Chapter 11
Aragon.
The hospital’s sterile walls seemed to close in around me as I paced the hallway, the fluorescent lights thickering slightly. Marcel cat on one of the uncomfortable chairs, his hand on his chin, looking deep in thought. His calm demeanor was a stark contrast to my frantic state.
“Sit down, Alpha.” Marcel urged gently, his voice a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. “Let the doctors do their job.”
Reluctantly. I sank into the chair beside him, but my legs kept bouncing, an outlet for the tension building inside me. I glanced at Marcel, who gave me a sympathetic look before returning to his brooding
The image of Sapphire crumbling to the floor flashed in my mind, her eyes wide with shock and pain, I had yelled at Millicent to leave, my voice raw with panic and anger. The sight of Sapphire in such a vulnerable state had struck a chord deep within me, one I couldn’t ignore despite my best efforts.
My wolf stirred within me, growling softly before retreating into the silent treatment it had adopted since I rejected Sapphire. The bond we once shared felt like a frayed thread, barely holding us together. I didn’t blame my wolf for being upset. After all, rejecting a mate was a betrayal of our
very nature.
Marcel cleared his throat, breaking the heavy silence. “You think Millicent had something to do with this?” he asked, his tone careful
I clenched my fists, the accusation hanging in the air. “I don’t know,” I muttered, frustration lacing my words. “I can’t think straight: Sapphire…she had no reason to lie about what happened.”
Marcel nodded slowly, his eyes faced on a spot on the floor. “True. But we need to be sure before jumping to conclusion.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. The thought of Millicent orchestrating something like this made my blood boil, but I couldn’t let my emotions cloud my judgment. Yet, the idea of Sapphire being in danger, possibly because of her, was unbearable.
“She’s stronger than she looks, Marcel continued, as if reading my mind. “But even the strongest can be vulnerable.”
“I know,” I whispered, my voice thick with guilt. “I just.. I can’t stand the thought of her being hurt. And if Millicent had anything to do with it..”
“Hey,” Marcel interrupted, his voice firm. “Don’t go there yet. Focus on Sapphire. She needs you now.”
He was right, of course. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. But the guilt gnawed at me. If I hadn’t rejected her, would things have been different? My wolf growled again, echoing my turmoil.
“Do you regret it?” Marcel asked softly, his eyes probing.
I didn’t need to ask what he meant. The rejection was a constant thom in my side, a decision that seemed to haunt me at every turn. I looked away, unable to meet his gaze. “Every day,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
I wasn’t lying. The first time I saw her in that ballroom, I thought she was the most beautiful woman ever and I was ready to leave everything behind. All that changed when leared she was the daughter of the same man I wanted to kill
That turned me off but right now, I regret it.
Marcel sighed, leaning back in his chair. “Then maybe it’s time to make things night.”
The sound of footsteps approaching pulled me out of my thoughts. I looked up to see a doctor walking towards us, a serious expression on his face. My heart leaped into my throat, fear and hope warring within me
When he stopped in front of me. I couldn’t bring myself to speak, my throat night with fear
“Has she been getting enough rest?” he asked, his voice gemle but heed with an undemone of reproach
I shrugged, unable to meet his gaze “1. I don’t know,” I admitted. “She hasn’t been with me for long.”
The doctor sighed heavily, rubbing his temples as if trying to ward off an impending headache. “She’s heavily malnourished” he said, his tone now tinged with frustration. “And she has severe cuts under her feet, which are hard to heal because her wolf is weak from the rejection.”
His words hit me like a punch to the gut. The image of Sapphire, frail and suffering, flashed in my mind, and gush surged through me. The rejection had been a decision I made in hasse, a choice 1 now regretted deeply. My wolfhad been silent since then, a constant reminder of the band I had shattered
The doctor glared at me, his eyes burning with a mixture of anger and pity. “If you’re not capable of taking care of her, you should let her go,” he said, his voice cold. “She’s at risk of dying if this continues. You need to leave her here for observation and to heal her wounds, however long it
He turned to leave, but I quickly stepped forward, stopping him. “Wait,” I said. “She’s been fed since she got here. I don’t understand why she’s
malnourished.”
The doctor paused, looking at me with a flicker of sympathy. “She was already malnourished before she arrived,” he explained. “The rejection weakened her, and it’s taking a toll on her body and her wolf”
I felt a wave of relief wash over me, mixed with a deep sadness. While the malnourishment wasn’t my fault, the guilt of rejecting her and the consequences of that decision weighed heavily on me. I had to do something to make it right, to help her heal.
“Please,” I said, my voice softening. “What can I do to help her!”
The doctor sighed again, his expression softening slightly. “For now, she needs rest and proper nutrition,” he said. “And she needs to be away from
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Chapter 11
stress. The rejections. it’s a severe trauma for both of you, but especially for her. Her wolf’s connection to you is a vital part of her well–being.”
I nodded, absorbing his words. Til do whatever it takes,” I promised. “Just tell me what she needs.”
The doctor looked at me for a long moment before nodding. “Alright,” he said. “But know this: healing won’t be quick or easy. It will take time, and you need to be patient and supportive.”
“I understand,” I replied, though I wasnt sure I fully did. But I knew I had to try, for her sake. “Can I see her!”
The doctor gave me a brief nod before turning and walking away, leaving me alone in the hallway. I leaned against the wall. The reality of the situation was harsh, and I felt the weight of my actions bearing down on me. I didn’t act like an Alpha and I could see that glaring at me.
I walked back to the room where Sapphire was resting. As I entered, Isaw her lying on the bed, looking fragile and pale. Her eyes flustered open and she screamed.
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