Chapter 94: 1 Quit!
Chapter 94: I Quit!
(Aria’s POV)
“Ms. Summers, these accusations are extremely serious.” The department manager’s voice was strained as he looked between me and Claire Watson, who sat perched on her chair like a wounded queen,
look
I stood my ground, feeling my wolf bristling beneath my skin. The injustice of it burned through me like
wildfire.
“I did not push her,” I stated firmly, making eye contact with each executive around the table. “Claire was the one who pushed me down the stairs. She threatened my life and my-”
I caught myself before mentioning my pregnancy, but Claire’s emerald eyes gleamed with malicious triumph.
She knew my secret.
“That’s preposterous!” Margaret, Claire’s pack representative, stepped forward. Her sharp features twisted with indignation. “Ms. Watson is Alexander Reed’s intended mate and the Storm Pack’s premier healer. Why would she risk her reputation by attacking you?”
Claire dabbed at her eyes with a tissue, the picture of innocence. “I just wanted to discuss a potential collaboration. I never expected to be assaulted.”
My patience snapped. “If you’re so certain I pushed you, then let’s check the surveillance footage and call the territorial enforcers!”
A hushed silence fell over the room. Claire’s eyes widened momentarily before narrowing.
“How dare you!” she exclaimed, placing a protective hand over her belly. “Now you’re trying to involve law enforcement? After you threatened to throw me down the stairs?”
I couldn’t believe her audacity. “That’s a complete lie, and you know it.”
The cooperative’s director cleared his throat nervously. “Ms. Summers, perhaps it would be best if you apologized to Ms. Watson. We can’t afford to lose her expertise in the upcoming joint research project.”
I looked at him incredulously. “Apologize? For defending myself?”
“Think of the implications,” he continued, not meeting my eyes. “Storm Pack’s influence in the healing community is substantial. If Ms. Watson were to withdraw her support…”
The implication was clear. My position was expendable; Claire’s was not.
The cowardice in the room was suffocating. These executives were willing to sacrifice me to protect their business interests and avoid Claire’s wrath.
“If this is how Silver Leaf Herbalists handles workplace safety and justice, then I no longer wish to associated with this cooperative, I said, my voice steady despite the rage boiling inside me. “I resign. effective immediately.”
Claire’s lips curved into a subtle smile of victory before she composed her features back into a mask of
distress.
Arla, please reconsider, my department manager pleaded, finally finding his courage now that it was too late. Your talents are invaluable to our research.
“Apparently not invaluable enough to stand up for the truth, I replied coldly, Til clear out my workstation today.”
Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked out of the office, my head held high despite the trembling in my limbs.
Back at my workstation, I began packing my personal belongings into a cardboard box. My silver–infused mortar and pestle. The rare dried herbs I’d collected over years. My mother’s hand–written recipe book for werewolf remedies.
“Aria?”
I looked up to find Jason Hart standing beside my desk, his green eyes filled with concern. His wolf’s scent carried genuine worry as he surveyed my packing efforts.
“I heard what happened,” he said quietly. “The whole floor is talking about it.”
I carefully wrapped my delicate measuring scales in protective cloth. I’m sure Claire’s version is quite dramatic.”
Jason shook his head, helping me place my jars of dried moonflower into the box. “Most of us don’t believe her. We’ve worked with you long enough to know you wouldn’t do something like that.”
His support was unexpected but welcome. “Thank you, but it doesn’t matter now. I’ve resigned.”
“You shouldn’t have to leave because of her,” he said, frustration evident in his voice.
He reached for my silver–infused mortar and pestle, carefully wrapping them in protective cloth before placing them in my box.
“What will you do now?” he asked, his voice gentle.
I sighed, looking around at the workstation that had become my sanctuary after leaving Alexander. I’m not sure yet. I still have my license to practice independently.”
Jason nodded, his wolf’s protective instincts visibly stirring as he helped gather the last of my belongings. “Let me help you carry this.”
We walked to the elevator together, his presence beside me a silent statement of solidarity that I appreciated more than he could know. As the doors opened, I was startled to find Dominic Blackwood stepping out, his powerful Alpha scent immediately filling the corridor.
His silver–gray eyes quickly assessed the situation – me with a box of belongings, Jason standing. protectively at my side.
“Aria,” Dominic said, his deep voice controlled but underlined with fury. “I heard what happened.”
it have News traveled fast in werewolf circles. I wondered who had informed him, though I suspected it been Dr. Nathan Lewis, who had contacts throughout Silvercrest Hospital where Claire’s influence was
strong.
“I resigned,” I explained simply. “It was the only dignified option.”
Dominic’s jaw tightened, a muscle working in his cheek as he fought to contain his anger. Without saying
2/4
another word, he reached for the box Jason was carrying.
For a moment, the two males locked eyes, their wolves silently assessing each other Jason hesitated briefly before relinquishing the box to the more dominant Alpha.
“Thank you for your help, Jason,” I said sincerely, breaking the tension between them.
Jason nodded, his eyes still wary as they fixed on Dominic. “Call me if you need anything, okay?
“She won’t need to, Dominic replied coolly, his Alpha presence asserting itself without effort.
I gave Jason a small smile of gratitude before stepping into the elevator with Dominic. As the doors closed, I let out a long, shaky breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding.
“You don’t have to do this,” I said, glancing at him. “I can manage on my own.”
Dominic’s silver–gray eyes met mine, their intensity softened briefly by concern. I know you can. But you shouldn’t have to.”
The
e drive back to Moon Valley Residences was quiet, with Dominic seemingly lost in thought. His knuckles were white on the steering wheel, the only outward sign of the anger he was containing
Once we reached my apartment, Dominic placed my box carefully on the kitchen counter. The familiar surroundings helped calm my frayed nerves.
“Tell me exactly what happened,” he said, leaning against the counter with arms crossed.
I recounted the confrontation with Claire in detail, including her threats and the moment she pushed me. As I spoke, Dominic’s expression darkened, his Alpha aura growing more intense until it filled the apartment with
a chilling presence.
“She knows I’m pregnant,” I concluded, my hand instinctively moving to my belly where my pup was growing.
“And she threatened me- us.”
Dominic’s eyes followed the movement of my hand, his jaw clenching tight. “No one threatens what’s mine,” he growled, his silver–gray eyes flashing dangerously. He caught himself quickly, adding, my friends, I
mean.”
The slip made something flutter in my chest, but I pushed the feeling aside to focus on our current crisis. “What do you want to do about this?” he asked, his voice calmer now. “I can handle Claire Watson, but I won’t interfere with your plans for the marking ceremony.”
I appreciated his respect for my agency in this matter. “I still want to wait until then to expose their affair. It will have the maximum impact.”
Dominic nodded, his expression grim but satisfied. “Then we’ll proceed as planned. But I’ll ensure she doesn’t get near you again in the meantime.
“What about my job?” I asked, suddenly feeling the weight of my impulsive resignation. I don‘. Ow what П do now. The herbal healing community isn’t that large, and Claire’s influence is significant.”
To my surprise, Dominic’s expression softened, his lips curving into a small smile. “Actually, I might have an idea about that.”
