Chapter 29

IRENE'S POV The door to Thea's ward slammed shut behind us, and I could still feel the tension radiating from Luke. We walked in silence through the sterile corridors until we reached the werewolf doctor’s office. Luke guided me inside, his hand resting protectively on the small of my back. The doctor greeted us with a concerned expression. “Irene, please take a seat,” the doctor said gently, gesturing toward the examination table. I did as she asked, and Luke remained close by, his gaze never leaving my face. The doctor carefully examined the swelling on my cheek, her touch gentle but firm. “You’ll be fine,” she reassured me after a few moments. “The swelling should go down with some ice, and I’ll prescribe you a mild pain reliever.” She paused, her eyes flickering to the door as if checking to make sure no one was eavesdropping. “Irene, I have to ask—are you really not considering coming back to the Pack?” I stiffened at her words, my heart sinking as I realized where this conversati