**TITLE: Night Whispers Forgotten Names – Colin Shah 254**
**CONTENT: Chapter 254**
**Jake’s POV**
I stood sentinel by Claire’s door, my patience wearing thin as I awaited the arrival of Jake’s Beta, Keegan. He was tasked with gathering Claire and her belongings, preparing to wheel her out of this hospital. I had no intention of leaving until I witnessed with my own eyes that despicable woman exit the building and fade into the distance, where she belonged.
With Amelia still confined within these sterile walls, I felt an urgency to be vigilant, ready for any possible betrayal or trickery that Claire might attempt.
Claire was nothing if not cunning. I had no doubt she was plotting something even now. But this time, her schemes would not come to fruition. I would protect Amelia with every ounce of my being, even if it meant laying down my life in the process.
Damien, fully aware of my volatile temper and justifiably wary, remained at my side. We stood there, arms crossed, our gazes locked on the door, both of us anticipating the moment it would swing open.
I had already conveyed my concerns about Annette to him, and he had acknowledged my warning. There was no further discussion needed; the air was thick with unspoken tension.
I would carry the weight of resentment against Damien for his role in Amelia’s attack forever. Under his watch, the snakes had gathered, and if he had fulfilled his duty as Amelia’s mate, none of this chaos would have unfolded. Our lives would have been so different now.
But he hadn’t protected her. So here we were, mired in this grim reality.
After what felt like an eternity, the door creaked open, and Claire emerged in her wheelchair, Keegan dutifully pushing her along. She clutched a purse in her lap, a hospital blanket draped over her shoulders, giving the impression of a fragile patient rather than the malevolent force she truly embodied.
“I shouldn’t be moved so quickly after giving so much blood,” she protested, her voice laced with feigned vulnerability.
“There is water in the car,” Keegan replied, his tone practical.
“Keegan will stop at a drive-thru,” Damien interjected, exchanging a knowing nod with his Beta. “After you eat something, you’ll feel better.”
“Such callousness, Damien. After all I’ve done for you,” Claire retorted, her tone dripping with false hurt.
“Get her out of here,” I growled, my irritation bubbling to the surface as I recognized her manipulative tactics.
Keegan shot me a blank look, his loyalty to Damien evident, but he quickly turned to his Alpha for direction.
“Go on,” Damien commanded, unfazed by Claire’s protests.
Claire’s gaze shifted to me, her eyes narrowing in scrutiny. “You certainly are protective of a woman who isn’t Amelia,” she observed, her tone probing.
I could sense her intent, the way she sought to unravel my defenses. She was astute, far too perceptive for her own good. Despite our conversations, she still harbored suspicions that Annette might be the true Amelia. She wanted a slip, a hint that she could exploit to pry the truth from me.
But I would not grant her that satisfaction.
“Stay away from Annette and my family,” I stated bluntly, my voice cold and unwavering. “Or I will kill you.” There was no need to sugarcoat my words for her; she understood the gravity of my threat. I had already warned Damien, but delivering the message directly to Claire felt necessary.
If she dared to approach Amelia again, I would not hesitate. It was as simple as that.
Claire’s expression darkened as she turned her attention back to Damien. “You’re going to allow him to speak to me like that?”
“Yes,” Damien replied, his tone unwavering, not even a flicker of hesitation in his voice.
Her face flushed with anger, turning a mottled shade of red. “I am a member of your pack, being threatened by an opposing Alpha. It is your duty to—”
“Keegan,” Damien interrupted, his voice firm. “It’s time to go.”
“Right,” Keegan said, and began wheeling her away, his movements efficient and unyielding.
Once the transfusion was complete, Annette and another healer began inspecting my daughter, conducting tests and checking the readings with meticulous care.
“It’s good news,” Annette finally said, her voice radiating relief. “These readings are significantly better than before. We’ll need to monitor her closely, but I believe we can all breathe a little easier now.”
A long breath of relief escaped my lips. “Good. Thank you.” I glanced at my daughter’s face, noticing the newfound peace that seemed to envelop her. “Any idea when she will wake up?”
“It’s uncertain,” Annette replied, her tone thoughtful. “But it should be within a day.”
I nodded, resolute. I would wait for her, no matter how long it took.
The healers began to gather their used supplies, wheeling them out of the room one by one. Sienna followed suit. Eventually, the room was cleared, leaving only Annette and me.
I looked over at her, noting how she appeared ready to remain, to keep watch over Stacy just as I was. But that wasn’t necessary; I was here to protect her.
And maybe Jake was right. I could pose a danger to Annette, just as I had to Amelia, especially with Claire reinstated in my pack.
The best way I could safeguard Annette was to keep her far, far away from me.
“You can leave now,” I told her, my voice harsher than I intended. I regretted the way she flinched at my words. I hadn’t meant to hurt her; I was merely trying to do what I thought was right.
“Right,” she replied, her tone awkward. She fumbled with the folder in her hands, clearly flustered. “Of course.”
As she exited the room, I was convinced I had made the right decision.
Yet… a nagging sense of regret lingered within me, refusing to dissipate.

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