My mind went utterly blank. The world narrowed to the sight of Kael's small, pale body resting against my chest, his breaths shallow and ragged.
Ice cream. That was the Alpha’s immediate, life-or-death priority?
My poor son, his life wasn't even as worthy as the night cravings of Elara's son?
A sound tore from my throat—a harsh, desolate laugh that had no humor in it. "Is this a joke, Kian?" I whispered, the words coated in a sudden, frightening calm.
Kian looked away, his eyes filled with a wretched guilt that did nothing to soothe the inferno inside me. "I apologize, Luna. But... an Alpha's command is absolute."
"He says Kael is strong, Luna," Kian mumbled, his hand already reaching for the car door handle. "He's sending a different warrior to escort you in a few hours. Alpha Julian assures me that a few hours won't make a difference for Kael, but Liam needs his Beta's ice cream now."
I could see the effort it took for Kian to speak those words, the shame burning on his face, but it didn't matter. His pitiful sympathy was useless. My son was dying.
"Get out," I commanded, my voice flat and final, laced with an authority I hadn't known I possessed.
Kian hesitated. "Luna, I cannot leave you on the roadside with—"
"I said, get out!" I shoved the Beta's shoulder with such force that it startled him. He scrambled out of the driver’s seat, confusion warring with fear in his gaze.
I didn't wait. Shifting Kael's weight gently, I slid across the car seat. My hands grabbed the steering wheel, my foot slamming the accelerator to the floor before Kian could even fully close his door.
I did not know how to drive a car. I remember begging Julian to teach me. But, everytime he shunned me off saying he can't risk my life and will always drive me wherever I want to go.
But, where was he now? Fulfilling the night cravings of his mistress' son when his own son's life was in danger.
The world outside the car became a blur of black trees and rushing asphalt. The adrenaline flooding my system was the only thing keeping me coherent. I drove with reckless speed, one hand on the wheel, the other gripping Kael's fragile form.
I risked a glance at Kael. His chest rose and fell in shallow puffs. The silver poison from the rogue's claws had done its work, seeping into his small body, slowing his healing factor. He was fading.
"Hold on, my love," I whispered, pressing my lips to his sweat-damp forehead. "We are almost there. Mummy won't let him win."
Just then my sight got blurred with a focus of huge light coming from outside and the next second I heard the sound of my car hitting something huge.
Before I could react or do something, my senses faded. I was fainted. However, in that splits second, I managed to do something I should have done long ago.
I sent an emergency signal. Not to Julian this time. But, someone I had not contacted for years. Someone I could rely on.
***
After an unknown amount of time, I opened my eyes to find myself lying in an infirmary's bed. I got up immediately. I did not look for my son. I did not need to.
Watching me awake, a female healer rushed to my side. She looked somewhat between relaxed and sad. "You are finally awake. I almost thought you would not survive."
"But, you son..." She was struggling to find words to inform me about my son's condition. I made it easier for her.
"I know..." I said, "It was impossible for him to hang on this long."
My voice trembled with pain and anguish. Hands clenched into fists, the sight of Julian holding Liam in his hands, ignoring my desperate call, still fresh in my mind.
I immediately got up from the bed and came out, despite the healer's advice of taking rest. Because, I could not.
I was in rush to go out of the Pack's infirmary when my wolf smelled a familiar scent and my legs couldn't help but moved to the next ward.
There he was, Julian, stroking Liam's hair as he laid on bed. Elara sat next to Julian, placing her hands over his.
Anyone at first glance would assume them having a family moment and not want to disturb their peace. But, I remained still, watching them in silence.
"Thanks for taking care of Liam the whole night, Julian. I don't know what I would have done without you." Elara said, her voice ever so soft.
"No need to thank me, Elara." Julian replied immediately as if feeling hurt to see Elara being so polite. "Liam is like my son. I'll always take care of him."
Elara smiled at him. Julian's eyes lit up watching her happy and immediately pulled her into his arms. "I'm here, Elara. Don't worry."
I felt a pang of jealousy and hurt. He felt necessary to coax Elara and her son. But, what about me and Kael?
Did he have no responsibility towards us, if not love?
Just then, Julian's gaze landed at me. His eyes widened and he immediately broke his hug with Elara and rushed to my side.
"Bella..." He whispered, his voice seemed laced with concern and relieved. "Thank God! You are here. You scared me to death, you know?"
"Where did you disappear last night? My warriors couldn't find you." He said, reaching his hands to pull me into his arms. But, I stepped back, not letting him touch me.
"I can see how scared and worried you are!" I said, pointing at Liam whose bed was filled with a bundle of toys and snacks.
"Bella..." He whispered my name, as if hurt by the accusation, "You are taking me wrong. Liam... He was really critical last night. I just couldn't leave him alone."
"Save it, Julian. I really don't need your explanations."
With that I turned to leave. However, the next words escaping through his lips streamed tears down my cheeks that I had been trying hard to suppress.
"Where is Kael, Bella? Take me to him and I'll apologize."
