[IRIS POV]
"No, that's not why―" Caius spluttered as he tried to explain, an ugly flush of embarrassment crawling up his neck, but I merely held up a hand to stop him before he said something he would regret.
"Caius, I don't expect anything from you. You're just helping me control my wolf so I wouldn't embarrass myself in front of Alpha Gareth or hurt any innocent pack members. I understand that, and I won't think that you somehow harbor feelings for me just because of this. Let's just keep to our original plan of staying out of each other's way," I said firmly. "Thanks for your help."
Part of my heart was slowly shattering with my own words, but I knew this was for the best. I shouldn't harbour any hopes, then I wouldn't be disappointed.
My wolf disagreed. She was howling, upset at this turn of events. I ignored her. She would see sense in time.
Caius was stricken, and he looked like he wanted to argue further, but I turned to Healer Felix, completely ignoring him.
