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“It’s not about her not being a wolf or shifter,” he sighed, scrubbing the back of his neck. “You’re special enough, Ha-joon. You know the problems that comes with. I never want—I want my children to have easy lives.” He gave me a serious look. “You will not have an easy life if that woman is your mate. Hear me.”

“I don’t care,” I told him firmly… With the same firmness as the one time I went against him and announced I was going to medical school.

“Then I will support your dreams. I learned not to stand in your way. I almost lost you doing that. You ask so little—just don’t let her…”

I nodded. There was no good way to say that mates couldn’t have secrets between them. I needed to know the real Ellie Reed before we could ever be mates. “She’s nowhere close to where I am. I’m just being honest. My wolf knows the truth, and being without her even—it just made everything clearer.”

“So be it,” he mumbled before turning and walking away.

Mum and I shared a look. Seriously, what did Da know about Ellie that made him worry so much? Hadn’t he wanted to bring her into the pack’s fold before?

It was going to be very,veryhard to let this go, but I had to if I wanted her.

And I wanted her. In every way possible… Especially the naughty ones after I’d been an idiot. Yes, completely my fault and I accepted that.

It didn’t mean I was going to fight fair.

When work was over, I changed like I was going to work out instead of leaving in scrubs like normal. I felt the stares I was getting wearing a fitted tank top and the right kind of running pants that showed off my lean hips and nice ass.

Luck was on my side when I didn’t even have to go up to her office to try and get on her radar. She was talking with a few people in the lobby of the administrative building. I bit back a growl when Gerald Woodsthe thirdwas there, too close to her like always.

Fine, time to mark my territory even if covertly.

I moved up next to the group and politely waited, making sure to sling my bag over my shoulder so my bicep and muscles were clearly on display when she looked at me.

“Did you need one of us, Dr. Clark?” someone from the group asked.

Ellie did a double take and her eyes immediately filled with interest.

Line cast.

I smiled easily. “Yes, just needed to talk to Ms. Reed. Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“Me?” she asked, glancing between me and the group and then back to me.

“Yes, about dinner.” I put on my most innocent face.

The woman who first spoke let out a small gasp. “Are you two—is this a date or—”

“We’re neighbors,” I clarified… But didn’t deny it because I would go out with Ellie any day she let me take her out.

Duh.

“She’s become friends with my mum and they trade food,” I hedged, shooting Ellie a look like I wasn’t sure she wanted people to know that.

“Oh yes, everyone knows to leave the containers from your mother alone in our break room fridge,” another woman said with a chuckle. “Though she did let me have a soy egg and—very interesting. I would love that on a bowl of soup.”

I dipped my head to her in thanks. “Since we’re so busy, we’re sort of piggybacking off of that. Ms. Reed’s been telling me all of the best spots and sometimes I pick up dinner for her as well and sometimes she does for me. It’s easier given her long hours at the hospital and I keep jumping in on surgeries to help.” A thought hit me and I stretched knowing she was looking. “I’m not used to standing still that long. It’s a whole different workout.”

“Well, it’s good to keep in shape,” she muttered, clearly affected.

Yeah, fine, but she wasn’t my goal.

I looked at Ellie and pretended not to notice the heat in her eyes. “What are you hungry for tonight, Ms. Reed?”

Yes,everyoneprobably heard the innuendo there, but I kept my face innocent… Until Gerald growled.

I rolled my eyes. “We’re adults. Don’t be a duffer.” I smiled at her. “What are you in the mood for?”