Piss Off, Alpha! You Lost Me Forever-Chapter 119 Tired And Spent

SOPHIA’S POV

Archer had just finished explaining a complex research methodology when I heard movement from the private room.

They were leaving.

I deliberately turned my back to the entrance, reaching for my water glass and taking a slow sip. My wolf’s ears were pricked, tracking every sound, but I refused to look.

"And that’s why the double-blind approach is so critical," Archer was saying, but I could barely focus on his words.

I heard Tiffany’s laugh THEN Damien’s deeper voice, though I couldn’t make out what he was saying.

They were getting closer to our table.

My hand tightened on the water glass. Lance must have noticed because he shifted, as if positioning himself to block my view or maybe to shield me from theirs.

As they passed, I caught Damien’s scent in the air. My wolf whimpered. Through my peripheral vision, I saw Tiffany’s arm linked through his.

They continued walking then they left the restaurant.

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

"Sophia?" Archer’s voice pulled me back. "Are you alright?"

"Fine," I said quickly. "Just... could you repeat that last part? About the control group?"

Archer studied my face for a moment then he began explaining again.

I forced myself to focus, to engage with the conversation, to pretend my heart wasn’t breaking as I watched through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Damien and Tiffany stood outside, waiting for the valet to bring their car. The rain had started. Tiffany was laughing at something with her head tilted back, and Damien was smiling down at her with so much affection that it made my chest ache.

The valet pulled up with Damien’s car. Damien opened the passenger door for Tiffany.

Then they drove away, and I was left staring at empty space.

"The research proposal deadline is in six weeks," Archer said, and I realized he’d been talking this whole time. "I’ll need your preliminary topic by then."

"Of course," I managed. "I’ll have it to you in four weeks."

"Excellent." Archer checked his watch. "I should be going" He stood, and Lance and I stood with him. "I look forward to working together."

"Thank you for dinner," I said. "And for the opportunity."

After Archer left, Lance and I sat back down. The restaurant was quieter now. Most people had left.

"I’m sorry about earlier," Lance said. "With Archer ignoring us, and then Damien being here... this evening didn’t go quite as I’d planned."

"It’s not your fault." I managed a small smile. "And honestly? Getting accepted into the program is worth any awkwardness."

"Still. You shouldn’t have had to see him with..." Lance trailed off

"With Tiffany? I see them together all the time." My voice was flat. "This was just another Monday."

Lance looked like he wanted to say something else, but the waiter appeared with the check. Lance grabbed it before I could.

"I’m paying," he said firmly when I protested. "This was supposed to be a celebration dinner, remember?"

While Lance paid, I looked through the windows. I could see the rain had intensified.

"Looks like we picked a bad night for this," Lance said.

"Story of my life lately," I muttered.

Lance disappeared for a moment and returned with an umbrella borrowed from the restaurant. "Come on. I’ll walk you to your car."

We stepped out into the rain together. Lance held the umbrella over both of us but he was taller, and the way he angled it meant most of the coverage was over me while rain soaked into his shoulder and sleeve.

"Lance, you’re getting wet-"

"I’m fine." He guided me around a puddle. "Just watch your step."

A car drove past too quickly, sending a spray of water toward the sidewalk. Lance immediately pulled me closer, shielding me with his body. The water hit his jacket instead of me.

"Thank you," I said. I was suddenly very aware of how close we were standing. We were close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from him despite the cold rain.

"Can’t have you showing up to your first day of the doctoral program soaking wet and sick," he teased.

We reached my car, and Lance waited while I unlocked it. His jacket was completely soaked now.

"I’m so sorry," I said, feeling guilty. "Your jacket is ruined."

"It’ll dry." He smiled. "Besides, totally worth it to keep you safe."

"At least let me wash it for you," I offered. "I can have it dry-cleaned and return it this weekend."

"That’s really not necessary-"

"Please. I already feel terrible." I looked at his soaked sleeve. "You’re going to catch a cold."

"Fine. But only because you look like you’ll feel guilty all week otherwise."

"Thank you." I paused before getting in the car. "And Lance? Thank you for tonight. For arranging dinner with Archer, for celebrating with me, for... everything."

"You don’t have to thank me for being your friend." His expression was soft.

I smiled “You’re sweet”

"Text me when you get home safe," Lance said. "Drive carefully. The roads are slick."

"I will."

I got in my car and watched in the rearview mirror as Lance walked back to his own car. He was still getting soaked because he’d given me the umbrella.

The drive back to Sky Manor took longer than usual due to the rain. By the time I pulled into the driveway, it was past ten.

The house was mostly dark except for lights in the living room. I let myself in quietly, assuming everyone had gone to bed.

But Klara was sitting on the floor in front of the coffee table, surrounded by paints and paper. Her little tongue poked out in concentration as she worked on what looked like a portrait.

"Klara? What are you doing up so late?"

She looked up. Her face lit up when she saw me. "Aunt Sophia! You’re home!" She scrambled up and hugged my legs. "I was waiting for you."

"Sweetheart, it’s way past your bedtime." I knelt down to her level. "Does your mom know you’re still up?"

"She fell asleep on the couch. I was being quiet so I wouldn’t wake her." Klara gestured to her painting. "Look! I made this for you!"

The painting was of two figures - one tall, one small - holding hands. The colors were bright, typical of a child’s artwork.

"It’s beautiful," I said, smiling. "Is this you and me?"

"Uh-huh! Because you’re my favorite aunt and I love you the most." She hugged me again. "Oh! I forgot to tell you! Ashley wasn’t at school today."

My stomach dropped. "What? How do you know?"

"Her teacher called someone this morning. She said Ashley was absent and wanted to make sure she was okay." Klara looked up at me with those innocent eyes. "Is Ashley sick again?"

No, I thought. Ashley wasn’t sick. She was probably exhausted from being at that bar late last night with Damien and Tiffany.

"I’m sure she’s fine," I said. "Come on, let’s get you to bed. It’s very late."

I helped Klara clean up her paints and walked her upstairs to her room. As I tucked her in, she grabbed my hand.

"Aunt Sophia? Are you sad?"

The question caught me off guard. "What makes you think I’m sad?"

"Your eyes look sad." She pouted

Kids saw too much.

"I’m just tired, sweetheart. That’s all."

"Okay." But she didn’t look convinced. "Will you stay until I fall asleep?"

I sat on the edge of her bed, holding her small hand, and hummed softly until she drifted off.

When I finally made it to my own room, I was exhausted. I felt physically and emotionally drained. All I wanted was to change into pajamas and collapse into bed.

But when I opened my door, I froze.

Someone was sitting in the chair by my window. In the darkness, I could only make out a silhouette, but the shape was familiar. Tall, broad-shouldered, radiating alpha presence.

"Marco?" I said, reaching for the light switch. "What are you doing in my-"

The figure stood, and as moonlight from the window caught his face, my heart stopped.

It wasn’t Marco.

It was Zade.