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“Ok.” Chloe’s dad nodded his head. “Follow us.”

Dan gave me a pat on the back as I walked off. I glanced over my shoulder, sending him a weak smile of thanks. Tears were already leaking from his eyes. Chloe meant so much to him. He hugged Maddison and tears dropped into her hair.

At least he had Maddison.

The glass doors slid open, and I followed Chloe’s parents. I was moving. But it felt like I wasn’t. The shock of what was happening wasn’t wearing off. I could smell Chloe’s blood and scent. They were thick in the air.

Her smell got stronger, and when we turned the corner, I saw her, lying limp on a bed. Bandages were covering her stomach, and blood was leaking through them.

Xavier was at her side, crying, looking at her.

“Any chance?” Chloe’s mom asked the doctor with some hope.

“No.” He shook his head. “I’m sorry.”

Chloe’s mom’s tears picked up speed. “We need to call Chad.” Her dad nodded, agreeing with her. “He would want to be here.”

I moved forward, closer to Chloe. Blood was splattered across her face. Her hair had leaves in it and was damp. A strong smell of lake water was coming from her.

This was my fault.

Xavier glanced in my direction. His face was that of a broken man. Watching your mate die in front of your eyes was painful. I had been there.

“Can I be with her?” I looked at Chloe. “Alone?”

Xavier got off from his knees and nodded his head. “For Chloe.” He muttered as he walked past me. He was letting me have a few minutes alone with her because he thought that was what Chloe would want.

I gritted my teeth and walked to her side. I couldn’t waste time thinking about Xavier, not when the woman I loved was dying in front of me.

“Chloe.” My voice broke and the tears fell free. “I’m sorry.” I swallowed hard and gently swooped up her bruised, bloody hand. “I love you. I’m so sorry.”

Chloe’s pulse was weak. I could feel the blood slowly pumping through her veins as I held her hand. “I love you, Chloe.” I repeated, lowering my lips to her forehead.

I heard Chloe’s mom whimpering behind me. I didn’t care if they saw me like this. I was breaking, and I couldn’t pretend I wasn’t.

“Please, Chloe, don’t give up.” I whispered in her ear. She had to fight. The inner beast inside her had to awaken.

“Excuse me.” The doctor was pulling on my shoulder. My eyes doubled in size and a deep growl came from my chest.

“Are you her mate?” He frowned at me. I straightened up, looking at him like he had lost his mind. Hadn’t he just met Xavier?

“No.” It hurt saying it, but it was the truth.

“The inner beast inside her says differently.” He nodded at Chloe’s hand before taking it from me.

My face lost all expression. My wolf was calling hers. Why hadn’t I felt it?

“Are they…” her dad interrupted, “claws?”

“Yes.” The doctor smiled, looking at both of us. I looked at Chloe’s fingernails, which were curving into crawls. “Growl again,” he said to me. “You’re stirring the wolf inside her.”

“How? I’m not her mate.”

“Sometimes we wolves form a strong bond with someone who isn’t our mate. It’s rare, but it happens. But right now that doesn’t matter. You must mean a lot to Chloe because her wolf is stirred by your presence.”

“Alec, please talk to her. Do something. Help her.” Chloe’s mom reached out and gripped my arm. “Please, Alec.”

She didn’t have to ask me. I would do anything for Chloe. She had to have known that.