?Chapter 117:

With my hands shoved deep into my pants pockets, I paced the room, a small circle marking my frantic movements. My agitation built with each passing second. For the first time in my life, I felt helpless. I even entertained the thought of begging Dr. Lee to do everything in his power to save her.

Ace snarled, sensing my fear.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to remain rational. Disrupting Dr. Lee’s work wouldn’t help.

“Ryder, I need you to stay calm,” Dr. Lee said, his eyes flicking to mine.

“Calm?” I repeated, incredulous. “Someone just tried to kill her!”

Dr. Lee’s expression turned stern. “I understand, but Jasmine needs stability right now. Can you give me that?”

I gritted my teeth. I didn’t understand a word of it, but I nodded.

As I watched Dr. Lee work—long needles and tubes poking into her body—my resolve hardened. When I found the person responsible, they would pay with their life.

Jasmine’s fragile form haunted me. I couldn’t lose her. No, I wouldn’t.

“Come on, Jasmine,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “Fight back, baby vixen. Fight.”

Over forty minutes had passed, and I stood by her bed, my body shadowing her fragile form. My blood boiled with rage as I gazed at Jasmine’s almost lifeless body. This wasn’t how I’d envisioned our reunion. No, damn it, no.

In my mind, I’d pictured her sparkling brown eyes shining bright as she flung her arms around me, a moment of love-making that showed how much she’d missed me. Or, alternatively, I imagined her defiant, her eyes shing with annoyance, demanding to know why I hadn’t called or texted.

But this… this was a nightmare. I was ready to strangle whoever was behind this, whoever dared poison her under my fucking roof.

The buzz of activity had lessened, and silence filled the room. I turned to Dr. Lee, my anger simmering just below the surface. “Will she be fine?” I demanded, my voice low and urgent.

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Dr. Lee’s expression was guarded, his eyes cautious—the kind of expression I’de to associate with doctors over the years.

“Alpha, she consumed an excessive amount of Wolfsbane. Four times the lethal dose.” He paused.

Four times the lethal dose? Fear wed its way up my throat.

“What does that mean?” I pressed, my tone harsh.

Dr. Lee hesitated before responding. “I’ve administered a neutralizer, but… I’m not making any promises. We’ll have to wait and see how her body responds.”

His words hung in the air like a fragile thread of hope.

“You’re telling me she might not make it?” I half-growled, half-whispered, sending him a cold re. My fists clenched.

Dr. Lee’s expression softened. “I’m saying we’re doing everything we can. The next 24 hours will be crucial.”

I felt like I’d been punched in the gut. This wasn’t the oue I’d hoped for.

“No,” I muttered, shaking my head. “This can’t be happening.”

Dr. Lee ced a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “We’ll do everything in our power to save her, Ryder.”

“What do you mean everything in your power?” I snapped, shrugging off his hand. My eyes locked on Dr. Lee’s grim expression. “You’re telling me it’s a miracle if she survives?”

As an Alpha, I wasn’t ustomed to uncertainty. Things always went my way. I got what I wanted, how I wanted, where I wanted, and when I wanted it. I needed answers, not vague probabilities.

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