He Had Me Whipped, I Married the Alpha

Chapter 4 Kidney Failure

I had almost forgotten Samantha had two more reinforcements. Unlike Rodger, my parents always sided with her unconditionally.

If I didn't go tonight, they wouldn't let it rest.

My knuckles turned white as I balled my fists. I reminded myself that in this life, I needed Rodger to feel a debt of guilt toward us to ensure Phillip's safety.

I smoothed my expression and reached out to touch Rodger's shoulder.

"I won't make things difficult for you. I'll go get the pizza for Jeffry."

Under Rodger's guilt-ridden gaze, I stepped out into the blizzard.

The snow was blinding. The "two-hour" trip Samantha mentioned took three.

On the way back, the storm worsened.

Suddenly, Phillip's voice cut through a mind link. "Mommy, where are you? I'm so cold. Aunt Samantha threw me out of the house."

My head spun. "Phillip? What happened?"

"Aunt Samantha said you were hurt. I wanted to go find you, but she threw me out before I could even grab a coat. My fingerprints and password won't work on the door."

Phillip had Wolf Spirit Atrophy Syndrome. He couldn't shift; he had no fur to protect him from the elements. My watch showed the outside temperature had plummeted to -22°F.

"Don't be afraid. I'm coming back right now. Find somewhere to hide!"

I tried to sound calm for him, but I was screaming inside.

My tires were stuck in a drift. In a panic, I abandoned the car and sprinted through the snow.

I tried to mind-link Rodger nine times but got no response. I called his phone and found it was switched off.

I covered miles of frozen ground, gasping for air as I finally reached the house. However, Phillip was nowhere to be seen.

When I finally tracked his scent to a pile of hay in the nearby stables, he was already unconscious from hypothermia.

I let out a raw, guttural howl, scooped his limp body into my arms, and ran toward the hospital.

After Phillip was rushed into the ICU, the doctor turned to me, his face grim. "Because of the Wolf Spirit Atrophy Syndrome, the frostbite has triggered acute renal failure. He needs a kidney transplant immediately."

My heart stopped. I rushed to get tested, only to be told I wasn't a match.

"Are there any other blood relatives? They need to get here now."

Just then, Rodger called. I answered and immediately met his angry voice. "Emmaline, if you didn't want to get the pizza, you could have just said so. " Why did you run away with Phillip?"

I trembled with pure rage.

Samantha had clearly already twisted the narrative.

But my brain screamed at me, "For Phillip's sake, don't fight."

"No, Rodger. I need you to bring the whole family to the hospital. Right now."

My nails bit into my palms.

"Are you trying to ruin today's party?" he snapped. "Just because it's for Samantha? Did you even think about me? The Alpha and Luna of our pack are here! I'm the successor—do you think I can just leave?"

"No... Rodger, Phillip's kidneys are failing. I'm not a match. The doctor said all blood relatives need to be screened."

I was desperate, but Rodger sounded even more worked up than I was.

"Kidney failure again? You're so jealous of Samantha that you'd curse your own son? Was all that 'understanding' you showed these past few days just an act?"

I gripped the phone until my hand shook.

Of course, it was an act. If not for Phillip, I wouldn't have spoken a single civil word to him.

But how could I be jealous of Samantha? Everything she had schemed to take was something I no longer wanted.

"Rodger, I'm willing to give her you and the house. How could I possibly be jealous?" I said instinctively.

The line went dead silent for a few seconds. Then, a heavy sigh.

"If you weren't jealous, you wouldn't be doing this. If you don't want to come back, fine. Suit yourself."

The line cut to a dial tone before I could utter another word.

A vast, cold emptiness washed over me.

At that moment, the hospital TV flickered with a breaking news report.

"The High King of the Northern Wolves, who ruled all tribes, passed away a month ago. Prince Augustine, who lived among the commoners for years, has officially ascended the throne."

Hearing that familiar name, I looked up and froze.

In this life, the new Northern Wolf King was none other than the childhood friend I grew up with in the orphanage.