Christina’s POV

"Your birthday, last four digits," Hudson managed through gritted teeth.

My throat tightened. He’d used my birthday as his passcode.

With shaking fingers, I punched in the numbers and called Harry. He answered immediately.

"Alpha?"

"It’s Christina. Hudson’s been shot. He’s bleeding badly. Get a hospital ready for surgery! We’re on our way."

"On it," Harry replied without hesitation.

I turned to our driver. "Kit, can you go any faster?"

"Doing my best, Luna," Kit called back, his knuckles white on the wheel.

Akira paced anxiously inside me. "If I could get my fangs on whoever did this..."

We reached the hospital in what felt like seconds. Harry was already waiting at the entrance with a team of medical staff standing ready.

They whisked Hudson away on a stretcher. I followed as far as they’d let me, then found myself pacing outside the operating room, my nerves frayed to breaking point.

"Luna Christina, please sit down," Harry suggested, hovering nearby. "The surgery will take time."

I shook my head. "Can’t sit."

If I stopped moving for even a second, everything that had happened would crash down on me. I’d either scream, break down crying, or pass out completely.

"If you collapse, who’ll be there when Alpha Hudson wakes up?" Harry tried again. "He’ll worry if you’re not well. I’ve posted guards everywhere - four bodyguards here and staff watching all entrances. You’re safe."

He made sense, but logic did nothing to calm my racing heart.

We waited for what felt like an eternity. Finally, the theater light switched off and a surgeon walked out. I practically lunged at him.

"How is he? Tell me he’s okay," I demanded, gripping his arm.

"Alpha Hudson will be fine. We removed the bullet and stopped the bleeding. He’s past the critical stage now. He’s physically strong, and with proper rest, he should recover quickly."

"You’re sure? He’s really going to be okay?" I pressed, not letting go. "Doctor, promise me he’ll be alright."

The surgeon’s eyes crinkled above his mask. "Yes, I promise. You can relax now."

Relief hit me like a physical wave. I drew in a shuddering breath as my knees buckled beneath me.

A nearby nurse caught me before I hit the floor. "Are you alright, Luna?"

"Just tired," I lied with an embarrassed laugh.

"Luna Christina, you should get checked out," Harry insisted. "Alpha Hudson will want to know you’re okay."

"I’m fine," I protested weakly.

"Please," Harry said more firmly. "Just a quick exam now. If Alpha Hudson wakes up and sees you looking this way, he’ll demand a full workup and create twice the trouble."

He was right. I nodded reluctantly. "Fine. Doctor, can you arrange something quick? I’m sure it’s nothing."

The nurse led me to an examination room. The doctors found nothing physically wrong besides shock. Their prescription was simple: rest and sleep.

After the check, I refused to leave Hudson’s side, even though he was still unconscious from the anesthesia. I watched him intently, afraid to blink, as if looking away might somehow make him disappear.

"This is becoming a pattern," Akira whispered in my mind. "Two months later and we’re back in a hospital. I hate this place."

"Me too," I agreed silently.

By now several Sabreridge pack members stood guard outside his room. The police arrived shortly after, speaking with Kit first.

"Sorry, I kept them away as long as possible," Harry apologized when the officers finally entered.

"It’s fine," I said, not budging from Hudson’s bedside.

If they wanted my statement, they could take it here. I wasn’t leaving him.

The officers explained they’d found the Camry abandoned, but the plates were stolen and they hadn’t traced the car’s origin yet.

"Thank you for your cooperation," the lead officer said professionally as he closed his tablet.

"Need me to show them out?" Harry offered.

Just then, I noticed Hudson’s eyelids fluttering. "How are you feeling?" I asked, rushing closer.

He reached for my hand, his grip weaker than usual but still reassuring. His voice was rough, his lips dry. "You’ve been crying. Your eyes are red."

"Yeah, well. Getting shot at and watching your husband bleed out will do that to a girl." I attempted a smile. "I was terrified."

I’m not usually one for tears, but seeing Hudson covered in blood had broken something inside me. The tears had come whether I wanted them or not.

Hudson sighed and pulled me close, holding me against his chest and stroking my back. "You wouldn’t be involved in this mess if not for me," he murmured, guilt heavy in his voice. "I put you in danger."

"You don’t know that," I said firmly. "The police haven’t figured out who’s behind this."

"I should have protected you better."

"Stop it. I’m upset because you got hurt, not because you failed somehow." I clung to him, my voice breaking. "Just promise me you’ll be more careful from now on, okay?"

"I promise," he said softly, stroking my hair.

I pulled back slightly to look at the bandage around his shoulder, already spotted with blood. I touched it gently. "Does it hurt?"

"Not at all," he lied, squeezing my hand tightly.

"That bullet was meant for me."

"I’d rather it be me," he said with absolute conviction.