Chapter 32
Chapter 32
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Layla frowned. “Why are you so completely different during your rut compared to usual?”
Shifters had strong swings during their ruts, but his case was like split personality.
Seeing she wasn’t pushing him away, he edged closer. His warm breath brushed her face.
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Noticing her ears redden slightly, he felt a spark of… something. “When I was little, I was kidnapped.”
He explained: “They wanted me for experiments. I escaped but was hurt. It affected my mind.”
After he came of age, during his ruts, Empress Leilani would have people watch him.
She tried to create space, but he gazed at her pitifully. “I’m so uncomfortable. Stay with me, please?”
“Will you be ready for tomorrow’s team match?” Layla asked.
“Of course! Though, some instructors might recognize me. I’ll wear a mask.” Atlas answered.
“Fine.” Layla replied.
“Star, don’t go tonight, please…” he murmured, cautiously leaning in. He tentatively touched the corner of her lips, then gradually grew bolder.
She suddenly covered his mouth with her hand. He looked at her pleadingly. His long lashes brushed her skin.
Remembering the agony of that Contraceptive Serum, she said flatly, “Stay for what? So I can take another dose? Do you know how much I suffered last time? It nearly killed me.”
“I didn’t make you take anything…” The white ears trembled. Tears of grievance shimmered in his cerulean blue eyes.
She had the hardest time resisting this. But then she remembered: this version had no memory of his usual self.
And she believed, in this state, he truly depended on her and wouldn’t want her to suffer. Her resolve wavered.
Tears glistening, he carefully drew nearer, a soft sound escaping him. “You can’t misunderstand me. I’d rather hurt myself than cause you the slightest pain!”
She closed her eyes.
‘Fine. One last time. She thought.
Kisses mingled with tear drops landed on cool skin. Cedar and cold rose intertwined.
*****
11:57 Wed, Jan 7
Chapter 32
Before dawn, Layla, in black training clothes, quietly returned to the dorm.
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Annie, hair disheveled, sat up, her cat-face full of reproach. “You traitor! Ditching your friends for your man.”
Picking up a change of clothes, Layla headed to the washroom without looking back. “It’s still dark. Sleep.”
Annie ruffled her messy hair. “Who can sleep knowing it’s the final exam? But seriously, are you just forgiving him like that? He caused you so much pain. Forgiving too easy means you’ll just get hurt again.”
Layla paused at the washroom door. “I’ve always wanted a divorce.” Perhaps only when he saw no more use in this marriage would he finally set her free.
Warm water streamed over her. Faint marks that had just faded were visible again. Her gaze darkened.
Hours later, at the base’s virtual training room, the team gathered. Layla introduced November to the others. “November, Command Division. The competition starts tomorrow. Voice any concerns now.”
Annie asked, “November, why the mask today?”
He glanced at Layla, smiling sheepishly. “Star bit my face. Broke the skin.”
Annie was speechless. ‘Seriously? Have mercy on us singles.’ She thought.
Layla couldn’t help it-she kicked him!
Standing nearby, arms crossed, Alex frowned. “Layla, I know you’re strong, but is this guy actually reliable?”
Wallace said “We were short a person. Having someone is good enough.”
Alex didn’t agree. He looked coldly at November. “The commander is the team’s core. If he doesn’t know anything, will you have to command everything, Layla?”
She knew Alex was stubborn, proud, and admired strength. If he looked down on someone, he wouldn’t follow orders.
She couldn’t reveal November’s true identity. Time was too short for them to gradually understand his capability.
She looked at November. “Fight Alex first. Actually, Wallace, you join too.”
Wallace, holding a snack, was confused. “Me and November fight Alex?”
“No. You and Alex, together, against November. Annie, you’re in too. Open a virtual map with terrain. You three try to capture him. If anyone catches him within fifteen minutes, he’s not qualified to command.”
Troopers loved a good fight. The three immediately entered training pods and logged in.
November looked around, whispering to Layla, “Star, why did you wake up and leave so early? Didn’t even
wake me.”
“Stop stalling. Get in the pod.” Layla urged.
11:58 Wed, Jan 7
Chapter 32
“Can I have a kiss first?” Atlas begged.
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11:58 Wed, Jan 7
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