"Gege," his voice was barely more than a whisper, but the vampire answered him with a smile, relieved to see him awake.
"Are you alright?"
Jia Hao's smile widened.
"You're asking me? I'm fine, qīn'ài de. How are you feeling?"
Mu Yang tried to assess his condition. He felt extremely weak and was having some trouble breathing.
"A bullet pierced one of your lungs. Dr. Silver operated on you. She said everything went well and there won't be any lasting damage."
The werewolf nodded.
"And you? You were injured."
"The doctor treated me too. It's nothing serious."
Mu Yang looked at him, trying to tell whether he was being honest.
"Why did you shift?" the vampire asked, his tone growing serious.
"My wolf is a far better fighter than I am. I wouldn't have been able to protect you in human form."
Jia Hao's eyes widened.
"You risked your life for me? I came to save you. I was supposed to protect you, and instead you nearly got yourself killed because of me!"
Mu Yang squeezed his hand.
"You saved me. That werewolf would've taken me away if you hadn't been there. But I couldn't let them hurt you."
Jia Hao brought the wolf's palm to his lips and kissed it.
Mu Yang moved his hand to Jia Hao's cheek, gently making him look at him.
"Jia Hao, I love you. I know this isn't the most romantic moment or setting… but I needed you to know."
The vampire stood up and stepped closer, then leaned in and kissed him.
"I love you too," he whispered against his lips.
Mu Yang smiled, but a knock at the door made them both turn.
The door opened and the pack leader entered with his mate.
"Dr. Mu, I'm glad to see you awake," said Madison.
The vampire straightened up.
"Jia Hao told me it was you who operated on me—and that you looked after him too. Thank you."
"There's no need to thank me," she replied with a smile, moving to check the monitors connected to his bed. "Dr. Kellan is on duty now, but if you need anything, don't hesitate to call me."
They both nodded.
Then Christopher stepped forward.
"Thank you for your help tonight. I've already spoken with Anthony and updated him," he said, addressing the vampire.
"Thank you for allowing me to join you."
Christopher nodded, then they took their leave.
Lucian and Alex were waiting for them in the car park, and together they returned to the mansion.