Rejected Luna Returns with Secret Twins (Lysandra) novel Chapter 43

Chapter 43

The moment he settled beside me, an invisible wave of heat washed over me. His body temperature seemed unnaturally high, and even with the respetable distance between us, his familiar Alpha scent invaded my every breath.

I subtly shifted my chair away from him, nails digging into my palms. Seconds later, he unnecessarily adjusted his position, his knee nearly brushing pam my thigh, that brief almost–contact sending a flash of warmth up my leg that made me hold my breath.

The bastard. I clenched my fists under the table. Rylan had only invited him out of respect, and Tristan had deliberately chosen to sit beside me instead of taking the empty chair next to Rylan.

Alpha, I didn’t expect to see you here at this hour,” Rylan ventured cautiously.

Tristan’s mouth curved into something not quite a smile. “Really? You didn’t think I might appear in my own pack’s hospital cafeteria during lunch hours”

“That’s not what I meant, Alpha,” Rylan backpedaled quickly.

Tristan turned to me, his eyes glinting. “Perhaps I’ve interrupted your date.”

The way his voice dropped sent a vibration straight to my core. Warmth spread down my spine as Astrid purred with satisfaction. My body memory seemed more alive than my common sense–recalling nights long past, moments of intimacy I’d tried to forget.

I caught the subtle shift in his scent, Alpha pheromones mixing with the barest hint of desire. My pupils dilated involuntarily, and I knew he could see it- werewolf vision was far too keen.

Anger and humiliation burned in my chest. I hated this physical response, hated the instincts I couldn’t fully control.

I frowned at him, finding nothing in his eyes but an inexplicable resentment I couldn’t understand.

“You’ve misunderstood, Alpha, Rylan jumped in. “We were discussing your father’s health. Lysandra has agreed to help him.*

Tristan’s eyebrows shot up as he stared at me. “Is that so? And how exactly do you plan to help?”

I averted my gaze, uncomfortable under his scrutiny.

Inside me, Astrid was going wild, practically bouncing off the walls of my consciousness. He’s right next to us! Our mate is here with us!

He is not a good man, I warned her. Stop feeling things for him.

He’s our mate, she insisted. You can’t deny the truth.

I shut down the connection with my wolf, massaging my temples. I wouldn’t let her take control. Not around him.

Rylan cleared his throat. “I’ve provided you with all the information about your father’s health report, Alpha. Lysandra has agreed to help us obtain the treatment we need.”

‘Wasn’t Eldreth Frostwhisper the only one with the treatment? Tristan asked, skepticism heavy in his tone.

“Yes, but Lysandra says-” Rylan began.

And I’m supposed to entrust my father’s health to her?” Tristan cut in.

I turned to face him directly, shaking my head in disbelief. “Who needs your trust? Your mother trusts me, and I’m sure your father does too.”

Tristan ignored me completely, addressing Rylan instead. ‘How long will the treatment take? When can you start?”

Rylan considered for a moment. “We’ll need to monitor Mr. Wolfbane for about a week. We’ll prescribe medication to help him regain some strength. Once he’s strong enough to handle the effects of the treatment, we’ll proceed.”

Chapter 43

“Fine, Tristan replied curtly.

Rylan’s phone rang suddenly, the shrill tone cutting through the tension. He answered immediately, his expression shifting from central to Concer seconds. He straightened in his chair.

After a brief conversation, he hung up and bowed to Tristan. There’s an emergency I must attend to, Alpha.”

Tristan nodded his permission. Rylan turned to me. “Take care. Lysandra.”

I glanced at his untouched plate. “You haven’t eaten anything.”

*I’ll have the waitress pack it and send it to my office,” he replied with a small smile.

I nodded, and he picked up the lilies, cast one final glance at Tristan, then hurried out of the cafeteria.

Sitting alone with Tristan made my appetite vanish completely. I pushed my half–eaten pasta away, ready to stand and leave, when his voice pinned me to

my seat.

‘Impressive, sweetheart,” he drawled, the endearment dripping with sarcasm. “Playing two sides at once, aren’t you?”

I stared at him, momentarily stunned by his audacity. The cafeteria suddenly felt too small, too warm, too everything with him sitting there like he owned not just the building but the very air I breathed.

“Excuse me?” My voice came out sharper than intended.

Tristan leaned forward, invading my space. The move released a wave of his Alpha pheromones, thick and potent, carrying unmistakable notes of desire beneath the dominance. My body responded before my mind could intervene, pupils dilating as the scent wrapped around me like an embrace.

“I’m wondering,” he said, voice dropping to that dangerous register that used to make my knees weak, “if your fiancé knows you’re here pursuing our Chief of Medicine?”

His eyes dropped to my lips as he spoke, lingering there with brazen intent. The intensity in his gaze triggered memories I’d fought hard to bury–of those same eyes watching me in intimate moments, hungry and possessive.

Astrid stirred violently within me. Let him come closer! He’s our mate! He wants us!

I laughed, the sound bordering on hysterical. The accusation was so absurd, yet delivered with such conviction that I couldn’t decide whether to be amused or furious. Meanwhile, my body staged its own rebellion, heat spreading through me like wildfire.