Chapter 29
Chapter
Twenty-Nine
The next morning, Serena spotted a police officer walking into the administration building as she passed. Her eyes were gritty from crying, and her bandaged shoulder still ached from Theo’s claws. Inside the medic bay, Alicia stood by a small counter, reviewing supply lists.
“You look like you barely slept,” Alicia said, looking up from the clipboard. “I’m surprised you came in at all after what happened with Theo.”
Serena set her bag down and forced a wan smile. “There’s too much to think about,” she said. “Not sleeping made more sense than tossing and turning.”
They spent the morning tending to a few trainees who came in with minor sprains or bruises. Serena tried to force her mind onto medical protocols, but her thoughts roamed to Theo.
Midway through their shift, Alicia guided Serena to a quieter corner of the bay. “I want you to hear it from me before the rumors get out of hand,” she said, voice hushed. “The police didn’t find Theo’s prints on any of the gear they found in Theo’s supply closet or cabin.”
Serena’s heart gave a sudden jolt. “So… he’s not wanted for the sabotage?” she asked, almost afraid of the answer.
Alicia shook her head. “They aren’t treating him as a prime suspect at the moment. But the academy staff… you know how they are. They think he orchestrated everything and somehow wore gloves or wiped the prints. Their minds are made up. You saw how he lost control. That made people assume the worst.”
Serena gripped the edge of the counter. “I can’t help but feel I’m partially responsible. I saw those parts before the inspectors found them. I knew they were from an anchor kit. I should have said something.”
Alicia gave her a sympathetic look, eyes full of concern. “He’s your mate,” she said. “I’m sure it’s not easy to reconcile that with what happened.”
Serena felt tears threaten again, but she blinked them back. She spent the rest of the day staring at the clock between treating minor ailments and organizing supplies. Her mind spun with guilt for doubting Theo, anger at his wildness, and confusion about the evidence. She questioned her own judgment. She told herself she had promised never to let anyone control her or threaten her. Yet maybe she was the one who misread the situation. She hated how torn she felt.
At the end of her shift, Serena wiped down a table, her motions mechanical and her focus somewhere far away. Her phone rang abruptly, jarring her. She picked it up, seeing her mother’s name on the screen. Immediately, her stomach tightened.
“Mom?” she answered hesitantly. Her mother’s breathing came in rapid gasps.
“Serena,” her mother began. “Your father… there was an accident.” Her voice broke on the last word, and a wave of static filled the brief silence. “He’s in the hospital. The doctors say he might not… he’s in critical condition, Serena.”
Serena’s hand flew to her mouth. Her father’s image, tall and commanding, rose in her mind. “How… what happened?” Her voice sounded small in her own ears.
“They said he crashed,” her mother said, voice trembling. “He was flying, and something went wrong. He fell from a great height. The doctors… they aren’t sure if he’ll last the night.”
Serena leaned against the wall, her breath stolen by this new wave of dread. The events of the last day had already stretched her to breaking. Now she felt the floor spinning under her feet. “Mom… I… I don’t know what to say.”
“Come if you can,” her mother whispered, trying not to break down. “It would help me to have you here. I know things haven’t been easy, but I had to tell you.”
The call ended soon after. Serena stood there, staring at the phone as tears ran hot down her cheeks. In less than twenty-four hours, she had gone from the hope of a mate bond to the horror of a savage meltdown, and now to the news that her toxic father could be dying. She swallowed hard, trying to steady her breathing. Alicia came around the corner, eyes widening with concern.
“Serena,” Alicia said gently, “are you alright?”
Serena lowered the phone, feeling numb. “My father,” she managed, voice cracking. “He… he’s in critical condition. My mother needs me… I need to figure out… oh god.”
Alicia rested a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Do whatever you have to do,” she said softly. “I’ll cover for you here. Family is family. You should go to her.”
Nodding, Serena tried to piece together what her next step should be. Her gaze flicked to the window, where twilight tinged the horizon. She thought of Theo somewhere out in the woods, lost in a frenzy.