Nathan's POV
She didn't respond.
She didn't even stir.
Her arm slipped a little in my hold, her fingers loosening as if every bit of strength had drained from her body. That tiny movement—so small, barely noticeable—hit me harder than a punch. It wasn't normal. It wasn't right. Hailee was never still like this. Even in deep sleep she always shifted, breathed deeper, curled into me. But now… nothing.
A cold, heavy pressure settled in my chest, squeezing tighter and tighter with each passing second. My wolf pushed forward, frantic, scratching at the inside of my ribcage, demanding I do something. Fix it. Save her. His fear was mine, doubled, raw, uncontrollable.
"Hailee," I whispered again, softer this time, my voice cracking around the edges. I brushed her hair away from her face, my thumb trembling as it touched her warm cheek. "Baby, please. Please don't do this."
