Moon's Mercy

Chapter three (the surgery)

Vealore’s POV

Today is the day of the surgery, the words rang through my head like a haunting melody, echoing over and over again. We had arrived at the hospital late last night, and Jupiter was admitted immediately. I hadn’t slept a wink since then. My wolf, Fea, was restless, pacing endlessly inside me like a storm that refused to calm. Every time I thought of food, my stomach knotted so tightly that I felt like vomiting. It was as if my whole being refused to be at peace until I saw him safe again.

But Jupiter… Jupiter was different, a good difference He was all smiles, laughter bubbling on his lips like this was nothing but a stroll in the park. He didn’t look like someone about to go under the knife, didn’t look like a man whose fate was dangling in the hands of strangers in white coats. His calmness wasn’t just strange, it was my anchor, the only thing holding me together.

When I saw that glimmer in his eyes, that playful spark I had fallen in love with, relief washed over me. He wasn’t giving up, he wasn’t planning on leaving me. The certainty in his smile whispered a vow, he was mine, and he wasn’t going anywhere.

“Babe,” he said suddenly, breaking me from my spiraling thoughts. His voice was warm and steady. “Let us allow the others visit us once I’m out.”

I shook my head almost violently. “No, you know how rowdy they can get.”

“Oh, come on. What about that little rascal Michael?”

“Nope,” I said firmly, crossing my arms. “Not him. Definitely not him.”

“Please,” he pouted dramatically, his lower lip sticking out. “I’ve missed having him beside me.”

My lips twitched despite myself. “Hey, are you trying to make me jealous?”

“Is it working?” He winked, waggling his eyebrows like a mischievous child.

I chuckled softly, shaking my head. Even now, with surgery hours away, he managed to be playful. His ridiculousness was oddly comforting. I sat beside him on the bed, ready to scold him for making light of this, but before I could say a word, he leaned forward and surprised me with a kiss.

The warmth of his lips against mine sent a shiver through me. His kiss wasn’t rushed, wasn’t desperate. It was full of reassurance, like he was silently telling me he’d come back no matter what.

“Don’t worry,” he whispered when we parted. His hand cupped my cheek gently. “I’ll come out okay. The moon goddess won’t let me go away from this.”

“I know…” My voice cracked despite my effort to be strong. “I’m just worried, that’s all. And Fea isn’t helping matters either. She’s too restless.”

Jupiter chuckled, the sound rumbling softly in his chest. “Hahaha. Let me talk to her, then. I’ve missed her.”

The bond between them made me groan. “Fine.”

The moment I let my guard down, Fea surged forward eagerly. My vision blurred, and my eyes burned as they shifted to red. Within seconds, she pushed me to the back of my own mind. I was still there, still seeing through her eyes, but I had no control.

“Hi, Mate,” she said, her voice carrying that sultry boldness I could never mimic.

“Hi, Fea,” Jupiter greeted warmly, smiling as if she were a long lost lover. “How have you been?”

“Apart from being angry at that b***h who keeps me away from you?” she snorted. “I’m fine otherwise.”

“Don’t worry,” he said soothingly. “Once I’m out, I’ll order her to let you out more often.”

Her eyes gleamed, tail practically wagging in excitement. “You’ll do that for me?”

“You know you’re my little puppy. I’ll do anything for you.”

And before I could stop it, Fea leaned forward and kissed him. My heart nearly stopped in my chest. Jupiter didn’t resist; he welcomed her, his hands sliding to her waist and pulling her closer until she straddled him on the hospital bed.

I screamed internally. This was exactly why I didn’t like letting them meet in public, they were shameless. Fea deepened the kiss, her arms looping around his neck, and Jupiter’s hands boldly cupped her butt, squeezing.

And then....

“Ahem!”

The sound of someone clearing their throat cut through the moment like a butter kinfe.

I was immediately shoved back to the front, stumbling into control again.

‘You ran because you can’t handle your own mess,’ i told her off.

‘That’s on you for embarrassing me,’ she hissed back.

I untangled myself from Jupiter hastily, my cheeks burning crimson. He had the audacity to smile at me, the corners of his lips curved in that infuriatingly smug way. I glared daggers at him, but inside, my heart raced with embarrassment.

“Mr. Drys,” a nurse said politely, though there was a twitch at the corner of her lips like she’d seen too much. “We are here to get you ready. Are you ready for us?”

“Yes, I am,” Jupiter replied with that confident grin. “I’ve gotten my dose.”

My face flared redder than ever. “Dose?” I mouthed incredulously at him.

He only laughed.

I followed as they wheeled him toward the surgery room. I held his hand tightly, squeezing as if I could pour all my strength into him. His thumb brushed against my knuckles soothingly, right until we reached the restricted area. That was where I had to let go.

The doors closed behind him. A light above flickered on, signaling the surgery had started. My knees nearly buckled, but I forced myself into a chair. The wait had begun.

And oh, what a long wait it was.

* * * *

FLASHBACK

He really did come back that night, just like he promised, with a pile of clothes in his arms. He averted his gaze as I changed, his cheeks tinged with pink, but when I finished, he helped me lift the wounded wolf into my car.

“Uhmm… where do you live?” he asked awkwardly.

“Why?” I narrowed my eyes. “Please don’t involve my parents in this. They....”

“Stop.” He raised a brow at me. “I don’t know what you’ve been watching, but I just want to drop you off.”

“Oh.” I blinked. “Okay. I’ll direct you, but after we take him to the hospital.”

His brows furrowed. “Are you sure you want to follow us to our den? Aren’t you scared?”

“No. I’m not scared.”

“Why not?” he asked incredulously. “Did you hit your head as a kid?”

“No.”

“Then are you just foolish?”

“Now I’m offended,” I muttered. “I’m trying to help you, and you insult me?”

I glared at him, but secretly, my lips threatened to curl into a smile. He was too cute, too fun to tease. Thank the moon goddess, I thought, for bringing him to me.

When we arrived at the Pack house, I drove straight to the hospital. The wolf I had found was admitted. He was definitely an Alpha in training, strong, my age, his aura undeniable. But my eyes… they were only on Jupiter.

Later that night, I brought him to my house. My parents were surprised to see a human with me, but they didn’t question it. My mother, Vanessa, was quick to take him under her wing.

“What is your name, child?” she asked warmly.

“My name is Jupiter, ma’am.”

“Ma’am? Oh, come now. Call me Vanessa. I’m Vealore’s mother, the Luna of the Pack.”

His jaw dropped. “You’re the Luna? I’m so pleased to meet you, Mother.”

My mother giggled like a girl, patting his hand. “Oh, what a silly child.”

I rolled my eyes. Mother was impulsive, what if he didn’t know we were werewolves yet? But Jupiter was just grinning like a fan meeting his idol.

When I finally insisted on taking him home, he pouted, dragging his feet.

“Why are you so intent on driving me out?” he whined.

“It’s late. Don’t you have a curfew?”

“No. I’m an adult, in case you haven’t noticed.”

I smirked. “Alright, adult. Let’s go.”

Before leaving, he turned back to my mother. “Goodbye, Mother. See you soon.”

My mother laughed. “Confident, aren’t you?”

“Of course. You’ll let me come back, right?”

“Depends on your behavior.”

“Then I’ll be a good boy.”

My heart had fluttered then. It was the first of many nights he stole it.

* * * *

PRESENT

Almost five hours had passed. My eyelids drooped, exhaustion pulling me under. In my half-dream, I relived our first meeting again, that smile, that laugh. That ridiculous confidence. My chest warmed at the memory, and I couldn’t help but smile through the haze.

But then....

The sound of hurried footsteps jolted me awake. My eyes snapped open to see doctors and nurses rushing in and out of the surgical ward. Their arms were full of equipment, carts wheeled hastily, their faces tight with urgency. My heart dropped to stomach.

“Excuse me,” I called, standing to my feet. “What is happening?”

They ignored me.

I stepped forward, my voice rising. “Please! Doctor, my husband is in there. What is happening?”

One of the doctors finally paused, eyes flickering with pity. “Are you Mrs. Drys?”

“Yes,” I whispered, my voice shaking. “Yes, I am.”

His words crashed over me like thunder.

“He just went into an arrest.”

The world tilted sideways, my knees trembled weakly, my heart stopped. For a split second, I thought I hadn’t heard him correctly. But I had.... I had. And the cold reality of it gripped my soul like icy chains.

The light above the surgery doors flickered ominously.

And I realized, everything could change in the next breath.