The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate (Jason and Laila) by Caroline Above Story novel Chapter 130

Laila’s POV

I grew impatient in the hospital waiting room, especially with the reporters milling around. But there was little I could do but wait, hang my head, and try to avoid the cameras. Fortunately, hospital security had at least removed the media to outside of the hospital walls, but the camera lenses were still pressed up against the glass, like pictures of my suffering were vital for them.

Riley sat on one side of me, William on the other. William was nearest the windows, and was trying to block the cameras‘ line of sight of me. I wasn’t sure how successful he was being. Occasionally, William would glare at them or curse under his breath.

I didn’t say anything. What could I say? My heart was heavy, and all I wanted was for Ava to be okay. I could handle the unwanted media attention as long as I had Ava.

Finally, after what felt like forever, a healer came forward and waved me to the back. “She has stabilized enough that you can see her. She’s not in great shape though so be careful. Try not to upset her if you can. If she wakes up, she will be frightened. Do your best to put her at ease.”

“I understand,” I said.

Riley and William moved as if to come with me, but the healer stopped them. “Only the mother for now.”

Riley touched my shoulder. William tried to give me a smile, but it fell flat on his hard face.

“We’ll be out here if you need us,” Riley said. “Give Ava our love.”

1

“Thank you,” I said, and leaving them, followed the healer into the back hallways to the room where Ava was. She looked so small on the bed, her eyes closed, her body unnaturally straight in her sleep. Usually she was a side–sleeper. Right now, she was flat on her back with her arms straight beside her. Tubes and wires connected to different parts of her body. The heart monitor beeped at a steady rhythm, which was my only source of comfort.

Seeing her like this broke my heart.

I moved to her bedside, standing right up against the edge. Her rest didn’t look peaceful. Instead, she was showing no emotion

at all.

I didn’t know what to say or do, so I just stood there in quiet vigil, wishing for all the world that our places could be reversed. What I wouldn’t give for me to be the one in that bed instead of her.

After a few moments, she blinked open her eyes.

“Ava?” I asked, leaning closer.

୮

She looked at me, then around at the machines, turning her head on the pillow without lifting it. When her gaze returned to me, she had tears in her eyes, which were wide with fear.

“What’s going on, Mommy? I don’t feel so well, and… where am I?” Her face scrunched as the tears fell in earnest. “I’m scared.”

“It’s okay, sweetheart.” I took one of her hands in mine. Hers was so cold. “You just weren’t feeling so well so healers had to work extra hard. They moved you here to keep a better eye on you. But you’ll be okay now.”

“Am I going to die?” Ava asked.

My heart entirely shattered.

“No,” I told her. “Absolutely not. The healers are doing everything they can to save you, and I won’t let you die. Okay? I’m going to do everything I can to keep you healthy and safe.”

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