Page 40 of The Alpha's Forbidden Heir

She smiles as she hands me a bruised orange. "Really, I should've been watching where I was going. Are you okay?"

I blink at her, caught off guard by her genuine concern. "Uh, yeah. I'm fine."

"I'm Lila," she says, standing and holding out her hand. "Pack doctor. Well, sort of. I mostly deal with injuries after sparring sessions and the occasional rogue attack. But it sounds fancier when I say 'doctor.'"

I hesitate, then shake her hand. "Aria."

"I know," she says with a sheepish grin. "Everyone knows who you are. Sorry about... you know."

I raise an eyebrow. "The whispers? The stares? The general cold shoulder?"

Her grin falters, and she winces. "Yeah. That. They're idiots. Most of them don't know any better, and the rest are just stuck in their ways. You're Bane's mate, and that's all that should matter."

"Tell that to them," I say dryly, nodding toward a group of wolves who quickly look away when they realize I've caught them staring.

Lila sighs. "Ignore them. They're like dogs barking at a stranger—annoying but harmless."

I smirk despite myself. "You don't mince words, do you?"

"Not really," she admits with a shrug. "But if you ever need someone to vent to or a distraction, come find me. I'm usually in the infirmary patching up bruised egos."

"Thanks," I say.

As Lila walks me back to my quarters, we chat about life in the pack. She tells me funny stories about the younger wolves, like the time one of them accidentally shifted during a school play, scaring half the audience.

"Sounds like chaos," I say, chuckling.

"It is," she agrees. "But it's home."

When we reach the hallway leading to my room, I stop, turning to her. "Thanks, Lila. Really. It's nice to talk to someone who doesn't look at me like I'm a freak."

She waves me off. "You're not a freak, Aria. You're just new. And you're human, which is rare, but honestly, it's not the end of the world. People will get over it. Or I'll knock some sense into them."

I laugh, shaking my head. "I think I like you."

"Good," she says with a grin. "Because I don't have many friends either."

"Wait," I say impulsively as Lila turns to leave. "Do you need help with anything? I don't have much to do anyway, and it beats sitting here listening to my own thoughts."

Lila's eyes widen slightly in surprise before softening with gratitude. "Actually, yeah. If you don't mind the chaos, I was just about to head to the infirmary. Some of the warriors got a little too enthusiastic during sparring earlier. Could use an extra set of hands."

"Lead the way," I say, dropping the fruit basket in my room and following her.

The infirmary is bustling with activity when we arrive. A few wolves are lounging on beds, nursing minor injuries, while others are helping clean up. The scent of antiseptic mixed withthe earthy tang of wolves fills the air. Lila grabs a clipboard and hands me a pair of gloves.

"You're not squeamish, are you?" she asks, flashing me a teasing grin.

"Not unless there's blood involved," I deadpan.

She laughs. "Well, in that case, let's start you off easy. See that guy over there?" She nods toward a tall, grumpy-looking wolf sitting on a bed, holding an ice pack to his swollen cheek. "That's Derek. He's been whining about a split lip for the past hour. Think you can handle cleaning it up?"

I raise an eyebrow. "Whining? I thought wolves were supposed to be tough."

"You'd be surprised," she says with a wink. "Go on. I'll be right here if he gives you trouble."

I approach Derek cautiously, holding up the antiseptic wipes. "Mind if I take a look?"

He glances at me, his brow furrowing. "You're the human."

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