CHAPTER 261

CHAPTER 261
Mia's POV

The first thing I became aware of was the steady beeping of hospital machines. The second was the throbbing pain in my head that felt like someone was using my skull as a drum. The third was the overwhelming scent of guilt and anxiety that could only belong to Xavier, Nathan, Sean, and Rolex.

I opened my eyes slowly, blinking against the harsh fluorescent lights. Sure enough, all four brothers were standing around my hospital bed, looking like they'd been sentenced to death.

"Mia," Xavier said softly, relief flooding his voice. "Thank God you're awake."

"How do you feel?" Nathan asked, his face pale with worry.

I tried to sit up, wincing as the movement sent fresh waves of pain through my head. "Like I got hit by a truck. Or a metal rod."

The guilt on their faces intensified, and I could see Xavier physically flinch at my words.

"We're so sorry," Sean said, his voice breaking. "I never meant for you to get hurt. When I saw him with you again, I just lost control."

"All of you lost control," I said firmly, my voice sharper than I'd intended. "What you did was inexcusable. I told you to trust me, and instead you showed up like some kind of vigilante squad."

"We know," Rolex said quietly. "We have no excuse for what happened."

I studied their faces, seeing genuine remorse there, but also something else that made my stomach drop.

"Where's Liam?" I asked.

The brothers exchanged glances, and Xavier cleared his throat uncomfortably.

"He left," Nathan said.

"Left?" I felt a spike of anger. "You sent him away? Even after what happened, even after I specifically told you not to interfere?"

"No," Xavier said quickly. "We didn't send him away. He chose to leave."

"He said he felt ashamed," Sean added. "Said he couldn't face you after what his presence had caused."

But I know better. I knew Liam well enough to understand that he'd probably remembered my request for him to return to his pack. Despite everything that had happened, despite being hurt and probably feeling rejected, he'd honored what I'd asked of him.

"Listen to me very carefully," I said, my voice deadly serious. "If you three ever lose control like that again, if you ever put me or anyone else in danger because you can't manage your emotions, I will never forgive you. Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal clear," Xavier said immediately.

"It won't happen again," Nathan promised.

"We'll do better," Sean added. "We'll find ways to control our tempers."

"You'd better," I said. "Because I'm getting really tired of being caught in the crossfire of your territorial disputes."

As I spoke, I became aware of something strange happening. The pain in my head was lessening, the throbbing becoming more manageable. Usually, a concussion would take days to heal, even with werewolf healing abilities.

"How long have I been unconscious?" I asked.

"About six hours," Rolex replied.

Six hours, and I'm already feeling this much better? That's not normal.

The brothers seemed to sense my improved condition too. Almost without thinking, they moved closer to the bed, and I found myself surrounded by their warmth and presence.

Xavier leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. "I'm so sorry, love. I never wanted to hurt you."

Nathan moved to my left side, his nose nuzzling against my neck as he breathed in my scent. "Forgive us, please. We can't lose you again."

Sean positioned himself on my right, his lips brushing against my temple. "We'll do whatever it takes to make this right."

Rolex took my hand, his thumb tracing circles over my knuckles. "You're everything to us, Mia. Everything."

The closeness, the intimacy of having them all so near, triggered something unexpected. I could feel energy flowing between us, some kind of connection that was making my healing accelerate even further.

What is happening to me?

The doctor had mentioned that my healing abilities were unusually strong, but this felt like something more. Like their presence was somehow amplifying my natural powers.

"I need to get out of here," I said suddenly, trying to sit up more fully.

"Whoa, slow down," Xavier said, gently pressing me back against the pillows. "The doctor said you need to stay overnight for observation."

"The doctor doesn't understand werewolf physiology the way I do," I replied firmly. "I'm a doctor myself, remember? I know my body, and I know I'm healing faster than expected."

"Mia, you have a concussion," Nathan pointed out. "Even with accelerated healing, you need rest."

"I'll rest when this is over," I said. "Right now, I need to focus on planning how we're going to catch the real rogue organization."

"That can wait until tomorrow," Sean said.

"No, it can't," I insisted. "Every day we delay gives them more time to plan their next attack. More innocent people could die while I'm lying here pretending to be an invalid."

I could see them struggling between their desire to protect me and their recognition that I was probably right.

"Look," I said, softening my tone slightly. "I appreciate your concern, I really do. But I'm fine. The headache is almost gone, my vision is clear, and I feel strong enough to walk. There's no medical reason for me to stay here."

"The doctor specifically recommended overnight observation," Rolex pointed out.

"The doctor is being cautious, which I understand. But I'm telling you, as a medical professional myself, that I don't need it."

I was about to swing my legs over the side of the bed to prove my point when something outside the window caught my eye. A figure in dark clothing was standing in the parking lot, partially hidden behind a van, but clearly watching the hospital entrance.

That's not right.

I settled back against the pillows, my mind immediately shifting into high alert mode.

"Actually," I said carefully, "maybe staying until morning isn't such a bad idea after all."

The brothers looked confused by my sudden change of heart, but I kept my voice casual as I explained.

"You're right about being cautious. And I suppose one more night won't make a huge difference in our timeline."

Xavier frowned, clearly sensing that something had shifted. "What changed your mind?"

"Just... being responsible," I said vaguely, my eyes still tracking the figure outside. "Making sure I'm at full strength before we move forward with the plan."

But internally, I was already calculating distances, escape routes, and potential threats. Because if someone was watching the hospital, waiting for me to leave, then our enemies were closer than we'd thought.