Liam POV
My heart raced faster with every passing minute. Haylie had slipped into unconsciousness, and I pressed my foot harder on the gas, pushing the truck to its limits.
I knew the dangers of a severe allergic reaction—how quickly it could turn deadly if she didn't get help. The sight of her lying there so still, her breathing so faint, tore at me. I wished I'd known she was allergic to bees; I never would have brought her into the woods on a hot day like this without asking her to bring her epinephrine shot.
The realization hit hard: I cared about her deeply, yet there were still things about her I didn't know.
"Liam, you have to hurry!" Ace's panicked voice echoed in my head. I stole a glance at Haylie—she wasn't wheezing anymore, and her stillness was terrifying.
My chest tightened, but I forced myself to stay focused, driving even faster. The only hope was getting her to the Crescent Moon Hospital in town. She might be human, but they'd have the supplies and care to save her.
Just a little longer, I told myself, clenching the wheel. I wasn't going to lose her—not today, not after discovering that fate had marked her as mine.
I was finally at the hospital, and relief mixed with the panic in my chest. Haylie's condition was critical, and the thought of her being human—unable to heal as a wolf would—gnawed at me.
I slammed the truck to a halt, not caring about parking properly, and jumped out, rushing to her side. Carefully, I lifted her limp form into my arms and sprinted toward the hospital entrance.
As soon as I stepped inside, I saw my mother. "Mom!" I called, urgency thick in my voice as I hurried over to her with Haylie cradled in my arms, her body as weak as a rag doll.
"Liam, what's going on?" she asked, concern filling her eyes. "Who is this?"
"She's... she's Haylie," I said, my voice barely steady. "She was stung by a bee, and she's having an allergic reaction."
My mother's eyes widened, and without hesitation, she signaled a nurse and a doctor. As Luna, her words commanded immediate attention.
The nurses and doctors quickly surrounded us, prepared to help. One of the nurses motioned to me. "Liam, follow me," she said, guiding me down the hall. I kept Haylie secure in my arms until we reached an empty room, where I gently laid her on the bed.
The medical team moved in around her, their hands quick and efficient, but I stayed close, watching over her. I could only hope they'd be able to help her before it was too late.
My heart felt like it was shattering as I watched the medical team swarm around Haylie's bed, their movements a blur of urgency and skill.
My wolf lay silent within me, a stark contrast to the storm of emotions raging outside. It was clear he was worried, too, even if Haylie was human. The doctor was inserting a needle into her arm, connecting her to an IV bag, and I felt tears welling in my eyes.
I had just discovered that Haylie was my fated mate, and now she was on the brink of death.
"Hayl's, don't give up on me," I whispered, gripping her hand tightly, feeling her cold skin against mine. Her lips were turning a shade of blue, and panic clawed at my throat.
I couldn't lose her—not now, not when we had just begun to understand what we meant to each other.
"Liam, you need to step back," a doctor said, gently but firmly placing a hand on my shoulder. "We have to do our work to save her."
My heart raced, and I shook my head violently, unwilling to leave her side. "No, I need to be here when she wakes up. She's me fated mate! I can't lose her!"
"Liam, please," the doctor urged, his voice steady but urgent. "We need space to work." Just then, I felt my mother's presence behind me.
"Come on, son," she said softly, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Let the doctors do their job."
Her words broke through my fear just enough for me to realize that resisting wasn't helping Haylie.
I took a shuddering breath, my eyes still fixed on her pale face. "Okay," I finally managed to say, though it felt like tearing my heart out. I squeezed her hand one last time before I reluctantly stepped back, allowing the medical team the space they needed.
I walked with heavy legs beside my mother, making our way to the door and exiting the room. As we stepped into the hallway of the hospital, the tears streamed down my cheeks.
I had never cried for anyone before, but this felt different. It felt like my life was ending, and Haylie held all the pieces of my heart.
"Son, come sit down," I heard my mother say softly. Nodding, I followed her to the nearest chair in the hallway and sank down, my legs feeling like lead beneath me. My body was in shock from everything that had just happened, and I tried to wipe away the tears that kept flowing.
"Why did you say that she was your fated mate?" my mother asked gently, concern etched on her face.
My heart ached more at her question. I turned to her, the tears still running down my cheeks. "Because she is," I said, my voice breaking. "I just found out that she has my wolf Ace's mark on the side of her neck."
The realization hung heavy in the air between us, and I could see the understanding dawn on my mother's face.
She reached out, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Liam, this is a lot for you to handle right now," she said softly. "But you need to stay strong. Haylie needs you."
I nodded, though it felt impossible to be strong when everything felt so uncertain. The weight of what was happening pressed down on me, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to be there for her, no matter what. "I can't lose her, Mom," I whispered, my voice trembling. "I just found her."
My mother squeezed my shoulder gently, offering silent support as we sat together in that sterile hallway, waiting for news that felt like it would never come.
Haylie POV
I opened my eyes, feeling no pain at all, and found myself surrounded by a sea of daisies. It was strange but beautiful. I loved daisies, yet there were dozens of them swaying gently in the breeze. I was wearing a white summer dress, which only added to the surreal feeling. Where was I?
I pushed myself up from the ground, taking in the vibrant field of daisies and the sweet fragrance that filled the air.
The sky above was a brilliant blue, with fluffy white clouds drifting lazily like a perfect painting. Had I somehow ended up in heaven? The last thing I remembered was Liam's voice urging me to hold on as he took me to the hospital.
"Is anyone here?" I called out, concern creeping into my voice as I looked around, hoping for some sign of life. But all I saw were flowers stretching endlessly in every direction.
As I walked through the field, I let my fingertips brush against the petals, feeling their softness beneath my touch.
Suddenly, I heard a voice call my name. "Haylie." It was a woman's voice, and I turned, my heart racing. My eyes widened in disbelief as I saw her standing there—my mother.
"Mom, is it really you?" I gasped, overwhelmed with emotion. Without waiting for an answer, I rushed toward her and wrapped my arms around her tightly.
Tears streamed down my face as I held her, feeling her warmth envelop me. I had missed her so much and seeing her here felt like a miracle.
"It's truly me, Haylie," she said, returning my embrace even tighter. Her hug was everything I remembered—a comfort I had longed for since childhood.
I pulled back slightly, my hands resting on her arms as I searched her eyes. "How is this happening? Am I dead?"
My mother's expression shifted to one of concern. She looked just like me, only a few years older. "We don't have a lot of time," she said gently.
"But I just got here! I've missed you," I replied, sadness creeping into my voice at the thought of our time being so limited.
With her warm fingers, she wiped away my tears. "I know, but Haylie, it's not your time yet."
"I don't want to say goodbye again." The thought of losing her once more made my heart ache.
I tried to hold back the sobs threatening to escape, but just then, I noticed another figure standing behind my mother. My breath hitched as I realized it was my father. Kaysen Hunter
"Dad," the word slipped from my lips, trembling with disbelief. I had only seen him in photographs, and now here he was—tall, handsome, with dark blond hair and striking blue eyes that resembled the ocean.
"Haylie, my daughter," he said, his voice melodic and soothing.
Before I knew it, I had dashed toward him and wrapped my arms around his waist, feeling the strength of his embrace for the first time.
His muscular frame felt foreign yet comforting, and as he hugged me back, I broke down, feeling like a little girl again, longing for the love I had never known.
In that moment, all the pain and sorrow melted away. I was finally with my parents, surrounded by daisies, in a place that felt like home.
I had never felt my father's hug or even seen him. He passed away before I was born, and being here with him and my mother was all I had ever wanted.
As a child, I yearned for this my whole life, to see the two of them together.
"It's okay, sweetheart," my father's comforting words surrounded me as he gently stroked my hair. I felt like a little girl again in his arms, like all the dreams I had of him were finally coming to life. I pulled back from our embrace, looking up at him with tear-blurred eyes.
"This… this is all I've ever wanted, to meet you," I managed to say, my voice breaking with emotion.
A gentle smile tugged at his lips. "I know, sweetheart," he said, reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. "I was always here with you, and you've grown into an incredible woman, just like your mother."
His words touched something deep within me, and my heart broke open in the best way, filling with joy and sadness all at once.
Tears slipped down my cheeks, yet I couldn't help but smile, feeling overwhelmed to be standing before the man who helped create me. Until now, I'd only known him through photos—and here he was, alive before me.
Her warmth was a comforting blanket, making me feel at home. When she pulled back, she gently wiped the tears from my cheeks, her beautiful emerald-blue eyes full of love and understanding.
"I am scared," I admitted with a heavy heart, "scared of the way I feel toward Liam."
My mother's face softened, a small, reassuring smile tugging at her lips. "It's okay to be scared," she said gently. "Sometimes our love is so pure and true that it feels overwhelming… even a little scary."
I felt my father's presence beside me as he stepped closer. His gentle voice filled the air, saying, "Liam is your fated mate, and I know it might feel frightening… but give him a chance."
I looked up at him, a small smile breaking through the tears on my cheeks. "I love you, Daddy," I whispered, my voice soft with emotion.
A warm smile lit up his face, and his blue eyes sparkled as he replied, "I love you, sweetheart." But before his words could fully settle, I felt a gentle pull, as though something was drawing me away. In the next moment, I found myself back in my body.
I opened my eyes to the bright sunlight streaming through the window.
Slowly, I sat up, realizing I was no longer in the field of daisies but in a hospital room. An IV drip was connected to my arm, and the quiet hum of machines filled the air. Looking around, my gaze fell on a figure in the corner of the room, and my heart clenched.
Liam was there, fast asleep in the chair with a blanket draped over him.
He'd kept his promise to stay by my side and bring me to the hospital. My heart ached as I watched him, feeling the depth of his care and loyalty.
Turning my head, I noticed a vase on the side table beside my bed, filled with a bundle of white daisies. The sweet scent of the flowers filled the room, and my heart swelled with emotion, knowing he'd brought them for me.
This simple gesture, combined with his quiet presence, wrapped me in warmth and reassurance.
Liam POV
While the doctor and medical team worked on Haylie, I left the room to clear my head. The weight of worry was overwhelming, and a walk in the hospital garden felt like the only way to calm myself.
That's when I spotted the daisies growing near a small path. I picked a bunch, knowing how much she loved them.
As I stood there, lost in thought, I heard my wolf, Ace, in my head.
"You're right, man," he said, his voice softer than usual. "Somehow, your human has gotten to me, too… and I don't want you to lose her."
For the first time, I heard Ace's genuine care for Haylie.
"She's everything to me," I replied, surprised by the intensity of my own words. "I know it sounds crazy, but it feels like I've known her my whole life."
With the flowers in hand, I made my way back to the hospital.
Halfway in the hall there, I was met by Aunt Camila, my father, Mathew, and my mother. My heart skipped a beat as I stopped in front of them, my hand trembling slightly as I held the flowers.
"Dad," I stammered, caught off guard.
They looked at me, and my father's voice was laced with both anger and concern. "Son, what were you thinking, taking Haylie into the woods like that?"
I frowned, glancing at my mother, knowing she must have told my father and Aunt Camila about what happened.
"You can't just go off with Haylie without telling anyone, "My father said, his tone firm. "Her aunt thought she was still in her room."
"I'm sorry, Dad," I snapped, feeling the weight of my guilt. "I didn't know she was allergic to bees."
My father seemed ready to respond when the door to Haylie's room opened, and the doctor stepped out. Aunt Camila was the first to approach him. "Doctor, how is Haylie?" she asked, her voice filled with worry.
The doctor looked at her, his expression serious. "It was a close one. Her heart stopped for a few minutes, but thankfully, we managed to bring her back."
A small gasp escaped my lips as the reality of her condition hit me. Haylie's heart had stopped… I felt numb, gripping the daisies tightly in my hand.
The doctor continued, "She's on an IV drip now and just needs rest. Her body will be sore, but she'll be alright."
My mother stepped forward and asked, "Can we see her?"
The doctor nodded. "Yes, you can. She's still asleep, but you're free to go in."
With a deep breath, I prepared myself to see Haylie, feeling both relieved and shaken by how close I'd come to losing her.
Just as I was about to enter Haylie's room, my father's hand gripped my shoulder, holding me back.
I turned to meet his intense, worried gaze. "I'm not done with you," he said firmly, his voice carrying a weight that made me tense.
I clenched my fist around the daisies, feeling the frustration rise. "I told you, I'm sorry, and it won't happen again," I replied, trying to keep my tone steady.
But my words only seemed to fuel his anger, and his eyes shifted to that familiar shade of red that signaled his wolf's presence. Even as the son of the Alpha, I wasn't allowed to speak back to him.
His grip on my shoulder tightened, and I felt the unspoken threat of his authority. I took a deep breath, stepping back, the air thick with tension.
"Dare to defy me, son, and you'll regret it," he warned, his voice tinged with his Alpha authority.
I met his gaze, holding steady, though I respected him too much to outright challenge him. Still, I broke his hold, walking back to a chair in the hallway to cool off. A moment later, he joined me, and a silence settled between us until he finally spoke again.
"Your mother told me you saw Ace's mark on Haylie's neck," he said, breaking the silence. I let out a long breath, the memory of that moment still fresh.
"When we were at the lake, I saw the mark clear as day, but she… she couldn't see what I saw." The image replayed in my mind, and I rubbed my tired eyes, feeling the weight of the day pressing on me.
My father sighed. "Son, she may be your fated mate, but you don't understand the risks or the cost this bond could bring."
I took a deep breath, trying to keep my frustration in check. "Don't talk to me about risk," I said, running a hand through my hair before rising from my seat to face him directly. "Is this really about her being human? Are you just concerned about what this means for the pack?"
I knew he worried that my bond with Haylie could be challenging because of our differences, but I was tired of everyone questioning my choices.
Haylie was me fated mate, and nothing would change that, not even the complexities of our different worlds.
"Son," he began, his tone calm, "I can see you're angry. I'm not here to fight with you."
I crossed my arms, the daisies still clutched tightly. "But you want to tell me that because she's human, I need to be cautious," I said, my voice edged with bitterness.
He stayed silent, but I could tell from his expression that he understood my frustration.
My father let out a heavy sigh, his gaze piercing into me as he spoke. "Today was just the beginning, son," he said, his voice laden with concern. "Haylie is human. She could be gone in an instant, no supernatural healing, no enhanced abilities. What if one of the wolves attacks her? You won't be able to protect her every second."
I knew he was right, that the dangers were real, and yet the thought of losing her hurt more than the risks ever could.
I took a deep breath, my voice firm as I replied, "I don't care if she's human, if she's vulnerable. I love her, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Just like today."
My heart was pounding, and I couldn't believe the intensity of my own words. "I know our worlds are different, that it won't be easy, but what we have is pure, and I've never felt this way about anyone."
Tears pricked at my eyes, and I saw the surprise flicker across my father's face. I could tell he hadn't expected this—me, standing here, unyielding in my love for her.
"I don't care that she doesn't have supernatural powers," I continued, my voice softer but unshaken. "And I won't reject our bond. She might be my weakness, but she's my choice, and I want to protect her with everything I am."
For a moment, my father just stared, the tension between us thick, but in his eyes, I thought I saw a glimmer of understanding.
Ace's words echoed in my mind, a final reminder of the challenge I was taking on. *"Being with a human won't be easy,"* he said, his voice resigned but accepting.
*"I know,"* I answered him silently. *"It's a risk I'm willing to take."*
My father stood, his gaze stern. "As your father, I want you to make wise choices. And as the future Alpha of the pack, remember what that means."
I met his gaze with steady resolve. "I am making the right choice, Dad. This is my decision as the future Alpha."
I knew the rules. The tradition was to choose a Luna, a strong wolf who could lead beside me.
But Haylie had strength in her own way—her heart, her resilience. She didn't need a wolf spirit to lead; I saw that in her pure heart, the kind of strength that didn't fade.
As we stood in silence, my mother joined us. Turning to her, I asked, "How is she?"
"She's okay. Still asleep," my mother said gently, worry in her voice.
Relief washed over me. I looked back at my father. "Can I go see her? Or do we have more to discuss?"
His expression darkened slightly, but he nodded. "You can go."
I knew this wasn't over for him, but right now, I needed to be with Haylie. Stepping into her room, the antiseptic smell of the hospital surrounded me. Aunt Camilia was sitting by her side, clutching Haylie's hand as though it was her lifeline.
Seeing Haylie lying there, fragile and still, hit me hard. I could feel the weight of what my father had warned me about—the vulnerability of a human, the realness of this risk.
Aunt Camilia looked up, her eyes red and swollen. "Ten years ago, I watched Olivia lying in a bed just like this… and the doctors couldn't save her." Her voice broke as she glanced at me. "Please, Liam. I can't lose Haylie like I lost her mother."
I swallowed hard, fighting back my own tears.
Gently, I placed the daisies in an empty vase beside her bed, then took her hand in mine, her skin warm yet so fragile beneath my touch.
"I'll do whatever it takes to protect her," I promised, my voice unwavering. I knew she was my fated mate—my only chance, the one I'd waited for, the one meant to be by my side for life.
"She's all I have, Liam," Aunt Camilia whispered, her face streaked with tears.
I squeezed Haylie's hand, feeling a surge of determination. "I know, Aunt Camilia. She's all I have too. I'll protect her with everything I have, even if it's my last breath."
I looked down at Haylie, lifting her hand gently to my lips and pressing a soft kiss there, her skin warm and familiar.
I stayed by her side for a long time, watching over her while Aunt Camilla eventually left, asking me to call if there was any change. I couldn't bear to leave Haylie, so I told my mother to head home without me; I needed to be here when she woke up.
That night, I barely slept. I asked the nurse for a blanket, settled into a chair in the corner of the room, and tried to rest. At some point, sleep took over.
When I woke up, the room was dimly lit with the early morning glow. As my eyes adjusted, I saw movement on the bed.
Haylie was awake, sitting up and glancing around the room, looking a little confused. I jumped to my feet, unable to contain my surprise. "Hayls, you're awake," I said, my voice breaking the quiet of the room.
She looked over, and a bright smile spread across her face, her cheeks rosy, her expression full of warmth.
That one look eased everything inside me. I walked over and sat on the edge of her bed, my hand finding hers. "Liam," she said softly, and I couldn't help but soak in the sound of my name on her lips. It felt like home.
I gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "How are you feeling?" I asked, scanning her face.
"A little sore, but better now," she replied, her eyes sparkling.
I brought her hand to my lips, kissing it softly. "Next time, give me a little warning if you're allergic to anything," I teased, both serious and playful.
She chuckled, her laughter light and bright. "I'll make sure to do that, definitely."
A soft smile crept onto my face as I reached up, my fingertips brushing gently along the side of her face. Her skin was soft beneath my touch, her warmth grounding me after everything that had happened.
"I thought I almost lost you," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. Her green eyes softened, a sheen of tears brimming as she held my gaze.
I leaned in, letting our lips meet, feeling her warmth and the unmistakable connection between us.
As I pulled back, I heard her whisper, "I had to come back to you." Her words melted into me, sweet and pure, filling all the empty spaces I'd felt in her absence.
It was like honey—comforting, familiar, perfect. I leaned in again, pressing another gentle kiss to her lips, savoring the moment, the assurance that she was here.
In the back of my mind, I felt Ace, my wolf, stirring with joy, his tail wagging in contentment. Despite his caution, it seemed Haylie was slowly finding her way into his heart too.