Chapter 5 She is a fighter, so she took all of it. She held her head high every day, acting as if I completely didn't matter, and she was unaffected by anything I did. That's the only reason I bothered to give the fake and clingy bitch visiting with her father, Alpha Wright, any attention at all. I was hoping to affect Chloe in some small way. Just one frown, one hurt expression, one tear in her eye, and I would have stopped and gladly turned my attention to her, but she wouldn't do any of those things. She remained bored and exasperated the entire evening, rolling her eyes and yawning through dinner, sitting next to me in that dress that I could tell that bastard Kevin wanted to just peel off her. My own father and Alpha Wright were eye-fucking her every time my mother or Luna Bernice weren't looking. I wanted her, but I needed her to want me first before I could do anything like show her the affection that Rome wanted me to. Rome had Chloe's wolf, Cortina, wrapped around his paw, but Chloe would never show any consideration or affection towards me. Did she want me to fucking chase her or something? Did she want me to beg at her small and adorable feet to give me the respect and attention that I deserve, and to stop treating me like a damn disease? I am her Alpha, her fucking mate. I shouldn't have to do shit to get her to like me. That isn't how this was supposed to work. The unfairness of everything made me act the way I did, but if she just showed any sign of liking me, opening up to me, anything, it all could have been different. This was no accident. I know her well enough to know these stairs could never defeat her. She could cartwheel down them if she wanted to, even in heels. She sure as shit wouldn't take the time to tell me she hated me if it was just an accident either. She would have called for help. No. Either she did this, or she was pushed, and I don't think a weak little slut like Odette could overtake my mate, and Chloe would have thrown down the stairs if she had tried. Chloe did this to hurt me. I know she did. "She didn't!" Rome said so venomously that I winced from the headache that came with his powerful Alpha's voice. "Cortina yelled for my help. I know she didn't." "She could have been yelling for help because her mate did this and she didn't agree with the choice," I argued. "Chloe loves her wolf. She respects her enough not to hurt her like that. Unlike your pathetic ass who only tried to piss off my mate's human every chance you got." Rome can say whatever he wants, but I don't trust or believe him. He's been fighting me more and more about Chloe lately. Even at dinner, he retreated out of my consciousness to his own space out of anger after giving me all sorts of empty threats like he always did when I was doing something he thought would make Chloe upset. He was pissed at me over Odette, so I had no way of trusting him about Chloe's wolf. We don't trust each other over much anymore. Maybe I should have listened to him. Just this once. Maybe if I did, I wouldn't be staring at the broken body of my mate as the doctor goes over the tests with my father over the damage the fall caused to her brain. "She is no longer in danger of death, but other than that, I have no way of telling how her wolf will heal her. It's all up to our future Luna now. I think if you talk to her, touch her and use your bond to keep her strong, she will wake up sooner rather than later. The mate bond is a powerful thing. The stronger it is, the stronger she will be." I winced at the doctor's words. We barely had a bond. If not for the evidence of one on our napes, I wouldn't even say we have that. She hates me. My words and my touch are probably the last thing she would want. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Still, I couldn't stop the urge to reach out and grip her hand. This is the first time I have ever touched her and she didn't look like she wanted to pull away. Her face remained restful and sleeping. When I would touch her before, even when she was asleep, she would furrow her brows into a dreaded expression, like she couldn't stand my touch even when she was unconscious. Now, her bruised face was peaceful, even if my insides weren't. "I'm so sorry, Cam," Odette had the gall to place her hand on my arm. "If you need any comfort at all, I mean, someone just to talk to, I'm here." "Sure you are," I heard her brother mutter under his breath. "Thanks," I managed to spit out without showing the disgust I was feeling inside. "And to think this would happen the night we were celebrating your anniversary," my mother dabbed at her dry eyes, pretending to wipe away tears. Anniversary? Shit. Today was one year. One year since our mating. One year since she had officially become my luna and my mate. I completely forgot. My mother made no mention of the purpose for tonight's dinner, and, of course, Chloe said nothing. Chloe had better wake up, because if she doesn't, I'm scared of what this monster inside could turn into. Title: Addicted to You Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, Billionaire, CEO, Modern, Romantic, Hidden Feelings, Mansion, Office, Meet Again Status: ongoing In "Addicted to You," a captivating romance unfolds between Audrey and Floyd. Despite Floyd's arranged marriage and family struggles, he continually comes to Audrey's rescue after their one-night stand that has left her secretly pining for him for eight years. As their paths intertwine in unexpected ways within the backdrop of a luxurious mansion and high-stakes office dynamics, hidden feelings resurface, igniting a tale of love, loyalty, and second chances. This modern romantic narrative by CrushReel delves deep into themes of forbidden love, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships in the world of billionaires and CEOs. What sets "Addicted to You" apart is its deft exploration of the characters' internal conflicts and the magnetic pull drawing them together despite external obstacles. Experience the emotional rollercoaster as Audrey and Floyd navigate their undeniable connection amidst societal expectations and personal dilemmas. Available to read online at CrushReel for those seeking a story that goes beyond conventional romance tropes with its rich character development and intricate plot twists.