Fated

Chapter Sixteen

As Hudson and I head back to the waiting room, the knowledge of everything that has happened is overwhelming, making it hard to breathe. The encounter with Olivia, my decision to break the bond, and the terrifying fight in the woods—it all swirls in my mind, a chaotic storm I can't escape.

Hudson's arm is still around me, a comforting presence, but I can feel the tension in him too. I know he's worried, maybe even as conflicted as I am, but he's trying to be strong for me. I appreciate that more than I can say.

"I was lucky," I finally say, breaking the silence between us. My voice is shaky, my thoughts still muddled. "The white wolf decided to retreat. If it hadn't, I don't know what would've happened."

Hudson glances at me, his brow furrowing in concern. "A white wolf? Like yours?"

I hadn't even stopped to think about that—my own wolf is white, pure as snow. But the wolf in the forest tonight wasn't me. It was someone else, someone I didn't recognize, and yet...

The image of the black and white wolves attacking Lex flashes through my mind, and I feel a shiver run down my spine. The sight of them, ferocious and relentless, fills me with dread. They were out for blood, and Lex had nearly paid the price.

"I didn't even think about it," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "But yeah, it was white, like mine. Only... different. More aggressive, more... dangerous."

Hudson's grip on me tightens slightly, his concern deepening. "Gaia, you've been through a lot tonight. Let's just get back to the waiting room and see how Lex is doing. We can figure everything else out later, okay?"

I nod, but the unease lingers. The fight, the bond, Olivia's words—it's all too much, too overwhelming. I don't know how to process any of it, and I'm terrified of what comes next.

When we reach the waiting room, everyone is still there, the tension thick in the air. But before I can say anything, the door to the operating room swings open, and a doctor steps out, pulling off his gloves.

Everyone goes still, waiting, holding their breath.

The doctor clears his throat, looking at all of us with a calm, professional expression. "Lex is stable. He's suffered some significant injuries, but nothing that won't heal with time. As you know, wolves recover faster than humans, so he should be back on his feet soon enough."

A collective sigh of relief ripples through the room. Elijah steps forward first, his voice gruff with emotion. "Thank you, doctor. We appreciate everything you've done."

Eleonor is right beside him, nodding her agreement. "Yes, thank you."

The doctor gives a small nod, glancing at Lex's chart. "He'll need rest, and I'd advise keeping stress to a minimum for the next few days, but he should be just fine."

As the doctor leaves, the reality of the situation sinks in. Lex is going to be okay, but it was too close—too damn close. I feel like I've been holding my breath for hours, and now that it's over, I don't know what to do with myself.

"We need to get back," Elijah says, turning to Eleonor. "There's still a situation to deal with."

Eleonor nods in agreement, her expression serious. "You're right. Luke, Mia, you two stay here with Lex."

"Of course," Mia replies quickly, glancing at Luke, who nods in agreement.

I hesitate, wanting to stay too, but Mia catches my eye and shakes her head gently. "Gaia, go home. You've been through a lot tonight. Get some rest."

Hudson steps closer, his hand resting on my shoulder. "She's right, Gaia. You need to take care of yourself, too."

I want to argue, to insist that I should stay, but I'm exhausted—physically, mentally, emotionally. Every part of me feels drained, and the thought of more confrontation is almost unbearable. Olivia's glare from across the room is like a dagger to my chest, a silent accusation that I can't shake.