Chapter 170

Chapter 170
Erin's POV

Night fell, and the hospital corridor lights dimmed, leaving only the monitors' soft glow flickering in the room. I refused to leave Alexander's side, insisting on sitting in the chair beside his bed. The nurses brought me blankets and a pillow, which I reluctantly accepted.

"Just rest for a while," I told myself, one hand still holding Alexander's.

The monitor's beeping eventually became a lullaby. My head rested on the edge of the bed, my eyelids growing heavier until I could no longer resist the fatigue and fell into a deep sleep.

I don't know how long I slept, but when I stirred, morning sunlight was already streaming through the blinds into the room. Half-asleep, I felt someone gently stroking my hair. The warm touch came from above, fingers tenderly running through my strands. The sensation felt so real, so familiar.

I suddenly opened my eyes and lifted my head, surprised to find Alexander looking at me, his hand frozen in mid-air. His blue eyes were bright and alert, his lips curved in a weak but genuine smile.

"Alexander?" I sat up straight in surprise, not believing my eyes. "You're awake?"

He nodded, clearing his throat slightly. "Good morning," he said, his voice hoarse but distinct. His face was still pale, but significantly better than yesterday.

"You can talk already," I said with delight, my hands unconsciously gripping his. "How do you feel? Does the doctor know you're awake?"

Alexander shook his head slightly. "Just woke up a few minutes ago," he said softly, his voice raspy. "Saw you sleeping here..."

I realized my hair was messy, and I probably hadn't slept gracefully. But none of that mattered now. I quickly stood up, eyes moist. "I should get the doctor to check on you."

Alexander held my hand. "Wait," he said, his gaze turning serious. "Tell me first, are you okay?"

The question caught me off guard. He had just returned from the brink of death, yet his first concern was for me. "I'm fine now," I said, my voice trembling with emotion. "Much better now that you're awake."

"I heard some things," Alexander said, his gaze never leaving my face. "You talking with Greyson... about Jasper and Eastern Claw."

I nodded, sitting back down. "How much did you hear?"

"Enough," he said, adjusting his position slightly. "I owe you an explanation... many explanations."

"No," I shook my head, squeezing his hand. "I already know everything. About my parents' death, about Jason's threats. You could have told me the truth, but you chose to bear my misunderstanding and anger rather than let me lose my last remaining family."

Surprise flashed in Alexander's eyes, followed by deep guilt. "I should have trusted you more," he said quietly. "I just wanted to protect you... but I hurt you instead."

"That's in the past," I said, gently touching his face. "What matters is that you're alive, and we're together."

Alexander held my hand against his cheek. "I love you, Erin," he said, every word filled with sincerity. "I thought I'd never get to tell you that again."

I felt tears welling up in my eyes as I leaned forward, carefully avoiding his wounds, and softly kissed his lips. "I love you too," I whispered against his lips. "This time, nothing will separate us. No lies, no secrets. Just us, facing everything together."

Alexander returned my kiss, though gentle, it was full of promise. Looking into my eyes, he whispered, "Never leaving you again."

As we shared this tender moment, the door suddenly swung open, and Lydia rushed in, her face streaked with tears, her blonde hair disheveled. Her gaze immediately locked onto Alexander, relief evident in her expression.

"Thank the Moon Goddess you're alive," she breathed, her voice trembling with emotion.

Greyson followed closely behind, his expression serious. "Lydia, I told you not to travel alone. Eastern Claw might still be looking for you."

Lydia ignored his warning and turned to me, her eyes showing a vulnerability I'd never seen before. "Erin, could I speak with you privately? Just for a few minutes."

I hesitated, reluctant to leave Alexander, but he nodded slightly, weakly squeezing my hand as if to say "go."

Twenty minutes later, we stood on the hospital roof, the cold wind tousling our hair. The city skyline stretched before us, morning light illuminating the snow-capped mountains. Silence stretched between us until Lydia finally spoke.

"I met Alexander in college," she said softly, her gaze distant. "He wasn't yet the powerful, responsible man he is now. But even then, he was different."

I remained silent, letting her continue.

"We loved each other deeply, but Victor thought I wasn't good enough," her voice carried years-old pain. "He used every means to separate us. Alexander tried to resist, but eventually... we both gave in."

"Why are you telling me this now?" I asked, my voice calmer than I expected.

Lydia turned to me, tears glistening in her eyes. "Because I'm sorry, Erin. I apologize for how I treated you before." Her voice became unusually gentle. "When I discovered I was pregnant, I was terrified. My first instinct was to find a strong Alpha for protection."

"So you chose Alexander," I said, trying to keep my voice steady, though my wolf stirred restlessly inside me with territorial awareness.

"Yes," she admitted, looking down at her hands, "I tried everything to seduce him back. I lied, I manipulated, I was desperate." She looked up, tears shimmering in her eyes, "But his heart never wavered. It was always you, Erin."

That knowledge sent a wave of warmth through me, dispelling the cold wind's chill. "Even under those circumstances, he still wanted to help you and your child, didn't he?"

Lydia nodded, smiling bitterly. "That's Alexander for you. Always putting others before himself." Her hand protectively covered her slightly rounded belly. "The baby's father... doesn't matter anymore. What matters is that Alexander arranged everything—a new identity, enough funds, even medical care for after the birth."

She took a deep breath, looking at me determinedly. "I'm leaving Seattle, going somewhere safe to start over."

I suddenly understood why Alexander would help her, despite her attempts to manipulate him. That was who he was—always putting others' safety before his own.

"Take care of yourself and the baby," I said, feeling a strange mixture of relief and compassion. "Alexander has paved the way for you, but you'll have to walk the rest of the path yourself."

Lydia nodded, tears in her eyes but a genuine smile on her lips. "He deserves happiness, Erin," she said softly, her tone filled with sincere blessing. "And you're the only one who can give him that kind of happiness."