The man's deep voice resonated in the darkness, laced with a satisfied chuckle.

Pulled against his chest, Eleanor was enveloped in his crisp cedarwood body wash scent. Her heart rate kicked up a notch.

"Yeah," she replied softly.

He laughed, effortlessly sweeping her off her feet. The sudden weightlessness startled Eleanor, leaving her no choice but to cling tightly to his shoulders.

lan's arm strength was incredible, his steps steady as he carried her all the way to the master bedroom. A dim wall sconce was on, casting a soft, warm halo across the room. He laid her gently on the mattress.

Just as she tried to sit up, he leaned down and captured her lips.

The kiss was tender yet lingering, laced with his signature possessiveness. The unhurried, deliberate friction of his lips was absolutely intoxicating.

Eleanor's knees felt weak under the onslaught. Sinking deeper into the plush bedding, she could only passively surrender to his demands.

His kisses trailed down her neck, lingering at her collarbone. His warm breath brushed against her skin, sending tiny shivers racing down her spine.

"lan..." she pushed weakly at his chest.

He lifted his head, a dark, predatory amusement in his eyes. "Hmm?"

His voice was raspy, edged with teasing.

Then, he lowered his head and whispered something in her ear. Eleanor's face instantly burned scarlet. She slapped his chest lightly. "You—"

lan chuckled, his chest rumbling against hers as he pulled her even tighter into his embrace.

This time, lan refused to turn off all the lights, completely ignoring Eleanor's protests.

And the early winter night stretched on for a very long time.

Early the next morning.

It had rained all night, and the persistent drizzle showed no signs of stopping.

The gloomy weather only made the desire to stay in bed stronger. Eleanor was locked securely in lan's arms. His body radiated a comforting heat that made it impossible not to lean into him.

The sound of raindrops drumming lightly against the glass created the perfect excuse to sleep in.

The moment Eleanor shifted, the arm around her waist tightened. "Sleep a little longer."

Eleanor nuzzled against his chest, keeping her eyes closed, though she was fully awake now.

Recalling the events of last night, her cheeks flared with unnatural heat.

This man had claimed he needed her to 'check his post-op results,' but the examination had turned into an all-night marathon.

She couldn't even remember how the night had ended. All she recalled was lan wrapping her in a blanket, placing her on the sofa, changing the sheets himself, and then gently wiping her down before they finally went to sleep.

Now, her lower back ached, and her legs felt entirely devoid of strength.

Eleanor glanced out the window at the dreary gray sky. Despite the gloom, it was a beautiful morning.

A little while later, she drifted back to sleep. By the time she woke up again, it was already ten o'clock.

She was tucked snugly beneath the warm covers, and the sound of running water drifted from the bathroom.

Relishing the lingering warmth he had left behind, Eleanor looked down and noticed several distinct red marks blooming across her collarbone.

He wasn't a wolf. Why was he so obsessed with marking her?

The bathroom door clicked open, and lan stepped out, already dressed, his hair still dripping wet.

"You're awake," he said, amusement dancing in his eyes.

Eleanor gave a soft hum of acknowledgment. Ian brought over her clothes. "Need help getting dressed?"

Clutching the blanket to her chest, she sat up. "I can do it myself."

lan didn't budge. He offered a low chuckle. "I really don't mind helping."

"lan," Eleanor gritted her teeth.

Only then did he finally leave the room with a smirk.

Once Eleanor was dressed, she found that Joslyn had already prepared breakfast. Even though it was late, Eleanor planned to grab a quick bite before heading to the

lab.

lan brought her a cup of coffee. "Want some? I'll drop you off in a bit."

Eleanor took his cup and took a few sips. After they finished eating, they headed out together.

Behind them, Joslyn tidied up, a wide, knowing smile on her face.

At the lab, lan walked her right to her office before leaving, and Eleanor immediately dove into her work.

The following week was incredibly demanding for Eleanor. Ian managed to show restraint on some nights, but on others, he unapologetically indulged himself.

Evelyn's school organized a study abroad trip. Since parents weren't allowed, Evelyn would be living in Montclair for an entire month.

Coincidentally, Serena had a business trip to Montclair and offered to keep an eye on her niece.

Evelyn wouldn't be back until right before the holidays.

Meanwhile, Eleanor adjusted the treatment plan for Sophia in Kingston, tweaking several key parameters. She also requested the most advanced neural chip from Drexford to help awaken her Nervous system.

FindNovel.net

Kor

Her primary research was progressing at a breakneck pace. Half a month later, Xavier Vaughn brought his mother to her lab.

Mrs. Vaughn's condition had deteriorated drastically. She couldn't even recognize Eleanor anymore.

Seeing Mrs. Vaughn sitting on the sofa, looking at her with complete unfamiliarity, Eleanor felt a sharp pang in her chest.

She finally understood the sheer depth of Xavier's heartbreak. Eleanor had only met

the woman a few times, yet seeing her like this was absolutely gut-wrenching.

Mrs. Vaughn looked much frailer

than their last meeting. Her once radiant complexion was pale, her gaze hollow and lost. Her hands mindlessly twisted the hem of her shirt and she muttered incomprehensibly under her breath.

Xavier had lost weight too, but his calm, gentle demeanor remained intact. He crouched down and smiled warmly at his mother. "Mom, look who is this? Do you remember her?"