pter 23
I had just reached the end of the corridor when I saw crowds gathering.
Several injured werewolf warriors, still wearing blood–stained camouflage, were emotionally surrounding the nurses‘ station.
He stood tall and straight, like a mountain among the crowd, extending his arm to shield Ashley.
He reached out to block a warrior’s about–to–swing fist, saying in a low voice: “Craig, enough.”
The warrior was stunned for a moment, his anger undiminished: “Alpha Ferris! Perfect timing–see for yourself who we bled and got injured for!”
“My buddy just came out of surgery. I came to ask about his post–operative condition, and what did she say?”
He angrily pointed at Ashley, gritting his teeth in accusation: “She sat in her office playing with her phone, completely indifferent.”
“I just asked a couple of questions and was scolded for having no common sense, for questioning the physician. She even said ‘I’ve seen plenty of patients like you‘ and told me to complain if I wanted!”
Another warrior stepped forward in agreement: “Alpha, we understand medical staff work hard, but her attitude toward patients went too far!”
The situation was tense, the atmosphere tight as a drawn bowstring.
Dead silence surrounded us.
That’s not what I really meant!” Ashley defended herself tearfully, tears sliding down her cheeks. “I was just too tired… I haven’t slept for two days, I…”
Ferris nodded. “I’ll handle this.”
He turned to the warriors: “She’s genuinely not feeling well–she didn’t mean to disrespect you. I’ll find an expert to address your concerns right away. Any osses will be covered by the hospital and me personally.”
His mediation temporarily calmed the warriors‘ anger. The one called Craig, though still unwilling, eventually bowed his head and left.
Sorry…for causing you trouble, Ferris.”
Ashley said with genuine concern: “You didn’t need to come out to protect me. What if this affects your standing in the pack?”
Ferris smiled slightly: “Your safety is most important.”
Wow, what a perfect match,” someone said. “I remember Alpha Ferris’s first love was Ashley. They still seem to love each other.”
Ashley shyly lowered her eyes. “No, don’t talk nonsense…”
Come on, you two really look like a couple!” The onlookers joined in the teasing.
As the crowd laughed, Ferris’s gaze traveled across the room and found me.
When our eyes met, my heart clenched painfully, my mouth filled with bitter taste.
My husband stood there, intimate with another woman.
I didn’t belong here.
“Dr. Windsor?”
At that moment, a deep male voice pulled me from my thoughts. “It really is you. You performed that surgery just now, didn’t you? Thank you for saving my
friend.”
I looked up at the speaker–it was the warrior called Craig from earlier.
He had sharp. handsome features, skin bronzed from years of outdoor combat, with defined muscle lines. He radiated a well–trained sense of presence.
I forced myself through exhaustion to manage a faint smile: “That’s what I should do.”
Craig smiled slightly. That smile transformed his previous coldness into unexpected gentleness.
He leaned down slightly, lowering his voice:
“Actually… I’ve heard about you before, Dr. Windsor. Silver Moon Pack’s youngest, most decisive physician.”
Craig’s gaze lightly swept across my face: “You saw what just happened. Can I ask you about his condition?”
“And… uh, can I… buy you a coffee? You know, after your shift?”
I was stunned. Before I could answer, I saw Ferris’s face darken in the distance, instinctively wanting to walk toward me.
