery."
Aria's eyes narrowed. "That's not it, Luna. I know Akira. She wouldn't look that serious over Luca's recovery."
I hesitated, scrambling for a convincing lie.
"Akira's worried about...about the hospital bills," I said finally.
Aria's expression softened. "Oh, don't worry about that. We'll figure it out."
I breathed a silent sigh of relief, grateful Aria bought the lie.
But Aria's gaze lingered, as if sensing there was more to the story.
"Luna, you'd tell me if something was wrong, wouldn't you?" she asked, her voice gentle.
I nodded, feeling guilty for deceiving Luca's sister.
"Of course, Aria. I'd never keep anything important from you."
Aria smiled, seeming to accept my answer.
But I knew I'd just dug myself deeper.