CHAPTER Twenty Seven Danger

　　Derek POV.

　　I gazed at my screen, my eyes fixed on the invitation Elena had sent me. A part of me longed to be there with her, to celebrate her special day and reconnect with my friend. But I knew it wasn't appropriate, not after everything that had happened. I let out a soft hiss, and Liam, my wolf, chuckled in response.

　　"You were the one who chose not to go to her birthday, so what's the big deal?" he asked, his tone teasing. I rolled my eyes, not in the mood for his banter.

　　"Liam, not now," I said, finally dropping my phone and trying to shake off the mixed emotions that had been building up inside me.

　　"What did you say?" Liam snarled in my head, his voice echoing through my mind.

　　"I said I can't go, and you know why," I replied, my mental voice firm.

　　"I don't know anything except that you're avoiding her," Liam growled, his tone accusatory.

　　"I'm not avoiding her," I protested. "She's my student, and I need to maintain a professional relationship."