Chapter 57

Damien I stepped into the bedroom, my eyes immediately falling on Nicole. "How is she?" I asked Madelyn, keeping my voice low to avoid disturbing my mate. "The pack doctor came earlier today and administered an IV," Madelyn explained, her motherly concern evident. "She fell asleep shortly after taking her medication. The fever's been stubborn." I moved closer to the bed, looking down at Nicole's flushed face. My wolf, Ford, stirred restlessly within me, distressed at seeing our mate in pain. It took considerable restraint not to gather her into my arms immediately. "Thank you for watching over her," I said to Madelyn without turning. "You can go rest now." "Of course, Alpha Damien." With obvious relief, Madelyn quietly left the room. I settled into the armchair beside the bed, pulling out my phone to handle a few urgent emails while keeping watch. Every few minutes, my eyes would drift to Nicole, monitoring each labored breath. Later that night, she stirred restlessly in her sleep. Her