Alpha Hayley’s Destined Mate
Chapter 568: Chronic Toxin
Hayley’s POV:
“Grandma can’t stand any bumps!” I stopped Benjamin from carrying Grandma and explained to him. Benjamin’s approach made Hera feel better, and I started to regain a sliver of rationality. I entrusted Grandma to Virginia and rushed to the bedroom to retrieve my set of needles. I learned about this treatment method from the Acxian medical experts when I participated in the combat training for alpha werewolves. I didn’t usually bring them with me, but it seemed necessary to have them in case of emergencies.
I laid the needles out on the coffee table and turned to Benjamin. “Help me move Grandma over here. Be careful.”
“Okay.” He nodded solemnly.
With all of us working together, we managed to safely lie Grandma down on the couch. I skillfully picked up the thinnest needle from the table and inserted a few into points in Grandma’s head and hand. As the last needle was inserted, Grandma gasped deeply before slowly opening her eyes. She was dazed for a short moment before turning to look at everyone. “What… happened to me?”
He let out a sigh of relief and reassured her, “It’s alright now, Grandma. We’ll go to the hospital later for a thorough checkup.”
I had always kept a close eye on Grandma’s health. Theoretically speaking, as the former Luna of Shadow Pack, she was also a high-ranked beta and physically strong. She wouldn’t be so angry just because of a few words from Odessa. I suspected there was another illness lurking in her body, but I couldn’t confirm it with just this needle therapy and feeling her pulse.
Finally, the ambulance arrived after twenty minutes. Grandpa was worried and got in the ambulance with her. Benjamin drove Virginia and me, following closely behind the ambulance. Originally, we were going to the nearest hospital, but since Grandma’s condition had improved, Benjamin made the call to transfer her to the best werewolf hospital instead.
The attending physician was Ian, a longtime friend of Benjamin. After the examination, he invited me and Benjamin to his office.
“Dorothy’s condition is a bit complicated,” Ian said as he repeatedly looked at the examination report tensely.
For some reason, Benjamin looked at me, worried. He reached for my hand and held it, trying to give me strength. Seeing how composed I was, Ian set the report down and met my gaze. He looked at me and said, “We detected a chronic toxin in her body. It’s likely witchcraft.”
“Poisoned?” I clenched my fist hard instinctively. Benjamin sensed my tension and rubbed my back.
“Yes,” Ian nodded. “When this toxin first enters the body, the patient won’t experience many symptoms. But over time, it gradually drains the inner wolf’s energy, stripping away their will and fighting ability. And in the final stages, the patient’s organs will rapidly deteriorate.” He hesitated for a moment before adding, “At most, she has six months to live.”
The moment he finished speaking, my heart seized with pain. My body trembled uncontrollably as my fingernails dug deep into my palms. Benjamin immediately noticed my distress.
“Hayley,” he said, holding my hands and pleading, “Breathe, please. Don’t do this to yourself.”
I didn’t respond to him. Warm tears rolled out of my eyes and fell directly onto Benjamin’s hands. He held me in his arms.
“If even you can’t hold yourself together now, who will find the one harming Grandma?” he whispered in my ear. “Hayley, Grandpa and Grandma need you. You can’t fall apart.”
Hera started to remind me, “Hayley, don’t hurt yourself! Stay focused.”
I took a deep breath, regained my composure, and unclenched my fists. They were both right. The person who harmed Grandma hadn’t been punished yet. I have to stay focused. Since it was a poison, there had to be an antidote to counter it. Even if I had to overturn the entire world or wipe out all the witches, I have to save Grandma!
Forcing myself to stay calm, I looked at Ian with unwavering determination. “Is there a cure, Dr. Wells?” I asked.