Chapter 321
(Victoria’s POV)
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Alpha King Ethan Stone stood frozen by Emma’s hospital bed, his powerful frame rigid with tension. I could see the conflict raging within him–his amber eyes darkened as his wolf paced anxiously beneath his skin.
The revelation that James Knight would be Emma’s kidney donor had clearly shaken him to his core.
I watched him carefully from my wheelchair, my bruised face throbbing with each heartbeat. Was he truly hesitating because of Olivia? The thought made my wolf bristle with Jealousy.
“Ethan?” I prompted softly, wheeling closer to him.
He didn’t respond, his gaze fixed on Emma’s sleeping form. The silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken thoughts.
Emma stirred, her blue eyes fluttering open. She immediately sensed the tension radiating from her beloved father figure.
“Daddy, what’s wrong?” she asked, her young voice laced with concern. “Emma can be saved, aren’t you happy?“.
Her wolf pup instincts were already developing, seeking to comfort the Alpha even at her tender age. It was remarkable how naturally she responded to pack dynamics.
Ethan’s expression softened instantly. He forced a gentle smile, reaching out to stroke her blonde hair.
“Of course I’m happy, princess,” he assured her, his deep voice warm with affection. “This is wonderful news.”
Emma beamed up at him, but her smile quickly faded as exhaustion overtook her again. “Will you stay until I fall asleep?”
“I promise,” Ethan whispered, taking her small hand in his.
As Emma drifted off, I watched Ethan’s face transform. The mask of reassurance slipped away, replaced by raw grief. His wolf whined softly beneath his skin, and I knew he was thinking of Lily–the daughter he had failed.
Only after Emma’s breathing deepened with sleep did Ethan carefully extract his hand from hers. Without a word to me, he strode from the room toward the Stone Residence Balcony
I followed him, maneuvering my wheelchair through the doorway. The night air was cool against my skin as I found him lighting one of his Midnight Cigarettes, the blue–tinged smoke curling upward into the darkness.
“You’re hesitating because the donor is Olivia’s friend, right?” I asked directly, my wolf calculating beneath my skin. Ethan didn’t answer, but his silence confirmed my suspicions. The cigarette glowed brighter as he took a long drag.
“If you’re so worried, you can ask the Northern Territory Donor Registry not to tell Olivia,” I suggested, keeping my voice reasonable and calm. “When Emma is better, we’ll thank the donor anonymously. I won’t hold past grudges against her anymore.”
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I watched his shoulders relax slightly, the tension easing from his powerful frame. My heart surged with secret triumph.
James Knight’s kidney would be mine to claim. I would use this sacrifice as the ultimate weapon against Olivia, revealing the
truth when it would cause maximum pain. My wolf practically purred with anticipation.
(Olivia’s POV)
“Are you sure you have to leave so soon?” I asked Lucas as we stood in the departure lounge of the Northern Territory Airport
Lucas Blackwood nodded, his gray eyes apologetic. “Patriarch Winston’s condition has worsened. I need to return to Blackwood
Estate immediately.”
I understood family obligations better than most. Lucas had already done more than enough, rushing back from his territory to support me and my ailing mother.
“Thank you for everything,” I said softly.
Before boarding, Lucas pulled me into an embrace. His powerful wolf enveloped mine in a protective gesture that felt surprisingly comforting
“Can you give me an answer when I return next week?” he asked gently, his voice low enough that only I could hear.
I knew what he was asking. The attraction between us had been building for weeks, but my heart was still healing from Ethan’s betrayal
Lucas didn’t press further. His gray eyes were warm with understanding as he released me, giving me space to consider his feelings.
“Safe travels,” I whispered as he turned to board.
After watching his plane depart, I drove to pick up James. Together, we headed to the Donor Registry Headquarters.
The sterile building was quiet as we were led to a private room where the Registry Staff waited with paperwork–the Broken Pact of Sacrifice.
“Mr. Knight, I need to emphasize the seriousness of this commitment,” the staff member explained. “While werewolves heal faster than humans, donating a kidney is still a significant sacrifice that will temporarily weaken your wolf.”
James nodded, his hazel eyes determined. “I understand the risks.”
Before signing, he hesitated. “Is it possible to know the recipient’s name? I’d just like some connection to the person my kidney will save.
The staff member shook her head. “I’m sorry, but pack privacy policies prevent us from disclosing that information unless both parties consent after the surgery.”
