Alpha King Chases Abandoned Luna novel Chapter 328

(Olivia's POV)

I raced through the sterile corridors of the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, my heart hammering against my ribs. The antiseptic smell burned my nostrils, bringing back painful memories of Lily's final days. My wolf paced anxiously beneath my skin, sensing danger to someone I loved.

James. My oldest friend. The only one who had stood by me through everything.

I rounded the corner and spotted Mason Price leaning against the wall. His usually confident posture was slumped, a cigarette box clutched in his hand. His wolf's distress pheromones hit me before I even reached him.

"Is James okay?" My voice cracked with fear. "Please tell me he's alright."

Mason's shoulders sagged as he met my gaze. "He's not in mortal danger, but his wrist... it's badly injured. The healer says that hand is ruined."

The words hit me like a physical blow. I staggered backward, my legs nearly giving out beneath me.

"No," I whispered, tears streaming down my face. "Not his hand. Not his racing hand."

I knew what this meant. James had trained for years for the motorcycle championship. It was his chance to prove himself as more than just a rogue wolf. His dream—shattered in an instant.

Mason reached out to steady me. "I'm sorry, Olivia. I wish I had better news."

I leaned against the wall, trying to compose myself. James needed me to be strong now. I couldn't fall apart when he was the one who had lost everything.

After wiping away my tears, I approached his healing chamber. Through the glass panel in the door, I could see his back turned to me. His broad shoulders, usually held with such confidence, were now hunched and defeated.

I was about to enter when I noticed his shoulders shaking slightly. He was crying—silently, privately. The sight broke my heart all over again.

I stood outside, tears streaming down my face as I watched my friend grieve alone. We were separated by just a door, yet sharing the same despair.

April Daniels, one of the medical den nurses, approached with a fresh healing crystal infusion. I quickly stepped aside as she entered the room.

James hurriedly wiped his face, but in doing so, he accidentally moved his injured hand. A sharp wince crossed his features.

I couldn't stand it anymore. I pushed through the door and rushed to his side, gently but firmly pressing my hand on his shoulder to keep him still.

"Don't move," I commanded softly, my wolf rising protectively.

James quickly buried his face in the pillow, drying the last of his tears before turning to me with his trademark charming smile.

"It's nothing. I just forgot my hand was injured," he said lightly, but I could see the pain behind his hazel eyes.

April smiled as she adjusted his IV. "You have a great attitude, Mr. Knight. That will help with your recovery."

James winked at her flirtatiously. "Well, I can't disappoint my beautiful nurse, can I?"

After April left, we were alone. James maintained his casual facade.

"Why do you look like someone died?" he asked, his voice deliberately light. "It's just a hand—it won't affect my life. Don't act like the moon is falling."