Nicole
The scent of antiseptic and coffee clung to my lab coat as I hurried through the glass doors of Moonwatch Medical Center, clutching my research paper to my chest.
After three years of relentless research, sleepless nights, and countless cups of coffee, my study on "Werewolf Genetic Stability Factors" had not only been accepted but had won the Pack's prestigious Medical Achievement Award.
And with it came the prize money,one hundred thousand dollars. Money that would finally allow my mother ,Xavia ,access to the specialized cardiac treatment she desperately needed.
"Dr. Nicole!" The receptionist, Amy, called out as I passed. "Congratulations! The whole Pack is buzzing about your research."
I offered her a genuine smile, my first in weeks. "Thanks, Amy. It still doesn't feel real."
"You deserve it. Oh—Dr. Dodie was looking for you earlier. Something about celebratory drinks?"
Dodie, the Moonwatch Pack's lead physician, was known for handling the most complicated obstetric cases with calm precision.
We'd been best friends since our university days, surviving heartbreaks, failed exams, and a few supernatural close calls together.
She and Bella are my closest friends, but unfortunately their relationship isn't harmonious.
Doddy always says Bella is a hypocrite.
I desperately want to dispel her misconceptions about her.
Though the social status gap between us was vast—Bella possessed unimaginable wealth and resources—but she never looked down on me.
If not for her, I wouldn't have met my partner. Thinking of my partner, I can't help but chuckle softly.
Francisco was the Alpha heir of the Ashclaw Pack.
He pursued me for three years in college,and he's never cared about my wolf's flaws.
Although I was kicked out of my father's pack, he still accepted me and supported my research career.
Now we've been together for two years now, and the relationship is stable.
"I'll catch her tomorrow. Tonight's for family," I replied, already imagining Francisco's face when I told him the news.
Amid colleagues 'teasing banter, I hurried out of the hospital toward our shared apartment.
On the way, I received a bank deduction notification—— My account had been debited for $150,000.
This was our joint account with Francisco—what was he doing? A wave of unease washed over me.
Though everything seemed to be progressing smoothly, I shook off the turmoil, took a deep breath, and opened the apartment door expecting my partner's embrace and explanation.
But what followed completely shattered me.
The smell hit me first—cloying perfume, sweat, and something raw.
The living room was a mess. A pair of men's dress shoes. A pair of unfamiliar high heels. A lacy bra draped over the back of the couch.
I froze, heart beginning to race. From down the hall, muffled voices and rhythmic thumping drifted toward me.
“Oh god, you're such a bad boy,” a woman gasped breathlessly.
“You little fox,” the man growled."You're going to drive me crazy.”
I stood rooted to the spot, unable to breathe. My body moved on its own, silently carrying me toward the bedroom door.
Then I heard it—the woman's voice, breathy and teasing.
I'm familiar with it.
“Tell me, darling… do you like me better or Nicole?”
The man's voice, irritated and impatient, answered:
“Of course I like you. Nicole's a boring nun. You're the fun one.”
My chest tightened.
I stared at the door, stunned, until reality finally snapped into place like a blade through my chest.