Free Web NovelChapter 92: Chapter 92 Rescue
Hudson’s POV
Hudson left his grandfather’s study, still thinking about the pack’s future. The party continued to hum around him, but Christina was nowhere in sight. He needed to find her.
"Have you seen my mate?" he asked one of the staff members arranging champagne flutes on a tray.
"Luna Christina went to the garden, Alpha Hudson," she replied, nodding toward the doors leading outside.
He made his way through the crowd, nodding politely at guests who tried to engage him in conversation. The Sabreridge pack’s events always attracted the most influential wolves in Highrise City. Tonight was no exception.
As Hudson stepped onto the stone path leading to the gardens, a piercing scream cut through the ambient noise.
"Someone’s drowning! Help!"
His heart seized. Hudson sprinted toward the commotion, pushing past stunned guests.
The crowd parted as he approached the pool area, and what he saw turned his blood to ice.
Christina. Underwater. Not moving.
"CHRISTINA!" Lycaon roared inside him, nearly taking control.
Hudson didn’t hesitate. He dove in, clothes and all, cutting through the water with powerful strokes.
Hudson had never sprinted that fast in his life.
The cold hit him hard, but he barely noticed. All he could see was Christina’s still body sinking to the bottom.
She looked pale underwater, her dress floating around her, eyes closed. Hudson grabbed her waist and kicked toward the surface, holding her tight.
When they broke through, Hudson gasped for air, but Christina didn’t move. He swam to the edge where guests stood watching in shock.
"Move!" he yelled, lifting her onto the deck before climbing out himself.
She wasn’t breathing. Her lips had a bluish tint, her skin deathly pale. Hudson laid her flat on her back, tilting her head to clear her airway.
"Christina," he called, checking for a pulse. It was there, but weak.
"She needs air," Lycaon snarled. "NOW!"
Hudson positioned his hands on her sternum and began compressions. Fast. Hard. The sickening rhythm made his stomach turn. He’d never been so terrified in his life.
After thirty compressions, he sealed his mouth over hers, breathing air into her lungs twice. Then back to compressions.
"Come on, Christina," Hudson whispered between breaths. "Come back to me."
The crowd gathered closer, whispers spreading like wildfire. He ignored them all.
Finally, she jerked under his hands. Water spewed from her mouth as she coughed violently. Relief flooded through Hudson, but she didn’t open her eyes. Her breathing remained shallow and labored.
"Get out of my way," Hudson growled, gathering her into his arms.
He carried her through the stunned crowd, not slowing for anyone. Water dripped from both of them, leaving a trail across the marble floors. Maids scrambled to follow, arms laden with towels and blankets.
"Alpha Hudson, should we call a doctor?" someone called.
"Already done," his Beta Dominic answered from somewhere behind him. Hudson silently thanked him for handling what he couldn’t focus on right now.
Hudson took the stairs three at a time, Christina’s body cold and trembling against his chest. When he reached their bedroom, he kicked the door open and carried her straight to the bed.
"More blankets!" Hudson barked at the staff hovering in the doorway. "And turn on the shower. Hot as it will go."
Christina looked small and fragile against the bedding. Her dress clung to her skin, and she shivered violently. Hudson wrapped the duvet around her, tucking it tight.
"Christina," he said softly, leaning close. "Christina, can you hear me?"
Nothing. No response.
"Alpha Hudson, the bath is ready," an omega maid called from the bathroom doorway.
Hudson lifted Christina again, blankets and all, and carried her into the en suite. Steam billowed from the large tub. He stepped in fully clothed, then knelt and slowly lowered her into the warm water.
The moment her skin touched the water, she panicked.
"No! NO!" she thrashed wildly, her nails digging into Hudson’s forearms. "Get me out! Please!"
"Shh, Christina, it’s me. It’s Hudson. You’re safe," he tried to calm her, but she fought harder, her elbow catching him in the chest with surprising force.
Moon Goddess. He hadn’t realized she could hit like that.
Hudson pulled her from the water and into his lap, one arm locked around her waist to keep her from hurting herself. She clung to him desperately, her face buried against his neck.
"I’ve got you," Hudson murmured against her hair. "I’ve got you."
He carried her back to the bed, noticing how she relaxed slightly once away from the water. Hudson sat beside her, keeping one hand on her shoulder to ground her.
"Christina," he said firmly. "Look at me. What happened?"
Her eyes flickered open, unfocused and distant. "She... she pulled me in," she whispered, voice breaking. "Isobel... she..."
"Akira was screaming," Christina continued, words slurring together. "I couldn’t... I couldn’t move. The river... like before..."
Her breathing grew more erratic, and Hudson realized she was slipping into some kind of flashback.
"Alpha Hudson?" A maid stood hesitantly in the doorway, holding a stack of dry clothes. "Should we help Luna Christina change into something dry?"
Hudson stood up. "Give me the clothes." frёewebnoѵēl.com
The maid handed them over reluctantly.
"Everyone out," Hudson ordered. "Now."
When the door closed behind the staff, Hudson returned to Christina’s side. Her white dress had become nearly transparent, clinging to every curve of her body. He grabbed a thick towel and wrapped it around her shoulders.
"Christina," Hudson said softly, brushing wet strands of hair from her face. "I need to get you dry and warm. You’re safe now. It’s me, Hudson."
She tensed when he reached for her dress zipper but didn’t stop him. Her hand briefly grabbed his wrist, then let go, like she knew it was him.
"You’re safe," Hudson said again, carefully pulling off the wet dress.
She shivered as he wrapped a dry towel around her. Her skin was ice cold. Hudson gently dried her arms, legs, and back.
When it came to her underwear, Hudson paused.
