His new stepsister His biggest threat (Claire and Elijah) novel Chapter 156

**TITLE: Betrayal Births by Joseph King**

**Chapter 156**

**Claire’s POV**

Perched on the weathered wooden bench, I cradled the cup of ice cream that Elijah had gone off to procure. The park around me was imbued with a serene atmosphere, the sun lazily descending towards the horizon, casting a breathtaking tapestry of pinks and golds across the clouds. In theory, this should have been an idyllic moment, the kind that filled one’s heart with lightness and joy. Yet, an unsettling sensation gnawed at me, making my chest feel heavy instead.

A whisper in the recesses of my mind hinted at a pair of eyes watching me, a feeling that sent my instincts into overdrive. My wolf stirred within, restless and alert, as if sensing an unseen threat. I scanned the park, my gaze darting from one passerby to another in search of Elijah, but he was nowhere to be found.

“Where is he?” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper, as I scrutinized the sparse crowd meandering along the winding paths.

A couple ambled by, their dog tugging eagerly at its leash, while a man jogged past, earbuds firmly in place, oblivious to the world around him. Children chased each other through the grass, their laughter ringing out like music. Everything appeared normal, yet the prickling sensation at the nape of my neck refused to dissipate.

Restlessly, I shifted on the bench, feeling my pulse quicken as my wolf paced anxiously within me, trying to identify the source of my unease. Shadows loomed larger, and every moving figure felt like a potential threat, heightening my sense of vulnerability.

Suddenly, a familiar presence materialized before me, and I froze, my stomach plummeting as if I had been struck.

“Dr. Adrian.”

He settled onto the bench opposite me, his demeanor casual, yet it only served to amplify the frantic beating of my heart. My fingers tightened around the ice cream cup, and I fought the urge to scream, to disrupt the tranquility of the park with my sudden surge of panic.

“I am perfectly fine,” I said, forcing a tight smile that felt more like a grimace. “My appointment is not until tomorrow. You should leave me alone. Now.”

For a fleeting moment, I caught a flicker of emotion in his eyes—perhaps surprise, maybe even a hint of hurt. He didn’t appear angry; rather, he looked… disappointed.

“I wanted to inform you,” he said softly, his voice carrying a weight that made my heart twist, “that my office will not be open tomorrow. You may need to come on Thursday instead.”

Caught off guard by the pitiful tone of his words, I blinked, my heart aching at the sight of him. He looked as if I had unjustly reprimanded a small child.

“Oh,” I stammered, my voice softening. “I… I didn’t mean to snap at you. I’m sorry.”

He offered a small nod, a gesture that conveyed both understanding and the painful realization that my apology wouldn’t fully mend the moment. “It’s not a problem.”

I exhaled a small breath, feeling the tension within me loosen just a bit. Then, he leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, regarding me with an inquisitive gaze. “May I ask why you are here?”

I hesitated, weighing my words carefully before responding with honesty. “I am with Elijah. We just went to get some ice cream.”

Just then, Elijah emerged, striding purposefully down the path, his expression sharp and intense. His eyes darkened with a protective anger that sent a shiver down my spine.

“You totally are,” I replied, grinning widely. “You wouldn’t have looked at him like that if it weren’t bothering you.”

He rolled his eyes slightly, but the corner of his lips betrayed him, twitching upward. I smiled to myself, feeling the tension dissolve into the simple pleasure of ice cream and playful banter.

We savored our ice cream slowly, engaging in light conversation about trivial matters—the park, the people passing by, the fleeting moments that made up our day. The earlier tension faded, replaced by a warm, steady feeling that reminded me just how safe I felt with Elijah by my side.

Eventually, we made our way home, the sun nearly vanishing behind the horizon, leaving the sky adorned in muted hues. I walked closely beside Elijah, the warmth radiating from our bodies providing comfort against the encroaching coolness of the evening air.

Upon entering the house, I found Mom in the kitchen, her smile as radiant as ever. “You two are back,” she greeted warmly. “I hope you had a good walk.”

“It was perfect,” I replied, my grin widening. “Thank you for letting us go.”

Mom chuckled lightly. “You two are impossible, but I’m glad. Now, wash up and eat. Dinner is almost ready.”

We hurriedly cleaned up and settled at the table. The aroma of Mom’s cooking enveloped us, filling the kitchen with warmth and easing the edges of my earlier anxiety. We chatted about our day, sharing small anecdotes from school and recounting our earlier escapades. Nothing overly significant, but enough to create a sense of normalcy.

After dinner, I excused myself and retreated to my room, still basking in the lingering happiness from the evening and the sweetness of the time spent with Elijah. I changed into my most comfortable clothes, crawled into bed, and allowed myself to reflect on how much I cherished this calm. I let my body relax completely, my wolf settling quietly within me as I drifted off into slumber.

But sleep, it seemed, would not last long.