Falling in love with my Ex's Alpha Chapter 74

I reluctantly attend the hospital's end-of-semester ceremony for the first time, solely because Katie's involvement deems it necessary. As I step into the venue, I'm taken aback by the simplicity and elegance of the setup. The decorations are tasteful but not extravagant, and it appears that the event might not have been meticulously planned far in advance.

The focal point of the ceremony is the stage, where Dr. Smith, known for his competence but lacking in patience, steps up to the podium.

With a hint of irritation, he says, "Alright, let's get this over with. Ladies and gentlemen, and especially our eager students who have survived another semester..."

The atmosphere is thick with anticipation and a touch of apprehension, which I find rather amusing. It's clear that my presence has set everyone on edge, and they don't quite know what to make of it.

Dr. Smith impatiently continues. "Today, we've all gathered here, for some reason, to celebrate the accomplishments of our students..."

His speech is delivered with a grumpy tone, filled with thinly veiled annoyance as he attempts to motivate the students.

I find myself mildly entertained by the doctor's frustration, even though I didn't know what to expect from this ceremony. It's abundantly clear that this event is more of a formality than anything else. The room is filled with forced smiles and dreams that seem to have lost their luster.

Sitting next to me are Chad and Jason, and next to Jason is Jacob. Katie looks our way and gives me a shy smile that immediately warms me, and I control myself not to smile back at her.

All three idiots next to me wave at her, and then she looks back at the podium.

As the ceremony progresses, Dr. Smith proceeds to present a series of awards, recognizing outstanding achievements but wasting no time with elaborate speeches.

To my surprise, Katie's name is called not once, but thrice.

With an air of impatience, he says, "Miss Wright, come forward, please."

Katie confidently approaches the stage, and Dr. Smith, in his succinct manner, hands her three awards in quick succession. Each award bears testament to her excellence in clinical practice, her remarkable research contributions, and her unwavering dedication to patient care. Dr. Smith's words of recognition are brief but pointed.

Without any unnecessary praise, he concludes to her. "Impressive, Miss Wright."

I hadn't expected such a display of competence from her, and though I'm reluctant to admit it, I can't help but feel a certain level of pride. She's clearly excelled in her studies and made a name for herself here.

As the ceremony continues, I maintain my stoic demeanor, but deep down, I'm beginning to realize that Katie's accomplishments have left an impression, even if it's a fact I'm not entirely prepared to vocalize. It's a revelation I'm not entirely ready to acknowledge, but it's becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Dr. Smith goes on, his speech is to the point, urging the students to persevere in their medical education. The room hangs in a tense silence.

"She's very impressive," Chad says, and I growl in his direction, and he smiles.

Dr. Smith impatiently concludes. "Alright, let's not drag this out. Students, this ceremony is done."

I waste no time. I head straight for Katie. Without a word, I firmly take her hand and guide her toward the exit, my expression more cold than usual. The abruptness of my action sends a shockwave through the room, and everyone instinctively makes way for us.

Whispers and hushed conversations ripple through the crowd as I lead Katie to my car. The apprehension around us is palpable, but I couldn't care less. What matters now is that I can no longer stand being away from her.

I let go of her hand to open the car door. I realize that she isn't holding the awards she received at the ceremony, and I immediately mindlink Jason to get it for her.

"Kaiden, you can't drag me like that. I almost fell twice," she says angrily, looking at me as she crosses her arms.

With the car door open, I look at her, waiting for her to get in, but she doesn't get in.

"I couldn't stand being away from you anymore," I confess without even thinking straight. Fuck.

She uncrosses her arms, eyes wide with surprise. "Really?" she says with a sweet smile.

I don't respond, I just roll my eyes. She comes to me and, on tiptoe, kisses my lips gently.

I was surprised, but I recover and kiss her back.

The kiss starts to get more intense, and instantly, I forget everything around us, and my arms hold her tightly as she kisses me, as hungry for me as I am for her.

She breaks the kiss and starts breathing heavily, I can see in her eyes how much more important it is for her to kiss me than oxygen.

I can't resist her, and I can't wait for her to catch her breath, I kiss her again, and she responds immediately.

However, I interrupt this time so she can breathe. But I don't let go of her, my arms remain firmly around her.

"Thank you for coming today. It means a lot to me," she says with a smile.

"I came for other reasons too," I say with a smirk.

"What do you want this time, Kaiden?" she asks too innocently, and I can't resist.

I lean in a little closer. "Well, my little sun," I murmur, "I want so many things. But for now, let's just say I want to keep you guessing."

The hint in my voice was enough for her to understand what I wanted to say, and I admit that I spoke that way on purpose to force that pretty pink flush to spread over her cheeks.

*As expected*, her face flushed.

The tension in the air is palpable, and I revel in it. This dance of words is a dangerous one, and I intend to lead it to its climax.

I'm unable to resist the allure of Katie's neck. My lips softly brush against her skin. I can feel her heartbeat, racing and inviting. The temptation to mark her, to claim her as my mate, grows almost unbearable. My fangs graze her delicate skin, and I inhale the intoxicating sweet scent of her.

Just as my instincts were about to take over, the intrusive mindlink of Chad shattered the moment.

A surge of frustration coursed through me, and I clench my jaw in anger. Chad's incessant voice in my head prevent me from indulging in the desire that had surged to the surface.

I reluctantly pull away from Katie's neck, my eyes dark with frustration. I stop to understand what this fucker wants now while I curse the interruption that had prevented me from marking her as mine.

'Kaiden, we need to meet at the packhouse urgently! Emergency level 2!' Chad's voice finally makes sense, and I immediately understand the gravity of the situation.

'I'm on my way, call all warriors, ' I answer as I release Katie.

"What was that?" she asks, confused by my sudden change.

"I'll take her home," Jacob says as he walks quickly close to where we are.

Katie looks at him and then looks at me without understanding anything, waiting for an answer.

I kiss her forehead, give Jacob a quick nod, and say before shifting, "The pack is going to be invaded."