Laurens POV I adjusted the strap of my messenger bag, my fingers brushing against the edge of the neatly packed files inside. Everything was in its place, but a flicker of unease stirred in me. As I stepped into the hospital lobby, the sharp, sterile scent of antiseptic filled the airfamiliar, yet always slightly overwhelming considering this had been my world for years now. Having left my old life, name, and titles behind, Lauren the Luna waitress no longer existed. In her place was Ava, a world-renowned doctor whose reputation had taken me far from the shadows of my past. It was that very reputation, that carefully built attention, which had brought me back here under strange and tightly controlled circumstances: a confidential request to consult on a VIP case. The details were frustratingly vague. All I knew for certain was that the patient, a boy named Owen, needed my expertise, and the hospital had insisted I come in person. That insistence alone was enough to pique my curiosity. The mortality rate among werewolf children had always been a grim reality. Not every child survived long enough to meet or coexist with their wolf. Liam and I had poured everything into changing that, founding a pediatric medical center dedicated to giving these children a fighting chance. Over time, the center had become the leading authority in pediatric care, and my name had gained weight in the field. I didnt wear that pride openly, thoughit only made the scrutiny sharper. As I approached the reception desk, I smiled warmly at the nurse, but the doctors hovering nearby werent as kind. Their whispers werent even subtle. Do they just let any random person attend VIP consultations now? one of them sneered. A young, pretty doctor? another scoffed. How much skill could she possibly have? Dont be so harsh, a third chimed in, smirking. Catching the favor of the Alpha Kings youngest son is a talent in itself. I bit my lip, keeping my expression neutral. This wasnt new. Id spent my career proving myself to people who underestimated me, often before Id even introduced myself. Still, one of them chuckled, the little troublemaker inside wont go easy on her just because shes pretty. Troublemaker? That didnt sit right with me. Children werent born troublemakers; they acted out for a reason. Maybe what this child needed wasnt more judgment or coldness but someone who actually cared enough to listen. My grip tightened on the strap of my bag, but I forced myself to smile, introducing myself. I kept my head high as I followed the group into the VIP ward. The faint buzz of fluorescent lights hummed over the faint shuffle of our shoes on the tile floor. When we entered the room, the troublemaker became immediately clear. A boyno older than five or sixsat in the middle of the room, a laptop balanced on his small knees. His dark hair was a mess of untamed tufts, sticking out rebelliously as if theyd fought off every comb that dared approach. Dressed in a miniature version of a sharp, casual suit, he looked oddly sophisticated for his age, though the glint in his deep, dark eyes hinted at a spark of mischiefor perhaps defiance. He glanced up briefly, his cold gaze slicing through the room, before giving a stiff nod and returning his attention to his screen. The doctors exchanged awkward glances, clearly unsure how to handle him. One doctor lleaned closer, his curiosity outweighing his caution. What are you working on, boy? He uttered, craning his neck to see the screen. Owen didnt give him the chance to find out. With a sharp snap, he shut the laptop and reached for something under the chaira toy gun. The next moment was chaos. Red paint splattered across the doctors face in one swift shot, dripping down his jaw and staining his pristine white coat. The other doctors barely had time to react before Owen swiveled his aim, a cold, mischievous glint flashing in his otherwise impassive eyes. Yellow, blue, greenpaint exploded in bursts of colors from the gun, leaving them all looking like a failed art project. Covered in paint and thoroughly humiliated, the group scrambled out of the room, muttering curses under their breath as bodyguards ushered them away. I had to bite back a laugh. It wasnt professional, but the sight of these self-important doctors reduced to walking rainbows was almost too much. Once the chaos cleared, the remaining doctors turned to me, their expressions ranging from uneasy to downright desperate. Ava, One doctor spoke up, his voice shrill, youre the expert. Surely, you can handle this. The others nodded eagerly, relief flooding their faces as they pushed the responsibility onto me. I adjusted my bag and stepped forward, ignoring their mocking and pitying looks. This wasnt my first time dealing with skeptics or tantrums. I didnt need their approval to do my job, and I certainly didnt need their permission to prove myself. Besides, this kid seemed more than entertaining. Owen didnt acknowledge me at first. He leaned back in his wooden chair, arms folded tightly across his chest, his small frame somehow managing to exude an air of authority far beyond his years. His dark eyes swept over me, cool and assessing, like I was the subject of an intense evaluation rather than someone there to help him. His expression was blank, but the sharpness in his gaze told a different storya mind that was sharp, calculating, and already a step ahead, as if he were quietly turning over a thousand possibilities behind those unblinking eyes. I crouched down to his level, moving slowly and deliberately so I wouldnt startle him. My voice was soft and warm, the kind youd use to coax a wary kitten. My names Dr. Its nice to meet you. I let the words hang in the air for a moment before leaning in slightly, my tone dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. And by the way… nice aim back there. You managed to hit every single vial. Impressive. He didnt respond, but his brow did furrow. And he didnt spray me with paint, eithera small victory. As I studied him, an unexpected wave of familiarity washed over me, catching me completely off guard. There was something about the way he carried himselfthose rosy cheeks peeking out from under his unruly dark hair, like a secret he wasnt ready to share. It tugged at something deep inside me. For a fleeting moment, Abigails bright, smiling face flashed through my mind, and I couldnt help but smile softly. He reminded me of herin a way that was entirely opposite, yet just as striking. The thought tugged at my heart, pulling at something deep and raw, and I had to take a steadying breath to keep my voice even. Owen, I said softly. Im here to help you. Can I sit with you for a bit? He didnt respond right away, but slowly, deliberately, he lifted his head. His dark eyes locked onto mine, piercing in their intensity. It wasnt just the look of a child sizing up an adult; it was something sharper, deeper, like he was trying to unravel me, to figure out who I really was. I held his gaze, unmoving, waiting. Seconds stretched into what felt like hours. Then, to my utter shock, his lips parted, and he spoke. Mommy? The single word was so soft I almost wondered if Id imagined it. But no, it was realand it hit me like a tidal wave. I couldnt move. I couldnt speak. My breath caught. In episode 36 of ReelTalk, titled "Love Bombing: The Reunion" by CrushReel, the cast of ReelShort's popular unscripted show reunites for a captivating journey. Singles and couples come together to reminisce about past drama, spill secrets, and relive the most memorable moments that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Exploring themes of love, betrayal, and unexpected connections, this ongoing romance series delves deep into the complexities of relationships. 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