Chapter 6
John’s POV
I rushed into the clinic room with Krystal cradled in my arms, her body limp and fragile against me. The smell of the disinfectant in the air filled my nose, almost making me sick but I couldn't care less of it now.
Carefully, I laid her down on the bed, my hands instinctively moving to brush the hair from her face, tucking a loose strand behind her ear. My heart clenched at the sight of her so pale, so still.
Miguel, my Beta, stood just behind me, his eyes fixed on my every movement. “She’s going to be okay…” he started, his tone meant to reassure me, but it only agitated me more.
"She’s been under extreme stress," I interrupted, my voice sharper than intended. "Her family is the cause of it. I want you to throw Rose and her family out of this clinic, immediately."
Miguel hesitated. “I thought you fancied Rose, and Alpha Steve is—”
“It’s your fatal misconception,” I cut him off, feeling a hot surge of anger rise inside me. “Do as I say. Now.” My voice was firm, almost a growl. I could see the surprise flash in his eyes before he nodded and quickly left the room.
I turned back to Krystal, adjusting her pillow and ensuring she was comfortable. I tried to steady my breathing, my hands lingering near her, afraid to lose contact. Despite everything I had witnessed, it was still hard to believe that Rose had tried to kill her. As if on cue, the guard I had sent to the pool returned, holding a small, dripping object in his hand.
“I found it in the pool, my prince,” he said, handing me the earring. I clenched it in my fist, my jaw tightening. So, Krystal wasn’t lying. I waved the guard away, my mind reeling.
I felt a wave of emotions crashing over me as I gazed at her. She wasn’t a simpleton, nor weak or helpless as they’d tried to portray her. No, Krystal knew how to fight back. She had spirit, strength, and something in her that pulled me in, like a magnet. She had been through so much. I could see the remnants of pain etched on her face, even in her unconscious state.
I felt a fierce protectiveness rising inside me, an undeniable urge to shield her from any further harm. I promised myself right there and then — I would punish every single one of those who had wronged her. I would make them pay for what they’d done to her. I would not let this continue. I would be her shield. Her warrior. I swore it silently, my expression hardening with determination.
As I bent down, tucking another strand of hair behind her ear, a question began to tug at my thoughts, nagging at me. Would she let me into her life? Would she accept me, even with all the damage done to her by those who should have protected her? A new worry crept in — even if I kept her safe, would she ever be happy in the palace? Especially without a wolf by her side? It troubled me deeply.
I needed a solution, a good one. I wouldn’t allow her to suffer anymore. She deserved better. She deserved peace. But would she ever see me as her mate?
I leaned back, my gaze never leaving her face, and in that moment, I felt the weight of uncertainty pressing heavily on my chest. The answers seemed elusive, just out of reach, as if taunting me with their complexity. I needed to find a way. For her. For us.
As I stood vigil by Krystal's bed, the doctor entered the room with a thick stack of reports in his hands. He dropped them onto a cabinet next to the bed with a soft thud. The sound was jarring in the otherwise quiet room.
"How is she?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite the gnawing worry in my chest. My eyes remained locked on Krystal's pale face.
The doctor glanced at me, his expression a mix of concern and professionalism. "Her condition is quite poor. It's unusual, really. She should have drowned, but she's still here." He checked her briefly, his hands moving gently over her form, and continued, "Her body is showing signs of severe stress and trauma. It’s remarkable she survived, but her current state is worrying."
"She's a survivor,” I said, not able to hide my sudden admiration for her.
The doctor suggested. “If necessary, we could use the palace's medical resources.”
I straightened, my resolve hardening. "I'll take her directly to the palace. We have the resources there to handle this. She needs to know she's my mate."
The finality in my tone made the doctor hesitate. "Are you sure? You want to take her to the palace for real?"
Blake, having overheard our conversation, stepped into the room with a concerned look. "She’s your mate? She doesn’t look fit to be your mate. I think you should just… leave her behind."
The doctor added, "Blake has a point. She’s weak, and taking her to the palace might do more harm than good. She could pull you down."
"He is right. She definitely looks weak and she will be unable to stand beside you like a true strong Luna should.”
The doctor cleared his throat and added. “Think about your future too and about reproduction, you need a strong mate to bear good pups and…” he trailed off in resignation as my gaze hit him hard.
Miguel sighed. “Prince John?"
Despite their attempts to dissuade me, I shook my head firmly. "I’ve made up my mind. She’s coming with me to the palace. I won't change my decision."
The shocked expressions on both their faces were clear. Blake, still trying to convince me, asked, "You don’t want to have a rethink?"
I shot him a hard look, my patience wearing thin. "I'm not. I won’t change my mind. She’s coming with me to the palace," I insisted.
Just as I finished speaking, a soft moan escaped Krystal’s lips. Her eyes fluttered open, confusion and weakness evident in her gaze. I felt a surge of relief and hope as she slowly began to come to.