Chapter 23: Does He?

Chapter 23: Does He? Kaya A cold chill spreads through my veins, freezing me in place. I can’t tell which unsettles me more—the brutal reality that Damien, my alpha, abandoned me, or the fact that I am once again face-to-face with Magnus, standing far too close for comfort. "I understand you’re surprised," Magnus says, his voice measured as he takes slow, deliberate steps toward my bed. "But there’s not much more to it. This is your new home now, and I am your new alpha. That’s it." He stops abruptly at the edge of the bed, his body tensing for a brief moment before he takes a half-step back, almost as if he’s catching himself, remembering something. The movement is so subtle, yet unmistakable. I frown, suddenly self-conscious. Did I do something wrong? Do I smell? Considering everything I went through yesterday, it wouldn’t be surprising if I did, but Oliver certainly didn’t seem to mind sitting so close. So why is Magnus acting like he’s wary of being near me? Before my irritation can fully form, it vanishes the moment his scent drifts toward me. A rich, earthy aroma—like the deep woods at dawn, laced with something darker, something undeniably masculine. It wraps around me like an invisible cloak, oddly comforting despite my better judgment. How can someone so imposing, so utterly intimidating, smell so damn good? I flinch at the traitorous thought, shaking it off as I force my gaze back to Magnus. He looks different today—sharper, neater. His thick black curls are pulled into a short bun at the nape of his neck, giving him a more controlled, disciplined look. His fitted black T-shirt and matching pants mold to his body, emphasizing every ridge of lean muscle. I don’t realize I’m staring until his sharp amber eyes flick to mine, one dark brow arching in silent amusement. Heat surges to my cheeks, and I quickly look away, mortified. Goddess, why do I keep doing this? "Anyway," Magnus clears his throat, the sound rough and almost hesitant as his amber gaze shifts toward Oliver. "I’m heading out for a patrol around the territory. Your adjustment will be overseen by Oliver. If you have any questions, he’s your man. I’ll... be back later. We can talk then." And just like that, he turns on his heel and strides toward the door, leaving both Oliver and me in stunned silence. That’s it? "Wait!" The word escapes before I can stop it. The moment Magnus turns back to face me, his piercing gaze locking onto mine, I instantly regret it. My breath hitches, and I bite my tongue, suddenly unsure of what I even meant to say. "Kaya," Oliver speaks up, his voice gentle but firm. He casts an uneasy glance in Magnus’s direction before turning back to me. "It’s fine. You can talk to me. Alpha Magnus has important duties—you’re probably aware of them." I chew on my lower lip, my silver brows knitting together as my gaze burrows into Magnus’s. He doesn’t say a word, doesn’t offer even the smallest reaction. He simply holds my stare, unwavering, unreadable. Then, without a single change in expression, he turns once more and walks out the door, vanishing like a shadow. Oliver watches me carefully, waiting for some kind of reaction. But my mind is blank, a chaotic whirlwind of emotions swirling just beneath the surface, too tangled to unravel. Too much has happened. From the moment I was sold to Alpha Arcanis to being tossed into Magnus’s hands like a bargaining chip. Then, unbidden, Camilla’s cruel smile flashes in my mind. Her voice, dripping with venom, echoes in my head. "You’re nothing but a whore, passed from one man to another. That’s all you’re worth." A bitter chill creeps into my chest. "Is it true?" The words slip out, quiet and hollow, but laced with something raw. I don’t even realize I’ve spoken aloud until the weight of them settles in the air between us. And yet, my face remains blank, as if the question doesn’t matter. As if the answer doesn’t terrify me. Oliver exhales sharply, running a hand through his spiky brown hair in frustration. "What do you want me to say? I think you already know the answer." I do. I know. But I wish—desperately—that he would tell me I’m wrong. Silence settles between us, stretching longer than it should. A whirlwind of emotions churns inside me, tangled and conflicting, refusing to settle into anything coherent. To Oliver’s credit, he doesn’t push. He waits, his patience surprising me. But after a while, perhaps growing weary of the tense stillness, he sighs again and rises from the bed. "Well, you must be starving," he says, forcing a light smile. "We don’t really have maids here—our pack isn’t that kind of place." He chuckles, but when I don’t react, he clears his throat with an awkward cough and presses on. "Anyway, I’ll get someone to bring you some food. What would you like?" I shift slightly under the covers, my fingers curling into the soft fabric. My gaze remains downcast, fixed on nothing in particular. The thought of food makes my stomach twist painfully. Even swallowing my own saliva feels like a struggle. Oliver hesitates before trying again, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "If you’re not hungry, then... how do you feel about seeing our doctor?" "Oh..." A shudder ripples down my spine. I had completely forgotten about that. A standard procedure for every newcomer. It was the same when I first joined Dark Wood. But the mere thought of someone examining me right now—of hands touching, probing, assessing—makes my skin crawl. No. I don’t want that. Not now. Maybe not ever. "Come on," Oliver says, as if reading my mind. His voice is gentle but firm. "I understand how you feel, but given... well, your circumstances, a doctor’s visit is necessary. Besides, this is the alpha’s order. As much as I might want to, I can’t ignore this one. I’m responsible for you now." A heavy sigh escapes my lips. "Yeah," I murmur, my exhale slow and resigned. "But..." I hesitate, my voice barely above a whisper. "There’s... well, I’m not sure how to explain this..." Oliver gives me a small, reassuring smile. "Don’t worry," he says, his tone easy, soothing. "Whatever it is, it’ll stay between you and the doctor. Besides," he adds, pausing at the doorway, "if there’s something to know about you, Alpha Magnus already knows." With that, he steps out, leaving nothing but silence in his wake. I shrink into myself, pulling my knees close to my chest, seeking some form of comfort in the emptiness around me. "I know who you are." Magnus’s words echo distantly in my mind, a ghostly whisper that makes my heart sink deeper into the pit of my stomach. Does he?