Chapter 7

The sharp sting of antiseptic told me I was back in the pack hospital. I struggled to open my eyes. My fingers twitched, brushing against soft hair – Charles's head resting beside me. He jerked upright. His eyes were bloodshot, a shadow of stubble darkening his jaw. "Doctor! She's awake!" His voice was hoarse, raw. Pack doctors quickly surrounded me. The diagnosis was as expected – coma induced by excessive inhalation of specially formulated wolfbane, plus a concussion from the fall. Thankfully, no life-threatening injuries. The door burst open moments later. Griffin charged in, radiating cold fury. He gently but firmly pushed me back onto the pillows, his usually sharp eyes bloodshot. "You foolish girl," his voice trembled, "whatever happens, you must tell me first from now on." I learned later that the kidnapper and Abbie, attempting to flee across the border to another pack, had been intercepted by patrols Charles had arranged. Under interrogation, the madman admitted the in