(Evelyn''s POV)


    30. Bonus


    The morning sunlight streamed through the window of my hospital room, casting a warm glow across the sterile white sheets. For the first time in days, I felt surprisingly well. My wolf, usually restless and ufortable during my illness, seemed


    beneath my skin, almost purring with satisfaction.


    Dr. Harrison Fletcher had just finished his morning examination, his experienced hands gentle as he checked my vitals.


    "Your


    well"


    readings are looking better today, Mother Winters," he said with a pleased smile. "The medication seems to be working


    I nodded, returning his smile. "I feel stronger today, Doctor."


    After he left, a young nurse brought in my breakfast tray a bowl of warm oatmeal with honey and fresh berries, along with my morning medication. I ate slowly, savoring each bite. Hospital food was rarely appetizing, but today even this simple meal tasted


    wonderful.


    As I finished thest of my tea, Sarah Jenkins appeared in the doorway. The young medical assistant''s kind face brightened when


    she saw me sitting up in bed.


    "You''re looking well this morning, Mother Winters," she said, approaching my bedside. "Would you like to get some fresh air?


    It''s beautiful outside today."


    My wolf perked up at the suggestion, eager for sunshine after days confined to the sterile medical ward. "That sounds lovely,


    dear."


    Sarah helped me into afortable robe and slippers, then guided me to a wheelchair. "Just a precaution," she exined when I frowned at the chair. "Dr. Fletcher would have my hide if I let you overexert yourself."


    We made our way down to the Silvercrest Medical Garden, a peaceful oasis nestled behind the medical den. Fragrant moonflowers bloomed alongside healing herbs, creating a tranquil atmosphere that immediately soothed my wolf.


    Sarah found a quiet spot near a small pond, positioning my chair where I could enjoy the sunshine without being overwhelmed by it. Just as I was settling in, her phone chimed with an urgent message.


    Looking at her screen, Sarah''s face crumpled with concern. "Mother Winters," she said apologetically, "my daughter has arrived early to see me She''s waiting at the medical den entrance..."


    I waved away her concern, understanding the pull of maternal instinct. "Go to her," I insisted, my eyes kind despite my frail


    condition "Don''t keep your pup waiting."


    "Are you sure?" Sarali bit her lip, clearly torn between her duty and her daughter.


    "Absolutely I''m perfectlyfortable here," I assured her "The fresh air is doing me good."


    +30 Bonus


    Sarah thanked me profusely before hurrying toward the entrance, promising to return quickly. I settled myself morefortably


    on the bench she''d helped me move to, facing away from the direct sunlight.


    I pulled out my Hospital Reading Tome, a thick novel my daughter Olivia had brought during herst visit. The garden area was


    peaceful, perfect for enjoying the warmth while waiting for Sarah''s return.


    I had just read a few lines when voices drifted to me from behind a nearby hedge. The speakers, clearly unaware of my presence, were gossiping loudly.


    "Did


    you


    know? That Winters she-wolf on the eighth floor of the VIP ward? Her daughter is a homewrecker," a woman said, her voice dripping with malicious glee.


    My ears perked up at the mention of my daughter, my wolf instantly alert beneath my skin. I recognized the speaker''s voice- Brenda Ellis, a Beta she-wolf notorious for spreading vicious rumors throughout the pack.


    "That Luna stole Alpha Stone from his childhood sweetheart," Brenda continued, emboldened by her audience''s attention. "She deliberately seduced him during a full moon, got herself pupped, and forced him to mark her as his mate."


    My hands tightened around my book, anger rising within me. How dare they speak of my Olivia this way?


    "And her poor pup died because of her scheming," another woman chimed in, her voiceced with fake sympathy. "The Moon Goddess has her ways of delivering justice."


    That was the final straw. My wolf snarled with protective rage, giving me strength I didn''t know I still possessed. I turned toward the gossiping wolves, my eyes shing dangerously despite my weakened state.


    "Have you been drinking from contaminated streams?" I snapped, my maternal instincts overriding my usual gentle demeanor. "Your mouths are fouler than a rogue''s den!"


    The three women turned to me in surprise, their expressions quickly shifting from shock to disdain. Brenda Ellis stepped forward, her wolf bristling beneath her skin.


    "Well, if it isn''t Mama Winters," she sneered. "Defending your scheming daughter?"


    daughter is not a schemer," I growled, rising shakily to my feet. "You know nothing about her!"


    The woman who had mentioned Lily''s death smirked unrepentantly. "Everyone knows the truth. Your daughter trapped Alpha Stone with a pregnancy."


    Something snapped inside me. Before I could think, I had crossed the short distance between us and struck her across the face with surprising strength.


    "Listen carefully," I growled, my wolf''s fury evident in my voice. "My daughter is not a homewrecker! Spread these lies again, and I''ll tear your tongues out myself!"