The Luna’s Choice by Kat Silver

Chapter 82: Theo

I sat next to the hospital bed gripping Ayla’s hand, praying she would wake up but also wanting to keep her in this state of peace a little longer. I focused on the rhythmic sound of the machines so I could hold on to the numb feeling that held the storm inside me at bay.

What was I going to say? How would I tell her?

I felt Ayla’s hand twitch and knew I would have to figure that out soon. Slowly, she regained consciousness, her eyes flickering open, and immediately, her gaze met mine. I forced the knot in my throat back in order to speak.

“Hey, love,” was all I could manage.

I could see the thoughts working through Ayla’s mind and it wasn’t long before I knew I wouldn’t have to tell her anything.

She knew.

We had lost our pup.

Her eyes filled with tears and her chest rose and fell quickly, but her face remained stoic. It was like watching the wall she had built up when we had first met snap back into place. I moved to pull her into my arms but she pulled away. Ripping her hand from mine. I reached for her again but she pushed me away forcefully, rolling to her side without a word.

I was frozen.

She was breaking and she wouldn’t even let me touch her. To make it worse, she had completely blocked our connection. I couldn’t feel her

through our bond. I pushed my heartbreak back. She would need time. I would be here for her in any way I could. It was all I had.

“I…” I swallowed hard to keep my voice calm and steady. “I’ll get the doctor.”

I refrained from trying to reach out to her again and turned from the bed. I found a nurse and let her know that Ayla was awake. She paged the doctor and then went in to check Ayla’s vitals. I wanted to go back in the room so bad it hurt, but I didn’t think I could keep myself from holding my mate. So I waited just outside the door until Dr. Athens arrived.

The nurse came out just as he met me.

to tell how stable she is with

you, Jackie.” The nurse left and the doctor looked back at me with a

you find?” I asked

door to Ayla’s room. “Perhaps we should go over the results

a moment, bracing myself for Ayla’s coldness, but followed the doctor

Dr. Athens. I’ve been overseeing your care. How

herself up a little farther in the bed, but she didn’t say anything. Instead, she looked at

still not

night,” Dr. Athens stated. “You had suffered a lot of blood loss and I’m

know,” Ayla said

head. “We have run some tests trying to

to the bed. Needing to be close

large amount of wolfsbane in your system,

“What?” I hissed.

surprised you’re still with us at all,” Dr. Athens continued. “With that

to wolfsbane,” Ayla said

head snapped to her. “Baby,

be at risk like that again. My family was known for their immunity. I

the

me but that only

It didn’t matter now.

“in any case, we are all glad you

pack. I’ll

you, Doctor,” I

me after he left. I slowly reached my hand out to brush her arm.