42

42

Adrian's POV

The metallic scent of blood hit me before I even stepped through the door. My heart stopped for a moment, and then it began hammering, a frantic rhythm that drowned out every thought except one: Bethany.

I found her crumpled at the base of the stairs, her arms clutching her stomach. Her face was pale, her lips trembling, and the sight of the crimson pooling beneath her sent a wave of cold panic through me.

"Bethany!" I was at her side in seconds, dropping to my knees. "What happened? Talk to me."

Her eyes fluttered open, glazed and unfocused. "Adrian," she whispered, her voice so faint I had to strain to hear it.

"You're going to be okay," I said, trying to sound calm even as my hands shook. "I've got you."

I didn't wait for an answer. Scooping her up carefully, I felt the warmth of her blood seep into my shirt. It made my stomach churn, but I forced the fear down. I couldn't fall apart now. She needed me.

The healer's cabin was a blur of shouted instructions and hurried movements. I laid Bethany down on the exam table, stepping back only when one of the younger healers—a sharp-eyed omega named Kira—snapped at me to give her space.

"What happened?" she asked, already pressing her hands to Bethany's abdomen, her energy flaring in search of answers.

"She fell," I said, my voice rough. "I don't know how long she was like that before I found her."

Kira's expression darkened as she worked, her lips pressed into a thin line. I couldn't read her emotions, and it terrified me.

"Will she—" My voice broke. "Is she going to be okay?"

Kira glanced at me, her eyes softening. "She's stable for now. But the baby…"

The words hung in the air like a death knell.

"No," I whispered, my hands clenching into fists. "There has to be something you can do."

"I'm sorry," Kira said quietly. "The trauma was too much. The miscarriage was inevitable."

The room spun, and I had to grip the edge of the table to steady myself. My chest felt hollow, like the air had been sucked out of my lungs.

I sighed in defeat and dropped to the table, staring at nothing in particular as I waited for Bethany to wake up.

Hours passed, though they felt like days. Bethany was still unconscious, her face pale and fragile against the stark white pillow. Kira had cleaned her wounds and assured me she'd recover physically, but I couldn't shake the image of her broken at the bottom of the stairs.

It was my fault.

I'd promised to protect her, to keep her safe, and I had failed. I should've been there, should've done more to shield her from the weight of everything.

The door creaked open, and I turned to see Mason step inside.

Of course, he'd show up now.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I hissed, stepping between him and Bethany's bed.

He held up his hands in mock surrender, his expression somber. "Relax, Adrian. I just came to check on her. I heard what happened."

I narrowed my eyes. "If you think for a second that you're going to use this to manipulate her—"

"Manipulate her?" he interrupted, his voice dripping with false outrage. "I care about her just as much as you do, if not more. I'm here because I'm worried."

"Worried," I repeated, my voice flat. "Right. And I'm supposed to believe this sudden concern has nothing to do with making yourself look good in front of the pack?"

Mason's jaw tightened, but he didn't deny it. Instead, he stepped closer, his gaze flickering to Bethany.

"She's been through a lot," he said quietly. "She doesn't need you hovering over her like some overbearing alpha. Maybe give her some space."

"Space?" I took a step toward him, my voice low and dangerous. "You don't get to lecture me about what she needs. You're the reason she's been stressed out of her mind."

His smirk returned, colder this time. "And you think you're the hero in all this? Don't kid yourself, Adrian. You're just as much a part of her misery as I am."

My fists clenched, and it took everything in me not to lash out. He wasn't worth it. Not here, not now.

"Get out," I said through gritted teeth.

Mason raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"You heard me. Get out."

For a moment, he looked like he might argue, but then he shrugged. "Fine. But don't say I didn't try."

He left without another word, the door clicking shut behind him.

It wasn't long after that, that Bethany finally woke, her eyes filled with confusion and pain.

"Adrian?" she croaked.

"I'm here," I said, sitting beside her. "You're safe."

She blinked up at me, her hand moving to her stomach. The realization hit her like a physical blow, and tears filled her eyes.

"The baby," she whispered.

I couldn't bring myself to say the words, so I just shook my head.

Her sobs broke something inside me. I reached for her hand, holding it tightly as she cried.

"I'm so sorry," I said, my voice cracking. "I should've been there. I should've—"

"No," she interrupted, her voice trembling. "It's not your fault."

"But it is," I said, my guilt threatening to consume me. "I promised to protect you, and I failed."

She shook her head, her grip on my hand tightening. "Adrian, you've done more for me than anyone else ever has. Please don't blame yourself."

Her words were like a balm to my soul, but they didn't erase the ache in my chest.

"I'll protect you," I said fiercely. "From now on, I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe. No matter what."

Bethany gave me a weak smile, her tears still falling. "Thank you."

I took her hand, bringing it closer to me and pressing my lips down on it. "I'll always be here for you," I promised her.