Mated To My Mate's Worst Enemy (ARIA) novel Chapter 165

Chapter 165

ARIA

Finished

“We’re not… not dying,” he continued, cach word clearly requiring tremendous effort. “Just need to… to sleep it off. She said… Ivory said this would happen, just thought we’d have more warning before-”

He couldn’t finish. His eyes rolled back like the others and he went down hard, his body crumpling as consciousness left him entirely. Only Kael’s quick reflexes kept Jordan’s head from cracking against the stone floor.

The council room had descended into controlled chaos. Pack members checking on the fallen guards, trying to determine if they were breathing, if their hearts were still beating, if this was genuine medical emergency or just the promised side effects playing out more dramatically than expected.

“Someone get Ivory!” Morrison commanded. “Now!”

But she was already there. Must have been close by-maybe monitoring the situation, expecting this exact scenario to unfold. She burst through the council room doors with her medical kit, Margo right behind her carrying additional supplies.

Ivory’s expression was focused and clinical as she immediately began moving between the fallen guards. Checking pulses, examining pupils, assessing their conditions with practiced efficiency. Her hands moved with absolute certainty, no hesitation or panic despite the dramatic scene.

“Clear some space,” she commanded, her voice cutting through the worried murmurs. “Everyone who isn’t helping, step back. I need room to work.”

The pack members obeyed immediately, creating a perimeter around where the guards had fallen. Kael stayed close, his Alpha authority keeping people calm even though I could feel his concern through our bond. Nina was coordinating with her good arm, directing people who wanted to help toward actually useful tasks.

Ivory worked methodically, checking each guard in turn. Taking vitals. Making notes. Comparing their conditions against some internal checklist only she could see.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity but was probably only a few minutes, she stood and turned to address the room.

“They’re sleeping,” she announced, her voice clear and authoritative. “Deep, medically induced sleep as the accelerants finish metabolizing out of their systems. Their vital signs are stable. Breathing normal. Heart rates slightly elevated but nothing dangerous. This is exactly what’s supposed to happen.”

“Supposed to happen?” Elder Thorne challenged. “This violent collapse is intended?”

“The collapse is a known side effect,” Ivory corrected. “One I warned them about before administering the compounds. The human body can only sustain enhanced performance for limited duration. When the accelerants wear off, the body demands rest to recover from the strain. That rest takes the form of enforced sleep-consciousness shutting down to preserve resources and facilitate healing.”

She gestured to the fallen guards. “What you’re seeing is their bodies protecting themselves. Forcing rest

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Chapter 165

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before they could push beyond safe limits. It’s actually the safest possible outcome-much better than them trying to stay conscious and active while depleted.”

“How long will they be unconscious?” Kael asked, his voice tight with concern for his pack members.

“Six to eight hours most likely,” Ivory replied. “Maybe longer for those who pushed hardest during the enhanced period. When they wake, they’ll be exhausted and sore but fundamentally fine. No permanent damage. No lasting effects beyond temporary fatigue.”.

“You’re certain?” Morrison pressed. “This isn’t the beginning of something more serious?”

“I’m certain. Ivory said firmly. “I’ve tested these compounds extensively on myself. I know the full progression of effects and side effects. What’s happening now is uncomfortable and dramatic but not dangerous.”

She turned to Kael. “With your permission, Alpha, I’d like to move them to their quarters. Somewhere comfortable where they can rest properly. Having them unconscious on the council room floor isn’t dignified and doesn’t help their recovery.”

“Do it,” Kael ordered immediately. “Whatever they need. These guards saved our lives. Make sure they’re

taken care of”

Ivory nodded and began directing pack members to carefully lift and transport the unconscious guards. Margo was already coordinating, organizing teams to carry each guard to their respective quarters, making sure no one was left lying on cold stone when comfortable beds were available.

I watched as Jordan was lifted carefully-four pack members working together to support his weight, moving him with obvious respect and care. He looked peaceful despite the violent nature of his collapse. Just sleeping, like Ivory had said. His breathing deep and steady, his expression relaxed in a way it rarely was when conscious.

One by one, the guards were removed from the council room. The space gradually emptied until it was just the elders, Kael, Nina, Ivory, and myself remaining.

Morrison cleared his throat. “Healer Ivory, while I appreciate the effectiveness of your compounds in today’s crisis, I have to express concern about the dramatic side effects. This collapse-”

A

“Is temporary and expected,” Ivory interrupted. “And significantly preferable to the alternative, which would have been our Alpha and Luna being captured or killed because our response team couldn’t reach them in time.”

“Still,” Morrison continued, “experimental drugs with such powerful effects… there should have been more testing. More controlled trials before using them in actual combat situations.”

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