Chapter 223: Chapter 223

I’m shaking slightly.

This is jai… my Jai….

You have a steady hand, Valerie, you can do this!

He’s been there for me… I have to be there for him. I have to repay the favour I owe him. I have to…

My breath hitches as I hear his heartbeat slow down.

“Jai! Stay with us!” I scream.

“Jai, listen to me.” Sebastian growls, “Look at me.”

Jai groans, but I can tell from his eyes he’s losing focus.

“What happened?” Sebastian asks, his voice sharp.

It was a trap.” Atticus begins. “But it was handled. Zaia killed the Alpha of the Rogues and she’s now…

wait. You said you felt the shift in power, right?”

“Yes,” Zaia says, her aura still swirling around her as she stares down at Jai as if willing him to be alright.

“He said he had a son. If he had a son, then…” Atticus trails off. “Fuck!”

I glance up, my heart pounding, but I’m unable to understand.

“If he had a son, he would have become Alpha… not me… He wasn’t his son… he must have been one of the Sable.” Zaia says quietly. “That aura…”

“Was a red flag.” Atticus growls.

“So, you didn’t listen to my advice and went with them,” Sebastian says quietly. His voice is low, but I can tell he’s angry. “Jai, better be alright. We’ll discuss this later.”

With those words, he turns and storms out of the room.

“Keep talking to him! Please!” I say to the two that remain, both are covered in blood, and I can tell it’s not just Jai’s… They both have some minor cuts and bruises, but it’s nothing like Jai.

I take a deep breath as I focus on getting the bullet out of him.

Twenty minutes later, I slump into one of the dining chairs, resting my head on the table. I have removed the bullet and managed to stitch him up. Luckily, no JAHRONOS vital organ was penetrated, but he was still wounded deeply.

My hands are trembling and I stare down at them. They’re coated in blood.

Zaia wraps her arm around me. “You did it, he’s going to be ok.” She promises.

1. me.

I look up into her eyes. They’re shining with unshed tears.

I hope so,” I whisper.

Life really is short….

I stare at his body on the table, now bandaged, but he still needs to be wiped down, the blood stains are a reminder of his injuries..

“I’m sorry.” She says, and I shake my head.

“No, it isn’t your fault,” I say. She looks down and I know she’s holding herself responsible, and Sebastian’s reaction didn’t help either…

She moves away and I stare vacantly at Jai, who is breathing heavily, but at least. his heart is steadier…

His words return to me, and I realise I really can’t tell her… we can’t lose Sia…

I look at Jai. I’d do anything for him… anything….

“I’ll take him to his room. He might be more comfortable there?” Atticus offers softly. “He’s going to be ok, the hard part is done, Doctor.”

I’ve never liked him, but I have to admit he isn’t too bad. I nod.

“Let’s hope so,” I reply quietly. The risk of him going into a coma is still high. Let me just clean him up a little. Then we can move him.” I add, standing up to get some water, only to see Zaia returning with towels and a bowl of water.

She smiles sadly, through the blood streaks on her face, and I smile back, hoping she doesn’t beat herself up over this. This was not her fault.

Goddess… I have never asked for much, but tonight… tonight I ask that you don’t cause my friends any more pain… please.

I soak one of the towels in warm water, wringing it out before I gently place it on Jai’s face. Wiping away the streaks of blood, the strong smell of coppery blood remains. A reminder of the dangers we are facing.

I gaze down on his sleeping form; he hurt me once… but… if he wakes up, I promise I’ll forgive him. So please goddess, let him wake up s up soon.

+25 DONOS