Brian was startled by my and Caleb’s simultaneous, adamant refusal.
“Er, okay, if that’s what you want.” He rubbed his temples and glanced at us helplessly. “You two agree at the strangest times. But you misunderstood me. I was just trying to share my professional opinion as a doctor.”
I sighed in relief.
Anyway, I didn’t want to be involved in whatever could happen after marking Caleb.
We weren’t on the same team, and no matter how upsetting that was to me, I had to constantly remind myself of it. Maybe one day, I would be forced to make a choice between Caleb and saving Roz Town.
Once we both marked each other, it would only hurt more.
“Brian, can you suggest something useful?” Caleb asked coldly. “I’m the
Alpha of the Thorn Edge Pack. What kind of Alpha would I be if I let a woman mark me unilaterally? That’s such a ridiculous idea!”
Obviously, Caleb found such a notion humiliating.
And for once, I had to agree with him.
No matter whether he was an Alpha or not, I, too, found it shameful to be marked by him.
A mate wasn’t a necessity, in my opinion. I could live a happy and fulfilling life without one. My personality, my thoughts, and my choices decided my future-not my mate.
If I became too dependent on my mate, I would Lose myself, just like
Riley did. By then, my life would be devoid of happiness and I wouldn’t know who I really was.
When I returned to my ward after the reexamination, I wanted to call
Harlan and Elena to inform them that I was safe, but I couldn’t get a chance since Caleb watched me like a hawk.
I had no choice but to Facetime Harlan after telling Caleb I was just going to the bathroom.
“Debra? Oh, my God!” As soon as the call connected, Harlan looked at me worriedly.
“I haven’t heard a thing from you in days. What’s going on?”
“I’m fine. Don’t worry. Don’t tell Elena about me, okay? She’ll just worry.”
Harlan nodded in agreement.
However, the next second, Elena suddenly squeezed over next to Harlan and looked into the camera with an aggrieved face.
“Mommy, why didn’t you take me with you? I miss you so much!”
Harlan might’ve been afraid that I’d give myself away, so he kept winking at me meaningfully.
I guessed that Harlan might’ve told Elena that I was on a trip. I said,
