Chapter 6 Alpha Ethan's POV " Bring a blanket , " I ordered my Beta , who quickly complied . I covered her up , staring at her unconscious body , blood rushing from the shot where the bullet had penetrated . I pulled off my shirt , using it to wrap around the wound , temporarily stopping the blood flow while I ordered a car to take us back to the pack house . As I waited , I could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on me as I watched her her long black hair matted with blood , her body lifeless and barely hanging on . The bullet wound was bad , and I had no idea how much time we had . My hands shook slightly as I tightened the makeshift bandage , my mind racing with thoughts of what could've been if we hadn't arrived in time . I glanced up , finding my Beta standing nearby , ready to follow any order . " The car should be here soon , " he said , but I barely heard him . My gaze lingered on the woman who had saved my pack , who had saved us all . She was the last person I expected to see in this condition . Her face , though obscured by the mess of hair , still held a certain quiet strength . Even unconscious , there was something powerful about her presence . I couldn't stop myself from wondering who she really was - what had driven her to risk everything for a pack she didn't belong to ? My heart cleriched , a mixture of gratitude and confusion swirling inside me . The car pulled up , and I gently lifted her into my arms , cradling her against me , trying to keep her as still as possible . My mind kept circling back to her- who was she ? And why had she been the one to fight for us when no one else had ? I couldn't stop my thoughts from spiraling as I made my way into the pack house , her body still in my arms . The heater was already standing by , waiting for us with a grim expression that mirrored my own . There wasn't time to waste . Every second felt like it might be the last one we had . I gently laid her down on the examination table , making sure her body was as comfortable as possible , even in this fragile state . The healer quickly stepped forward , her hands expertly moving over the wound , her eyes sharp with focus . " Her blood pressure is dangerously low ," the healer muttered , her brow furrowing as she inspected the wound . " We need to act fast , Alpha . The bullet's still in there , and it's causing more damage than we thought ." I nodded , my throat tight . I wasn't sure if I could even breathe right now . The woman lying before me wasn't just some stranger - I could feel it deep in my bones . She was important . But why ? My mind kept reaching for answers that weren't there . " How long until we can stabilize her ? " I asked , trying to mask the panic that threatened to rise . I had to be strong . I had to stay in control, but it was hard when everything inside me was screaming . The healer didn't look up from her work , but her voice was steady . " It'll take some time . I need to get the bullet out first , then we can start to address the blood loss . But with this much damage ... " She trailed off , glancing up at me , her eyes filled with quiet concern . I clenched my fists . " Do whatever it takes . She's not dying . Not on my watch . " The healer nodded sharply , and I turned away , pacing the room , my mind a whirlwind of frustration and guilt . I should've done something sooner . I should've protected her . But no matter how many times I replayed the events in my head , I couldn't change what had already happened . My Beta , who had been waiting quietly in the corner , stepped forward . " Alpha , do you want me to send for backup ? For more help ? " he asked quietly . I shook my head . " No. We'll handle it here . I'll stay with her . " I couldn't leave her . Not now . Something inside me had shifted the moment I saw her lying there - vulnerable , fighting for life . She wasn't just some warrior who happened to show up at the right time . There was something more to her . Something I needed to understan The healer moved with practiced precision , cutting away the fabric of her clothes around the wound and carefully beginning the process of removing the bullet . I couldn't tear my gaze away from her face . Her skin was pale , and I could see the faintest flush of fever creeping in , but still , there was that strength in her expression , even in unconsciousness . It was like she was fighting something deeper than just this injury . The healer muttered under her breath as she worked , trying to stabilize her vital signs . I could feel the weight of each moment pressing down on me . Minutes dragged on , and with every passing second , I felt like the distance between us grew , the questions swirling inside me intensifying , Who was she ? What was she really doing here ? And most of all - why did it feel like I had known her for so much longer than I actually had ? 1/2 Chapter 6 Finally , the healer spoke , her voice soft but relieved . " The bullet's out . We're stabilizing her now . She's not out of danger yet , but she's got a chance A wave of relief washed over me , but it was fleeting . I wasn't sure if I could ever truly relax until I saw her awake again , heard her voice , and felt the warmth of her presence return . But for now , all I could do was wait . Just then , Olivia barged into the room . When her eyes landed on the girl , her brow furrowed , and I could tell she was shocked , but I didn't know why . " We have to talk , " she said , pulling me out of the room . " What is that girl doing here ? " she asked the moment we were out of the room . " She saved us and got injured . So the least I could do was keep her here until she recovers ." " She is not staying here , " she muttered , but I heard her clearly . " And why wouldn't she stay ? " I asked , my voice laced with anger . She didn't reply immediately . " I don't like her , and she should be out ," she said . " And who are you to tell me what to do ? A mate who doesn't know her duties to her mate , huh ? " I spat angrily . " You know what ? I wish that girl lying there was my mate and not ... " I snapped angrily and walked out . ww Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!