Sylvia’s POV

I flagged down a taxi with trembling hands, my mind a whirlwind of worst-case scenarios. The cab driver kept glancing at me in the rearview mirror as I pressed my forehead against the cool glass window.

"Howling Peaks General Hospital," I instructed, my voice steadier than I felt. The driver nodded, pulling away from the curb.

My wolf paced anxiously inside me, her distress mirroring mine. She’d always had a complicated relationship with my mother’s wolf—respecting her dominance while constantly challenging it. Now, both of us were consumed with worry.

Twenty minutes later, I burst through the hospital doors, striding directly to the information desk.

"I need to see Alpha Astra Frost," I told the receptionist, struggling to keep the desperate edge from my voice. "I’m her daughter."

The woman behind the desk typed something into her computer before looking up with a confused expression. "I’m sorry, but we don’t have any patient by that name currently admitted."

My stomach dropped. "That can’t be right. Alpha Astra Frost of the Frostfang Pack. She was brought in earlier today after collapsing during a meeting."

Another search, another apologetic shake of her head. "I’m sorry, Ms. Frost. We have no record of your mother being admitted today."

Dread pooled in my gut. Had Noah been mistaken? Or worse—was my mother in such critical condition that she’d been taken to a specialized facility?

Stepping away from the desk, I pulled out my phone and dialed Henry’s number.

The phone rang several times before connecting, but instead of Henry’s deep baritone, a familiar feminine voice answered.

"Well, well. Look who finally decided to care."

Selene.

I gritted my teeth, fighting the urge to growl. "Put Henry on the phone," I demanded.

"Henry’s busy attending to more important matters," Selene replied, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "You know, actually being there for Alpha Astra instead of running away when things get difficult."

"Where is my mother?" My fingers tightened around the phone. "Which hospital?"

Selene’s laugh was cold and brittle. "Oh, now you care? After you stormed out and upset her so badly she collapsed? You’re unbelievable, Sylvia."

My chest constricted painfully. "That’s not what happened—"

"Isn’t it?" Selene cut me off. "You pushed and pushed, making unreasonable demands, throwing temper tantrums like a child. And now she’s paying the price for your selfishness."

"Tell me where she is, Selene," I growled, my Alpha voice slipping through despite my efforts to contain it. Several people in the hospital lobby turned to stare.

"Or what?" she challenged. "You’ll come force your way in? Further stress her when her heart is already weak? If you really cared about Alpha Astra, you’d stay away."

I pressed my palm against my forehead, trying to think clearly through the rage and worry clouding my mind. "I have every right to see my own mother."

"Rights?" Selene’s voice hardened. "What about responsibilities? Where were you when she needed you? If you’re so desperate to prove yourself worthy of running the company, why don’t you go do your job? I’ll take care of Alpha Astra—I always have."

The truth in her barb stung more than I wanted to admit. "This isn’t about the company."

"Isn’t it? It’s always been about what you want, Sylvia. The position, the power, the recognition. You’ve never once thought about what Alpha Astra needs."

"That’s rich coming from you," I snarled, unable to contain my anger any longer. "You’ve been manipulating her since the day she took you in. Playing the weak, helpless daughter while plotting behind everyone’s backs. You’ve hoarded her attention, her love—"

"Love?" Selene laughed bitterly. "Is that what this is about? You’re jealous because she loves me more? Grow up, Sylvia. Maybe if you’d been the daughter she needed instead of constantly fighting her, you’d have earned her love too."

Her words cut deeper than any knife. Every insecurity, every doubt I’d ever had about my relationship with my mother bubbled to the surface.

"Just tell me where she is," I repeated, my voice hollow.

"No." The finality in Selene’s tone was absolute. "You’ve done enough damage. Stay away from her, Sylvia. For once in your life, think about someone besides yourself."

The line went dead.

I stood frozen in the middle of the hospital lobby, my hand still clutching the phone to my ear. Selene’s words echoed in my head, mixing with memories of my mother’s disappointed frowns, her constant criticisms.

Maybe Selene was right. Maybe I was the problem.

My wolf whined, pushing against my consciousness, rejecting these thoughts. My wolf had always been more confident than the human side of me, more certain of our worth.

Taking a deep breath, I straightened my shoulders and headed back outside. If my mother didn’t want me at her bedside, I would respect that. But I would not abandon my responsibilities to the pack and the company. I would prove my worth through actions, not words.

An hour later, I arrived at the Frostline Enterprises headquarters.

The staff seemed surprised to see me, exchanging whispers as I crossed the lobby. News of Alpha Astra’s collapse had clearly spread, and no one had expected me to step up in her absence.

I headed straight for the executive floor, intent on finding someone—anyone—who could tell me what hospital my mother was in. As the elevator doors opened, I nearly collided with a familiar face.

"Sylvia?"

Noah stood before me, his golden hair slightly tousled, concern evident in his eyes. My surprise at seeing him here must have been obvious.

"What are you doing here?" I couldn’t help asking.

He seemed momentarily confused before his expression cleared. "I just called you earlier, remember? I was worried about you."

I recalled the phone call and felt a flutter of appreciation for his thoughtfulness.

"I’m fine," I said, waving my hand dismissively. "I’ve worked through it."

"How is Alpha Astra doing?" Noah’s eyes reflected genuine concern.

I sighed and shrugged helplessly. "I was actually coming to find out. I wasn’t in the office when it happened, so I don’t know the details."

Noah didn’t miss the regret in my eyes. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

"Let me come with you," he offered.

I looked at him skeptically. "Don’t you have other things to do today?"

He shook his head. "Not really. I was just at home with my sister before I called you."

"I do have some business dealings with Alpha Astra," he added with a gentle smile. "It wouldn’t be inappropriate for me to check on her, would it? Or am I not welcome?"

Noah looked at me with that disarmingly innocent face of his, completely lacking any aggression or ulterior motive. I had been hesitant, but looking at his expression, I felt my resolve weakening.

I had to admit, his reasoning made sense. As a business associate, checking on my mother was perfectly acceptable.

"Of course I didn’t mean that," I said with a smile, walking back my reluctance. "You’re more than welcome to join me in checking on my mother."

Having Noah with me would be good, especially with Selene there. I didn’t want to risk upsetting my mother’s condition.

As we were about to enter the building, a tightly controlled voice filled with barely suppressed anger stopped us: "What are you doing?"

Both Noah and I turned to see who had spoken. When I saw Caesar standing there, shock rippled through me.

Why was he here?

I watched silently as Caesar approached us. His tall, lean frame carried an aura of unapproachability, a presence so commanding it made my heart beat faster.

This side of Caesar was rare to see. Particularly that look in his eyes—something I’d never witnessed before.

As soon as Caesar reached my side, he positioned himself possessively next to me, giving Noah a hostile glare.

He looked Noah up and down critically before asking me in a tone that sounded remarkably like a protective mate: "Sivi, aren’t you going to introduce me to your... friend?"

I took a deep breath, feeling incredibly awkward. What kind of disaster scenario had I walked into?