Alpha King Chases Abandoned Luna novel Chapter 320

After ending the call, James knelt beside me, taking my hands in his. "Hey, don't look so worried. It's not a big deal."

"Not a big deal?" I whispered, my voice breaking. "James, you're one of the fastest wolves in the Northern Territory. Losing a kidney could affect your speed, your strength..."

James shrugged, his trademark easy smile spreading across his face. "The territory-wide race is still months away. I'll have plenty of time to recover."

"You never told me you registered as a donor," I said softly.

"After what happened with Lily..." His voice trailed off, and pain flickered in his eyes. He'd loved my daughter like his own. "I figured if I could prevent another family from going through that, it would be worth it."

"But your racing career—"

"This was going to be my last season anyway," he interrupted gently. "I've been planning to focus more on pack business."

He ruffled my hair affectionately, just as he'd done since we were pups. "Losing a kidney won't affect me much with our healing abilities, but it can save a family. That's worth it, right?"

I nodded, unable to speak. James had always been this way—selfless, kind, putting others before himself. It was one of the reasons I loved him so dearly.

"Do you know who the recipient is?" I asked finally.

James shook his head. "They don't tell donors that information unless both parties consent after the surgery."

I squeezed his hand, overwhelmed with gratitude for his friendship. "You're a good wolf, James Knight."

(Ethan's POV)

"Hold still, Emmy," I instructed gently, my powerful hands carefully weaving Emma's soft blonde hair into an intricate braid.

"Is it pretty?" Emma asked eagerly, trying to turn her head to see.

"The prettiest," I assured her, gently guiding her head back into position. "But I need you to stay still so I can finish."

Emma giggled, her blue eyes sparkling with delight. "You're the best at braids, Daddy. Even better than Mommy."

My heart clenched at her words. Though I wasn't Emma's biological father, she had always called me "Daddy." My wolf whined softly beneath my skin as thoughts of Lily surfaced unbidden.

Victoria nodded, wheeling herself to Emma's bedside and taking her small hand. "Yes, sweetheart. Very soon."

Overcome with emotion, Victoria turned to me and collapsed against my chest, her shoulders shaking with sobs. I wrapped my arms around her instinctively, my wolf responding to her relief with protective instincts.

"Thank the Moon," I murmured, stroking her hair. "This is wonderful news."

After Victoria had composed herself, I gently asked, "Do we know who the donor is? I'd like to express my gratitude."

Victoria hesitated briefly, her scent shifting subtly. My wolf sensed her calculation, making me instantly wary.

"It's James Knight," she finally answered, watching my reaction carefully.

The name hit me like a physical blow. James Knight—Olivia's closest friend since childhood. My amber eyes widened in shock as the implications sank in.

My first thought was of Olivia. She despised Victoria and Emma for taking Lily's kidney donor. If she learned that James Knight's kidney was being given to Emma...

My wolf paced anxiously beneath my skin. This situation could further damage my already fractured relationship with my true Luna.