Chapter 207
Skye’s POV
The doctor nodded and stepped aside, gesturing for me to enter the emergency room.
I pushed open the door, my heart hammering against my ribs. The antiseptic smell hit me first–sharp and clinical, fighting to mask the underlying scent of blood. Adrian lay on the bed, his skin ashen against the stark white sheets. A ventilator connected to him, and a bandage covered the area near his heart where the dagger had pierced.
My legs nearly gave out beneath me. Seeing him like this made me realize how close I’d come to losing him. Tears welled in my eyes, blurring my vision as I approached his bedside..
I sat in the chair beside him, taking his limp hand in mine. His skin felt cooler than usual but still radiated that familiar warmth that always comforted me. I pressed his palm against my cheek, letting my tears fall onto his fingers.
Adrian. Please come back to me.
I didn’t know how long I sat there, holding his hand. Time seemed to stretch and compress all at once.
Eventually, the door opened behind me, and Lydia and Alpha Xavier entered the room.
Lydia came to my side, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Alpha Adrian has already passed the critical period,” she said softly. “You should get some rest. It’s almost three in the morning now.”
I shook my head without looking away from Adrian’s face. “I want to be here when he wakes up.”
Turning to Alpha Xavier, I added, “Alpha Xavier, would you mind taking Lydia back to the hotel? Thank you for everything.”
Before Xavier could respond, Lydia wrapped her arm around my shoulders. “I’m staying with you and Alpha Adrian,” she insisted. “Don’t forget, we’re family.”
Fresh tears spilled down my cheeks, gratitude warming my chest despite the fear that still gripped me.
Alpha Xavier nodded. “I’ll head back to the hotel then. Take care of yourselves, Tomorrow morning, I’ll have someone bring breakfast for you. If you need anything, contact me anytime.”
He turned to Lydia. “Can I borrow your phone for a moment?”
Lydia handed him her phone. Xavier pressed a few buttons before returning it. “I’ve saved my number in your contacts.”
After Xavier left, I turned to Lydia. “There’s a small bed in the adjoining room. You should rest. I’ll call you if anything changes.”
Lydia nodded reluctantly. “Adrian wouldn’t want to wake up to see you looking exhausted,” she reminded me gently.
Once everyone had gone, I carefully climbed onto the narrow hospital bed beside Adrian. Laying my head on his shoulder, I closed my eyes, letting the steady/rhythm of his heartbeat lull me into an uneasy sleep.
Chapter 207
The next morning, I woke to the sensation of someone watching me. Opening my eyes, I found Adrian looking deve his eyes warm.
“You’re awake!” I gasped, pushing myself up from the bed. “When did you wake up? Why didn’t you wake me?”.
“With those dark circles under your eyes, I couldn’t bring myself to disturb you.
My voice broke as relief flooded through me. I cupped his face in my hands, reassuring myself he was truly alive. “I was so scared. There was so much blood, and you wouldn’t heal, and I thought I stopped, unable to voice my worst fear.
Adrian captured one of my hands, bringing it to his lips. “I’m okay, Skye. Really.”
The door opened, and Lydia entered carrying a tray laden with food. The smell of coffee and freshly baked pastries filled
the room.
“Alpha Xavier also sent over toothbrushes and toothpaste,” she announced, setting the tray on the bedside table. And clean clothes for both of you.”
“I didn’t expect him to be so thoughtful,” I admitted, accepting the coffee she offered me.
I turned to Adrian. “Alpha Xavier donated blood to save you. The doctor said you needed a transfusion from another Alpha to help your healing accelerate.”
Adrian’s brow furrowed slightly at this information.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, noticing his reaction. “Is something not right?”
“No, it’s nothing,” Adrian replied, though his expression remained troubled for a moment before clearing.
A commotion in the hallway interrupted us. The door burst open, and Ryder practically tumbled into the room, his eyes wild, hair disheveled as if he’d run all the way to the hospital.
“Alpha! Skye! Are you okay? I just heard what happened!” His words came out in a rush as his gaze darted between us, assessing for injuries.
“Ryder,” Adrian cut in, his voice firm but gentle. “Take a breath. As you can see, we’re both fine.”
Ryder’s shoulders slumped in relief. “Thank the Moon Goddess.” He approached Adrian’s bed cautiously.
“Victor has been taken into custody,” Ryder reported. “He’ll serve fifteen years for the attempted murder charges.”
“And his mother?” I asked.
“Luna Lillian arranged for the best doctors from Stormhowl pack to examine her, but there’s been no improvement. She shows no signs of regaining consciousness.”
Adrian nodded solemnly. “What about Beck and the others?”
“I had them stay at our hotel for now, Ryder replied. “I don’t feel comfortable letting them go to our pack just yet.
“You’ve handled everything exceptionally well,” Adrian said, pride evident in his voice. “You’re ready to take on more responsibility, Ryder.”
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Chapter 207
Ryder beamed at the praise, standing a little taller. “Thank you, Alpha.”
I’ll get you another new pair of shoes for this,” I added with smile, remembering how he had lost his shoes in the maze and hadn’t found them yet.
Ryder’s expression brightened further at my offer, but then his face fell suddenly, shadows darkening his eyes.
“We still failed this time, didn’t we?”
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