Chapter 7

Natasha's POV

Pain ebbed and flowed like the tide. I felt myself lying on a soft surface, struggling to open my heavy eyelids.

The room was dim, with only a floor lamp casting a gentle glow. I tried to prop myself up but felt a wave of dizziness wash over me.

"Don't move." A deep male voice came from beside me. "You've hurt your head quite badly."

The voice was too familiar. I blinked, and my vision finally cleared. Alexander Morgan was sitting by my bedside, holding a damp cloth, gently wiping my forehead.

"Where am I...?" My voice was hoarse, my throat feeling as if it had been burned.

"You're back at Morgan Manor," he said calmly.

Memories came flooding back like a tide. I was on the subway, saw werewolves bullying humans, and then... I suddenly tried to sit up, resulting in another wave of pain.

"Why did you bring me back here?" I asked through gritted teeth, struggling to control the trembling in my voice.

Alexander put down the cloth, his gray-blue eyes looking directly at me. "Why did you leave?"

His question left me momentarily speechless. I hadn't expected him to counter-question me, but wasn't the reason I left obvious? I could no longer serve a high-and-mighty werewolf family like the Morgans.

"You've already signed a contract," Alexander said coldly. "It was very impolite of you to run away like that. I could consider it a breach of contract, and breach of contract requires compensation. Can you afford it?"

I gave a cold laugh and retorted loudly: "Since none of you trust me, why not just fire me?"

Alexander's eyes narrowed. "Sofia likes you."

A short sentence, said casually, like a lock firmly securing me in this golden cage. I didn't want to admit it, but I had indeed developed feelings for that little girl. Sofia's clear eyes and sincere smile made it impossible for me to leave easily.

Just then, there was a gentle knock at the door, followed by Grace entering with a first aid kit.

"Sir, the medical kit you requested." Her gaze lingered on me for a moment before quickly looking away.

"Thank you, Grace," Alexander said softly as he took the kit.

Grace nodded and silently withdrew. Alexander opened the medical kit, taking out antiseptic and bandages. He pulled out a small pair of scissors, and I instinctively shrank back.

He noticed my reaction, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly. "What are you afraid of? Weren't you bravely rallying everyone against werewolves?"

My face burned instantly, both from embarrassment and anger. "Thank you for having your people bring me back and saving me," I managed to say, knowing it was the truth, no matter how reluctant I was to admit it.

"Then come closer to me so I can bandage your head wound." His tone brooked no refusal.

I hesitated for a moment but carefully moved closer to him. When his fingers touched my scalp, I couldn't help but draw in a sharp breath.

"Sorry," his tone was unexpectedly gentle. "It will hurt a bit."

His movements were gentle and professional, in stark contrast to his usual attitude when speaking to me. I didn't understand why someone who clearly disliked me would take such careful care of me. I was confused, and my body also relaxed a little.

"But you should know," I summoned the courage to say, "I have no intention of continuing to work for you."

"I figured you'd say that." His voice was calm, and his hands didn't stop. "I think I could easily find someone else to fill your position. Honestly, I'm more inclined to do so now, but it seems Sofia is quite fond of you."

"Sofia knows about us... she probably doesn't want to see me again." My tone was unintentionally downcast.

Alexander finished the bandaging and stepped back, examining my forehead. "She's complicated, just like her mother."

This was the first time I'd heard him mention Sofia's mother. Just as I was about to inquire further, there was another knock at the door.

"Come in," Alexander said.

The door opened, and Sofia stood in the doorway, hesitating to enter. Her eyes were red, as if she had been crying.

"Come in, Sofia. Tell Moana what you want to say." Alexander said softly.

Sofia bit her lower lip and slowly walked into the room.

"Go ahead, Sofia, it's okay," I coaxed her in a gentle tone.

"I'm sorry I shouted at you," Sofia's voice was barely audible, her eyes fixed on the floor.

My heart softened immediately. "It's okay, I understand."

She finally looked up, seeing the bandage on my head, her pupils dilating slightly. "What happened?"

"I'm fine. Just hit my head," I said dismissively, not wanting to worry her.

Sofia's eyes darted between Alexander and me, seemingly contemplating something. "I want to hear your explanation," she finally said. "Did you know my dad before? Is that why you wanted to take care of me, why you were so nice to me?"

This is what she was most worried about.

I suddenly understood the source of her anxiety. She was afraid that I liked her only to get close to Alexander, just like those who sought to attach themselves to the powerful.

"I... I did know your father before," I said honestly. "But I didn't know he was your father, and I didn't know my employer was him." I paused, observing her reaction. "If you don't want me to take care of you because of this, I can leave right now."

After saying this, I stood up despite the headache and slowly walked toward the door. Just as I opened it, I heard hurried footsteps behind me, followed by a pair of small hands tightly hugging my waist.

"No, I don't want you to leave," Sofia's voice was choked with tears.

I turned around and crouched down, looking her in the eyes. "But I did have interactions with your father before, wouldn't you dislike that?"

Sofia shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "I believe you. Your kindness to me is genuine; I can feel it."

A warmth spread through my heart. In this cold werewolf society, having a werewolf child genuinely believe in me felt more precious than I had imagined.

"Alright, I'll stay," I said softly. "But on the condition that you promise to talk to me the next time you're angry. Okay?"

"I promise," Sofia smiled through her tears, then added in a low voice, "I like you. I want you to become part of my family."

These words fell like a warm stone, heavy in my heart. Family. This word held special weight for someone like me who grew up in an orphanage. I didn't know how to respond and could only give her a gentle hug.

After Sofia left, only Alexander and I remained in the room. A silence fell.

"So, it's settled? You'll stay?" Alexander finally broke the silence. His tone was flat, but I could sense the expectation hidden within it.

"Yes, I'll stay," I said firmly.