False Expectations

Chapter 18 - Chris' plan

Adelina's pov:

Maximus had been unconscious for about a week since the accident, and over the last two days, he had fallen into a coma. The doctors had run a battery of tests but remained baffled. There was no poison in his system, no signs of any underlying illness, and only one serious wound—a wound that, inexplicably, refused to heal. For a werewolf, this was unheard of. Despite receiving daily updates on his condition, I hadn't been allowed to see him again. Two guards stood stationed outside his room, barring entry to anyone except the doctors, Christopher, and, much to my irritation, Gina—the ever-present, insufferable redhead.

Work, thankfully, provided some sense of normalcy. Mario's new management system had proven efficient, enabling me to finish my tasks on time without needing to work overtime. It was a small blessing, especially when my mind was consumed with thoughts of Maximus.

I also continued my training, finding solace in the physical exertion. It was the only outlet that managed to quell my worries, even if temporarily. My skills had improved significantly; I'd mastered new techniques and refined old ones. Demetrio had even promoted me to Alpha's personal guard team—a symbolic gesture rather than a practical one, since I had no intention of taking up such a position. The idea of guarding Maximus was laughably inconvenient and deeply uncomfortable. Even if it meant being close to him, I wouldn't want it.

Maximus... His accident had unearthed feelings I thought I'd buried. Despite everything that had happened between us, I still cared for him. Even though he had made it abundantly clear that I meant nothing to him, I couldn't help but worry about him, think about him. Perhaps it was the mate bond pulling at me, or maybe it was just my own twisted heart clinging to someone who continually pushed me away.

I wanted to move on. I truly did. Deep down, I knew a relationship between us was impossible. He would wake up—eventually—and when he did, he would return to treating me like I didn't exist. I was certain of that. And yet, I couldn't stop myself from caring. His current condition had left me heartbroken, unable to eat, barely able to sleep.

Thankfully, Alex and Marisa had stepped in. Their efforts to cheer me up had become my lifeline. They made me laugh, even on the worst days, and gave me moments of joy amidst the relentless worry. Without them, I wasn't sure how I would have coped.

~~~~ Two weeks after Maximus has fallen into a coma ~~~~~

Christopher's pov:

-"Dr. Krueger, I want the truth," I said, my frustration evident. "It's been two weeks now, and the Alpha is still in a coma. You understand this situation can't go on. The pack needs its leader. I need answers about his condition. What caused this? We're werewolves, damn it! A single wound shouldn't put us in a coma like this. What the hell is going on?" I demanded as the doctor checked on Maximus.

-"Beta, you know we're doing everything we can," Dr. Krueger replied, his tone calm but weary. "We've run every test imaginable. We know for certain he hasn't been poisoned, nor does he suffer from any underlying disease. To be honest, I can't pinpoint the cause of his condition. It's possible that his wolf is unwilling to wake him up—or worse, that he's lost his wolf entirely. But these are just theories. We can't say anything for sure yet. I'm truly sorry," he said with a solemn nod before leaving the room.

-"Thank you, doctor. Keep doing what you're doing," I said, though my frustration didn't ease as he exited.

I stood there for a moment, staring at Maximus. His pale, unmoving form was a far cry from the powerful Alpha I knew. "I can't just sit here and do nothing. I have to save my friend and protect the pack," I muttered to myself.

Before leaving the room, I turned to the guards stationed at the door. "No one gets in. Not even Gina. Especially not her," I ordered firmly. I'd never trusted that woman, and I wasn't about to start now. She was useless anyway—always lounging in the room, fussing over her hair or nails instead of doing anything remotely helpful. There was no reason for her to be near Maximus in this state.