Chapter 161

Victoria's POV Patrick's voice carried a strained edge of pain. I couldn't tell how badly he was hurt as we lay entangled on the cold asphalt, his body still shielding mine from the impact. Neither of us moved, and the gathering crowd kept their distance, afraid to cause further injury. I tried to wiggle free from Patrick's protective embrace, but he held me firmly against him, refusing to let go. William rushed toward us, his face draining of all color when he spotted me on the ground. My heart clenched—my parents had died in a car accident years ago, and seeing me in a similar situation must have triggered his worst fears. His chest heaved as he struggled to breathe, his eyes wide with terror. "Victoria!" he shouted, his voice breaking with panic. I looked up at him, my wolf Nora whimpering anxiously inside me. "Grandfather, I'm fine! I'm not hurt at all," I called out, desperate to reassure him. "It's Patrick who's injured. He can't move, but I swear I'm okay!" Patrick grimaced thro