And now she was back. Elara had returned, the one who truly belonged here. I had paid back what I owed.
The night felt oppressive, the heat radiating from my feverish body like a furnace. I lay on the bed, tangled in damp sheets, my skin clammy and slick. The rogue bite on my shoulder throbbed, the infection raging beneath my skin, causing my wolf instincts to flare with discomfort. It was as if my wolf was restless, sensing my pain and wanting to break free. In my desperation, I picked up my phone, dialing Kaidon's number without thinking. My heart raced with the hope that he would answer, his strong presence soothing my fears.
When his voice came through, it was sharp and impatient, cutting through the haze of my fever. "Luna, why do you keep calling? You’re an adult. Handle your own problems."
His words stung, twisting in my gut. I felt like I was drowning, my breath shallow and labored. "Kaidon… I don’t feel well. It’s… it’s bad." My voice cracked, a plea for help echoing in my mind.
Before I could say more, I heard a soft, mocking voice on the other end. “Luna, stop bothering him. He’s been with me all day. As his mate, you should understand he’s tired.”
Elara’s voice cut through my hope like a knife, leaving me cold and empty. The line went dead, and I felt the weight of despair crash over me. I was alone. I was forgotten. My wolf whined, feeling the loss of my mate's warmth and the betrayal of the woman who took my place.
With trembling hands, I called Gideon, my loyal protector and the pack’s butler. He arrived quickly, concern etched on his face when he saw me, drenched in sweat and shaking. "Luna, what happened?" he asked, his voice urgent, the alpha's instinct to protect kicking in.
“I called Kaidon,” I admitted, my voice barely a whisper. “I just wanted…”
Gideon’s eyes darkened, and he immediately reached for his phone, but I stopped him. "I don’t want him to come. I want to go to a different hospital."
Gideon hesitated, worry etched into his features. "But the nearest hospital is just fifteen minutes away. If we go further, I’m afraid you won’t make it."
I shook my head, my resolve firm despite the fever clouding my thoughts. "I don’t care. Just take me to the one I asked for."
"Okay, but you have to hold on." He stepped on the gas, the car speeding through the dimly lit streets, the roar of the engine echoing my own frantic heart.