Austin's hand loosened from its tight grip on the half-human wolf's fur, his attention momentarily diverted to Loretta who stood at the entrance of the chamber along the dimly lit hallway barely had time to register the move when a sharp pain erupted in his chest. The half-human wolf's fist landed with brutal force, tearing his skin apart and sending a shockwave of agony through his body.
" Grrrrrrr, grrrrrrr...." Austin growled in pain before he staggered backward, his vision blurring from the sudden attack. Blood soaked his shirt, and he could feel the warm, sticky liquid trickling down his torso. The room seemed to spin around him as he struggled to regain his balance. Before he could react, the half-human wolf had already vanished, disappearing into the thin air as if it had never been there. The suddenness of the attack and the creature's swift escape left Austin reeling. " Damn it! Go after him! Don't let him get away! " Austin growled, clutching his chest. He turned to his pack members, who were already alert and ready for action. The pack sprang into motion, their keen senses and powerful bodies propelling them out of the room and into the night. Austin watched them go, his heart pounding with a mix of anger and urgency. He knew they had to catch the half-human wolf before it could do more damage. Breathing heavily, Austin turned his attention back to Loretta. His wound throbbed, but his concern for her outweighed his own pain. He stumbled over to her bedside, his bloodied hand reaching out to gently touch her face. " Loretta, I am so sorry. I should have protected you better. How are you feeling? " he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. Dr. Benson, who had been watching the scene with wide eyes, finally found his voice.
" Sir, you are hurt. You need to let me treat that wound. " Dr Benson stated Austin shook his head, his eyes never leaving Loretta's face.
" She's more important, I can't let anything happen to her. " he said quietly Dr. Benson moved closer, his hands trembling slightly as he inspected Austin's injury. " It's deep, but I can patch you up. We need to get you cleaned up before you lose more blood. " Dr Benson stated