The Miracle (Part 2)
Sebastian’s POV
My heart sank. I knew this day would come eventually, but I wasn’t prepared to face it. If Phoenix left the hospital, who would take care of her? Thea was still in a coma, and Kane was locked in prison. Both her mother and biological father couldn’t be with her. My wolf adamantly opposed letting Phoenix out of our sight. Over these months, he’d come to view her as our own pup, just like Leo. But reality was harsh. I wasn’t her father; I had no legal right to take her home. The thought caused a physical pain in my chest, but I knew I needed to find a solution. For Thea, for Phoenix, for Leo. Whatever the future held, I would ensure this little life received the best care possible. It was the least I could do for Thea, a debt I owed her, and something I was determined to get right.
“You can’t do this. Her mother hasn’t even woken up yet.” I tried to control myself, but the Alpha authority had already crept into my voice.
“I completely understand your concerns, Alpha Ashworth. However, according to hospital protocol, Phoenix needs to be discharged even if Ms. Sterling remains comatose. Her vital signs are completely normal now, and keeping her here would be unfair to other pups who actually need these monitoring resources.”
I knew she was fucking right, but that didn’t make it any easier to swallow. My fingers raked through my hair in frustration. “Isn’t there any way to extend her stay? Just a little longer?”
“We can extend it until tomorrow at the most, but I’m afraid that’s the final deadline.” Her voice carried genuine sympathy. “We’ve already been much more flexible than standard procedure allows.”
“I understand. I’ll discuss this with her grandparents,” I nodded, not wanting to say anything more.
Leaving the nursery, I headed straight for Thea’s room. Just as I was about to open the door, Seraphina and Maximus walked out. Exhaustion and worry were etched deeply on their faces. These three months of torment had left visible marks on the once-powerful Alpha couple.
“Alpha Kincaid, I was just coming to find you,” the physician’s voice came from behind me. Maximus turned immediately. “Is there news?”
The physician carefully chose her words: “Regarding Ms. Sterling’s treatment, our medical team has conducted a thorough assessment and would like to suggest some options. Typically, patients wake from comas within a month. Ms. Sterling has shown no signs of improvement for three months now, which forces us to re-evaluate her prognosis.”
A chill ran down my spine. I didn’t want to jump to conclusions, but I fucking hated where this conversation was headed.
“You said before that she might recover,” Seraphina’s voice trembled slightly.
The physician nodded gently. “Yes, that possibility does exist, but as time passes, that possibility is diminishing. The latest brain activity scans…” She paused. “aren’t encouraging. As medical professionals, we have a responsibility to present all possible options to the family, including…”
My wolf nearly emerged. “Including withdrawing treatment? In other words, you want us to end her life. To kill her.” My voice was low and dangerous.
She clearly felt the pressure but continued carefully: “We’re merely suggesting that you and the family consider all options, Alpha Ashworth. In my professional opinion, at this stage, she would need a miracle to wake up.”
“Then we’ll wait for that miracle,” I practically growled through clenched teeth. “Because we sure as hell aren’t doing what you’re suggesting.”
“Of course, I respect your decision,” she bowed slightly. “We’ll continue doing everything in our power.”
Before she could say anything else, I turned toward Thea’s room. I’d heard enough of this bullshit about “giving up.” I closed the door behind me, taking a moment to compose myself. Thea lay there silently, just as she had for the past three months, showing no signs of life beyond what the machines confirmed.
I sat down beside her bed and took her hand. For three months, these hands had remained cold and unresponsive.
“Hey,” I said softly, trying not to sound as heavy as I felt, but it was fucking hard. “They want to discharge Phoenix. The little princess is growing so fast, completely outgrown the need for special care. She looks more like you every day, has your exact same nose and lips.”
The beeping of the monitors was my only response.
“They also suggested we consider removing life support.” I laughed bitterly. “What a fucking joke.”
My thumb gently traced patterns on the back of her hand, feeling the texture of her skin. “Leo comes to see you every day after school. He’s been doing really well, but I know how much he misses you. He reads stories to Phoenix, just like you used to do for him.”
I took a deep breath, suddenly feeling a weariness I’d never experienced before. For three months, I’d been holding myself together for Leo, for Phoenix, for the entire Pack. But here, alone with Thea, the cracks in my carefully maintained facade finally showed.
“Goddammit, Thea, I need you to come back,” my voice started to break. “I know I don’t deserve it, but I fucking need you. We all do. I can’t go on without you.”
The emotions I’d suppressed for three months burst forth like a broken dam. I buried my head against her bedside, letting the tears fall. All Alpha pride was gone in that moment, leaving only a man’s desperate plea for the woman he loved.
“Please wake up. Don’t make me watch them pull those tubes that keep you alive. Don’t let Leo lose his mother. Don’t let Phoenix never even get the chance to know hers.”
I don’t know how long I stayed there crying by her bedside, until I felt something—the faintest movement of trembling fingers brushing my hair.
At first, I thought it was my imagination, my exhausted brain creating what I desperately wanted. But when that familiar, yet now slightly raspy voice spoke, my heart nearly stopped.
“Sebastian?”
I jerked my head up, afraid this was just a dream. But it wasn’t. When my eyes met her confused but awake gaze, my wolf let out a triumphant howl, and a joy that was almost painful rushed through my entire body. Thea was actually awake.