POV Estela
When Linda calls during my shift, her voice tight with worry, my world tilts. "Riley’s running a fever—103.1 Fahrenheit," she says. My heart lurches. I drop the clipboard I’m holding, my mind already drowning in the weight of Paisley’s upcoming surgery. Another pup in danger is more than I can bear. Fevers happen, sure, but logic doesn’t stand a chance against a mother’s panic.
I race to the hospital, my sneakers squeaking as I barrel through the emergency entrance—straight into the one person I’d rather avoid. Killian’s hands catch my shoulders just before we collide, his grip firm but not bruising.
"Estela!" His voice is sharp, laced with concern as he cups my face. "What’s wrong? Are you hurt?"
I pull back, my pulse hammering. "What are you doing here?" I ask, though I al
