Chapter 32. Suspicious

Elena's POV.

I was overjoyed to see Derek, grateful for the distraction from my reality. But then, a wave of disappointment washed over me as I realized I wasn't fully in touch with my wolf nature. It was baffling - one moment I was happy and carefree, the next, I was struggling to connect with my inner power.

Derek cleared his throat, snapping me back to reality. "What are you thinking about?" he asked, his eyes piercing through mine.

I shook my head, trying to brush it off. "Nothing serious," I lied, but he stared at me skeptically.

"Hmmm," he murmured, his gaze still fixed on me.

I looked away, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks. I poured myself another glass of water, taking a sip to calm my racing heart. When I turned back to him, he was still watching me, his eyes intense.

I felt a flutter in my chest, realizing I had never been this close to Derek for so long. The fact that he had asked me to call him