George's Point of View
I mustered what little strength I had left and pushed myself out of the car. Every movement was a battle, but I forced myself to shift into my werewolf form. The transformation was excruciating, yet somehow, I managed to do it.
Ignoring the searing pain coursing through my body, I staggered toward the nearest infirmary. As soon as I crossed its doorway, my strength gave out. I shifted back into my human form just before collapsing into the ground.
…
When my eyes fluttered open, the sterile light of the infirmary greeted me. A healer rushed to my side, her face etched with urgency.
"George, you're awake. Will any of your family members be coming to see you?" She asked.
I shook my head weakly. "The Alpha's too busy, and he's out of town. Why do you ask?"
Her expression darkened. "You need to take the Black Stone medicine—a powerful remedy—before we can proceed with your knee surgery. But the surgery has to be performed within the next twenty-four hours, or…" She hesitated before delivering the blow. "Or you'll never be able to walk again."
"Then let me take the Black Stone medicine now. Why do you need my family members to be here?" I suggested.
The healer shook her head. "George, you know the rules. No one can take that medicine unless a family member or spouse has signed the infirmary agreement. It's too powerful to administer without consent."
I nodded, resigned but understanding.
Scarlet was the nearest wolf I could think of who might help. I had no choice but to reach out to her through a mind-link.
"Scarlet, it's urgent. I need you at the infirmary to sign something."
Minutes passed with no response. I tried again.
"Scarlet, please. I'm running out of time."
Still nothing.
Frustration clawed at me.
Remembering I had my phone with me, I tried calling her. The line rang, but there was no answer. I switched to texting.
George: [I'm at the infirmary. I need you to come sign something.]
George: [Please, Scarlet, I need you more than ever right now.]
All of that—ignored.
An hour ticked by.
The same healer approached me again, her expression grim. "George, we need a family member here now. We're running out of time."
I clenched my jaw. "They won't come," I said, my voice tight. "Can't a friend sign the agreement instead? I have no other choice."
The healer hesitated but eventually nodded. "It's against protocol, but given the circumstances, we'll allow it. Who can you call?"
Relief washed over me. "Healer Derek." I said, and Derek arrived quickly to sign the infirmary agreement.
Without wasting another moment, the healers prepared the Black Stone medicine for me to take. After that, they administered the sleeping anesthesia, and the world around me faded to black.
When I woke up hours later, the surgery was over. The healers informed me it had been a success, but they insisted I remain in the infirmary for at least a week to recover.
Two days passed. It was only then that Scarlet decided to show up.
"George! Why didn't you tell me about the accident? I'm still your wife—your mate! I deserve to know everything that happens to you, especially something like this!" Scarlet's voice rose as if she cared deeply.
"I tried, Scarlet," I replied evenly. "I mind-linked, called, and texted you—repeatedly. You ignored every single one."
Her expression shifted as she quickly checked her phone.
"Oh… Damn." Her voice softened as realization dawned. "How did I miss all of this?"
I allowed a small smirk to curl my lips. "It's fine. Besides, I wouldn't want to waste your precious time. I know you've got more important things to do… like spending time with Beta Kirk."
The mention of Kirk struck a nerve. Her eyes widened, guilt flickering. She opened her mouth to speak, then hesitated, clearing her throat.
"Fine," She said, steadying herself. "I'm sorry, George. You're right. I messed up. But I'll make it up to you. I'm staying here until you're discharged. I'll take care of you and make sure you have everything you need. That's a promise, and I won't take no for an answer."
"I'm not forcing you to do it, Scarlet. I'll be fine here on my own," I said. But Scarlet insisted, so I just let her stay.
However, after only two hours, I overheard her talking to someone on the phone. From the tone of her voice and the bits I caught, it was easy to assume it was Kirk.
"George… I really want to stay here, but something came up at the law firm and—"
I cut her off, unwilling to listen to more lies and excuses.
"I told you, it's fine," I said flatly. "Go ahead and do whatever you need to do. I already expected this to happen, anyway."
Her lips pressed into a thin line. "Come on, George. You know it's work. Just text me when you're ready to leave, and I'll come pick you up. That's a promise," She said, her tone softening as if to repair the damage.
I met her gaze, unflinching. "Yeah, sure. That would be nice. But don't bother pretending you care—I know you don't."
Her brows furrowed.
"What? Beta Kirk's the only wolf who matters to you, isn't he? Am I wrong?" I snapped, my voice rising despite my best efforts to stay calm. "You'd be there anytime, anywhere he needs you. Why is that, Scarlet? Why do you glorify him so much that you've forgotten to care about or even respect your own husband—"
Her hand connected with my face before I could finish. The sting of the slap echoed as she stormed out of the infirmary room without another word.
Left alone, I let out a bitter laugh, "A few more weeks and you'll finally be free..."
…
Later that day, boredom led me to scrolling through Wolf Trend—a social media app. As I scrolled mindlessly, a post stopped me cold.
It was Beta Kirk.
A photo of him and Scarlet at Seashell Beach. The caption? A single red heart emoji.
I stared at the screen for a while. She said she had urgent business at the law firm.
A smile crept onto my lips—not of joy, but of pain.
Spaced out, my fingers hovered over the keyboard and typed a comment:
[What a perfect match.]
