My hands gripped the wheel tightly, possibilities flashing through my mind.
Did she really have someone else? Was there a man waiting for her? Could it be...
These thoughts spread like poison through my brain, making my wolf shake its head restlessly. The accumulated violent emotion needed an outlet. I kept pressing the accelerator harder, my heart pounding with the acceleration.
It hurt. But the pain kept me sharp.
Minutes later, her car stopped at a hospital entrance.
A hospital? Why a hospital?
I slowed down, watching her rush out and practically run inside. I parked further away, waited a few seconds, then followed.
The hospital reeked of disinfectant mixed with sickness and anxiety. I saw Layla urgently asking something at the front desk. The nurse pointed toward the elevator.
She rushed in. I watched the display—third floor.
I didn't follow into the same elevator. I took the stairs instead, taking them two at a time, my heartbeat matching my footsteps.
The third-floor hallway was quiet except for low voices from a distant nurses' station.
I spotted Layla standing outside a patient room door, about to push it open.
I lightened my steps, hiding around the corner—close enough to hear but not be seen.
The door opened, then closed. I waited a few seconds, crept closer, and stopped outside.
"...How is he?" Layla's voice came through, thick with suppressed tears.
"The fever broke." Another female voice answered, probably a nurse or doctor. "Just gave him a shot. He's sleeping now. Miss Ross, don't worry too much. He will be fine."
Child?
My heart clenched violently. I leaned against the wall, forcing myself to stay calm, keep listening.
"But he just collapsed..." Layla's voice trembled. "The nanny said he was convulsing. I-I was so scared."
"We'll know more when the test results come back," the doctor soothed. "Don't worry, he's not in any danger now. Just wait for him to wake up."
"Thank you." Layla sounded exhausted.
Footsteps. The doctor was coming out.
I quickly retreated around the corner, watching a middle-aged female doctor in a white coat exit, shaking her head as she left.
Then I heard muffled crying from inside the room.
Layla was crying.
A powerful wave of helplessness and heartache crashed over me, along with thoughts I couldn't control.
There was a child inside. An unconscious child. Why did he make Layla cry? Was he her...?
My hands clenched into fists at my sides, neatly trimmed nails digging deep into my palms, but I felt no pain. Layla might have a child. The child's father... was she married? Had a husband? She'd said she'd love me forever...
"Evan." I quickly dialed. My eyes were heating up. I could imagine them flickering gold with this deep rage.
"Alpha?" The call connected quickly.
