bpter /b23

I had just reached the end of bthe /bbcorridor /bwhen I saw crowds gathering.

Several injured bwerewolf /bwarriorsb, /bstill wearing bloodb–/bstained camouge, bwere /bemotionally surrounding the nurses‘ station.

He stood tall and straightb, like /ba mountain among bthe /bcrowd, extending his arm to shield Ashley.

He reached out to block a warrior’s about–to–swing bfist/bb, /bsaying in a low voiceb: /bb“/bCraigb, /benough.”

The warrior was stunned for a momentb, /bhis anger undiminished: “Alpha Ferrisb! /bPerfect timingb–/bbsee /bfor yourself who we bled and bgot /binjured forb!/bb” /b

“My buddy bjust /bcame out bof /bsurgery. I came to ask about his post–operative condition, and what did she say?”

He angrily pointed at Ashleyb, /bgritting his teeth in usation: “She sat in her office ying with her phoneb, /bpletely indifferent.”

b“/bI just asked a couple of questions and was scolded for having nomon sense, for questioning the physician. She even said ‘bI’ve /bseen plenty of patients like you‘ and told me toin if I wanted!”

Another warrior stepped forward in agreement: “Alpha, we understand medical staff work hard, but her attitude toward patients went too far!”

The situation was tense, the atmosphere tight as a drawn bowstring.

Dead silence surrounded usb. /b

That’s not what I really meant!” Ashley defended herself tearfully, tears sliding down her cheeks. “I was just too tired… I haven’t slept for two days, bI/b…”

Ferris nodded. “I’ll handle this.”

He turned to the warriors: “She’s genuinely not feeling well–she didn’t mean to disrespect you. I’ll find an expert to address your concerns right away. Any osses will be covered by the hospital and me personally.”

His mediation temporarily calmed the warriors‘ anger. The one called Craig, though still unwilling, eventually bowed his head and left.

Sorry…for causing you trouble, Ferris.”

Ashley said with genuine concern: “You didn’t need toe out to protect me. What if this affects your standing in the pack?”

bFerris /bsmiled slightly: “Your safety is most important.”

Wowb, /bwhat a perfect match,” someone said. “I remember Alpha Ferris’s first love was Ashley. They still seem to love each other.b” /b

Ashley shyly lowered her eyes. “No, don’t talk nonsense…”

Come on, you two really look like a coupleb!/b” The onlookers joined in the teasing.

bAs /bthe crowdughed, Ferris’s gaze traveled across the room and found me.

When our eyes metb, /bmy heart clenched painfully, my mouth filled with bitter taste.

My husband stood thereb, /bintimate with another woman.

I didn’t belong bhere/bb. /b

“Dr. Windsorb?/bb” /b

bAt /bthat moment, a bdeep /bmale voice pulled me from my thoughts. b“/bIt really is you. You performed that surgery bjust /bbnow/bb, /bdidn’t byou/bb? /bThank you for saving my

friend.”

I looked up at the speaker–it was the warrior called Craig from earlierb. /b

He had sharp. handsome features, skin bronzed from years of outdoorbat, with defined muscle lines. He radiated a well–trained sense of presence.

I forced myself through exhaustion to manage a faint smile: “That’s what I should do.”

Craig smiled slightly. That smile transformed his previous coldness into unexpected gentleness.

He leaned down slightlyb, /blowering his voiceb: /b

“Actually… I’ve heard about you before, Dr. Windsor. Silver Moon Pack’s youngest, most decisive physician.”

Craig’s gaze lightly swept across my face: “You saw what just happened. Can I ask you about his condition?”

“And… uhb, /bcan I… buy you a coffee? You know, after your shift?b” /b

I was stunned. Before I could answer, I saw Ferris’s face darken in the distance, instinctively wanting to walk toward me.