Chapter 181: Blood of the Enemy
Chapter 181: Blood of the Enemy
(Victoria’s POV)
“The donor is a perfect match for Emma.”
I felt a strange thrill course through me as Dr. Simon Harper handed me the Donor Shadow
File. My wolf’s excitement surged beneath my skin as I reviewed the details, my fingers
trembling slightly as I flipped through the pages.
“This is… remarkable,” I whispered, scanning the compatibility charts.
Dr. Harper’s voice was warm with genuine relief as he continued, “Emma is incredibly fortunate. This James Knight registered as an organ donor with the Northern Territory Donor Registry because his close friend’s daughter died from kidney failure, and he happens to be a perfect match for Emma.”
My heart skipped a beat at the name. James Knight. Olivia’s closest friend.
“When can we schedule the surgery?” I asked, struggling to keep my voice steady.
“As soon as Mr. Knight completes the final paperwork tomorrow. We’ll need to prep Emma immediately afterward.” Dr. Harper smiled kindly. “Your daughter has a real chance now.”
As the doctor left, my lips curved into a malicious smile–not because my daughter would be saved, though that was certainly a relief. No, my satisfaction came from the most delicious irony fate had delivered: Olivia Winters‘ closest friend would be saving the life of her enemy’s
child.
My wolf practically purred with satisfaction as I imagined revealing this truth to Olivia after the surgery. I would savor how the knowledge would tear the she–wolf apart. Olivia, unable to interfere without harming her own friend, would have to live knowing James Knight’s sacrifice benefited the very she–wolf who had stolen Lily’s donor.
“Perfect,” I whispered, clutching the file to my chest. “Absolutely perfect.”
(Olivia’s POV)
“I still can’t believe Victoria escaped justice again,” I sighed, leaning back against the hospital
chair.
Lucas Blackwood and I had returned to the Silvercrest Pack Medical Ward after our
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confrontation at the Shadow Creek Police Precinct. My knuckles still stung from the beating
I’d given Victoria, but the pain was worth it.
James paced the small room, his russet–brown wolf projecting soothing pheromones that
helped calm my frayed nerves.
“At least you got to hit her,” James said with a wry smile, his hazel eyes twinkling with mischief. “I would’ve paid good money to see that.”
Despite everything, I found myself smiling. James had always been able to lift my spirits, even in the darkest times. We’d escaped the abusive werewolf orphanage together as pups, and
he’d been my rock ever since.
Lucas’s phone rang, interrupting our conversation. He glanced at the screen and frowned.
“I need to take this,” he said apologetically. “Blackwood Pack emergency.”
After Lucas stepped out, James stretched and yawned. “I’m going to use the restroom. Be
right back.”
Moments after James disappeared into the adjoining bathroom, his Wolf–Linked Cellphone
rang on the side table. The familiar ringtone filled the quiet room.
“James, your phone,” I called out.
His muffled voice responded from behind the door, “Answer it for me, Liv.”
I picked up the phone without hesitation. There were no secrets between James and me-
never had been. But when I saw the number displayed on the screen, my heart nearly stopped.
The Northern Territory Donor Registry.
I knew that number by heart. I’d called it countless times during Lily’s illness, begging for
updates on potential donors. Why would they be calling James?
With trembling fingers, I answered. “Hello?”
“Mr. Knight?” a professional female voice responded. “This is Grace Foster from the Northern Territory Donor Registry. I’m calling because you previously registered with us as a kidney
donor. We’ve found a patient who matches your kidney type. Are you willing to proceed with
donation?”
The words struck me like a physical blow. My emerald eyes filled with tears as understanding
dawned.
After Lily died of kidney failure, I had signed up as a donor myself, hoping to spare another
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family from experiencing the same heartbreak. I never imagined James had quietly done the
same.
“Hello? Mr. Knight?” the coordinator prompted when I didn’t respond.
The bathroom door opened, and James emerged, immediately noticing my tearful expression.
His wolf went on alert, and he hurried to my side.
“Liv? What’s wrong?” His hazel eyes filled with concern.
I wordlessly handed him the phone, unable to speak through the lump in my throat.
James took the phone, quickly understanding the situation. “Yes, this is James Knight,” he
confirmed, his eyes never leaving my face. “Yes, I’m still willing to donate. I’ll come sign the
paperwork tomorrow.”
After ending the call, James knelt beside me, taking my hands in his. “Hey, don’t look so
worried. It’s not a big deal.”
“Not a big deal?” I whispered, my voice breaking. “James, you’re one of the fastest wolves in
the Northern Territory. Losing a kidney could affect your speed, your strength…”
James shrugged, his trademark easy smile spreading across his face. “The territory–wide race
is still months away. I’ll have plenty of time to recover.”
“You never told me you registered as a donor,” I said softly.
“After what happened with Lily…” His voice trailed off, and pain flickered in his eyes. He’d loved my daughter like his own. “I figured if I could prevent another family from going through that, it
would be worth it.”
“But your racing career-”
“This was going to be my last season anyway,” he interrupted gently. “I’ve been planning to focus more on pack business.”
He ruffled my hair affectionately, just as he’d done since we were pups. “Losing a kidney won’t affect me much with our healing abilities, but it can save a family. That’s worth it, right?”
I nodded, unable to speak. James had always been this way–selfless, kind, putting others before himself. It was one of the reasons I loved him so dearly.
“Do you know who the recipient is?” I asked finally.
James shook his head. “They don’t tell donors that information unless both parties consent after the surgery.”
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I squeezed his hand, overwhelmed with gratitude for his friendship. “You’re a good wolf,
James Knight.”
(Ethan’s POV)
“Hold still, Emmy,” I instructed gently, my powerful hands carefully weaving Emma’s soft
blonde hair into an intricate braid.
“Is it pretty?” Emma asked eagerly, trying to turn her head to see.
“The prettiest,” I assured her, gently guiding her head back into position. “But I need you to stay
still so I can finish.”
Emma giggled, her blue eyes sparkling with delight. “You’re the best at braids, Daddy. Even better than Mommy.”
My heart clenched at her words. Though I wasn’t Emma’s biological father, she had always
called me “Daddy.” My wolf whined softly beneath my skin as thoughts of Lily surfaced
unbidden.
What would Lily’s hair have looked like at seven? Would she have wanted braids too? What
kind of father–daughter rituals would we have developed if I’d been there for her?
“All done,” I announced, securing the end of the braid with a small elastic band.
Emma immediately reached for the hand mirror on her bedside table, admiring my handiwork
with obvious pleasure.
“It’s beautiful!” she exclaimed, turning her head from side to side. “None of the other girls at
the Crescent Moon Training Den have braids this pretty.”
Her innocent boasting carried an undercurrent that only I could hear–pride that she had claimed what Lily never could: my attention, my time, my love.
The door burst open suddenly, and Victoria wheeled herself in, her face alight with excitement
despite the bruises from her confrontation with Olivia.
“Ethan, Emma is saved!” she exclaimed, her scent broadcasting elation.
I rose from Emma’s bedside, my wolf instantly alert. “What do you mean?”
Victoria’s eyes shone with tears of relief. “Dr. Simon Harper just confirmed it. They’ve found a
suitable kidney donor for Emma.”
Emma squealed with delight, clapping her hands together. “Does that mean I can go back to
school soon?”
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Victoria nodded, wheeling herself to Emma’s bedside and taking her small hand. “Yes, sweetheart. Very soon.”
+25 Points >
Overcome with emotion, Victoria turned to me and collapsed against my chest, her shoulders shaking with sobs. I wrapped my arms around her instinctively, my wolf responding to her relief with protective instincts.
“Thank the Moon,” I murmured, stroking her hair. “This is wonderful news.”
After Victoria had composed herself, I gently asked, “Do we know who the donor is? I’d like to
express my gratitude.”
Victoria hesitated briefly, her scent shifting subtly. My wolf sensed her calculation, making me
instantly wary.
“It’s James Knight,” she finally answered, watching my reaction carefully.
The name hit me like a physical blow. James Knight–Olivia’s closest friend since childhood.
My amber eyes widened in shock as the implications sank in.
My first thought was of Olivia. She despised Victoria and Emma for taking Lily’s kidney donor.
If she learned that James Knight’s kidney was being given to Emma…
My wolf paced anxiously beneath my skin. This situation could further damage my already
fractured relationship with my true Luna.
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