Elena’s POV:
I felt relief wash over me, but it didn’t last. Before I could catch my breath, strong arms scooped me up. I blinked, finding myself cradled against Rachael’s mate. He didn’t say a word. His grip was firm yet impersonal as he carried me through the gawking crowd.
He carried me straight to the pack clinic. The moment we reached the doors, he set me down carefully and walked away. I opened my mouth to thank him, but he was already gone— he looked very angry.
The clinic smelled like cleaning chemicals and something faintly sweet. The nurses stared, their faces a mix of pity and horror. One of them, a small woman with curly hair, approached me like I was a stray dog that might bite.
“What happened to you?” Her voice was soft, careful.
I opened my mouth, but nothing came
