EPISODE 38
Ronan opened his mouth to respond, but the door burst open.
Two healers rushed in, their faces pale with urgency. One of them clutched a bloodied cloth against his chest, eyes locked with Ronan’s.
“Alpha Ronan, the bleeding is too much! We need the transfusion immediately!”
Ronan’s hesitation vanished. He stiffened, then turned sharply to the healer beside me. “Quickly, take her blood! We don’t have time to waste.”
The healer glanced at me, clearly unsure. I met his gaze and, with a calm smile, extended my arm.
“No need to hesitate,” I murmured, baring my wrist. “Take it. This is what he chose, after all.“W
Blood began to trickle from the needle. I watched it pool and collect into the bag.
“So that’s your decision,” my voice rang clear over the growing silence. “Then I hope you all live happily ever after.”
Ronan frowned. “What are you saying-“N
Before he could finish, Rachel barged in again like a storm, her shrill voice cutting through the room. “Why is this taking so long?! Mara already lost consciousness!”
Her words struck like knives, and the healer pressed harder against my arm, rushing the flow. The bag quickly filled, warm and red. The second it was sealed, they snatched it away and ran back toward Mara. I moved to stand, to take the pup and go, but Rachel blocked my way, arms crossed and face twisted in disdain.
“And where do you think you’re going?” she snapped.
“Do I still have any use here?” I asked coldly. “The blood’s been drawn. Shouldn’t I be excused?”
Rachel’s lips curled into a smirk that didn’t reach her eyes. “Excused? You think one bag of blood is enough? Who said we only needed one?”
She turned to the healer. “Take more. Two…, no, three more bags.”
The healer hesitated. “But ma’am, that much blood… it could kill her.”
“Mother, that’s enough,” Ronan finally said, jaw tight. “We have what we need.“M
Rachel spun toward him, indignant. “Enough? Have you seen Mara? She’s as pale as death! She sacrificed her body for your child, and you’re content with a single bag of blood from this barren woman?”
Ronan flinched but said nothing. Rachel turned back to the healer and waved her hand dismissively. “Do it. Now. We need extra in case of emergency.”D
The healer looked to me, conflicted. I offered a tired smile and nodded.
‘Please… do as she says.“}
His brows furrowed. “Are you sure?”
“I am, I said, then looked at Ronan dead in the eyes. “After all, I’m saving the Alpha’s child. This is the least I can do.“W Something flickered in his gaze. It could be guilt, or maybe regret. But before he could speak, Rachel let out a loud scoff. That’s good. At least you know your worth,” she sneered. “You might be barren, but you’re still useful. Like livestock.“}
I didn’t reply. I simply turned my face away and stared at the celling as the healer inserted a second needle. The bags filled quickly, and by the time the third was sealed, the world around me had started to spin, My limbs trembled, my chest tightened, and darkness prickled at the edges of my vision,
But I didn’t faint.!!
I wouldn’t give Rachel satisfaction.
She snatched the bags from the healer’s hands.
“Let’s hope this is enough to keep the child safe,” she said, giving me a harsh look before sweeping out of the room.#
Ronan followed her but paused at the doorway. He didn’t look back at me. “Go home, I’ll… I’ll treat you once I’m done here.”
They left. The healer offered me sugar water, something sweet to keep me conscious. I sipped it slowly, thanked him with a nod, and after a few more minutes of silence, I took the injured pup in my arms and left the hut. I didn’t return to Ronan’s house. I went back to my own shack
Hay down with the pup beside me and allowed myself to rest. My eyes closed, heavy with exhaustion, my breath syncing with the pup’s faint heartbeat.
It wasn’t even an hour before the knocking started. I didn’t move. Not when the first knock came, not even when it turned into pounding. I was too tired to stand. Too tired to care 2
The door burst open.
frachel stormed in like a storm. Behind her, Ronan followed with less fury, but his silence was louder than any accusation.2
“What do you thank you’re doing? Rachel snapped, eyes flashing with disgust as she spotted me still on the bed. ‘Lying here like some pampered mistress wisle Mara’s starving? She just survived a trauma! Get up and cook her a proper meall’s
I sat up slowly, every limb protesting. The pup stured beside me, sensing my distress ⠀
“I’m not a servant i murmured, voice low “You already got my blood, isn’t that enough?*%
“Don’t be so dramatic, Rachel said with a sneer “We need meat Ox, preferably Something rich to help Mara recover. And you’ll be the one 10 hunt it
7:03 PM.
to hunt it.”
I blinked. “You want me to go out now? In this condition?”
“Of course,” she scoffed. “You’re still walking, aren’t you? And since you’re so desperate to be useful, here’s your chance.”
I turned to Ronan, waiting. Hoping.
His jaw was tense. “Mara needs strong protein. The healers said it’s the best way to support the fetus after blood loss.”
“You’re the Alpha,” I said. “Send your men. Or go yourself.”
0:0
He looked away. “I can’t. Mara needs me near her now. She’s shaken and injured while being pregnant. I need to have my men guard around while I’m beside her.“&
“So, I’m the only one left to do it,” I said, voice dry. “I gave more blood to save your heir, and now you’re ordering me to be the one to hunt an ox for that woman to eat? Are you crazy?”
Rachel rolled her eyes. “You’re acting like we’re asking you to climb a mountain. You’re not dead, Bella. Be grateful you still have a place here.”
“A place?” I laughed bitterly. “Where? At your feet? At his door?”
“Don’t test my patience,” she warned. “Go. Now. Before I drag you myself.”
I stood slowly, the pup whimpering as it tried to follow me. I glanced down at it, heart twisting. Then I looked back up at Ronan.
He didn’t speak. Didn’t move. Didn’t stop her. Just watched me like he always did now, long gone the love those eyes hold. I swallowed the lump in my throat.
“Fine,” I said, voice hoarse. “I’ll go.“{
I passed Rachel, my shoulder brushing hers. She hissed and stepped back like I was something filthy. But I didn’t look back. Not even when Ronan called my name.”
7:03 PM & S
