Chapter 10: Morning After
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He didn't return the greeting, instead placing the mug on a small table near the sofa. "Drink this. It will help with the inflammation."
"Thank you," I said, reaching for the mug. The tea smelled of herbs I couldn't identify. "How is your friend doing?"
"That's not your concern," Liam replied, his tone clipped. "Your ankle should be well enough for you to leave within the hour."
I nearly choked on the tea. "Leave? But I thought we were going to discuss arrangements—about me helping."
"I've reconsidered," he said coldly. "You've seen things you shouldn't have. I allowed you to stay last night because of the storm and your injury. That necessity has passed."
I set the mug down carefully, trying to gather my thoughts. Part of me was terrified—I was alone in a cabin with creatures I'd previously thought existed only in fiction. But the scientist in me couldn't just walk away from such a discovery.
"Liam," I said carefully, "what I saw last night... it changes everything we know about biology, about evolution—"
"It changes nothing," he cut in sharply. "Because you're going to forget what you saw."
I stared at him. "You can't seriously expect me to just... forget about werewolves?"
His eyes flashed gold momentarily, making me flinch. "That's exactly what I expect. For your safety and ours."
The threat was implicit but clear. I swallowed hard, suddenly very aware of how isolated this cabin was, how powerful Liam had seemed when carrying me through the forest.
"I understand your need for secrecy," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I won't tell anyone what I saw."
"Words are easy," he replied coldly. "Humans make promises they don't keep."
"Not all humans are the same," I ventured.
"My experience suggests otherwise." He moved to the window, looking out at the forest. "Finish your tea. I'll drive you back to your car when you're ready."
