LEO
I didn't mean to frighten my nephew. But when the doctor mentioned "permanent damage," something inside me snapped.
"What the hell do you mean, permanent?" I roared, my voice echoing down the sterile hospital corridor.
Fabian immediately burst into tears, his small body trembling. Guilt crashed over me as I dropped to one knee, gathering him close.
"I'm sorry, buddy. I'm so sorry," I murmured, feeling his little arms wrap around my neck in a death grip. "Uncle Leo's not mad at you. I'm just worried about your mom."
His sobs vibrated against my chest, breaking my heart further. I'd been trying so hard to be strong for everyone—for my sister, for my nephew, for my pack—but I was fracturing under the pressure.
Dr. Harrison approached cautiously, clipboard clutched to his chest. "I apologize for alarming you both," he said, his voice deliberately calm. "But the situation is quite serious, and I need to make sure everyone understands the severity."
