His Panic

[William’s POV]

“Elise!”

Her name leaves my lips in a hiss as she lays motionless in front of me. How did she get this injury when we were both here together?

“Elise!” I repeat, shaking her only for her to remain unconscious. “Dammit! This isn’t funny!”

‘She needs a healer.’ Rue hisses, forcing his way through my panic. ‘Don’t just sit there!’

A healer. Where in the hell would I be able to find a healer on such short notice? I didn’t know anyone in Rosco’s territory!

‘Maria,’ Rue huffs, his annoyance slamming into me. ‘They’re only twenty minutes away.’

For a moment, I pause as I realize that she was the best option, but what would happen if Rosco and Denali came here? Wasn’t my bastard father still roaming around, waiting to try to bum rush me and drag me back to Crystal Fang?

‘What matters most?’ Rue demands. ‘Helping Elise or remaining hidden?’

‘Elise.’ I respond instinctively. It was the most obvious answer.