CHAPTER 209: CHAPTER 209 ALPHA’S CALL

Freya’s POV

The hotel’s on-call doctor arrived quickly, his expression professionally neutral as he examined my ankle. After a thorough assessment, he prescribed some anti-inflammatory medication and recommended rest.

"The sprain is moderate," he explained. "With your... unique healing abilities, you should recover in about twelve hours, but I’d advise staying off it completely for at least six."

Johnny nodded seriously while I fought the urge to roll my eyes. A simple sprain was nothing compared to what I’d endured before. The doctor left the medication and bandages with us, and as soon as he departed, Johnny knelt before me again.

"Give me your ankle," he instructed, already opening the cream.

I reached for the tube. "I can do it myself."

Johnny fixed me with a stern glare that reminded me of our graduate school days when he’d catch me coding for thirty-six hours straight without food. Selene whimpered in amused recognition—she remembered too.

I raised my hands in surrender. "Fine. Have at it, Nurse Johnny."

"That’s Dr. Nurse Johnny to you," he quipped, his fingers surprisingly gentle as they worked the medication into my swollen skin.

"There," Johnny said finally, securing the bandage. "Good as new. Well, almost."

A server approached, holding a shopping bag. "The flats you requested, sir."

Johnny thanked him and helped me slip them on. They were simple black ballet flats—practical and infinitely more comfortable than my previous heels.

I stood carefully, testing my weight on the injured foot. "Not bad. I can walk."

"That’s something, at least," Johnny sighed, still looking concerned. "But no more exhibitions for you today. I’ve had someone photograph all the displays—you can review them later."

Disappointment flashed through me. I’d been looking forward to seeing the new security technology firsthand. "But—"

"No buts," Johnny interrupted firmly. "The deal with Yuan is almost locked anyway. Nothing you see in those exhibition halls is worth aggravating your injury."

He was right, of course, but it still felt like another small defeat in a long chain of them. After informing the others of our early departure, Johnny escorted me to his car, his hand hovering protectively near my elbow.

I couldn’t help wondering if Silvano had even noticed us leaving.

*He noticed*, Selene confirmed, her voice sad. *He always notices us*.

I silenced her firmly. Those days were over.

Johnny drove me home, the conversation light but careful—neither of us mentioning the elephant in the room: Silvano’s complete disregard for my injury. When we arrived at my apartment, Johnny helped me inside but declined my offer of coffee.

"I’ve got to get back and finalize some things with Yuan," he explained. "Rest that ankle. I mean it, Freya."

After he left, I sank onto my bed, the exhaustion of the day finally catching up with me. My plan was to rest until Johnny finished his meetings, then discuss Professor Nolan’s latest "assignment" for our AI project. I placed my phone on the nightstand and closed my eyes, only to be startled by its sudden ringing.

An unknown number. I hesitated, then answered cautiously. "Hello?"

"Xander." The deep voice on the other end was unmistakable.

I sat up immediately, my wolf stirring with interest at the dominant energy that came through even over the phone. "Alpha Xander?"

With everything that had happened today, I’d completely forgotten about my car troubles from this morning. Selene perked up, suddenly alert at the Alpha’s voice.

"Your car has been repaired," he continued without preamble. "You can pick it up whenever you’re ready. If you’re otherwise occupied, I can have someone deliver it to you."

His efficiency was impressive, but his offer of special treatment made me uncomfortable. I’d spent too long fighting to stand on my own.

"That won’t be necessary," I replied quickly. "I can pick it up myself."

My refusal was firm, perhaps too abrupt. A silence stretched between us.

"Alpha Xander?" I prompted.

"Very well," he finally responded. "I’ll text you the repair shop’s information."

"Thank you for your help," I said, trying to soften my earlier tone.

Without another word, he ended the call.

I stared at the phone, Selene’s curiosity piqued. *Strong Alpha*, she observed. *Different from our mate. More... controlled*.

"Stop it," I muttered aloud. The last thing I needed was my wolf developing an interest in another Alpha.

With my ankle in its current state, driving wasn’t an option. I called Johnny, who promised to retrieve my car once he finished his meetings.

Later that evening, I’d just finished my takeout dinner when my phone rang again—Isabella’s face lighting up my screen. My heart squeezed painfully at the sight of my daughter’s name.

"When are you coming home, Mom?" she asked, her voice small and young despite her attempts to sound grown-up.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself. "I’ve sprained my ankle, sweetheart. I’m resting away from home for now. You should get some sleep soon."

Her reaction was immediate, concern flooding her voice. "You’re hurt? Is it bad? Does it hurt a lot?"

The genuine worry in her tone made my throat tighten. Despite everything, despite her preference for Aurora, she still cared.

"It hurts," I admitted honestly, "but it’s not serious. I’ll be better in a few days."

"Okay." Her relief was palpable through the phone. "Where are you staying? Dad will be home tomorrow—we could come visit you."

"That’s not necessary," I said firmly. "I can take care of myself. You focus on school, okay?"

"If you’re sure..." Her voice trailed off.

We chatted for a few more minutes about her day and homework before saying goodnight. As I ended the call, I leaned back against my pillows, a familiar ache spreading through my chest.

*She still loves us*, Selene whispered.

"Yes," I murmured, "but she loves Aurora too."