The room was filled with an almost tangible tension as Austin stood at the bedside of Loretta, his heart heavy with the weight of the decision that lay before him. The steady beep of the heart monitor was the only sound, a stark reminder of how fragile her life had become since the operation. Loretta lay unconscious, her face pale and serene, a stark contrast to the turmoil raging within Austin. Dr. Benson stood nearby, his expression grave.
" Sir," he began, his voice trembling slightly.
" If we want to save the half-wolf, we need to use Loretta's blood. It's the only way. " Austin's head snapped up, his eyes blazing with anger and desperation.
" Are you insane, Benson? Loretta has already lost so much blood. Taking more could kill her! " Dr. Benson took a deep breath, trying to steady his own nerves.
" I know it's risky, Austin. But we have tried everything else. None of the Alphas' blood worked. The half-wolf is dying, and he's our only link to understanding the threat you are facing. We need him alive. " Dr Benson murmured Austin's fists clenched at his sides, his mind racing. The idea of risking Loretta's life was unbearable, but the thought of losing their only lead was equally terrifying. He turned to look at Shadow, his second-in-command, who stood silently at the door, watching the scene unfold.
" What do you think, Shadow? " Austin asked, his voice strained. Shadow stepped forward, his expression serious.
" Loretta's blood might be our last hope, Alpha. But we have to consider the consequences. If she doesn't make it..."
" I know," Austin interrupted, his voice cracking.
" I know what's at stake. " He looked back at Loretta, a wave of guilt washing over him. She had sacrificed so much already, and now he was faced with the possibility of asking her to give even more, even if it meant her life. Dr. Benson approached cautiously, placing a hand on Austin's shoulder.
" I would not suggest this if there was any other way. But we need to act quickly. The half-wolf doesn't have much time. " Austin nodded slowly, his heart heavy.
" Alright. Let's do it. " Dr. Benson moved swiftly, gathering the necessary equipment. Austin sat down beside Loretta, gently taking her hand in his. Her skin was cool to the touch, a stark reminder of how much she had already endured.
" I'm so sorry, Loretta," Austin whispered, his voice choked with emotion.
" I never wanted this for you." As Dr. Benson prepared to draw the blood, the door to the room opened, and several of the other pack members entered, their faces etched with concern and uncertainty. They had heard the news and came to witness the difficult decision being made.
" Are you sure about this, Alpha? " one of them asked, his voice heavy with doubt. Austin looked up, meeting their worried gazes.
" We don't have a choice. We need to save the half-wolf if we're going to protect the pack. This is the only way." The room fell silent as Dr. Benson carefully inserted the needle into Loretta's arm, drawing the precious blood that might save the half-wolf's life. Each drop felt like a betrayal to Austin, but he knew it was necessary. Once the vial was filled, Dr. Benson hurried to the half-wolf's side, injecting the blood into its veins. Austin watched, his heart pounding in his chest, as the creature's body convulsed slightly before settling into an eerie stillness.
" Will it work? " Shadow asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Dr. Benson wiped the sweat from his brow, his eyes fixed on the half-wolf.
" We will know soon enough." Minutes passed like hours as they all waited, the tension in the room growing with each passing second. Austin could not tear his eyes away from Loretta, his mind filled with a storm of conflicting emotions. He loved her more than anything, and the thought of losing her was unbearable. Then, a sudden gasp broke the silence. The half-wolf's eyes fluttered open, and it took a shuddering breath. Austin felt a surge of relief mixed with a renewed sense of urgency.
" It's working," Dr. Benson said, his voice filled with cautious optimism.
" He's stabilizing. " Austin turned to Shadow.
" Stay with Loretta. Make sure she's alright. I need to talk to him. " Shadow nodded, his expression resolute.
" I will watch over her, Alpha. Don't worry. " Austin moved to the half-wolf's side, his eyes narrowing with determination.
" You are awake. Good. Now, you are going to tell me everything you know. " The half-wolf's eyes glowed faintly, a mixture of pain and defiance still lingering.
"You... saved me. Why? " Because we need answers," Austin replied, his voice firm.
" Who is your master? What does he want? "