The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate (Jason and Laila) by Caroline Above Story novel Chapter 26

Jason stepped into the light, eyes blazing. "It is tonight." His voice was steel wrapped in fire. "Leave."

And they did. Predators who'd likely killed for fun turned and fled like frightened pups.

My legs gave out. I slumped against the wall, every ounce of adrenaline draining from me. Pain rushed back in, hot and overwhelming. The drug still dragged at my veins, thick and heavy.

"Vanessa!" Jason was at my side in an instant, crouched low, his hands firm but gentle as they scanned for injuries. His eyes darkened when they found the torn skin, the blood.

"What the hell happened?" His voice was raw with barely contained rage.

"Brittany," I breathed, tongue thick as cotton. "The champagne… drugged."

His expression turned murderous. "She what?"

I tried to push to my feet. "I have to—Ava—"

"You're not going anywhere," Jason cut in, catching me as I swayed. His arm wrapped around my waist, steady and unyielding. "Not until a doctor clears you."

"I don't have time—"

"You'll make time," he said fiercely. "Because Ava needs her mother alive."

The strength in his grip, the certainty in his voice—it undid me. For once, I let him carry some of the weight.

He half-lifted me to his car, settling me gently into the passenger seat. In the side mirror, I caught a glimpse of myself—hair tangled with blood, dress shredded, eyes hollow.

But alive.

Brittany hadn't won.

***

Jason's POV

The hospital erupted into motion the moment I carried her through the emergency entrance.

"Possible poisoning!" I barked, my Alpha voice cracking through the sterile air. Nurses swarmed, wheeling her into a treatment room, hooking up IVs, drawing blood. Machines beeped. Doors closed.

I was left pacing the hallway like a caged animal, fury and guilt ripping through me in equal measure.

Brittany had done this? The woman who wore the title of my fated mate. She had drugged and nearly killed an innocent woman because of her jealousy.

My stomach turned. My wolf snarled, demanding retribution.

"Alpha."

Marcus appeared at my side, grim-faced. "I got your message. How is she?"

"Stable. They're running toxicology." My hand dragged through my hair, pulling hard, trying to ground myself. "What did you find?"

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify