hapter 222
Sarah’s POV
My heart hammered against my ribs as I cradled Thea’s tiny form against my chest.
“Call 911!” I shouted to a nearby shopkeeper who had noticed the commotion. Within moments, I heard sirens wailing in the distance.
The paramedics arrived quickly, their faces serious as they assessed Thea’s condition.
“Anaphylactic shock,” one of them said grimly, immediately preparing an epinephrine injection. “How long ago did symptoms begin?”
“About ten minutes,” I answered, my voice trembling. “She ate strawberry ice cream. I didn’t know she was allergic.”
“Does she have any other medical conditions we should know about?” the paramedic asked while his partner administered the injection.
“She has asthma,” I said, suddenly remembering Jeremy’s warning about her delicate health. “But I didn’t know she couldn’t have frozen foods.”
Aria stood beside me, tears streaming down her face as they loaded Thea into the ambulance. “Is Thea going to die?” she whispered, clutching my hand.
“No, sweetheart. The doctors will help her,” I assured her, praying I was right. “She’s going to be okay.”
The ride to the hospital passed in a blur of sirens and monitoring equipment. Once there, Thea was rushed into the emergency room while Aria and I were directed to the waiting area.
“You need to stay here with me,” I told Aria, who nodded solemnly, her eyes wide with fear.
Minutes stretched into hours. I paced the waiting room floor, consumed by guilt.
How could I have been so careless? I should have asked about her allergies before giving her anything to eat.
Alexander had trusted me with his niece, and I had failed spectacularly.
Finally, a doctor emerged from the treatment area. I rushed forward, heart in my throat.
“How is she? Is she going to be alright?” I demanded.
The doctor’s expression was grave, “We’ve stabilized her, but I’m afraid the outlook isn’t very promising. Her body reacted severely to the allergen, and with her pre–existing respiratory issues, we’re monitoring her closely.
11
I felt my knees weaken. “So there’s nothing more to be done except wait?”
“I’m afraid not. The next few hours will be critical.”
I nodded numbly, feeling like I might lose my mind from the anxiety and guilt.
Chapter 222
+25 BONUS
I needed to tell Alexander what had happened, but I suddenly realized I didn’t have his number. With shaking hands, I dialed Ethan instead.
“Ethan,” I said when he answered, my voice breaking. “There’s been an accident. Thea had an allergic reaction to some ice cream I gave her. We’re at Mercy Hospital. I need you to contact Alexander immediately.”
“Luna Summer,” Ethan’s voice was calm but serious. “Try to breathe. These things happen–it wasn’t your fault. I’ll contact Alpha Alexander right away.‘
“Thank you,” I whispered, hanging up.
Less than thirty minutes later, Ethan appeared in the waiting room, his face etched with concern. He approached me quietly, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
“Alpha Alexander is on his way,” he said softly.
“This is all my fault,” I sobbed. “I had no idea she couldn’t have ice cream or that she was allergic to
strawberries.”
“There’s something you should know about Thea,” Ethan said gently. “Her condition is… complicated. She was born with a weak wolf spirit and a compromised immune system. She can’t regulate her body temperature the way most werewolf children can, which is why cold foods trigger reactions.”
I wiped away tears. “And Lyra? Why isn’t she with her daughter?”
Ethan’s expression darkened. “Lyra disappeared when Thea was just over a year old. Alpha Alexander suspects Alpha Lucien was involved, but he has no proof. Alpha Alexander has been raising her alone ever since.”
My heart ached for the little girl. No wonder she had latched onto me so quickly–she was starved for maternal affection.
“Alpha Lucien?” I asked.
“He’s Lyra’s mate,” Ethan explained quietly.
Our conversation was interrupted by a doctor in a white coat approaching us. “Family of Thea Blackwood?” he called out.
I quickly stepped forward, wiping away tears. “I’m here!”
Chapter 223
+25 BONUS
