Chapter 11: Departure

312words2026-01-19 05:17

I sipped the tea slowly, my mind racing. I couldn't just leave, not with so many questions unanswered, not when I might be able to help the young werewolf with his painful transformations. But Liam's rigid posture and cold demeanor made it clear that arguing would be futile, perhaps even dangerous.

"May I check on your friend before I go?" I asked quietly.

Liam turned, his expression surprised, then suspicious. "Why?"

"I... I'd like to know he's okay. The transformation looked painful."

Something flickered in Liam's eyes—a brief softening, quickly suppressed. "He's sleeping. The transformation takes a toll."

I nodded, disappointed but not surprised by the refusal. "I understand."

We lapsed into uncomfortable silence as I finished the tea. My ankle felt remarkably better—whatever herbs he'd used were effective. I stood carefully, testing my weight.

"It's much better," I said. "Thank you for your help."

Liam merely nodded, already heading for the door. "Let's go."

The drive back to my car was silent and tense. Liam kept his eyes on the road, his posture rigid, hands gripping the steering wheel too tightly. I wanted to ask him a thousand questions, but his closed expression discouraged any attempt at conversation.

When we reached my car, I was relieved to see it undamaged by the storm.

"Your tent and equipment are probably gone," Liam said as he stopped his truck.

"Probably," I agreed. "Good thing I keep my most important samples in the car."

He turned to face me, his expression deadly serious. "Charlotte, listen carefully. What you saw last night never happened. You got caught in a storm, sprained your ankle, and a forest ranger helped you. That's all."

I met his gaze steadily. "And if I don't agree to that version of events?"

His eyes hardened. "Then you're not welcome in this forest again. And believe me, I'll know if you return."