Chapter 2 Too Late to Fix It

Gabrielle's POV

What?!”

Maria and I screamed at the same time.

My hands flew to my mouth as I shook my head repeatedly, as though denying it could undo it.

My vision blurred almost instantly.

“No… no… no…” I whispered, my voice breaking as the room tilted slightly around me.

The doctor adjusted his glasses, his expression remaining professionally calm.

“The damage to his spine is severe,” he said steadily. “Without intensive therapy and possible surgery, his chances of recovery are very slim.”

Maria grabbed my arm immediately, as if anchoring me before I collapsed completely.

“Doctor,” she asked quickly, her voice shaking but controlled, “how much would the surgery cost?”

There was a brief hesitation before he answered.

“Approximately five million dollars. That does not include travel or consultation fees. The procedure would need to be done in India. They have specialists with the highest success rates for this type of spinal injury.”

“What?!” we both burst out again, the disbelief too heavy to contain.

Maria staggered back a step, her face pale.

“That’s impossible. We can’t afford that. Not even close.”

For a moment, everything inside me went still, like my body was shutting down to protect itself from panic.

Then Maria straightened abruptly, forcing a nervous, almost broken smile.

“Doctor,” she said quickly, “could you excuse us for a moment? We just need to… discuss this.”

He nodded once and walked away, leaving us alone in the hallway.

The moment he was gone, my control shattered.

“I’ve ruined his life,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “Maria, I’ve ruined everything. I should have listened to you. I should have stopped. I’m such a fool… what do we do now?”

Maria grabbed my shoulders firmly, forcing me to look at her.

“I know what I’m about to say sounds selfish,” she said slowly, “but it’s the only way out of this mess. If the authorities find out you did this, you’re finished. You know the elders’ council won’t show mercy. We’d be thrown into prison… or worse, exiled from the pack.”

“I can’t go to prison,” I whispered. “My mom would die. Everything we’ve worked for would be gone.”

Maria lowered her voice even more.

“Then we leave. Right now.”

I pulled back sharply. “What? Maria, we can’t just run away!”

“They’ll take care of him,” she insisted urgently. “The hospital will handle everything from here. His family will find him eventually. But if we stay, Gabrielle, we’re done. Think about your mother. Think about your future!”

Tears blurred my vision as I looked toward the room where he lay unconscious, machines keeping him alive.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered softly, more to him than anyone else. “I’m so sorry.”

Maria didn’t wait for me to fall apart again.

She pulled me away from the hospital before I could change my mind.

We hid in another pack for five days.

My phone never stopped buzzing with messages from my mother, but I couldn’t bring myself to answer her calls.

Instead, I lied through texts, saying I had attended a fresher’s party and stayed over at Maria’s friend’s place.

Eventually, I had no choice but to go home.

The moment I reached the house, the door opened before I could even knock.

My mother stood there, arms crossed, looking very angry.

“Where are you coming from, Gabrielle?”

I brushed past her without answering, heading straight for the stairs with my backpack still on my shoulder.

“Gabrielle Elena Wheeler!” She called after me. “Don’t you dare walk away from me. I asked you a question.”

I stopped halfway up the stairs and turned slowly, frustration bubbling up inside me.

“Why do you always do this?” I snapped.

“You monitor my every move like I’m still a child. I’m eighteen, Mom. I’m an adult. I don’t need to be controlled like this.”

Her eyes narrowed, but beneath the anger I saw hurt flicker in her eyes.

“You’re blaming me now for being a mother?” she shot back. “You disappear for days without a word. What was I supposed to think?”

The silence between us stretched for a moment before her gaze softened slightly, noticing how drained I looked.

“You don’t look good, Gabby,” she said more quietly. “What’s going on?”

Guilt surged through me so strongly I had to swallow it down.

“I’m fine,” I lied. “Just stayed at Maria’s friend’s place. I need space before college starts.”

She didn’t look convinced, but she let it go.

“I have news for you,” she said instead.

I paused. “What kind of news?”

Her expression shifted, becoming uncertain.

“We’re leaving.”

My heart dropped. “Leaving? Where?”

“The pack,” she said simply..

Confusion flickered across my face. “Why? Did you get another job or something?”

She hesitated, wringing her hands nervously.

“I don’t know how to say this, but… I’m remarrying. Ronan Blackthorn.”

I froze. “Ronan Blackthorn? The Alpha of the Eclipse Pack?”

“Yes,” she said quietly. “He’s paid off all our debts”

“This is insane,” I said immediately. “What about my life here? My scholarship? Silverwood University? My friends?”

“Gabby, this is a fresh start. You’ll attend Raven Wood University instead. It’s an elite academy for both wolves and humans. You’ll be fine there. You’ll even thrive.”

“I don’t want a fresh start!” I snapped, pacing the room. “I’ve worked my entire life for Silverwood. You can’t just throw that away and I won't allow you to marry someone you know nothing about!”

Her expression hardened instantly.

“I knew your father for twenty years, and he still left without hesitation!”

“This isn’t about Dad—”

“It is now!” she cut in sharply. “This is final, Gabrielle. The pack council gave me an ultimatum. Accept Ronan’s proposal or lose everything and be exiled as debtors.”

Before I could respond, my phone buzzed violently in my pocket.

A message from Maria.

Maria: Gabby… turn on Werewolf International News. Now!

The anchor’s voice filled the room.

“…breaking news tonight. The son of a prominent Alpha remains in critical condition following a hit-and-run incident last week.”

My blood ran cold.

“Authorities confirm the victim suffered severe spinal and nerve injuries and is currently unable to walk without medical assistance. Sources close to the family reveal he may require multiple surgeries and long-term rehabilitation.”

I stopped breathing.

“The family has intensified its search for the unidentified driver responsible for the accident, while Pack security forces continue their investigation. Officials state that once apprehended, the perpetrator will face a public council trial under pack law.”