From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 174

Chapter 174

We emerged from the tree line behind our family home. My chest tightened at the sight–the garden Mom had lovingly tended, the burk porch where I’d spent countless hours reading, the window of my old bedroom.

Eric led me through the back door, into the kitchen that smelled of disinfectant instead of Mom’s usual baking.

“Eric? Is that you?” Mom’s voice called from upstairs, exhaustion evident in every syllable.

“It’s me,” he called back. “I brought help.

I followed Eric up the stairs, bracing myself. Nothing prepared me for the sight that greeted me in my parents‘ bedroom.

Dad lay in the king–sized bed, his powerful frame diminished somehow. His skin had a grayish tinge beneath his natural tan, and sweat

plastered his hair to his forehead. Each breath wheezed in his chest, labored and shallow.

Mom stood from the chair beside the bed, her eyes widening. “Julia?”

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In that moment, all my medical training took over. I dropped my backpack, moved to Dad’s side, and pressed my palm to his forehead.

“How long has his fever been this high?” I asked, pulling out my thermometer.

“Two days, Mom answered, still staring at me like I might disappear. “It started with just a cough, but then-

“Forty degrees,” I read from the thermometer. “His breathing is compromised. Pulse?” I reached for his wrist, counting. “One–twenty, too

fast.”

I opened my backpack and began setting up my equipment with practiced efficiency.

“Eric, we need to elevate his upper body. Get more pillows. Mom, I need cool water and washcloths.”

They both moved to follow my instructions, seemingly stunned by my tone of authority.

I pulled out my stethoscope, listening to Dad’s lungs. Crackles and wheezes filled my ears–classic signs of werewolf influenza

progression.

“The virus is targeting his accelerated metabolism,” I explained as I prepared an injection. “It’s causing inflammation in his lungs and

disrupting his body’s natural healing process.”

Eric returned with pillows, helping me prop Dad up to ease his breathing.

“How do you know all this?” he asked, watching me prepare an IV line.

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Mom returned with wate, hur eyes red tinimma Trais exhaustion and wristy

Julia. thank you for essening.

Something in her voice the genuine gratitude, the relief–made my throat tighten. I nodded, unable to speak for a reci

We need to set up isolation protocols,” I said, recovering my professional demeanor. This virus epreads easily among need both need to wear there. I handed them each a special mask from my bag. And we need to improve verdilation. Beca

windows in all the rooms?”

Eric nodded, taking the mask without argument.

For the next several hours, I worked steadily, setting up an impromptu treatment space, I administered medications, monitored Dest

vitals, and explained the infection control procedures to Mom and Eric.

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