Chapter 14: Confrontation
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"Then I'm not in danger, because I'm not a threat." I gestured to my research equipment. "I'm just collecting samples."
"After everything you saw? You expect me to believe you're just here for moss?" His tone was incredulous.
I took a deep breath. "No. I'm here because I think I can help your friend."
Liam's expression darkened again. "He is none of your concern."
"I analyzed the moss samples I collected before," I continued, ignoring his statement. "They contain compounds that might help ease the transformation process. Combined with the herbs you were using, they could make a more effective treatment."
"We've managed for centuries without human interference," he said coldly.
"But you could manage better with my help," I countered. "I saw how much pain he was in. If there's a chance I can reduce that suffering, don't you want to at least try?"
Something flickered in Liam's eyes—a brief moment of consideration quickly suppressed by suspicion.
"What do you want in return?" he asked. "Recognition? Fame for discovering werewolves?"
I shook my head. "No. I gave you my word that I wouldn't tell anyone, and I meant it."
"Then what? What possible reason could you have for wanting to help us?"
The question made me pause. Why was I so determined to help? Was it purely scientific curiosity? Or was there something more—something to do with the intense, complicated man standing before me?
"Because it's the right thing to do," I finally said. "Because I have knowledge that might help someone who's suffering, and I can't just walk away from that."
Liam studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. I could almost see the internal struggle—his instinct to protect his pack by keeping humans away versus the possibility that I might actually be able to help.
