The fluorescent lights of the hospital hallway buzzed faintly as Stacy clocked in for her shift.

  She was early.

  Partly because she wanted to avoid any awkward encounters. Mostly because she hadn't slept. Her dreams were filled with the rooftop… with Kalil’s eyes… his voice… the ache behind it.

  She shook it off.

  Focus, Stacy. This is your rotation. Be professional.

  She pulled her hair into a low bun and adjusted her badge. Her scrubs felt stiff, her heart heavier than usual. Even the air felt different today- charged.

  She passed the nurses’ station, forcing a smile when Nurse Ann gave her a knowing look.

  “Someone looks tired,” Ann teased, sipping coffee.

  “Long night,” Stacy replied, scanning the assignment board.

  Room 306. Neuro follow-up.

  Perfect. No Kalil.

  She turned to leave—and froze.

  There he was.

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  Striding down the hall like a storm in a lab coat, chart in hand, eyes scanning the corridor. His hair looked freshly wet, as if he’d showered right before coming in. A few dark strands clung to his forehead, and his jaw held that usual tension like he was constantly holding something back.

  Her heart did a stupid flip.

  Their eyes met.

  Just for a second.

  A flicker. A spark. Something unsaid.

  She quickly looked away and moved toward the patient rooms, pretending to read her clipboard.

  But he didn’t look away.

  Kalil watched her until she disappeared into the room.

  His hand clenched around the chart. The rational part of him told him to leave her alone, to respect the line she’d drawn.

  But his wolf?

  It already missed her scent.

  Inside Room 306

  Stacy smiled gently at the elderly patient and began her charting. But her focus was shot.

  She could still feel Kalil's gaze like a shadow.

  He hadn't said a word. Hadn’t called her out. But that look? It rattled something in her chest.

  She couldn’t deny it anymore—something had shifted between them. And pretending it hadn’t was exhausting.

  But still… she had to be strong.

  She couldn’t fall for someone who ran hot and cold, who looked at her like she was his world but held her at arm's length.

  Even if that someone made her feel things Matthew never could.

  Break Room – Midday

  Stacy leaned against the counter, sipping tea and staring at her phone. No messages. No missed calls.

  Matthew was gone. And oddly, she felt more clear headed than broken.

  “Do you always forget to eat during shifts?”

  She jumped.

  Kalil stood in the doorway, arms folded, leaning against the frame. Not smug. Not teasing.

  Just… calm. And tired. Like he hadn’t slept either.

  She set her cup down, back stiff. “I’m not in the mood for your games today.”

  “No games.”

  He stepped inside slowly, gaze locked on hers.

  “You’ve been avoiding me.”

  Stacy looked down. “I’ve been working.”

  “So you’re avoiding me while working.”

  She huffed a breath, frustrated. “What do you want from me, Kalil?”

  There it was...the question that hung between them.

  He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he stepped closer, his voice lower now. “I want to know if I’m the only one who can’t stop thinking about that night.”

  Stacy’s breath caught.

  He watched her carefully.

  “I haven’t stopped dreaming of you,” he added, barely above a whisper.

  Something flickered in her eyes. Longing. Fear. Confusion.

  “Don’t,” she said softly. “Don’t start something you’re going to walk away from again.”

  Kalil swallowed hard. “I’m not walking away.”

  Not this time.

  But whether that was a promise… or a threat… even he didn’t know yet.