“This isn’t your fault. Peterson said firmly. Someone deliberately sabotaged this surgery.”
But his words fell hollow. I was the resident whod prepared everything. I was the one who’d assured everyone that Gabriel was ready. I was responsible.
If he dies… My voice came out strangled.
“He’s not going to die Peterson’s hands worked frantically over Gabriel’s chest. We ll figure this out
But the monitor told a different story. Gabriel’s vital signs were failing faster than we could compensate.
I thought about the patient who’d specifically requested me. The man who’d said I was the only doctor who’d ever treated him with dignity.
I failed him. The one person who trusted me completely, and I failed him.
My hands felt clumsy as I assisted Peterson. Every movement seemed wrong.
“I should have caught this, I whispered. ‘I should have noticed something was wrong with the medications.”
“Stop. Peterson’s voice cut through my self-recrimination. ‘You did everything right. Someone else caused this.”
But knowing that didn’t make the guilt easier to bear.
Then the operating room door burst open.
A figure in full surgical scrubs, mask, and cap entered. Tall. Broad shoulders.
I recognized him immediately.
Caelan? What is he doing here?
Peterson’s instruments clattered against the surgical tray. “Your… Your Majesty?”
Every person in the operating room froze. The only sound was Gabriel’s failing heart monitor.
Our eyes met across the sterile room. I saw the question in his gaze, the subtle tilt of his head. He was asking permission – should he pretend we were strangers?
Yesterday s scene in the main lobby was chaotic enough. These surgical staff probably didn’t hear about it since they work in the restricted areas. I’m leaving this pack soon anyway – better to keep things simple and avoid more gossip.
I gave the slightest shake of my head.
Understanding flickered in his blue eyes. He nodded almost imperceptibly.
He turned to Peterson. “What’s the situation?”
“The patient’s been poisoned, Peterson explained rapidly. “Someone switched his pre-op medications with aconitine. He’s going into cardiac arrest.”
I closed my eyes against the truth of it.
When I opened my eyes, Caelan was staring at me with an expression I couldn’t read. Pain? Determination?
Use my blood to save him.”
The words dropped into the operating room like stones into still water.
Peterson’s mask alofted as his mouth fell open Your Majesty? Your blood?”
Lycan King blood can neutralize aconitine poisoning
My heart stopped.
Every werewolf knew the legends about Lycan King’s blood. One drop was worth more than most people earned in a lifetime. It was sacred. Precious beyond measure.
I stared at him through our masks.
And he wanted to use it to save a man he’d never met. For what?
“For you. Oh, you sweet little idiot. He literally told you yesterday that he’s been in love with you for years. Connect the dots, genius. Esme said.
Without thinking, I smacked my forehead with my palm.
“Dr. Crawford? Peterson looked at me with concern. “Are you alright?”
“Fine, Dr. Peterson.” I mumbled, my face burning behind the surgical mask. “Just… processing everything.”
“Hand me a scalpel,” he said after giving me a concerned look.
“Your Majesty…” Peterson’s hands trembled as he passed the instrument.
Caelan took the blade without hesitation. He pulled off his surgical glove and pressed the sharp edge against his palm.
Blood welled up immediately. But this wasn’t ordinary blood – it gleamed with an almost golden shimmer, like liquid starlight.
Three drops fell into Gabriel’s IV line.
I held my breath, watching the monitors.
Gabriel’s face relaxed almost immediately. The gray pallor faded. His breathing deepened and steadied.
The heart monitor’s erratic beeping transformed into a strong, regular rhythm.
He’s going to live.
Tears pricked my eyes. I looked at Caelan, gratitude overwhelming every other emotion.
He was smiling. I could tell even through his mask.
“Keep working,” he said, turning toward the door. ‘Finish saving him.”
“Cae, Your Majesty, wait.” I caught his arm as he passed. “Your hand needs to be bandaged.”
He held up his palm and flexed his fingers. The cut was already sealing itself.
He wiggled his fingers playfully. “Perks of being ridiculously powerful. Ill be back to my usual magnificent self any minute now
Right. Lycon King Super healing. How did I forget that? And this is the same man who claimed he needed protection from Moonridge’s dangerous streets because his ‘delicate royal hands couldn’t handle hardship. I rolled my eyes internally
He paused at the door and looked back one final time.
Then he was gone.
Gabriel’s surgery had been a complete success. By the time we’d closed him up and transferred him to post op, relief flooded through me.
He’s going to live. Thanks to Coelan.
1 stripped off my surgical gloves and mask, depositing them in the medical waste bin. The other surgical team members were already dispersing, but 1 needed to thank Caelan.
How do you thank someone for literally giving their blood to save a stranger?
I made my way through the sterile corridors toward the main lobby, assuming he’d returned to his makeshift waiting area. But as I rounded the corner near the administrative offices, familiar voices made me pause.
Your Majesty, please wait a moment.”
Dr. Peterson’s voice carried clearly through the empty hallway. I stopped short, recognizing Caelan’s deeper tones responding.
1 pressed myself against the wall, just out of sight around the corner.
“Forgive my boldness, but I must ask…” Peterson’s voice dropped lower, though his words remained distinct. “Why did you save Gabriel William? Do you know him? A silver miner cast out from his pack – for someone of your stature…”
Silence stretched between them. I held my breath, waiting for Caelan’s response.
When he finally spoke, his voice was low and thoughtful. “Every life has value, Dr. Peterson.”
That’s such a diplomatic answer.
But then he continued, and his words made my heart skip: “Sometimes, though, a person’s worth isn’t about who they are. It’s about… who cares for them.”
My breathing stopped completely. Is he talking about… me?
“I don’t quite understand…” Peterson sounded genuinely confused.
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