Chapter 273
Jackson
"Someone poisoned her," I repeated. "And they did it so skillfully that even Freya didn't detect it."
Lucas's eyes flashed gold, his wolf surging. Fuck.
I'd seen Lucas angry before, but this was different. This was primal rage mixed with the helpless fury of someone who'd failed to protect their mate.
Charles stepped closer and asked, "How long has this been going on?"
"Based on the toxin levels in her blood, weeks. Maybe months." I pulled off my surgical gloves, my hands steadier than I felt. "It was designed to weaken her gradually, make her vulnerable."
The silence that followed was deafening. I could practically feel the Alpha pheromones radiating from Lucas, thick and protective. Even Charles, normally unflappable, looked shaken.
"I'll need to run more tests to identify the exact compound," I continued. "But whoever did this knows our biology intimately. They understand how to suppress wolf healing without triggering our natural defenses."
Lucas's hands clenched into fists. "When she wakes up, she'll be weak."
"Temporarily, yes. She'll need constant care for the next few days while her system purges the toxin." I met his gaze steadily. "Someone she trusts needs to stay with her."
"I'll stay with her," Lucas declared without hesitation. "Days, nights - I won't leave her side for a second."
His determination reminded me of how Freya had stayed by his bedside when he was injured. They'd always been devoted to each other.
I watched Valor staring at Lucas, defeat written all over his face. The poor guy wanted to care for Freya too, but what right did he have? He was just her business partner, and he carried the guilt of her getting hurt on his watch.
I opened my mouth to say something, but looking at Lucas - the way he held Freya's hand, the absolute possessiveness in his posture - I realized this wasn't my place anymore.
I turned and walked away.
When I reached the corner, away from their room, I pressed one hand against the wall and let out a shaky breath.
Thank God Freya was okay.
My phone buzzed as I walked down the corridor toward my office. Paxton's name flashed on the screen, and I hesitated before answering. The last thing I needed right now was Sterling family drama.
"Jackson." His voice was tight with barely controlled tension. "How is she?"
Of course he knows. Nothing happened in our community without word spreading, especially when it involved someone as prominent as Freya.
"What position are you calling from, Paxton?" I asked. "You dissolved your bond. You have no standing to ask about her condition."
There was a long pause. When he spoke again, his voice carried that old Sterling authority, the kind that expected instant obedience. "She was my mate for five years. She's still under Sterling protection."
Bullshit. But I kept that thought to myself and responded, "She suffered some injuries during an attack. Nothing life-threatening."
I wasn't about to tell him about the poisoning.
Even if I told Paxton about the poison, it would only add to his troubles. And with Freya injured like this, she naturally wouldn't want to see him anyway. Better to avoid complications – this was my way of protecting her.
After hearing my explanation, Paxton fell silent.
"You must take good care of Freya. I'll investigate what happened to her this time." With that, he hung up.
I stared down at my phone screen, lost in thought. I turned to glance toward the intensive care unit.
Freya didn't need Paxton's so-called concern now. There was already someone else by her side to protect her.
---
Lucas
I sat beside Freya's hospital bed, gripping Freya's hand in mine. The antiseptic smell mixed with the lingering scent of her pain, making my wolf pace restlessly.
"Freya," I whispered, voice rough with guilt. "I should have gotten there sooner."
I've never wanted to walk again as badly as I do right now.
I lowered my head until my forehead rested against her fingertips. The steady beep of her heart monitor was the only thing keeping me sane.
"I'm sorry," Valor said, voice thick with guilt.
I turned to look at him, expression neutral. "If you're responsible, then I'm even more responsible. Freya is my mate. I failed to protect her."
"I wasn't strong enough," he continued. "I couldn't protect her properly."
"Even if you were stronger, Freya isn't yours," I cut him off, voice carrying Alpha authority. "So stop harboring fantasies that will never come true, Valor. You're only making things complicated."
Valor went completely still, clearly not expecting such direct rejection.
"Since our business is concluded, you should head back to your territory," I continued.
Valor nodded, completely defeated. "You're right. I'm useless here."
He left without another word.
Almost immediately, Freya's eyelashes fluttered. My heart jumped as she slowly opened her amber eyes.
"Waking up to see you... that's really nice," she said, voice hoarse and weak.
I tightened my grip on her hand. "This is my fault. I should have been there sooner."
"This isn't your fault," she said firmly. "Someone wanted to hurt me, and they were careful about it."
She tried to sit up but realized how weak she was.
"Jackson said you'd feel weak when you woke up. Someone... someone poisoned you, Freya. They've been dosing you gradually."
Her eyes widened in shock. "Poisoned? But I haven't felt... I've been tired lately, but I thought it was just work stress."
I responded, "That's exactly what they wanted you to think."
"I can't feel my wolf," Freya whispered suddenly, panic creeping in. "She's just... gone."
"It's temporary," I assured her quickly. "Jackson ran tests. The toxin will clear in a few days, and your wolf will return stronger than ever."
"When I felt your distress through our bond," I said, voice rougher, "when I realized you were in danger and I couldn't get to you..."
"Hey." Her fingers squeezed mine weakly. "I'm okay. We're both okay."
I continued, "This time. But what about next time?"
"There won't be a next time. You won't lose me," she said with stubborn determination. "I'll be more careful now."
"Don't worry," I said firmly, squeezing her hand. "I'll find whoever hurt you. You just focus on recovering in the hospital. Leave everything else to me."
Freya smiled, and I could see the relief in her amber eyes. That trust she had in me - it was both humbling and empowering.
"I know you will," she said softly.