Alpha's Vet

One More Day

Chapter 11 – One More Day

Lucas POV

I stood there, watching her. Watching me.

I couldn’t move.

She had me trapped—body, mind, soul. I forgot how to think. I forgot how to breathe. I knew that if I moved, I wouldn’t be able to stop myself. I’ve never had to hold back before. Women have always been… temporary distractions, nothing more than a fleeting itch to scratch.

But her?

With her, I wanted to kneel and beg. Beg for her to stay with me. Beg her to choose me. And if she didn’t? I would still take her. She is mine—whether she knows it or not. I will never let her go.

The moment I smelled her, it was exquisite torture. Her scent, her presence—it made my animal stir like wildfire. My instincts screamed at me: claim her, claim her now.

Images flooded my mind. Too many. Too vivid. I saw her pressed against me, riding me, calling my name. Every fantasy I’d ever conjured flashed before my eyes, overwhelming me.

I had to get out.

I bolted for the door, a blur in the room. I’m sure she barely saw me. I needed distance. I needed to survive the hunger raging inside me. Otherwise… she would never be able to leave my side again.

I spent the rest of the night outside her door, pacing, listening. Smelling her, hearing her breathe, feeling her presence through the thin walls—it calmed me. It kept me from going back inside and doing something irreversible.

When the first light crept in, when my wolves began to stir, I allowed myself a shower and a brief nap.

Lara POV

I was just drifting back into the nicest dream when an i***t—my so-called “best friend,” Roxy—decided my beauty sleep had gone on long enough.

I groan and grab my phone. “Urgh. Really? You couldn’t let me sleep for another hour?”

Roxy bounces onto the mattress, coffee in hand. “Come on, sleepyhead! Time to get up!” She wiggles the mug under my nose, pushing it from side to side like some kind of caffeinated hypnotist.

“You can be glad you brought me coffee, or I might have to kill you,” I mutter, snatching it. One sip and I almost swoon. Sweet, strong, perfect. Honestly, morning coffee may be the closest I’ve ever come to an o****m.

“So,” Roxy says, smiling that irritatingly knowing smile she wears, “what are we doing today?”

Oh no. No, no, no.

“NO! Don’t even think about it. I have work, and I have to study today!” My temper starts to rise. I try to stay calm, but today is clearly not my day. I have obligations. Responsibilities. Exams. And a job that won’t let itself be ignored.

Just as I’m spiraling, Jacqui walks in. Calm, collected, smiling—way too smugly for my liking.

“Morning, Lara. Did you sleep alright? We didn’t want to disturb you while you were sleeping.” She sits cross-legged on the mattress, perfectly serene, with Roxy bouncing around like an over-caffeinated puppy beside her.

“s**t,” I yell, springing upright. “Where’s Lucky?” I scramble to his bed—it’s empty. Panic rises like bile in my throat.

“Don’t worry about him,” Roxy chirps, swooping in to save me from myself. “He’s playing outside with the kids here. We fed him and took him out already. Let’s focus on today.”

I can feel my panic ebbing slightly, replaced by suspicion. They’re both grinning at me like idiots. Which of them has the bigger grin? I can’t decide.

“Okay, okay,” I sigh, trying to sound rational. “I really want to hang with you guys today, but I have work. Dr. V is counting on me. And I have a big test on Thursday I need to pass.”

Their smiles grow. They exchange that silent, conspiratorial look. I know—something is coming, and it’s not good for me.

Jacqui leans forward. “Lara, Dr. V is a very close friend of the family. He already gave you the day off. And yes, he’s paying you for it.” Her smile could blind a person. Like a huge chocolate cake handed to me by the universe itself.

“And you can study here today! My big brother said it’s fine if you use his study, or one of the other rooms.”

I blink. Did I just hear… study here? My day just got suspiciously better. But then there’s the other part—seeing Lucas again. And I shouldn’t see him. He’s out of my league. Not my type. Not human-type. Dangerous. Infuriatingly… magnetic.

Roxy bounces in again, nearly vibrating with excitement. “So, my bestie-best, you can stay! Have breakfast, study for a few hours, and then—just wait—we spend the whole day together! Ooooh, and sleep over tonight! Then we have another whole day together tomorrow!”

I groan and roll my eyes, but a small, stubborn part of me is thrilled.

“I hate you guys, you know that?”

“Yes!” Roxy shouts, bouncing like a human jack-in-the-box.

I sigh, secretly thrilled. Another day away from my apartment. More space. More warmth. More… him.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s exactly what I need.