Chapter 79
[Amelia's POV]
"So you did this on purpose?" My voice comes out more shaky than I'd like. "Are you going to start playing with my feelings again?"
The words hang between us like a blade. Alex's expression shifts, and for a moment I see something that looks almost... vulnerable.
"No, Amelia." His voice is serious, stripped of the teasing tone from moments before. "I want to follow through on my original plan—to earn back your trust and feelings properly. I don't want to hurt you anymore."
My cheeks burn as I look away, pulling my shirt closer around me. "Then what we just did... don't you think I trust you enough already?" The question comes out softer than I intended, tinged with uncertainty.
Alex frowns. "I can feel that you're still holding back from me. This isn't the effect I was hoping for."
There's a note of frustrated helplessness in his voice that catches me off guard. It's so human, so unlike the commanding Alpha I first met.
"You're recovering, but you still need rest," I say, standing abruptly and smoothing down my clothes with shaking hands. "I need to go outside and clear my head."
And get away from you before I lose what's left of my sanity.
Alex reaches out, his fingers barely brushing my wrist. "Amelia, don't go..."
For a split second, I see the vulnerability again—raw and unguarded. But then he drops his hand, letting me leave.
---
The hospital corridor feels like a lifeline as I sink into one of the plastic chairs. My heart is still pounding, and Ashley is practically purring in the back of my mind, satisfied by Alex's touch. Heat pulses through my body in waves, and I have to grip the chair arms to ground myself.
I'm still trying to sort through my tangled emotions when I hear rapid footsteps echoing down the hallway. Looking up, I see Harper rushing toward me, her face etched with worry.
"Amelia!" She hurries over, scanning me from head to toe. "Are you hurt? I heard about the attack."
I shake my head quickly. "I'm fine, Harper."
"What about the Alpha?" Her voice drops to a worried whisper. "I heard he was injured..."
"He's recovering well," I manage. "Just needs rest."
Harper sags with relief, then her expression turns guilty. "I'm so ashamed. Because of the location shoot I planned, you and the Alpha, Emily and Oliver—you all ended up in danger. As the director, I failed to ensure proper security."
"This has nothing to do with you, Harper." I wave my hand dismissively. "The people responsible are those bastard kidnappers."
Harper nods but still looks troubled. "Given what happened, the entire filming schedule will have to be delayed."
"I don't have any issues," I say immediately. "I can continue filming."
Harper shakes her head sadly. "It's not about you, Amelia. It's Emily and Oliver—especially Oliver. He seems to have been severely injured and is still in the ER."
The words hit me like a physical blow. "What?!" I shoot to my feet, my silver-gray eyes flashing gold as Ashley surges forward, sensing pack mate distress. "Ethan told me Emily and Oliver were both fine!"
"Do you know where Oliver is?" I ask frantically.
Harper points upward. "He should be in the ER on the third floor."
I take the stairs two at a time, using my wolf speed to bound upward. Behind me, Harper calls out, "Amelia, slow down!"
On the third floor, I find Emily sitting on a bench outside the emergency room, her face pale and drawn with worry.
She looks up at the sound of my footsteps, tears glistening in her eyes. "Amelia, thank God you're okay. Oliver... the doctors say it's touch and go. He protected me when..." Her voice breaks.
"Open the ER doors," I interrupt, feeling my eyes begin to glow with golden light. The power is stirring in my chest, warm and ready. "I can save him."