Adrian further humiliated me with his cruel words. I sat on the bed, peering out the window, my heart aching as I replayed his accusations. My only mistake? Falling for him. If I hadn't, I wouldn't be feeling this pain.

I closed my eyes, trying to connect with my wolf. She was furious with Adrian, unable to believe his treatment of his mate.

"Nancy, let's go home," I said.

My wolf remained silent, her refusal to respond confirming her disapproval. I understood her feelings. We were werewolves; we could feel, speak to, and sense our wolf's emotions. They were intrinsically part of us.

But I couldn't heed her silent plea. I couldn't fulfill her wish to be with our mate.

The sound of the door opening broke my thoughts. I turned to see Harold entering.

"Thank you for saving me," I said.

He smiled, approaching me. "It's my duty," he replied, handing me a poly bag.

I tried to lift my hand, but Harold gently restrained me. "Don't move it; it's healing." He placed my hand in my lap, opened the bag, and gave me my phone. "They found your bag when they rescued your driver. Security protocol."

I glanced at my phone. "How's my driver?"

"Critical condition. Head injury."

My lips parted in shock. Was it my fault? I had urged him to drive faster. If I hadn't…

Harold noticed my distress. He patted my shoulder, trying to reassure me. "Natalia, don't upset yourself. Our pack has excellent doctors. He'll be fine. It'll take time, but he'll recover, I assure you."

Relieved, I sighed. "How can I thank you enough?"

"You call me friend. No need for excessive thanks."

Just as I was about to compliment him, another voice came from the slightly open door.

"Natalia."

I turned to see my brother.

"Brother!"

He rushed to me, anxious. Harold discreetly closed the door. Jason hugged me. Despite the pain in my head, I didn't complain; it was his love.

"My baby, what happened?" he asked.

I just wanted the comfort of his embrace. I hugged him tightly. I almost confessed Adrian's accusations, but decided against further turmoil.

"I don't know, brother. I was terrified."

I cried. He broke the hug, wiping my tears.

"Don't worry. You'll be fine."

I nodded. Then, a thought struck me.

"Brother, my scars…"

He frowned, glancing at my hand, partially concealed by my hospital gown.

"What about them?"

"They reappeared," I whispered.

He was startled. Jason's sudden, sharp look at Harold caught him off guard. I sensed Jason didn't want to discuss it in front of him.

Harold approached, extending a hand to Jason. "Alpha Jason, I'm Doctor Harold, the pack's head doctor."

They shook hands. Harold glanced at me. "I know you're siblings. Natalia told me about your family. She's fortunate to have a brother like you."

Jason ignored this, asking instead, "How's her health?"

"She'll be fine in a week. I gave her a high dose for faster healing."

Jason declared, "Arrange her discharge, Doctor Harold."

Harold looked surprised. "But she hasn't fully recovered. She needs a week's bed rest for the medication to work properly."

Jason looked at me. "Do you want to stay?"

I shook my head. "No."

He turned back to Harold. "My pack has doctors. They can help her."

Harold, though he disagreed, couldn't overrule the family. Wanting to reassure him, I cleared my throat. "Harold, I'll be fine. Thank you for everything. You're a good person."

Harold stared at me, then shook his head. "I hope you're well soon."

I smiled and nodded. He left to begin the discharge paperwork.

My smile vanished as I heard my brother's warning to Harold: "I appreciate your help, but I hope you'll remain her true friend, Doctor Harold."