Summary

Silver has been dealt a painful blow when her mate, the beta of her pack, rejects her. Instead of falling apart, she threw herself into work at the pack clinic. As a natural healer, her alpha presents an opportunity for her to get away from the pack while aiding one of their allies. This is a chance for Silver to heal, but will it also be a chance for something more?

Chapter 1

Silver

I take a deep breath, drawing in the scent of disinfectant that’s standard in my safe haven. The pack hospital is my sanctuary, my escape from everything that haunts me outside its walls. In here, I’m someone important, someone respected…someone who’s wanted and needed. In this place, I’m not the wolf who was rejected by her mate because she wasn’t ‘up to his standards’. In here, I’m a healer, a nurturer, someone who brings relief, peace and comfort. If it wasn’t for my work and the special calming tea that Doctor Ellis made for me, I don’t think I’d be able to survive this.

My evening shift started almost an hour ago and aside from a few accidents during training, things have been quiet. The calm atmosphere quickly shifts when we feel the presence of our alpha as he walks into the building, his aura pulsing with his undeniable authority. Our pack is luckier than many because we have a kind alpha, a wolf who always treats his pack with respect.

“Silver, Audrey, how are you both doing?” We both smile and give a slight bow of respect.

“Doing well, Alpha Aris.” Audrey responds in a firm, but kind voice.

“Can’t complain, Alpha. What can we do for you?” He meets my gaze with a look of sympathy that’s actually borderline pity. I hate that everyone in this pack looks at me this way, as if the situation with my former mate is something that defines me and outshines every other thing about me. I guess that, with my former mate being his beta, he has more reason than anyone to pity me.

“Actually, I came to speak with you, Silver. Do you have a minute?” I give a quick nod and lead the way to my office at the end of the hall. He takes a seat in front of my desk, but rather than assume my spot behind it, I sit in the chair beside him.

“Is everything alright, Alpha?” He smiles at me, but I can tell something’s troubling him.

“For us, yes. I received a call from one of the packs in our alliance and they informed me that their pack doctor was killed in a rogue attack while traveling with his family. They’re requesting help to cover their pack hospital until they can get a new doctor trained. They’re currently estimating that it will take around four months. I would ask Doctor Ellis, but he has a mate with a pup on the way.” While I know Ellis would be a better choice than me due to his decade of experience, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like the idea of getting away from here for a little while. It’s been three weeks since Dane rejected me, so who knows, maybe these four months away will help heal my wolf’s broken heart.

“I’ll do it. What pack is it and when do I leave?” He straightens up in his chair, but gives me a warm smile that contradicts his rigid posture.

“Blood Crest Pack and you’ll leave at six tomorrow morning. It’s a three hour drive, so make sure you’re packed and ready.” I really should’ve asked which pack needed the help before agreeing, but I know it’s too late to back out now. The Blood Crest Pack is known for being hard, cold and ruthless, but it’s their alpha that puts fear into their enemies. Alpha Cole Dawson is the monster in many stories, known for having exterminated an entire camp of rogues when he was fourteen after they had killed his parents…and he’s half Lycan. Some say his actions were an act of revenge, many say it was just the first sign of his lycan’s bloodlust.

“Yes, Alpha.” I give a slight bow of my head then we both rise from our seats.

“I’ll let Audrey know she’s covering the hospital for the night. You should go pack and get some rest. Silver? I want you to know that I wouldn’t be sending you if I didn’t think you could handle it. You’re one of the best pack doctors I’ve ever met, one of the youngest too.” He smirks at the end before heading out to talk with Audrey. I gather my things and head out, wanting to get all my packing done quickly so I can catch a nap before I have to leave in the morning.

The alpha had an SUV waiting outside my house at five thirty and fifteen minutes later, I had everything loaded inside of it and we were on our way. After all the stories I had heard about the Blood Crest Pack, I had certain expectations for what I would see when we arrived, but none of them measured up. I guess I had pictured more of a medieval, war-torn village, but instead the pack is very modern with nice houses, well maintained yards, small shops, restaurants, a bookstore and even a decent sized grocery store. Even the packhouse is nothing like I had pictured, but that’s honestly a good thing since I’ve been informed I’ll be staying in the guest wing for the time being.

After helping to carry my things to my room, my pack’s driver, Edmund, leaves me to face my new and completely unfamiliar surroundings alone. I spend twenty minutes unpacking before someone knocks on my door. Alpha Aris had told me I would meet with the beta upon my arrival, but said it would be unlikely for me to meet with Alpha Cole when I arrive since he’s busy handling the issues caused by the recent attacks. I walk over and cautiously open the door only to be meet by a very kind looking wolf who, if I’m being honest, is fairly attractive with his large build, blonde hair and brown eyes.

“You must be Silver. My name is Luke, I’m the beta of Blood Crest. I’ve been asked to take you to the pack hospital and ensure you have everything you need. If you’ll follow me, we’ll go get you settled in.” I gladly let him lead the way and am pleasantly surprised to find that the pack hospital is a short walk from the pack house, taking less than ten minutes.

“I wasn’t really given much information on the attacks, so is there anything I should know? Any unusual injuries? Strange weapons being used? Anything that might require special attention?” He gives me a wide smile and shakes his head.

“No, it’s all the usual rogue war injuries. I don’t mean to sound rude, but aren’t you a little young to be a pack doctor?” I know that, under normal circumstances, he would be correct in his assumption, but my situation is anything but normal.

“I’m twenty, so normally I would be, yes. My father was the pack doctor of the Amber Ridge Pack and I inherited his healing abilities. I started training with him at the age of twelve and ended up taking over last year when he passed away. Doctor Ellis, the other doctor there, has more years of hands-on experience and has the official training to back it, but I can assure you that my overall natural abilities far exceed his learned ones. I’ve inherited the ability to speed up healing and mend minor to moderate wounds, but it does drain me fairly quickly, so I stick to modern healing as often as possible.” He seems surprised, but hell, most people are when they meet me.

“Well, I, for one, am happy to have you here. I’m sure the alpha will want to meet you when he has a chance, but for now, if you need anything, just have one of the members link me to let me know.” He pushes open the door to the hospital for me then walks away. I take some time to familiarize myself with everything and move things around to my liking then begin making the list of everything we need to order so I can give it to Luke later. I make a few trips back to my room in the packhouse to grab the boxes of herbs, balms, oils, bandages and tonics that I had brought with me and get them placed on the shelves in my office at the hospital. I’m just finishing transferring the herbs to jars when I hear the doors to the hospital open, so I walk out to see if someone’s in need of my help.

“You must be the new doc. My name is Kayden. You missed lunch, so the alpha asked the cook to prepare a tray for you and requested I drop it off.” He sets a tray piled with more food than I could eat in two days’ time on the front desk.

“That’s very kind of you and the alpha. Please tell him I said thank you, the cook as well.” He smiles and nods.

“I can do that. Are you getting settled in alright?” I glance around the lobby, mentally noting a few things I would like to change.

“Yes, thank you. This place hasn’t been updated in quite some time, has it?” He chuckles and shakes his head.

“Goddess, no. Doctor Isaac was pretty old fashioned and hated change, so this place has looked the same way for the last fifty or so years. Aside from a few new pieces of medical equipment, nothing has changed or been added.” I sigh and make a mental note to go over equipment we need to get as well. I notice his eyes glaze over and feel a brief pang of jealousy over his mind link abilities since I can’t mind link anyone in this pack and the distance to my old pack cuts off all ties to them as well. I hadn’t realized until now just how isolated I would be when I came here.

“The alpha will be coming in to meet you at four. He would’ve been here to welcome you much sooner, but he’s been stuck in meetings. That last rogue attack hit us all pretty hard and we lost not only members of our own pack, but some of the fighters from another pack as well.” I nod in understanding then glance at the clock to see it’s almost three.

“I heard about the most recent attack from my alpha.” My tone is as somber as my mood as I think of all the wolves who lost their lives.

“When we contacted your alpha to request aid, he had mentioned that you were his top choice, but he also said it would be a chance for you to heal as well.” I can hear the underlying question in his voice and give him a pained smile.

“My mate rejected me three weeks ago. I was having a hard time calming and consoling my wolf, so I had buried myself in work. I was working double shifts and had even started sleeping in my office. If my mind and body were busy, I didn’t have much time for anything else, like wallowing in my own misery.” His eyes are filled with sympathy, but it feels different somehow and it’s a nice change from the pity I saw in the eyes of all my packmates back home.

“Only a fool would insult and disrespect the Goddess by rejecting the mate that was created just for them.” I shrug and lean back against the counter behind me trying not to appear as affected by this conversation as I actually am.

“He wanted a mate who was higher ranking and who was both submissive and willing to give everything up to cater to his wants and needs. I wasn’t willing to give up being a pack doctor and doing training just to wait on him hand and foot anyway, so it’s probably for the best that he rejected me.” His chuckle brings a smile to my face and suddenly I join him, realizing just how ridiculous my ex-mate was to think the way he did.

“Well, I’m very glad you stood your ground. You deserve a mate who will support you, not hold you back.” I smile and nod in agreement.

“That’s how I feel, but my wolf is still struggling. She’ll get better over time.” I see his eyes glaze over for a moment and he stands up straighter.

“Hey, I need to get going. It seems we have some unexpected guests that need to be greeted. Eat up and the alpha will be in soon to meet you.” He flashes a soft smile before heading out the door while I begin to pick at the food on the tray, though my appetite is greatly diminished after the discussion about my ex-mate. I barely make a dent in the meal before heading back to my office to start labeling the jars of herbs and organizing them on the shelves.

Chapter 2

I must’ve lost track of time because I’m in the middle of sanitizing one of the patient rooms when I feel the energy in the building shift. There’s no doubt in my mind that it’s the result of the alpha’s aura as he makes his way down the hall toward the room, his heavy footsteps echoing through the entire building until they stop at the open door behind me.

“Silver Killian?” I take a deep breath and turn to see the large man blocking the entire doorway to the room. He stands at roughly six foot six, has broad shoulders with a muscular build that’s not so well hidden under his black dress pants and the white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up and the top three buttons undone. He has medium length chocolate brown hair that’s slicked back with the sides shaved and his eyes are a bright emerald green. He’s definitely a gorgeous specimen and looks nothing like the monster his reputation has made him out to be.

“Yes, and you must be Alpha Cole.” I bow slightly then bare my neck in submission, something generally expected of all members and visitors of a pack when in the presence of the alpha.

“No need to bow, Silver. How are you settling in?” I straighten my posture, but keep my eyes focused on anything that hits below his neck to avoid making eye contact and offending him.

“Permission to speak freely?” He’s quiet for a moment before answering.

“Permission granted.” Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I begin with the list of things I’ve noted that need to be repaired, supplies and equipment that are needed. I have to appreciate that he listens so intently, allowing me to not only tell him what’s needed, but also why it’s needed.

“I know it probably sounds like a lot, but I won’t lie to you, if this hospital had been equipped with the necessary medical equipment, there may have been less lives lost during the last few attacks. I understand how hard it is for a lot of the older doctors to open themselves to using the newer technology and techniques, but the advances we’ve made in the medical field should be embraced because every one of those advances were made by learning from the past failures and many trials that proved them to be effective. As doctors, we need to adapt as new discoveries are made that can help our kind.” After a tense silence, I begin to wonder if I’ve overstepped…until…

“Very well, have the list on my desk once you finish up here today and I’ll authorize the purchase of anything you need. The dinner at the packhouse is served at six, so please make sure you arrive on time. I’ll be introducing you to the pack, all of whom are very eager to meet the new doctor.” I grab the glass water bottle off the counter, flip the top and take a drink of my tea, but I notice the way his body tenses suddenly.

“What is that?” I look at the bottle in my hand and my brow furrows.

“It’s an herbal tea that Doctor Ellis made for me.” He takes a step closer and I instinctively take a step back.

“Why would he give that to you?” His voice comes out as almost a growl.

“I…um…I was rejected by my mate and I was having a hard time coping. I had stopped eating, stopped sleeping and spent all my time at work. He made the tea to help settle my wolf just enough for me to function at a somewhat normal capacity.” I try to hide the shame in my voice, not wanting to show such weakness in front of this strong alpha.

“What wolf would reject such a strong mate?” I let out a tense sigh and prepare for the reaction he’ll give at hearing my ex-mate’s title.

“Beta Dane Longley.” A low growl rumbles out of him followed by a moment of uncomfortable silence.

“He’s unworthy of receiving such an amazing blessing from the moon goddess.” I can’t explain it, but something about him being angry with Dane brings me a strange sense of comfort.

“Doctor?!” A voice shouting from the hospital entrance has me practically tossing the bottle onto the counter and rushing out of the room to find one of the guards carrying in a young man that’s covered in gashes and bite marks with a chunk of flesh missing from his exposed shoulder.

“I just sanitized a room, follow me.” I lead him to the room I had left the alpha standing in and find him now standing against the wall inside. Once the injured wolf is placed on the bed, I rush to my office to grab a jar of salve and several rolls of the special bandaging I brought then return to the room. Both the alpha and the guard watch as I cut away the injured wolf’s clothing then begin cleaning, treating and bandaging his wounds. There’s a nagging thought in my mind as I work on these wounds, something I can’t seem to shake away. I make sure to apply the salve to every injury before placing the bandages over them until not one inch of his injuries are left exposed.

“What is that stuff you put on him?” I look at the guard and hand him the jar.

“It’s a salve I made from herbs and oils. They aid in keeping the wounds clean and help with inflammation while helping to boost the healing process. The bandages are treated in oils as well that will keep the skin from becoming raw and agitated during the healing process.” I watch the guard pass the jar to the alpha who sniffs it and arcs a brow before handing it back.

“That actually smells pretty good.” I smile and nod, taking the jar from him and putting the lid back on tightly.

“It does, but most people don’t really notice it since their senses are overpowered by the scent of the disinfectants and blood that seem to fill the hospitals.” I clean up the mess then get to work hooking up an IV to the patient and the heart monitor before guiding the others out of the room.

“How did this happen?” The alpha’s tone is not as harsh as I would’ve expected, but the guard responds quickly even without the looming threat of the alpha’s anger.

“We found him in the woods near the northern border while doing our patrol.” The alpha begins pacing beside us and I look up to see the guard’s stoic expression.

“Did you scent rogues in the area?” The guard’s expression crumbles as he shakes his head.

“No, alpha. We couldn’t scent anything in the area except blood.” I take a deep breath and make a decision that will either help or screw me, only time will tell, but the strange feeling of unease I felt when looking at the wolf’s injuries combined with them not being able to scent the attacker leave me with no choice. I slip past the alpha and head into my office then pull out the items I need, place them in my messenger bag then head back to the hall.

“I need you to take me to where you found him.” Both of them give me a confused look, so I grab the guard’s wrist and pull him toward the door only to have the alpha’s deep voice stop me just before we reach it.

“Brett, stay here with Jeff, I’ll take Doctor Silver to the site of the attack.” I can’t tell if he’s curious or suspicious, but at this point it doesn’t matter as long as I’m taken where I need to go. With a silent nod of acknowledgement, the alpha leads the way out of the hospital and into the woods on the north side of the pack house. We’re both quiet for a while until my nerves start getting to me.

“You aren’t what I was expecting.” I want to regret the words, but I can’t because they’re true.

“I’m guessing you were expecting some blood crazed lunatic?” I shrug and stare straight ahead.

“Something like that. The stories of the half-Lycan alpha’s reign of terror are pretty well known among many packs, mine’s no exception.” He hums in acknowledgement and is quiet for a moment before speaking again.

“You weren’t what I was expecting either. I half expected some stiff, elderly wolf, not someone so young, especially with how highly your alpha spoke of your abilities.” I’m not surprised that the alpha hadn’t told him of the reason my abilities are so superior to Dr. Ellis’s, but I don’t like to deceive people and I don’t plan to start now.

“I had assumed he would’ve told you, but I guess I should’ve known better.” I rake my fingers through my hair, hoping this isn’t going to go as badly as things have gone in the past when my identity was revealed.

“What did he not tell me?” I take a deep, fortifying breath as my mind pieces together the best way to explain myself to him without confusing him or causing issues due to miscommunication.

“I’m not a pure blood wolf. That’s actually part of why my ex-mate rejected me, because my blood isn’t pure. We don’t know what else I am, only that I have…abilities? We’ve spoken with the leaders and elders from several other races, but they confirmed I’m not one of them. I only ever knew my dad because my mom died during childbirth and she had no family. She was actually found wandering just outside the pack’s border when my father found her while on patrol. She claimed to have no memory of how she got there or who she was, but since she was my father’s mate, she ended up being allowed into the pack.” I feel the familiar frustration growing in me at not knowing who or what I am.

“What are these abilities that you possess?” I stuff my hands into my pockets and lower my gaze to the ground.

“I can heal others of minor to moderate injuries, which are abilities inherited from my father, but then I can transfer and withdraw images and memories with anyone I touch at will and I can commune with nature which allows me to often be able to see, feel or hear things that even our advanced wolf senses can’t pick up on. I know this isn’t what you signed up for and if you want to request someone else to come here, I understand completely, but please, let me help that wolf first.” I had expected surprise, questions, concerns, or even silence, but when he starts laughing, I’ll admit I’m left feeling confused.

“You think I would turn away a doctor with a superior ability to heal, among other unique and amazing abilities? No, Silver, there’s no one I would rather have here.” I offer a weak smile at the profound compliment, both surprised and grateful for his immediate acceptance. I see the group of guards just ahead, some in wolf form, some not, and increase my pace until I’m standing beside them.

“Alpha, we weren’t expecting you.” One of the guards states in a husky voice.

“I brought Doctor Silver with me to investigate the attack site. I need everyone to step back and let her get to work.” I catch the confused and unsure looks on their faces, but no one dares defy their alpha. I step into the middle of the small clearing, being mindful of the blood-stained soil as I kneel down and open my messenger bag.

I remove the herbs that I need and use my hand to clear the debris from a dinner plate sized section of the ground then pour the herbs into the center. After placing the jars back into my bag, I pull out my knife and cut open my palm, allowing the blood to spill on top of the pile of herbs. After putting away the knife, I grab a match, light it and drop it on the herbs, causing a bright green flame to come to life. After burning for a brief moment, the flame extinguishes and the smoke that rises from the ashes slowly drifts up and into my face as I breathe it in deeply, allowing the memories imprinted on the land to flood my mind.

Growling, snarling, teeth gnashing and chomping at the air behind me. I try to run, to get away, but they’re too fast. My lungs are on fire and every muscle is screaming from the strain of being pushed beyond their limits. I trip over a tree root, my body colliding violently with the ground beneath me.

Sharp claws pierce my flesh, shredding through flesh and muscle like hot knives through butter. I howl in pain, in fear, in anger, but no one comes. I manage to roll over and face my attacker, the one who wishes to end my life. His brown fur is dark and thick, his yellow eyes pierce through me, promising more pain to come.

I see a scar running from his right ear, across his right eye and stopping on the tip of his nose. That scar is a comfort, proof the devil can be hurt, can bleed…can die.

I feel my mind being ripped away from the memory, the living nightmare of the horrors that took place on this land only a short time ago. Muffled voices seem to be drifting in and out as my mind struggles to shake off the effects of the waking dream I had so willingly slipped into. I feel something or someone firmly gripping my shoulders and I finally manage to force my eyes to open.

“Silver? What happened? Your eyes…they…what the hell was that?” Even though his tone is sharp and harsh, I can see the worry in his eyes…oh god…his emerald green eyes…the eyes I should not be staring into. I tear my eyes from his and force my gaze to the pile of ash in front of me.

“It wasn’t rogues. A dark brown wolf, bigger than a normal wolf, but not quite as big as an alpha I think. His eyes, they were bright yellow and he had this scar.” I grab a handful of the ash, stand up then open my hand and blow the ash into the air. The others watch me as if I’ve lost my mind until the ash begins floating against the breeze, leading around the trees then across the border.

“Send two guards to follow it, but be discreet, see what you can find then report back!” Two of the guards in their wolf form take off, following the trail of ash into the forest beyond the border as I stand up and dust off my pants.

“I’ve seen that wolf before…” I’m pacing back and forth, unintentionally voicing my thoughts out loud as I try to figure out where the hell I’ve seen the scarred wolf. “I need to get back to the hospital. I need to look through my files.”

Chapter 3

I ran on foot all the way back to the hospital without any thought for the wolves I left behind who were likely confused by my actions, but I don’t have time to explain myself right now. As soon as I reach my office, I pull out the three very thick, very old books that I had brought with me, all gifts from my father to quench my thirst for knowledge and love for learning of our history. That’s how Alpha Cole finds me some time later, sitting cross legged on the floor of my office with one of the books open in my lap, a notepad pressed to my chest while I skim pages and a pen is held in my right hand.

“I need you to tell me what’s going on, Silver. What happened back there and how the hell do you know the wolf that attacked a member of my pack?!” I continue skimming pages when I respond, not willing to slow down my search.

“I told you I can commune with nature. Every part of nature retains the energy and the memory of events that took place. Plants, soil and even water hold these images, like we hold memories. I witnessed the attack and I saw the wolf. I know I’ve seen him somewhere before and now I’m trying to figure out where.” My wolf is suddenly becoming restless and I know the effects of the tea are wearing off, but I need to figure this out before anyone else gets hurt. I want to help this pack, but as my wolf begins howling and whining in my head, clawing at the surface, I’m struggling to concentrate.

“Silver, we should go to the packhouse and have dinner, then we can both come back here and go through all this to see if we can find anything.” I use the notepad like a bookmark then close the book and set my pen on top. I try to stand up, but my entire left leg has fallen asleep and I fall forward only to have something grab me before I can hit the floor, something that’s sending jolts of electric sparks through me. I jerk my body away from him, realizing what was causing my wolf to lose her mind, but not wanting to believe it. After being rejected by a beta of my own pack, why the hell would the goddess pair me with the alpha of another? Does she really expect him to accept me? I can’t go through another rejection, I just can’t. I grab onto the edge of my desk and use it to pull myself up while my left leg finally regains some feeling.

“Come on, we should go.” I don’t look up, I don’t dare. I can’t stand the thought of seeing the disappointment in his eyes at being given an impure mate like me.

“Silver, stop. Stop!” My body betrays me and obeys his command even though my mind is screaming for me to run.

“Can you please wait until after the dinner and after I’ve checked on my patient tonight? After the first rejection I could barely breathe, let alone make sure a patient was cared for, so please…” I hate that I’m begging him, but I can’t go to the dinner and face the pack right after being rejected and even though facing that torture again is terrifying, I need to make sure the injured wolf is okay before I’m put through the misery of another severed mate bond.

“What the hell are you talking about? Why would you think I’d reject you?! Weren’t you listening to me earlier?! Your first mate may have been fool enough to walk away from a gift from the moon goddess, but I’m no fool and you, Silver, are most certainly a gift. I didn’t mention the way my beast reacted when we met you because I wasn’t sure you were ready to face this yet, but you’re not getting rid of me unless you choose to and, for the record, I’m really hoping you don’t.” His words please my wolf, but my mind is still so uncertain.

“I-I’m scared. I don’t know if I could handle being rejected again, but I don’t think I’m worthy of being the mate to an alpha.” I can’t bring myself to look at him, maybe it’s out of fear of seeing the truth of my words reflected in his eyes. His hand reaches out and grabs my chin, tilting my head until my eyes are forced to meet his.

“I, Cole Dante Ryland, alpha of the Blood Crest Pack, accept you, Silver Killian, as my fated mate, to be my luna, my equal.” I feel my knees weaken, my entire body feeling a level of relief that rocks me to my core. His arms wrap tightly around me and my body is crushed into his.

“You really want me?” Deep down I can feel that he does, but I need for my mind to comprehend what my heart and soul already know.

“Yes, Silver, I really do. Now, can we go meet your new pack and enjoy our first meal together?” His tone is light and playful which brings an instant smile to my face as I nod against his chest.

“Yeah, I’d like that.” He pulls back and gently kisses my forehead before taking my hand and leading me out of the hospital. It takes him less than ten minutes to walk us to the packhouse and into the dining hall where we draw the gaze of almost every pack member as they watch their alpha stroll in holding my hand. He leads me to the head of the table at the front of the hall where the alpha and all of his high ranking pack members sit.

“Good evening! Tonight, I had intended to introduce you all to our temporary pack doctor, Doctor Silver Killian, but it turns out I’ll also be introducing her as your new luna!” The dining hall fills with clapping and cheers, a much warmer welcome than I could ever have hoped for. Cole guides me to the chair beside his then takes his seat and gestures for everyone to begin dishing up their food. The tables are filled with every kind of meat and side dish I could hope for and more, but my appetite is weak at best and my mind is on the books in my office…and the brown wolf.

When we finished eating, Cole and I make our way back to the hospital where we relieve Brett from his position of watching over Jeff for us so he can go eat and get some rest. After checking on Jeff, we both get comfortable in my office where I resume skimming through the book I was looking through earlier and Cole takes one of the others.

I get lost in my task and next thing I know, I look up at the clock on the wall and realize it’s already almost midnight. Cole is asleep on the loveseat in the corner, so I leave him there while I go to check on Jeff. I walk into his room and quietly approach his bed then begin checking the bandages to make sure everything is healing properly. I notice that while most of the wounds are nothing more than pink skin, looking more like scrapes than gashes, the bite marks seem agitated and are healing much slower, in fact, they’ve barely healed at all.

“How’s he doing?” I look over my shoulder to find Cole standing in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest and his eyes still looking heavy.

“All his wounds but the bite marks look great. The bites…it looks like they’re getting infected, but I have him on an antibiotic drip. I think I should draw some blood and see if we can figure out what’s going on.” It’s moments like this one where I’m glad I learned how to use the lab equipment when I was working the clinic in my old pack.

“Do whatever you need to do. I don’t know how much help I’ll be, but I’ll lend a hand with whatever you need.” With his confident support, I get to work drawing blood and running every test I can think to run until I finally find my answer at two in the morning, though it’s not the answer I was hoping for.

“Shit…” A single word, yet it holds so much meaning and Cole doesn’t seem to miss the intensity of the reason I chose to use it now.

“How bad?” I look at him, dreading giving him the answer, but mostly out of fear of what it means for not only our pack, but every pack near this one.

“On a scale of one to ‘holy fuck the world is coming to an end’, I’d say we’re staring at an extinction level event in the making. He tested positive for rabies, tetanus and tularemia. I examined him thoroughly and aside from bites and scratches, there were no signs of an injection site or any other method by which he could’ve been exposed to one, let alone all three of them. That being said, this means he contracted all three from either the bites or scratches, but since the bites are the only injuries not healing, it seems we have our method of delivery.” I rush out of the room and straight to my office to collect the herbs I’ll need to create a tea to help with the symptoms and a salve to help with the swelling, festering wounds.

“Okay, so what exactly does this mean? Do you think there are a bunch of wolves running around that have gone rabid?” I shake my head as I make my way to Jeff’s room with my arms loaded with herbs and jars.

“No, not a bunch, not yet. Right now, it seems we have just one. From what I saw, the scarred wolf showed no signs of actually being rabid, but that doesn’t make sense. I need to do more research, but first, I need to treat his symptoms and hope like hell we can save him.” I set everything on the counter and get to work mixing the herbs while Cole seems torn over whether he wants to focus on me or Jeff.

“What symptoms should we expect to see?” I take a deep breath and begin listing off the many possibilities of what Jeff may be facing.

“Fever, fatigue, chills, dizziness, loss of appetite, delirium, irritability, hallucinations, muscle spasms, high blood pressure, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing and accelerated heart rate.” By the time I’m done listing the possible symptoms, I’ve finished mixing the herbs for the tea and quickly start on adding more herbs to the salve that will be packed into his wounds.

“Shit. Okay, but the wolf you saw with the scar, he didn’t seem to have any of those, right?” I shake my head, flashes of the brown wolf with the scar threading through my mind like a damn parasite taking root.

“No, he looked normal…well…normal for a wolf randomly attacking a member of my pack.” I add hot water from the tap to the bowl with the tea and let it sit while I get to work packing his wounds with the salve.

“And you say you’ve seen this wolf somewhere before?” I nod, knowing that I have, though I can’t remember where.

“Yeah, I have a feeling it was in one of my books, but I can’t remember which one.” Cole watches patiently as I pack each wound and rewrap them then helps me to force Jeff to take in the tea through use of a funnel and silicone tubing I found in the cupboard. Once we finish, he helps gather the herbs and carry them back to my office so we can resume our search for anything regarding the scarred wolf.

“Hey, I think I found something.” Cole’s voice cuts through my nearly trancelike state and I’m more than surprised to see the sun beginning to rise out the window. I move over to the loveseat and sit down so he can show me what he found.

“During the raid on the Amber Peak pack’s territory, it was discovered that the beta, Julian Lawson, had been abducting wolves from other packs that he had experimented on, though most didn’t survive. He had been testing out several viruses and poisons while using the equipment he stole from the pack’s clinic to conduct tests where he attempted to mutate the viruses. His motive for this research remains unknown and after a fight that left Lawson injured, he managed to escape. Lawson sustained injuries to his torso and face, both of which likely left scars as they were caused by a silver dagger when he attacked Councilman Ryle in his successful escape attempt.” I read the passage out loud, but it takes a few seconds for my brain to actually process what I read.

“So, sounds like this definitely could be our guy, right?” I nod, confirming that I agree with his thoughts on it, but I wish he was wrong.

“I know where I saw him before.” I get up and hurry over to my desk where I have a book about doctors who’ve been credited with making groundbreaking discoveries for our kind, both good and bad…Lawson’s discoveries are definitely on the bad side. I remember reading about him and the stories written are more of a cautionary tale than anything. I easily find the chapter on his research and carry the book over to the loveseat and sit down beside Cole. The first page has a picture of a younger, uninjured Julian Lawson, but when I turn to the third page in the chapter, there are four different pictures of Lawson’s wolf that were taken from trail cams owned by packs he tried to sneak into and in each one you can clearly see his brown wolf and the large scar that spans from his right ear to the tip of his nose.

“Is that him?” I nod and set the book on the coffee table, unable to look at the pictures any longer.

“Yep, that’s him. It seems his experiments didn’t stop and now he’s found a way to not only mutate viruses and diseases, but he found a way to weaponize them through biting his victims while suffering no effects himself. We need to call back the scouts you sent to follow him. We can’t risk them coming into contact with him until we figure out how to treat this.” He pulls me into his side and kisses the top of my head.

“I told them to observe, not to engage. They’re well trained and if they can get us information on where he’s hiding, tell us if he’s alone or if he’s working with someone, it could help us, Silver.” I know he’s right, but the idea of another of our pack members suffering like Jeff is, it terrifies me.

“I know you’re right, but…I feel so helpless. My job is to help heal the injured, but with this, I feel like there’s nothing I can do but sit back and watch.” He holds me a little tighter and I feel a small amount of relief just having him here.

“Why don’t we go get breakfast and then we can contact the council and tell them what you found. After we do that, we’ll come back here and figure out a way to fight this…together.”

Chapter 4

Cole

This has been the craziest two days of my life so far. I woke up with the knowledge that I had two meetings and would be greeting the new temporary pack healer, but from five minutes into the first meeting, things were already not going as planned. I found out that one of our allies was dealing with threats from a neighboring pack while also dealing with an increase of rogue attacks. The second meeting was with the alpha of the Cold River pack, the pack whose fighters died helping defend my pack against the rogue attack.

By the time I was finally able to meet with Silver, it was already the late afternoon and don’t even get me started on the fact that she was drinking a tea that contained wolfsbane! I thought she was damn crazy until she explained her reasoning…then I only thought she was mostly crazy. Add to that the little show she put on with her unique abilities at the site where Jeff was attacked and I was thoroughly overwhelmed.

Of course, things just had to get crazier from there by me finding out she’s my mate, but I couldn’t be happier, honestly. She’s smart, driven, her skills and abilities are amazing, but the biggest thing that I noticed that stood out right away was the strength she possesses. I don’t know any other wolf who could face being rejected by their mate and simply work harder rather than being consumed by their pain and grief.

We had dinner with the pack then I spent the night trying to help her find anything we could about that damn wolf she saw, but I ended up falling asleep. While I slept, she continued her search and before dawn, she had already figured out what was causing Jeff’s wounds to not heal! The prick who rejected her was a damn fool and I’m so damn glad he was. We found some information on the wolf, some dick named Julian Lawson who seems to be a major twat with a god complex, but with how exhausted Silver looked, I decided to encourage her to take a break and have breakfast with me so she could give herself a chance to refuel.

This brings us to where we are now, sitting in the dining hall while she forces herself to eat, though anyone here can tell she’d rather not. This isn’t how I pictured things going when I met my mate, but I can certainly say I’m not at all disappointed. Once we finish eating, I take her hand and lead her to my office so we can call the council and, needless to say, they’re not happy to hear what we discovered, yet not one of them questioned the validity of her test results or the person we claim is behind the attack.

“So, they’ll have someone here in two days…now we just have to make sure Jeff pulls through. Have we heard from the trackers?” Her concern for our pack is touching, more than I think she even realizes. She discovered she was my mate less than twenty-four hours ago and she slid into the role as luna without even realizing it.

“We can go check on Jeff right now. As for the trackers, Luke said they checked in at four this morning. I guess they followed the ash trail to a cave in the northern part of the neutral zone, but they had no other information at the time. I had him warn them about the situation, so they know to avoid any contact with him.” Her body relaxes, only a little, but I’m taking it as a small win.

“Good. Let’s go see how Jeff’s holding up and I need to call Doctor Ellis at my old pack to see if he has any suggestions for things we haven’t tried to fight this.” Through the entire phone call and even now, she’s held my hand like a lifeline and I love the connection I feel with her when we touch. I can feel her emotions to a small extent and right now, my mate is feeling determined!

“Let’s go, sweetheart.” Her pale cheeks flush, but then a beautiful smile lights up her face and my heart damn near stops at the sight of it. We head down to the clinic and, unfortunately, Jeff’s condition hasn’t improved much, though the skin around the wounds seems slightly less red and the condition hasn’t worsened. I hate that I can see how defeated she feels, so as she picks up her phone to call her friend from her old pack, I pray he has some suggestions that will help.

“Doctor Ellis speaking, how can I help you?”

“Hey, it’s Silver.”

“Holy goddess, Silver! How are you? Is Blood Crest treating you well?”

“They’re treating me great here, honestly. As for how I’m doing, I, um, found my second chance mate.” There’s some shuffling noises on the other end before another voice comes through that has Silver instantly tensing while I’m instantly fuming.

“Awe, Silver found some lowly mutt willing to accept her as his mate? How cute. Tell me, Silver, who’s the unlucky bastard saddled with having you as his mate then?” I don’t give her a chance to respond, especially not when I see a flash of sadness and uncertainty in her beautiful eyes.

“I’m going to guess you’re the pathetic waste of air that was stupid enough to reject such an amazing creature, but allow me to introduce myself. The name is Alpha Cole and I’m going to say this once and only once. If you ever dare to insult or even so much as speak to my mate and future luna again, I’ll have your wolf’s pelt turned into a throw rug while the rest of your worthless corpse will be fed to the vultures. Now, I suggest you run along so we can discuss a matter with the good doctor there.” There’s a tense silence before the sound of heavy footsteps and a door slamming echoes through the line.

“I’m so sorry, Silver. I’m going to have a word with Alpha Aris about his behavior. That was completely unacceptable. Anyway, what was it you needed help with, dear?” She doesn’t argue with him about talking to the alpha, just quickly jumps into going over the attack and Jeff’s symptoms.

“I’ve used the turmeric oil, the root herbs and chili oil for the rabies, for the tularemia I used Nuphar lutea and for the tetanus, I used hibiscus petals. Is there anything else I could be missing?”

“I think you’ve pretty well covered it, but at this point, I think you may need to consider some of the human treatments. An anti-viral and antibiotic in high doses should help some, but it depends on how far spread the virus is. If this really is going to be an issue all of us may face, we should all stock up on them. I’d also recommend a blood transfusion to help clear the virus from his body faster.”

“Do you have a contact who might have the drugs on hand?”

“I can have some delivered to you, but it’ll take around seven hours to arrive and you should start seeing some results within twenty-four hours if it works.”

“Thanks, Doc. You’re a lifesaver…literally. If you can send them over, I’d appreciate it. Also, try to reach out to all your contacts and warn them so they can be prepared as well.”

“Of course, Silver. Just so you know, I’m so happy you found a mate worthy of you. I hope he knows how lucky he is to have such an amazing mate.” Her cheeks flush, but before she can say a word, I speak up.

“Trust me, I know I’m one lucky bastard. Thanks for helping out, it means a lot to all of us.”

“It’s my pleasure. Expect the delivery to be there before five. Talk to you soon, Silver. Take care of her, alpha.” He hangs up and Silver does the same then flashes me the sweetest damn smile.

“I think I should warn you that the human drugs are a long shot, but right now, I think it’s the only option we really have.” I can easily agree with her, knowing deep down that she’s doing everything she can to save him and that if she says we’re out of other option, she’s right. I trust her judgement and for me, that’s a pretty big deal.

“Do whatever you think you need to, sweetheart. I’ve got your back no matter what.”

The delivery with the medication arrived at four and she immediately started him on them, so now we’re left waiting to see what happens. The trackers let Luke know they were heading back, but they set up a few trail cams that are solar powered so we can still monitor activity around the cave even after they return. We made it to the dining hall just as the other pack members were coming in and several of them stopped us to thank Silver for fighting so hard to try to save Jeff and it’s easy to see they all have faith in her abilities. Unlike the last two meals she ate with us, Silver is certainly not wasting any time eating now.

“I’m glad to see you got your appetite back.” She gives me a sheepish smile and a shrug of her shoulders as she quickly chews and swallows the bite of steak she had just shoved into her mouth.

“This is the first time in weeks that I’ve felt truly hungry and this steak…it’s delicious.” She’s not wrong and if she’s going to continue moaning softly with every bite, I’ll make sure she has steak for every damn meal. We had left Kayden to watch over Jeff while we came in to eat, so when I hear his voice through the mind link, I pray to all that’s holy that he’s not going to ruin my mate’s night.

‘Alpha, you and doc should get down here!’

‘On our way.’ I cut the link and look over to see that she’s already watching me as she wipes her hands on her napkin.

“What is it?” Something in my expression must give it away because I don’t even have a chance to speak before she’s standing up.

“Kayden says we need to get over there.” I have to practically fly out of my seat and jog to catch up with her, but when we get to the clinic, Kayden has an ear-splitting grin as he motions with his head to the open door to Jeff’s room. I don’t know what she was expecting to see, but for me, it sure the hell wasn’t a smiling Jeff sitting up in his bed.

“Hey, doc. I hear I’ve had you a bit worried.” She rushes to his side and immediately jumps into checking his vitals while ignoring the tears streaming down her cheeks.

“He…he’s better. The wounds are almost completely healed and his vitals are damn near perfect.” She takes a step back and looks him over like she’s expecting it all to change in the blink of an eye.

“Well, from what I hear, it’s all thanks to you, doc. Kayden clued me into what’s been happening while I was apparently dying and he said you’ve been working non-stop to figure out how to cure whatever this shit was, so thank you.” Now, even Jeff has tears in his eyes.

“I’m just so damn happy it worked! You need to lay down and get some rest, but we’ll let your family know they can come see you in the morning.” We say our goodbyes and Kayden agrees to stay with him for the night so Silver and I can get some much needed sleep. I lead her back to the packhouse and when we reach the second floor where her room is, she hesitates at the top of the stairs.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” I can feel the tension radiating off of her and I don’t like it one bit.

“I…could I stay with you tonight?” I can’t believe she thinks she needs to ask!

“I would love nothing more than to have you curl up with me, sweetheart. Come on, we can go to my room…well, it’s our room now anyway.” I lead her to my suite on the fourth floor and we go straight to my room with her not even wanting to explore at the moment. I barely have time to help her change into one of my shirts before she crawls into our king sized bed and she’s asleep almost the second her head hits the pillow. I slide in beside her, wrap my arms around her and pull her against me before being pulled under by my own exhaustion.

Chapter 5

I’ve never been a morning person, but there’s something about waking up with my mate snuggled into my chest that makes the morning seem a whole hell of a lot more bearable. I’ve been watching Silver sleep for what has to be close to an hour now and yet I know I could continue to lay here all damn day…if she wasn’t starting to wake up. Her beautiful grey eyes that remind me of storm clouds slowly open and she gives me a bright smile before slowly stretching out her gorgeous little body.

“Good morning, my alpha.” Goddess, the things her raspy morning voice is doing to me are so far from innocent, but I fucking love it!

“Good morning, gorgeous. How’d you sleep?” My heart skips a beat when her small hand reaches up and brushes my hair out of my eyes, the sparks of our bond igniting where her fingertips skim the skin on my forehead.

“I haven’t slept that well for as long as I can remember. How’d you sleep?” I pull her closer to me and bury my face in her neck, drawing in a deep breath as her scent floods my senses.

“Best night’s sleep ever. We should get showered and dressed so we can have some breakfast.” As if her body needed to voice its own agreement, her stomach growls loudly which has her rolling her eyes while I burst out laughing. My mate is undeniably adorable!

“Yeah, I think I need sustenance. Did you want to shower first?” I don’t want to push her or move too fast, but I have no issue teasing her.

“Or you can shower with me.” I honestly meant it as a playful taunt, truly I did, but when she shrugs her shoulders and heads for the ensuite, I’m on her heels in the blink of an eye. My mate isn’t shy, not in the slightest. Once she gets the water on and makes sure it’s a suitable temperature, she begins stripping like it’s nothing then gives me a soft smile before stepping into the shower. With me only wearing my boxer briefs, I’m naked and joining her before she’s even finished wetting her hair.

Our shower is innocent, well, aside from the adventurous touches as we took turns washing each other…very thoroughly, and we finish in under thirty minutes then are dressed in under ten. I’m quite pleased with her choice to wear one of my shirts and a pair of my sweatpants, not even caring that we’ll be dining with the pack while she’s wearing my clothes. We enjoy our breakfast and I notice how everyone has already warmed up to her and they’re all interested in getting to know their new luna.

By the time we finish, she’s talked to nearly half the pack and I damn near have to drag her out of the dining hall so she can get ready to go to the clinic and check on Jeff. After switching my sweatpants out for a pair of her own leggings, though she keeps on my shirt, she surprises me with a gentle kiss before taking off while I go to my office to check my emails and handle a conference call with two of our allies who are having issues with rogues. With my head buried in my work, I completely lose track of time and next thing I know, Luke is knocking on my office door.

“Hey, you coming to lunch?” I look up at him and I know I probably look confused for a second before my eyes drift over to the clock that shows it’s already twelve thirty.

“Shit, yeah, I’m coming. Is Silver already there?” I really hate that I can’t just mind link her and find out where she is and what she’s doing, but now that I’m thinking of it, that’s something I’m going to remedy post haste.

“No, your mate hasn’t left the clinic since she got there and has been in the lab for the last three hours. I asked Becky to bring lunch to her though.” My brow furrows, but I nod my head.

“Okay, can you have my lunch sent to the clinic too? I have a feeling that she’s not going to stop what she’s doing to eat unless I drag her out of there.” Luke chuckles, but easily agrees. I know that even he can sense the unwavering dedication my mate has and I know it’s something he respects as much as I do.

“Sure thing. Go ahead and head over. I’ll have your lunch brought over right away. I’ll just have Becky leave everything on Silver’s desk in her office.” I hurry up and log off of my computer then head out to find my beautiful mate. Just as Luke said, I find her in the lab and she’s definitely lost in her task because she doesn’t even notice when I walk in.

“Sweetheart, it’s time for lunch. Why don’t you come to your office and eat with me while you tell me about what you’re working on?” She turns to face me and the second her eyes meet mine, she gives me that stunning smile that melts my heart then surprises me when she runs up and throws her arms around my neck, pulling my head down and slamming her lips into mine.

“You’re just the person I wanted to see and I’m starving.” She grabs my hand and pulls me out of the lab and down the hall to her office where we find two trays sitting with roast beef sandwiches, potato salad and hers has a bowl of fruit while mine has a bowl of sauteed green beans with bacon and onion. We both take our trays to the coffee table and sit down on the loveseat, but I can tell she has something big to say, so I don’t bother reaching for my food just yet.

“Alright, tell me what you’ve been working on.” She looks excited and even without knowing what’s made her so excited, I can’t help feeling the thrill of it too.

“So, we know that the anti-viral and antibiotics worked on Jeff. I’ve been working on making an injectable serum that contains the antiviral, antibiotic and the herbal extracts I use to treat the inflammation, fever and pretty much every other symptom the three viruses can present. So far, I have eight vials of serum, but we won’t be able to know for sure if it works until we have someone who’s been bitten that we can test it on. If this works, when it comes time to take Julian down, we’ll be able to combat the illness before the symptoms even start. I’m still no closer to figuring out how his bite is transferring the illness when he seems unaffected by it, but having a way to cure it before symptoms arise will be a game changer.” Well, her excitement certainly was justified! I knew the second that I met her that she’s one of the most amazing wolves I’ve ever met, but she never ceases to amaze me!

“Goddess, you’re amazing! You did this in barely over three hours?!” She nods as she reaches over, grabs a strawberry slice from the bowl of fruit and pops it in her mouth, making the simple action look far from innocent, but that might just be my mind taking off with it.

“I did. So, what have you been up to?” I explain to her the issues with the rogue attacks and the land dispute I helped two of our allies to resolve and while it’s all mundane stuff for me, I can see the pride in her eyes.

“I also thought of something and I’m hoping you’ll agree, for my peace of mind if nothing else. Would you be willing to let me swear you into the pack? You don’t have to, but being able to mind link you whenever I want would definitely make me feel more comfortable.” She doesn’t even hesitate to nod her agreement.

“Yes! Can we do it after we eat, or were you wanting to do it later?” Her eagerness has me smiling like a fool, but I’m not waiting until after we eat, hell no! I turn to face her and flash her a wide smile.

“Do you, Silver Killian, swear to protect, respect and care for the members of Blood Crest? Do you swear loyalty to the pack and their alpha?” I can see the glistening of tears in her eyes, but her smile is one of pure joy.

“I, Silver Killian, pledge my loyalty to you, Alpha Cole Dawson. I swear to serve and protect the members of the Blood Crest pack, to accept them as not only my pack, but my family.” My wolf, Kito, growls in approval, accepting her promise and encouraging me to finish swearing her in.

“I, Alpha Cole Dawson, swear to protect, support and defend you, Silver Killian. Welcome to the Blood Crest pack, my beautiful mate.” I feel her bond snap into place and the second her first tear falls, I know she feels it too. While we would be able to mind link once we’re marked and mated, I don’t want to rush her, so this is definitely a suitable solution for now.

“Oh goddess, I forgot how amazing it is to feel connected to my pack. Thank you, Cole, thank you so much.” She throws her arms around my neck and mine automatically wrap around her.

“You don’t need to thank me. While I wanted you sworn in, it was partly for selfish reasons.” She laughs softly as she pulls back and looks me in the eye.

“I’m more than okay with that. Now, let’s eat.” We eat our lunch in a comfortable silence, but I can tell she’s listening to the conversations through the pack link which amuses me since most pack members tune it out, but not my mate. Just as we’re finishing up, the pack link echoes with the voice of one of the patrol wolves.

‘Rogues breached the western border! Fifteen counted!’ I jump up off the loveseat with her following my lead then I pull her into my arms and press my lips to her forehead, wishing we had been able to have more time together without the interruptions.

“Stay here and prepare the rooms just in case. I’ll be back as soon as the situation is handled.” She nods her head then shocks the hell out of me when she tilts her head up and presses her lips to mine for a soft, loving kiss.

“Be safe out there.” Feeling greedy, I steal one more quick kiss before stepping away from her. This is one of those times where being an alpha is complete shit, but I can see in her eyes that she knows I have to go and while I can see that she’s worried, I can also see pride in those beautiful grey eyes.

“I will. I’ll be back soon.” With one final, quick kiss, I rush out of the clinic to go meet my pack and aid in the fight.

Chapter 6

Silver

The whole time I was working in the lab this morning, I was kicking myself for not marking and mating my gorgeous mate right there in the shower, but I kept telling myself that we have time and don’t need to rush into anything. Well, now I’m hating that we didn’t because while I can reach out through the mind link, I can’t feel if he’s hurt and I can’t feel his emotions unless I’m touching him. If we were marked, I wouldn’t have to sit in this damn clinic wondering if my mate is okay. They’ve been gone for two hours and the pack link has been unbearably quiet…until…

‘Doc! We’ve got four incoming. That bastard jumped us while we were fighting the rogues! We have three that were bitten and one who suffered critical injuries from the rogues. We’re about five minutes out.’ I could hear the tension in Luke’s voice and while I’m damn worried about Cole, I force myself to focus on getting the herbs, salves and bandages set up in four of the rooms then grab the serum I spent my morning working on before heading to the lobby just as they bring the first wolf through the door.

“Put him in room six.” The guards simply nod and carry him past me as two more guards enter with the second wolf.

“Room four.” Again a nod before they do as I asked. I have the third wolf taken to room two, but then I see Luke and Kayden enter with Cole standing between them, one arm draped over each of their shoulders and his torso covered in scratches and several bites.

“Oh, goddess! Cole! Get him to room one!” They do as I instructed and I walk in right behind them.

“What do you need us to do?” Luke is all business, ready to jump in and do whatever is necessary for his pack.

“Luke, I need your help here. Kayden, go help the other guards get the injuries of the other wolves cleaned. I’m going to get the alpha taken care of and then we’ll tend to the most severely injured and work our way through.” Luke helps me clean Cole’s wounds with the clean cloths that were waiting on the counter and I struggle to keep it together while I realize this is my chance to test my serum, though this isn’t at all how I wanted to do it. Once we’ve packed and bandaged his wounds, I don’t let myself second guess my work, I inject the serum into his IV then head out to tend to the others. It takes over an hour, but we get all four of them bandaged, treated and they’re all stabilized.

“Well, I guess we wait now?” Luke’s tone is filled with uncertainty, but I get it. I’m not feeling very certain myself. This isn’t the standard for how we test treatments, but we’re not being left with much of a choice. I was confident in my work, but when it comes to my mate relying on my untested treatment to survive, my confidence is wavering.

“Yeah, we wait. So, you said he jumped in while you all were fighting the rogues?” He nods, but it’s easy to see he’s pissed off about the whole thing. I get it, goddess do I ever!

“Yeah. No one even saw him coming until it was too late.” I can’t even hold back my wolf, Juno’s, growl at the thought of some pathetic wolf sneaking up on our pack to attack while they’re distracted. It’s clear that Julian is a damn coward and I have no sympathy for cowards.

“We’re going to catch that bastard and we’re going to make him suffer for what he’s done to our people.” Luke gives me an amused smile, but I know it’s because he’s never seen me angry, so very few have.

“Hell, yeah, we will, luna. Why don’t you stay with him and I’ll go call the council so I can update them on what’s going on. I’ll bring you some dinner when its ready and have some sandwiches brought over and placed in the breakroom fridge in case they wake up and are hungry.” As soon as I nod, he heads out, leaving me alone with my unconscious mate. I spend the next few hours wandering from one room to the next, making sure each of the injured are still stable and that their wounds are properly cleaned and dressed. The wolf who only suffered injuries from the rogues is already well on his way to healing while the others all show signs of the bites and scratches healing, though much slower than I’d like. I feel defeated, so I decide to call Doctor Ellis to see if he can give me any suggestions for why the serum may not be working as well as I had hoped it would.

“Doctor Ellis speaking, how can I help you?”

“Hey, doc, it’s me.”

“Silver? What’s wrong? You sound upset…” I break everything down, telling him the steps I took to get to the final product and explain how it’s kind of working, but not very quickly. I try to hide the defeat in my tone, but I know he can hear it.

“Should I just force feed him the pills, or give him another dose of the serum? I don’t know what to do!”

“Inject the serum directly into the carotid artery. The worst case scenario, it doesn’t work, but best case, it works perfectly. It won’t hurt them, but it very well could save them. Your idea was brilliant, Silver. Your science is spot on, so now we just need to adjust the delivery and possibly the dosage until we figure out what works best.”

“Thank you, Doc. I’ll go give them another dose now and I’ll let you know if it works.”

“Alright, talk to you soon, Silver, and have faith. This will work.”

“Bye, doc.” I rush back to Cole’s room and don’t waste any time. Within fifteen minutes, all three wolves that were bitten have been injected and now I’m back to waiting. Luke brings me dinner at six and surprises me when he brought his dinner in too. We sit down in my office, him on the loveseat and me at my desk while we both pick at our plates, neither of us seeming to have much of an appetite, though it’s not really surprising. I’m waiting to see if my mate pulls through and Luke is waiting to see if his alpha’s going to make it out of this.

“Ben looks like he’s doing much better.” Ben is the only one of the four who Julian didn’t manage to bite, so his injuries were much easier to treat.

“Yeah, he should be good as new in a day or so.” My mind wanders to my mate and I feel the tears stinging my eyes as I try to fight them back, but quickly fail. This isn’t how I wanted things to go and now more than ever, I just want my mate to hold me and erase the deep ache in my heart.

“Hey, he’s going to be okay, Silver. The alpha is a tough bastard, so don’t you worry about him.” I try to offer a response, but all that comes out is a choked sob as I bury my face in my hands.

“Don’t worry about who?” The deep, soothing, though slightly raspy voice of my mate has my head shooting up as my eyes lock onto his beautiful green ones, staring at him in shock as he stands in the doorway to my office looking like he wasn’t unconscious and suffering from rapidly declining health less than an hour ago.

“Oh, thank the goddess! You scared the hell out of us, Cole!” Luke is quick to get up, but as much as I want to, my body is refusing to obey as it remains in my chair while I continue staring at my mate. He must see the mixture of relief, panic, shock and fear in my expression because he hurries to my side and kneels beside me so he can wrap me in his arms.

“Hey, it’s okay. I’m okay, thanks to you. Did you use your serum?” I nod into his shoulder as I breathe in his scent and let it soothe me.

“She sure did! It clearly worked too! I guess that means we need to get some more made and see if we can get help mass producing it.” Cole presses a kiss to my forehead then makes me gasp when he lifts me with ease then turns and sits in my office chair with me in his lap.

“He’s right. Your serum worked, you gave us a way to fight back against this prick. We need to make sure the other packs have a way to fight it too.” I snuggle into his chest and nod my agreement, but right now, my body is feeling the weight of everything hitting me and before I can fight it off, I feel myself drifting away.

Chapter 7

I wake up to the faint light of the rising sun peeking through the curtains and the warmth of my mate pressed against my back while one of his arms holds me tightly by the waist. I give myself a few minutes to truly just feel the moment, a moment that, only days ago, I thought I would never have. I send a silent prayer to the goddess, thanking her for giving me a second chance with such an amazing creature. Just as I move to get up, his arm tightens around me and his lips press to my pulse point, sending a delicious shiver running through me and bringing an instant smile to my face.

“Good morning, sweetheart. How’d you sleep?” He loosens his hold just enough for me to shift in the bed so that I’m facing him.

“I slept well. How about you?” He kisses my forehead then pulls back and flashes me the most heart melting smile.

“With you in my arms, I’ll always sleep well.” I lift my head enough to see the alarm clock on his nightstand and smile when I see it’s only five, which means we have two hours until breakfast will be served.

“We’re up early…” I leave the sentence hanging as my body warms from the thoughts that begin flooding my mind and he definitely picks up on it, or maybe it’s the scent of my arousal that’s slowly starting to fill the room. He lets out a low growl and pulls me tighter against him as his smile goes from being loving to mischievous.

“We are. It seems my beautiful mate needs some attention.” Before I can come up with something to say, not that I’m skilled in being seductive or alluring, his arm slowly moves, his hand gently caressing me and slowly slides under my shirt. The electric sparks of our bond are causing his hand to leave a trail of fire in their wake and by the time he reaches my bare breasts, my white lace underwear are soaked.

“If you aren’t ready for this yet, tell me now, sweetheart.” Goddess, I’m so damn ready for this! Instead of answering with words, I place my hand on his bare chest, letting my fingers explore each hard, muscular ridge of his chest and stomach while leaning closer and pressing my lips to his. For the first time since Dane rejected me, I feel my wolf stir with a wave of powerful emotions that aren’t heartache and sadness. Her desire and pure need for our mate are overwhelming and every soft touch of his hand and stroke of his tongue against ours is making the heat in me rise to unbearable levels, my need for relief is all consuming.

“Please, Cole…” Goddess, I don’t know what I’m asking him for, but he seems to know and I’m damn glad he does!

“I’ve got you. Just let me take care of you, Silver.” I nod my head as I feel him shift beside me and sit up then he carefully slides my underwear off and tosses them across the room. I sit up and grab the hem of my shirt, quickly removing it as well. His hands explore me, taking in every bare inch before finding their way to where I need him most. He uses his fingers to pleasure me and stretch me, preparing me for what’s to come. He brings me over the edge twice before carefully removing his hand and placing his fingers in his mouth while humming in delight as he tastes my arousal. Before I can actually process what’s happening, all at once his boxer briefs are gone and his body settles between my legs, but I find I’m thankful for the lack of barriers between us.

“I…I’ve never…” Why do I feel so embarrassed to admit that I’m a damn virgin?

“I know, sweetheart. I haven’t either, but I know this will hurt at first. If at anytime you want to stop, you just say the word. We have an eternity together, so we don’t have to rush anything.” I give him a nod, not even knowing what to say when he’s being so damn amazing. I feel the pressure as he slowly slides into me that turns into a slight sting, but it’s not unbearable.

I feel when he stops, but then he presses his lips to mine with a demanding and thoroughly distracting kiss. In one, swift movement, he thrusts through the barrier of my innocence, claiming me as he slides in until I’ve taken every inch of him. He peppers my face with kisses while gently wiping away the stray tears that I hadn’t even realized had fallen, his kindness and gentle care almost making me forget about the sharp pain I felt only seconds ago.

“I’m sorry, Silver. That’s the only time it’ll feel like that, I promise. Just take a minute and tell me when you’re ready, or if you want to stop, we can.” His concern is touching, it truly is, but now that the pain is fading, all I want is more.

“Don’t you dare stop now. I want this, Cole…I want you.” His green eyes are glistening and his smile, oh goddess his smile! That smile could melt a glacier!

“I love you…I love you so damn much, Silver.” He doesn’t give me a chance to respond before his lips are on mine and he slowly being drawing his hips back and thrusting forward at a gentle pace. The second his lips leave mine, my response is immediate.

“I love you too, Cole.” A soft growl of approval rumbles through his chest as he slowly picks up his pace. Our room is filled with soft moans and names spoken like a prayer until we both reach the edge of the cliff together, our wolves stepping forward at the height of our pleasure and sealing our bond as our teeth sink into each other’s pulse point which sends us both falling off the ledge and crashing into the blissful abyss.

I…am…happy. It’s been so long since I could say that and actually, truly mean it, but the fact is…I’m genuinely heart, body, mind and soul…happy. After making love to and marking each other, Cole and I shared a shower where we took turns washing each other, the moment being intimate and utterly beautiful. We’ve both just finished dressing and Cole even helped to brush my hair for me then laughed when I pulled it into a messy bun after.

“Come on, sweetheart, let’s go have breakfast with our pack.” He holds his hand out for me and I’m more than happy to place mine in it, even smiling when his large fingers wrap around my small hand before he leads me out of our room and down to the dining hall. As soon as we enter, we’re greeted with warm smiles as we make our way to our seats where Cole pulls my chair out for me then sits down once I’m settled, but his hand immediately reaches for mine…not that I mind one damn bit!

“Alpha, I believe congratulations are in order.” Luke is beaming as his eyes spot the mating marks that we’re both proudly wearing where everyone can see them.

“Yes, I believe so. My beautiful mate, our luna, is finally here.” He lifts my hand and places a gentle kiss on my knuckles that has everyone’s smiles widening.

“I’m truly happy for the both of you. I set up a conference call with the pack doctors for all of our allies that will take place at ten and Kayden is setting up the big screen in the lab at the clinic as we speak. I thought it might be best to hold the meeting there in case you need to walk them through the process for creating the serum.” I nod in agreement as I smile at how prepared he is.

“That’s perfect, thank you Luke.” The rest of our breakfast is filled with friendly conversations and even some questions about the serum from some of the older wolves who aren’t accustomed to modern medicine, but I’m so glad they chose to learn about the new treatment rather than make assumptions. By the time we finish, it’s after nine, so I excuse myself and head to the clinic while Cole goes to his office to handle a call with one of the alphas of a neighboring pack who’s apparently facing attacks from what has been described as a ‘large, mutant brown wolf’.

The call with the pack doctors went really well, better than I ever dared hope it would and with all of us together, we’ve put in orders for enough of the antiviral and antibiotics to create serums to treat all the members of our respective packs twice over. After agreeing to email each one of the doctors with the process for making the oils, balms, salves and special bandages I use, we end our call. I type up the instructions for making and storing the requested herbal remedies then a new idea comes to mind that has me getting lost in mixing, measuring and testing while time simply slips away.

“What’s going on in here, sweetheart? How’d your meeting go?” Cole’s voice pulls me out of my hyper focused trance and I turn to find him standing in the doorway with his hands in his pockets and a smile on his face.

“The meeting went really well. I hope you don’t mind, but I placed a large order for the antiviral and antibiotics so we can mass produce the serum as soon as it comes in. As for what I’m working on right now, it’s a long shot and until the shipment comes in with everything I ordered, I won’t be able to complete it, but…I was thinking we can maybe find a way to create a vaccine. The humans have rabies and tetanus vaccines, so if I can modify them to work with our increased metabolism and genetic makeup, we might be able to eliminate his ability to infect us in the first place, but we’ll still have the serum as backup.” In the blink of an eye, he closes the distance between us and pulls me into his arms as his lips crash into mine. I can feel a flurry of emotions pulsing through the bond, everything from pride, to love.

“You’re absolutely amazing, sweetheart. Now, I know all this is very important, but how about taking a break and having lunch with me?” As if I could say no!

“I’d love to.” He grabs my hand and laces his fingers with mine then leads me to my office where two trays with BLTs, macaroni salad and two bowls of fruit are already waiting on the coffee table.

“Did any of the doctors give you any trouble?” We both settle on the couch as a smile takes over me at the threatening tone in his voice, a clear indication that if they did, they’d be facing my very angry alpha mate.

“Not a one. They were all very receptive and even asked that I email them step by step instructions for not only the serum, but for the salves, oils and bandages I use as well. We all placed orders for the antiviral and antibiotics, but I added a few cases of the rabies and tetanus vaccines as well. The shipment should arrive in two days, but for now, we have enough serum to treat fifty wolves here and most of the others were able to get their hands on enough to treat one dozen.” He leans over and places a soft kiss on my temple then slides my tray closer to me and points at it with a playful stern expression.

“You’ve done well, now eat up so you can fuel that magnificent brain of yours.” We both eat our lunch in a peaceful quiet, simply enjoying the meal and each other’s company. We barely manage to finish when several voices come through the pack link.

‘Breach at western border! Eleven and all are feral!’ This is what we feared, the disease spreading to other rogues, but now that it has, we need to act fast and pray like hell our fighters can avoid being bitten at all costs.

“Be safe and try not to let those bastards bite you. I love you.” I pull his lips to mine and he rests his forehead on mine as his eyes lock with my teary eyed gaze.

“I’ll be back soon. I love you too.” And with that, he’s gone. I force myself to go back into the lab to work on as much of the vaccine as I can, more researching than actually creating. I can feel anger and determination through our bond, but nothing that signals Cole has been hurt, which makes it easier to focus. It’s nearly three hours later when I hear his amazing, soothing voice come through.

‘Silver, sweetheart, we’re on our way back. We have one who was bitten and two who were scratched. We’re bringing back two of the rogues bodies as well. Is everything okay over there?’

‘I’ll have the rooms and supplies ready. Everything is fine here. Just…hurry back to me.’

‘Nothing could keep me away. I’ll be there soon. I love you, Silver.’

‘I love you too, so damn much.’ I waste no time grabbing a dose of the serum, the IV bags, bandages and salve then quickly get three rooms prepped and ready for the arrival of the injured. It takes just over fifteen minutes for them to walk through the door and I quickly instruct them on who goes where, tell them where to store the bodies then have some of the guards help tend to the wolves with claw mark while Cole follows me to the room with the wolf who was bitten. With the injured wolves wounds cleaned and the bitten wolf having been injected with the serum, we all head to the packhouse so they can clean up before getting ready for dinner.

Chapter 8

I follow Cole to our room and when he stops in the living room, I take his hand and guide him to the bathroom then start the shower, letting the water flow until it reaches a suitable temperature. I turn to him and grab the hem of the t-shirt he’s wearing then slowly raise it, his arms automatically lift to help me remove it before I toss it to the floor. I then remove his basketball shorts before quickly striping myself down and guiding him into the shower. 

I grab the bath sponge and his body wash, getting it lathered up on the sponge then gently washing him from his neck to his toes while he watches me with a look of adoration. I see the glint of amusement in his eye when I grab his shampoo then climb up onto the wooden bench so I can wash his hair for him, but he doesn’t stop me, he doesn’t even try to. I wash and rinse his hair then hop off the bench and turn off the water before grabbing two towels, one that I secure around myself before using the other to start drying him off while he reaches over me and grabs one of the smaller towels to dry his hair as I focus on everything else.

Once we’re both dried off, I take his hand and guide him out of the bathroom then pick out a pair of track pants, boxer briefs and a t-shirt for him then take one of his shirts out for myself as well as a pair of leggings, underwear and a bra. I carefully help dress him then throw my own clothes on. Not a word is spoken as I tend to him, but his eyes don’t leave me the entire time and I can feel his happiness, love and pride flaring through our bond. Once I help him get his shoes on, I slip my sandals on, take his hand and lead him out of the room and down to the dining hall to eat dinner with our pack.

“Alpha Cole, Luna Silver, the members of the pack are all worried about this attack. Is it true that the rogues were all rabid?” I don’t know this wolf’s name, only that she works as one of the house staff, but her question is valid, as are the pack’s concerns. I give Cole’s hand a gentle squeeze, silently supporting him because I know he wants them to know the truth.

“It’s true. Our luna has created a serum to treat those who become infected within our pack, but right now, we know little. Our luna has been working tirelessly to find a way to prevent the disease from affecting us, but at least, for now, we have a way to treat it that has proven successful.” I know how hard this is for him, and not just because I can feel his emotions through our bond. As the alpha, it makes sense that he would take this situation as him failing our pack because he’s meant to keep them safe, but I know it’s not his fault and I have no doubt the rest of the pack feels the same.

“We’re not the only pack fighting this and after my meeting this morning, we made sure our allies have the means to treat their affected members as well, but I want to take it a step further. I can’t make any guarantees yet, but I’m hoping to devise a vaccine that will prevent our packs from being able to contract the diseases through bites or scratches. With the help and support of my mate and our allied packs doctors, we hope to render this biological warfare useless. The wolf behind it all, he’s a vile creature and once we find a way to fully combat his methods of assault, we’re going to end him and destroy all of his research so no future generations will have to face what we’re being forced to now.” The response is overwhelming as everyone cheers and applauds us, trusting in us to handle this and protect them.

“Alright, everyone eat and if there are any further questions, we can schedule time to discuss everything in the morning. For now, we need to rest and our luna has injured to tend to.” He gives my hand a firm squeeze and smiles down at me just as the kitchen staff begin bringing out the food. The dinner with our pack is calm, but I know everyone can feel the underlying tension, though none of them comment on it. As soon as we finish, Cole accompanies me to the clinic to check on the injured fighters.

“Well, the ones who were clawed are almost completely healed and the one who was bitten should be good as new by morning. At least we know the serum still works, even against these newly infected rogues. I need to get blood samples from the deceased you all brought in.” Cole nods and follows me to the lab where I had the fighters place the bodies of the rogues in the cooler. I manage to get just enough blood from both to run my tests then get to work. Two hours is all it takes to verify that all three viruses are present and to check over their bodies to ensure there are no noticeable injection sites.

“So, no noticeable injection sites and no visible bite marks. Either they were bitten and it healed before the virus took hold, or they…what…ingested it?” his confusion is expected because even I’m confused by this.

“I mean, it’s possible, I suppose, but not as likely as them being bitten or injected with it. This whole thing is so frustrating!” I know he can feel my irritation and I hate that he already has so much on his shoulders without my crap being added to it.

“I know, but if anyone can figure it out, you can. I believe in you, Silver.” He walks over and pulls me into his arms, comforting me in just the way I need. No matter how much you read about the mate bond or learn about it from others, there’s nothing that compares to feeling its effects for yourself. The way his arms offer not only comfort, but a sense of safety, the way his voice soothes my heart and soul, or the way his smell makes me feel both grounded and crazy all at once…it’s amazing.

“Can we go back to our room? I want to spend some time with you alone.” My mate, my gorgeous, perfect mate, sweeps me into his arms and walks out of the clinic with me held bridal style and he’s wearing that heart melting smile of his.

“I would never turn down time with my beautiful mate. I think you deserve a break anyways and I’m more than happy to offer you a distraction.” He wiggles his eyebrows and the fire ignited by his words has me flooding with desire. I stretch my head until my lips are right by his ear and can’t help smiling.

“Then you better hurry, my alpha.” I gently nip his earlobe and he instantly picks up his pace, practically sprinting the rest of the way and not slowing until he reaches our room.

Waking before the sun rises is never a welcome thing, but when I wake up wrapped in my mate’s arms while a delicious ache settles between my legs, it’s not so bad. It takes some finesse, but I manage to wiggle myself free then head to the bathroom to take a quick shower and get dressed, knowing I need to check on the wolves I treated last night. I finish dressing and take one last look at Cole before slipping out of the room then hurrying out of the packhouse. I reach the clinic quickly and dive right into checking on the patients who are all completely healed. Once I’m satisfied with their progress, I head to my office and begin reading through the doctor’s research journals, focusing on taking in every detail of the research Julian had spent his life in his pack working on.

“How did I know this is where I’d find you?” I glance up to see Cole standing in the doorway with a playful smirk on his face. When I look over at the window, the sun has already risen and the clock on the wall says it’s a quarter till eight.

“Shit, I lost track of time. Sorry.” I give him a sheepish grin, but he seems unbothered as he walks over to me and looks down at the book on my desk.

“No need to be sorry, sweetheart. Find anything useful in there?” Oh, did I ever!

“Well, maybe…I think so, but it’s honestly just a theory right now. It seems that Julian had a method he perfected for drugging the wolves he abducted using powder that was laced with the sedatives. He would get just close enough to them that he could grab the powder in a gloved hand and blow it in their face. Because it was inhaled, it acted quickly. If he found a way to infuse the powder with the viruses and if he released enough into a concentrated area, he could affect a large group of wolves without even having to get too close to them. With him smelling like a rogue, he could easily get close enough to a large group of them without being spotted.” While this may give us a possible explanation for how he infected the other rogues, it brings us no closer to figuring out how he’s infecting others with his bite while showing no symptoms himself.

“Dear goddess, he’d be able to infect an entire pack if he released it during a pack gathering, or worse yet, if he released it during the upcoming alpha summit…he’d effectively cripple dozens of packs in a single attack.” And now we have a new worry to face.

“We need to reach out to everyone, get the word out and I need those vaccines now. The sooner I find a way to temper the vaccines to work for our kind, the sooner we have a way to prevent this from doing irreparable damage. There’s five weeks till the alpha’s summit, so we need to get to work.” He nods and pulls his phone out of his pocket, likely to start reaching out to the alphas while I use the phone on my desk to reach the doctors from our allied packs. It’s Doctor Nathan from Black Moon who comes through with a solution to my current problem.

“Doctor Nathan here, what can I do for you?”

“Nathan, this is Silver from Blood Crest.”

“Ah, yes, Silver, how are you?”

“Well, I’m in a bit of a bind actually. I need to get my hands on roughly a dozen doses of the rabies and tetanus vaccines and I need them as soon as possible.”

“Well, that I can help you with! I have a friend who works at a veterinarian’s office in Willow Creek and she can get the rabies vaccines for you and have them delivered in a few hours. For the tetanus vaccines, I have a pack member who works at the hospital in Willow Creek. I’ll have both to you in the next four hours.”

“Okay, so the next request is a big one. I need samples of the live virus for all three viruses.”

“Okay, that might be a little more difficult, but we have a few contacts at the CDC. Let me reach out and see what we can do. I should be able to get the samples to you by mid-day tomorrow.”

“You’re a lifesaver, Nathan. Once I’ve created a vaccine and tested it, I’ll be in touch so we can start getting things moving. I’ll be writing up a report on what Cole and I found and it will detail the methods we believe he’s using to infect the rogues, but more importantly is how it will enable him to infect entire crowds of wolves with ease. We need to push production of the serum so that every pack has enough to treat their infected without running out.”

“Got it. I’ll contact the others, you worry about working your magic.”

“Thank you, Nathan.”

“No, thank you, Silver. I’ll talk to you soon.” Once I end the call, I notice Cole staring at me with a confused expression and the emotions through the bond are too chaotic for me to try to figure out what he’s thinking.

“Hey, everything okay?” He sighs loudly and I can tell he’s struggling with what he wants to say.

“You’re asking for samples of the live viruses. You’re obviously planning to test the vaccine, but who exactly are you intending to test it on?” Ah, my poor mate is worried I’ll be testing it on myself…not that the thought hasn’t crossed my mind, but it warms me to see him worry about me.

“I figured we can ask for a volunteer, no wolves with pups will be considered. We’ll give them the vaccine and forty-eight hours later, we’ll inject them with the live viruses. If they show no symptoms for seventy-two hours after injection, we’ll have our vaccine, if they do show symptoms, we inject them with the serum and I start over.” I shrug my shoulders, hoping like hell that I get it right the first time.

“We have plenty of unmated, pupless fighters and I have no doubt most will volunteer since this might be our only means of guaranteeing our pack’s safety.” I know he’s right, but the idea of having to put our pack members through this, even if they volunteer for it, pisses me off. All of this because of one damn wolf with a god complex!

“Then we need to get the word out. Can you link the ones you think would volunteer? It would be best if we could get three to come in so we can test it on all three. I’d rather be certain it works before we start administering the vaccines pack wide.” He easily agrees and for the next three hours, we’re rushing to get everything set up for me to work on the vaccine and we barely finish when the crates Nathan had sent over arrive.

I spend the entire afternoon and evening working on the vaccine, finally finishing after eleven and I received an email from Nathan letting me know the virus samples will arrive in the morning. We ended up with nine volunteers, all nine being the only wolves Cole reached out to, so we agree to test it on all nine to further guarantee our results. We inject the volunteers with the vaccine then send them home to rest. My poor mate, he has to practically drag me to bed and we both barely pull ourselves into bed before our exhaustion drags us under.

Chapter 9

Cole

I never knew you could become addicted to something after only a few days, but I most certainly am addicted to my mate. That’s why I’m feeling a little out of sorts this morning. I woke up to an empty bed…for the second morning in a row. I know she’s busy working on the vaccine that may save not only our pack, but all the others as well, but the greedy side of me wants her here with me, wants her face to be the first thing I see when I wake up. I know, it’s unrealistic when my mate is also our pack’s only doctor, but a wolf can dream.

As I get showered and dressed, I feel for her through our bond and can’t even fight my smile when I feel her determination and focus. Knowing she’s likely been at the clinic for a few hours now and the chances of getting her to stop long enough to come back for breakfast are nonexistent I head down to request that the kitchen staff send our plates to the clinic before heading over to join her. As expected, I find her in the lab, but I quickly spot the three metal cases on the table next to her.

“Are those what I think they are?” She looks up and gives me the most earthshattering smile and nods.

“The viruses, they got here an hour ago. I checked with the fighters who got the vaccine and aside from mild muscle aches at the site of injection, they all report no side effects. I’ve combined the viruses and have them ready for injection tomorrow, so it looks like, for now, we wait.” I can tell she’s up to something, something more than the viruses and checking on volunteers.

“Okay, so what are you working on right now?” My question has her smile widening and I can feel her excitement through our bond.

“Well, I decided that if this bastard can infect us all using that powder, why can’t we administer the serum the same way? While I’m sure it’ll prove more effective when injected directly into the carotid artery, distributing a first dose by inhalation could at least slow the effects enough to help them until they can receive the full treatment.” My…mate…is…amazing!

“That’s damn brilliant, Silver. Have you already created some of the powder?” She nods enthusiastically and damn near skips to the table in the corner where a black jar sits.

“I made the first batch and Clint agreed to let me test the powder on him. He said he felt left out when we brought the others in for the vaccine. I injected him with the virus ten minutes before you got in and in about forty minutes, we’ll be testing the powder on him to see how it works. I have a dose of the serum prepared and ready to go just in case.” I can feel the shift in her mood when she mentions testing the powder on Clint and infecting him with the viruses, but she has to understand that this is necessary and knowing Clint, he would’ve done whatever he had to in order to become infected just so she could test it. My pack may have one hell of a reputation for being violent and ruthless, but every damn wolf here is loyal to a fault.

Exactly forty minutes later, I’m standing in a room with Silver while Clint is restrained to the hospital bed, a wild look in his eyes, saliva dripping from his mouth and eyes blood shot. Silver grabs a small amount of the powder and blows it in his face then steps back beside me while we wait. Ten minutes, that’s how long it takes for Clint to stop looking like a rabid beast and returning to his normal self aside from a slight fever. Silver takes a blood sample, a sample of his saliva and then injects him with the serum.

“How are you feeling, Clint?” I can tell she’s being cautious, not letting herself feel hopeful, not yet.

“I feel a little sore, but otherwise, I’m good. Does this mean it worked?” Silver exhales loudly and finally, she allows herself to smile as she nods.

“It worked. It didn’t cure it, but it helped to bring you back enough to treat you. Your symptoms were far worse than those of the wolves who’ve been bitten since the virus was injected straight into your system, but the fact that the powder still worked, that’s honestly a better response than I had hoped for.” She leans into my side and my arm instantly wraps around her, offering her comfort, or helping to ground her…whatever she needs.

“How soon will you be testing the virus on the others?” I can feel her nervousness, but the glimmer of hope radiating through our bond now makes me smile.

“Tomorrow. If the vaccine works, I want to begin administering it to the fighters first, ensuring our first line of defense is protected, but I want everyone vaccinated before the alpha summit. We just need to make sure the vaccine works first.” Clint gives her a reassuring smile while I offer her a soft squeeze.

“It’s going to work, sweetheart. We all believe in you.” She checks Clint’s vitals one last time before removing his restraints and letting me drag her to her office just in time for our breakfast to arrive and they even brought a plate in for Clint. I sit with her through breakfast and even after when she emails the other pack doctors to let them know the test for the powder was a success then she manages to blow my damn mind.

“Hey, could…would you want to go for a run? My wolf’s getting restless after being cooped up for so long.” I’m pretty sure I flew out of my damn chair, which she only confirms with her beautiful laughter.

“Damn right I do. Let’s go!” Instead of dragging her out of the clinic, I pick her gorgeous ass up and walk as fast as possible until we reach the tree line. I’ve not yet seen her wolf and Kito is more than excited to see her. When I set her down, she doesn’t even hesitate to start stripping down and I follow her lead as excitement, anticipation and a hint of nervousness flow between us. I shift first, letting her see Kito for the first time and the look of awe she gives us please my wolf greatly.

“You’re magnificent.” She gently strokes his head then steps back with a mischievous smirk on her face.

“Juno’s been dying to meet you properly.” Kito perks his ears up, watching with rapt attention as she begins to shift until her gorgeous silver wolf stands in front of us. The only part of her not covered in silver fur are the tips of her ears, her left paw and the tip of her tail which are black and her eyes aren’t gold like other wolves, instead they’re grey like her human form, only a shade or so lighter.

They take a moment to take each other in then begin rubbing their scent on each other before Juno nudges him with her muzzle and takes off running. Kito loves the thrill of the chase, but with the rogue attacks, he worries for her safety too much to thoroughly enjoy himself. He tears off after her, easily catching up with her as they run together through the forest. We cover several miles before she slows down by a stream and walks over to the edge to get a drink. When Kito steps up beside her, Juno puts her paw in the water and uses it to flick some of the cold water on us then lets out an amused huff at our shocked expression.

Kito has always been a very serious wolf, but when he copies her actions and we see the surprised look on her face, I have to admit that it’s nice to see the beast let loose for once. They spend a few more minutes playfully splashing water on each other before we notice her body go rigid as her ears flatten against her head and she lets out a low warning growl.

‘We’ve got company.’

‘I don’t smell anything…’ before I can say more, a deep growl cuts through the quiet forest and seconds later, the brown wolf with the scarred face steps out…fucking Julian. I alert the guards through the pack link then let Kito have control as he focuses on the bastard who’s too damn close to our mate right now while emitting no smell what-so-ever.

‘As soon as I distract him, run. Get to the pack house and make sure the others are safe.’

‘I’m not leaving you!’

‘Silver, please, don’t fight me on this. You’re the only hope we have of taking this bastard down and if anything happens to you, we’re all as good as dead.’ She hesitates, but, thankfully, she must realize I’m right because Juno gives a soft nod of her head.

‘Okay, but you better come back to me, damn it. I love you.’

‘I love you too, sweetheart, more than anything.’ Kito crouches down, getting into an attack stance and Julian answers by leaping right over the stream at us. As soon as we begin tumbling across the ground, I catch a glimpse of Juno as she tears off toward the packhouse. With us knowing our mate is no longer in danger from this bastard, Kito doesn’t hold back. I hear growling and snarling from all directions, but after a few seconds, I realize it’s not just my patrol, but a group of rogues that have shown up.

As the fight breaks out full force, Julian’s wolf uses the distraction of me jumping to help one of my fighters to escape like the coward he is. We eliminate the rogues, but five of us, myself included, sustain several injuries which include both scratches and bites. The uninjured help us to the clinic where I find Silver waiting with the most heartbreaking look on her face as she fights back her tears and rushes the fighters to get us into our designated rooms. As always, she works swiftly to treat us all and just under two hours later, she’s walking back into my room looking absolutely exhausted.

“Come here, sweetheart.” I open my arms to her and she walks right into them without hesitating.

“I could feel it every time that bastard hurt you. Juno was fighting me, she was determined to go back and help you. I was so damn worried, Cole.” I kiss the top of her head and hold her a little tighter.

“I know, sweetheart. I’m so sorry you were worried, but a lot of the pack members let me know how you helped them get to the safehouse and made sure the pups were distracted with games and that you even read to them. You may not see it, but you helped so much, Silver. Not to mention, you patched us all up yet again. Everyone spends their lives waiting for a miracle, but I’m the lucky bastard who doesn’t have to wait anymore because you, my gorgeous mate, are the biggest miracle.” Her arms around me tighten and I feel her lips press against my sternum, right over my heart, where they leave the sweetest kiss before her stormy grey eyes meet mine.

“While that was the sweetest damn thing I’ve ever heard, I can safely say I never knew you were a cheesy romantic.” Her adorable smirk she follows that hilarious comment with has me bursting out laughing.

“Only for you, sweetheart.”

It’s been a week since our last run in with Julian and we’re pretty damn happy to say that Silver’s vaccine has proven to be a success. A sample of the vaccine was sent to every pack within five hundred miles of us and every pack has begun mass producing not only the vaccine, but the serum as well. In the course of one week, every pack member in our pack has been vaccinated, though we still have a stockpile of serum just in case. The situation has hit such a critical level with more rogues being infected that even the council has become involved and all instructions for creating the serum, vaccine and every other component Silver has used to treat our pack members have been forwarded to them as well.

We’ve had a week of peace with no attacks, no rogue sightings and no one even needing treatment at the clinic, so for an entire week, Silver has been keeping me company in my office, helping with my alpha duties while tempting me with her very existence. Needless to say, we’ve christened every damn inch of my office…most more than once. My mate is absolutely perfect and she doesn’t even know it. I suppose nothing good is meant to last though, a fact proven the second an alert comes through the mind link while I’m responding to an email from one of the alphas in the northern territories.

‘Rogues gathering at the eastern border. Easily thirty, but they’re not attacking.’

‘Fighters to the eastern border!’ Silver, who’s been snuggled into my lap for the better part of the last hour, stands up and gives me a worried look that’s much more mild than the level of worry I feel through our bond.

“Hey, it’s okay. Get the others to the saferoom and make sure the clinic is ready just in case. I love you and I’ll be back as soon as I can.” I grab the sides of her neck and pull her in for a kiss that’ll hopefully reassure her and ease her worry, but it seems to have the opposite effect. I feel the warm wetness of a tear land on my hand, so I pull back to look at her, my heart breaking when the single tear streak quickly turns into two flowing streams.

“I have a really bad feeling, Cole. Something isn’t right. Please…be careful and you better come back to me.” I know she has abilities that make her more perceptive to things, but I have to hope this is just the usual worry about her mate getting hurt right now. I need to stand with our pack and, if necessary, fight for them.

“I won’t do anything reckless and I will come back to you, Silver. I love you.” I give her one last kiss before hurrying out to join the others. I meet up with a group of twenty of our fighters and we all shift then make our way to join the others at the border. None of us were prepared for what we would see when we arrived, but no matter what, we wouldn’t have expected to see close to forty rogues standing a few feet from the border.

‘Have they just been…standing there? This whole time?’

‘Yes, alpha. They approached the border, then just stopped and gathered together like they are now.’

‘Something’s not right. They don’t look like the last two groups of rogues we encountered.’

‘We noticed that too.’

‘Everyone be on guard. They’re up to something and we need to be prepared for whatever they might throw our way.’

‘Yes, alpha.’ The entire patrol choruses their agreement as they continue to wait and see what the hell these mutts plan to do. For what has to be twenty minutes, they just stand there, but it’s as if some unseen force gives them the order they’ve been waiting for because one second, they’re standing like statues and the next, they’re charging us. We’re outnumbered, but luckily for us, we’re more organized and, obviously, better trained in combat.

I’m taking down what has to be the fifth rogue to die at my claws today when I catch a streak of brown running through the trees ahead and that brief distraction is enough to give two rogues a chance to jump onto my back. I’m fighting the little pricks off when I feel a sharp sting in my neck and Kito struggles to scratch at the spot only to knock loose what I assume is a tranquilizer dart. I can feel my body growing heavy and struggle to open a link to Silver.

‘Sweetheart, tranquilizer dart. Getting weak. Love you.’ There’s so much more I wish I could say, but saying what I did was already a struggle and before I can even conjure another thought, I slip into darkness.

Chapter 10

Silver

I was already panicking when Cole and the others left because I could feel that something was wrong, like a deep sense of dread that settle right into my bones. My abilities tend to make it so I can sense danger, but it’s often hit or miss on whether or not it works since my emotions can often effect how I feel, making it hard to tell what’s a warning from the universe and what’s just my own panic. That’s why I was so worried when that damn mind link came through. I knew something was going to happen, but I never really thought it would be this. When Cole linked me and his jumbled message came through, my worst nightmare became a reality because I could feel him growing weak until the pulsing of our bond just…stopped. If he lost his life, it would’ve killed me, but somehow this, the not knowing, is so much worse…not being able to feel him is worse!

“Luna, we’ve searched everywhere for any sign of him, but his scent trail ends about half mile past our border. It looks like he was put into a vehicle and transported from there. We did find this though, a tranquilizer dart.” I nod at Clint, who has stayed by my side since the fighters returned, a silent sentinel helping to keep me from falling apart in the face of this epic catastrophe we’re all facing. He sets the pink dart on the table and I can tell without even checking the trace contents that remain that his assumption is correct.

“I need a map of every territory in the country. I also need to gather some things from my office. Can you bring the map to the lab?” Clint nods then hurries off to do as I asked while I run to the clinic as fast as my legs will carry me. By the time Clint gets to the clinic with the rather large map, I’ve already sent a text to Alpha Aris from my old pack and Alpha Blake from North Coast, requesting aid and both agreed and will be arriving with some of their pack’s fighters before nightfall.

“Alright, this doesn’t have some of the newer packs territories marked, but it’s the entire country.” I don’t have the patience to explain that I don’t care about the pack markers, only that the map clearly shows all the territory around us. I grab the herbs I need then use a metal bedpan to mix them and set them on the large table where he has the map spread out for me. I hear several more wolves walk in, but keep my focus on my task. I cut the palm of my hand and let the blood drip onto the herbs which causes them to burst into green flames, something that doesn’t usually happen. Once the fire dies out, I reopen the already healing wound on my hand and let it pool up on top of our territory on the map then use my uninjured hand to grab some of the ashes and sprinkle them into the small pool of blood.

“Holy shit! Luna, are you…are you part witch?” I shake my head, though I’m glad he didn’t sound bothered by the thought of what my other part may be. I’m so used to people fearing me for my unknown origins, yet the wolves here seem to have accepted me, unknown parts and all.

“No, we don’t have a clue what I am.” We all watch as the pool of blood spreads and has a tendril break off that slowly travels toward the western border where the fight took place, but then it veers north for roughly ten miles before turning west again. It takes almost five minutes for it to stop and none of us were expecting it to stop on the former Amber Peak pack’s territory. While it makes sense, I guess none of us really thought he’d be found hiding right under our noses. It’s a location that’s so obvious that it’s hard to believe he’d actually be there.

“The fucker went back to his old pack?!” Luke is livid, but he’s not the only one. Our entire pack link is filled with anger and frustration. Amber Peak is about a forty minute drive from here, so it certainly could be worse, but that also gives Julian plenty of time to do things to my mate that I don’t even want to consider. Not being able to feel him is unbearable, but I can feel that our bond is still there, the tether that binds us still intact.

“Alright, I need all but one dozen doses of the serum loaded up into the SUV as well as three jars of the powder, half the jars of salve and two boxes of the bandages. We need to load up on weapons and anything you need for reconnaissance once we get there.” Luke, Jess, Clint, Brett and all nine of the wolves who volunteered for testing the vaccine jump into doing as I asked while at least a dozen others wait for instructions.

“The rest of you, we need to have full patrols on duty when we leave, so I need thirty to stay behind and protect the pack. We’ll be having some of Aris’s pack’s fighters here as well. I think we should have the vulnerable members go to the safehouse before we leave, so make sure that they’re stocked with food, blankets, clothes, books, toys and anything else they may need to keep them safe and the pups entertained.” They all give a slight bow then rush off to handle their assigned tasks.

I’ve been in the clinic for the last two hours while the others ensure everything’s ready for when we leave. Aris and Blake got here less than ten minutes ago and both men are being escorted to the clinic with their betas, yes, that includes Dane. When I hear the doors to the clinic open, I catch Luke’s scent combined with the familiar scents of Aris and Dane as well as two unfamiliar scents. Luke knocks on the door frame before walking in with the others following him.

“Luna, they’re here.” I turn to face them and Aris closes the distance between us in three large strides, pulling me into a fatherly hug, though it still earns him a low growl from Luke, his protective role not stopping just because our alpha isn’t here right now.

“Silver, you know we’ll get him back, right?” I nod into his shoulder then step back and square my shoulders.

“We know where he’s been taken. He’s in the Amber Peak territory. I assume you all have been vaccinated?” All four wolves nod, but I don’t miss the strange look on Dane’s face, though I do ignore it.

“We have, our entire pack has in fact. Hello, my name is Blake, by the way, and this is my beta, Mike. We brought sixty fighters, twenty of which I have sent to meet with your fighters who are staying behind.” I offer an appreciative smile, feeling thankful for our allies.

“That’s perfect, thank you, Blake. Aris, if you can have ten stay behind, that will leave the pack pretty well covered. My pack has already loaded up the trucks and SUVs, so we’re ready to go. I have the elderly, female and pups from my pack in the safehouse already, so we were just waiting for you two to arrive.” I see Aris’s eyes glaze over as he links his pack with their instructions.

“Alright, let’s do this!” Blake is an enthusiastic wolf, but I think that will play out for the best for us. It’s always good to have someone around who can boost morale and keep positive. We all head out to the trucks and, unfortunately, Aris and Dane climb into the SUV with Luke, Clint and I. The start of the drive is quiet, but Dane just can’t help himself it seems.

“Silver, after this is over, I think you and I should talk.” I roll my eyes…very dramatically.

“I think that’s not really necessary. You rejected me, I found my second chance mate and now I’m happily mated to and marked by an amazing wolf, so I think we’re good.” He’s not happy with that answer, it’s easy to see that, but I don’t really give a shit.

“So, this is the guy who rejected you? Funny, I was expecting a wolf who was more…well, just more in general I guess.” Luke’s comment earns a lot of muffled chuckles while I bite my bottom lip to hide my smile.

“I think I deserve…” Thankfully, Aris cuts Dane off, preventing me from having to lose my damn temper right now as my former mate tries to tell me what he stupidly thinks he deserves.

“What you deserve is exactly what you’ve got. I told you that rejecting your mate was the worst damn mistake you’ve ever made and yet you insisted you did what was right for you. Now, to atone for your sins and for showing such disrespect for our goddess, you’re going to grow a pair and help save Silver’s mate because if you don’t, so help me, Dane, I’ll end you myself.” Aris’s voice by the end is practically a growl, but Luke, Clint and I are no longer hiding our smiles.

Chapter 11

Cole

I feel my mind slowly awakening, but am met with dull aches and pain literally everywhere! When I finally manage to open my eyes, I find myself in a room with stone walls on three sides of me and a wall of steel bars in front of me. My arms and legs are bound in chains that are obviously made with silver in them, judging by the way they’re burning into my skin. I barely manage to sit up, but when I get situated with my back against the wall, I take in the room beyond the bars and, goddess, how I wish I hadn’t.

At the center of the room outside my bars is a steel table with a tray beside it that looks like it’s covered in medical instruments. The most unsettling thing is the blood dried onto the table that also covers the floor beneath it. Come to think of it, even with my senses dulled, the only things I can smell here are blood and the overwhelming smell of damp, musky stone. The rest of the room looks more like an old torture chamber and with the amount of blood covering the ground, walls and shackles hanging from the walls, I have no doubt that’s exactly what it is. Just as my eyes return to the metal table, I hear the loud groan of a metal door opening then slamming closed which is followed by heavy footsteps on what I assume are stone stairs.

“Perfect, you’re awake! I thought I might have to toss some ice water on you. I was honestly growing quite tired of waiting for that sedative to wear off. Tell me, alpha, how is it that that precious little mate of yours managed to cure your wounds? I had honestly hoped to avoid having to abduct you to ensure you were properly infected, but she forced me to alter my plans.” I glare at the filthy bastard as he walks into the light. He’s tall, but not nearly as muscular as he was in the pictures in Silver’s books.

“She’s just that fucking good, I guess. So, what’s your big plan here? What the hell are you really planning to accomplish with all of this?” He bursts out laughing as if this is just too damn funny, you know, because he’s fucking crazy!

“Oh, don’t you worry about my plans. What you should be worrying about, alpha, is what I plan to do with you.” Yeah, that earns him an eye roll. This guy is certifiable, a complete fucking loon!

“Okay, then enlighten me. What are you planning to do with me?” That brings a wild and slightly sinister smile to his face as he begins pacing and rubbing his hands together, you know, looking like some jacked up cartoon villain.

“Well, for starters, I’ve got a special plan for you. Since your mate found a way to treat the early stages of the viruses, I created something stronger. Same virus, just…better. It spreads quicker and by the time that mate of yours figures out where we are, there won’t be a damn thing she can do to cure you. After that, I plan to unleash this plague on the pack summit! It’ll be the greatest plague of all time and the only one immune to its effects is me!” See?! Fucking crazy!

“So, your big plan is to, what, kill off the entire shifter race? What’s the point? This can’t be a play for power because if you kill us all off, there’s no one to hold power over. I mean, I just don’t get it. This plan of yours seems pretty flawed.” Apparently, that was the wrong thing to say since he’s now roaring in anger and throwing shit everywhere like, you guessed it, a damn crazy person!

“I created this virus and I have the only cure! Once the virus takes hold, the masses will flock to me for the cure and I will be their savior! No one will see me as the failed beta of a dying pack anymore! They’ll finally see that what I was doing, the work I spent my life on, was not meaningless! They’ll respect me! They’ll bow before me and beg me to be their savior!” Wow, this prick is worse off than I thought!

“What you’re talking about isn’t respect, it’s fear. I know it sounds absolutely crazy to your already screwed up brain, but there is a difference between the two and it’s a big one.” He swipes the instruments off the steel tray and storms his crazy ass right back up the stairs.

I’ve faded in and out of sleep for what feels like hours before I hear the loud as hell door open yet again and the sound of his heavy footsteps coming back down the stairs. At first, he ignores me as he resituated the instruments on the tray, likely hoping to make me uncomfortable, but it’s not working. If anything, his ridiculous behavior is honestly a little amusing.

“It’s time to get started, Alpha Cole. It’s time to play your part in my plans.” I can tell how hard he’s trying to sound like someone who hasn’t lost his damn mind. Well, news flashthat shit isn’t working!

“Yeah, sure, can I take a piss first? I’d hate to make a mess that you’d be stuck cleaning up later.” I really wouldn’t, but at this point, I know Silver has figured out where I am…don’t ask how I know, I just do. With that knowledge, I know the best thing to do is stall and buy her some time.

“Oh, there’s a bucket in the corner of your cell, so help yourself. I’ll give you ten minutes.” He walks back up the stairs, but then I hear multiple sets of footsteps coming down before three scrawny, dirty men come into view.

“Please tell me that you aren’t the ones sent to keep watch over me! Even with these silver chains, all three of you combined are no match for me.” The shorter of the three looks up at me and I can see the fear in his brown eyes before he lowers his head.

“The master said to keep an eye on you.” His voice is soft and it hits me that this wolf couldn’t be very old, maybe sixteen or seventeen at most.

“What’s your name, kid?” He looks up and I can tell he’s trying to decide if he should tell me, but the other two wolves seem to be ignoring our little conversation.

“Oscar.” The poor kid is only a pup and he clearly doesn’t want to be here.

“Well, Oscar, I suggest that when you hear all hell breaking loose, you find somewhere to hide. My people are coming for me and if you give them a reason to, they’ll kill you without hesitating. If you can manage to find somewhere safe for you, I can help you when I get out.” This gets the other two wolves attention and they both share a look before turning their attention to me.

“Was the master telling the truth? Does your mate have a cure?” I refuse to give them information they don’t have, so when I answer, I decide to keep the vaccine information to myself.

“She does. Are you infected?” They both shake their heads, but I can see it…there’s a piece of the puzzle that I’m missing here.

“My mate and Frankie’s sister. Julian said he’d only give them the cure if we help him.” That fucking prick! Not only is a damn psycho, he’s also a complete asshole!

“Alright, shit around here is about to get messy. If your family is here, you need to get them somewhere safe and surrender when my people show up. I’ll do what I can to help your family, but only if you can play it smart and stay alive.” They both nod, their eyes filling with what I can only describe as cautious hope.

“He’s going to infect you, but this virus isn’t like the one our families have. He’s been testing it on some of the others and within an hour of being infected, the virus is incurable. He’s tried several variations of the cure he has, but it won’t work. I don’t know how he plans to offer the packs a cure when he doesn’t have one.” Well, that’s actually a little scary, but if I know my mate, she’ll figure this out no matter what. Our conversation is abruptly ended when the door opens and those annoyingly heavy footsteps make their way down.

“I hope you handled your business because it’s time. Get him strapped to the table!” The two larger wolves give me an apologetic look as they approach, but I offer a reassuring smile, knowing I can’t blame them for doing what they feel is necessary to save the ones they love. I could put up a fight, but I don’t and within a matter of minutes, I’m strapped to the steel table that’s too damn small for my big frame while I watch the psycho prepare syringes on the tray beside me. I hope like hell my mate can pull another miracle out of her perfectly delectable ass.

Chapter 12

Silver

I made it fifteen minutes into our drive before reaching a realization that shook me to the core. If Julian is testing his virus and he specifically took an alpha, one of the strongest ones at that, then he’s trying to test its potency. If this is the case, he likely amped up the virus, made it stronger and more resistant to treatment. As Luke continues driving us toward Amber Peak, I have Clint get me the bag with my herbs and the serum in it. I get to work mixing and adjusting the amount of serum in the vials, ensuring the one I’ve prepared in case Cole is infected has a triple dose in it with an extra little kick. I can only hope the vaccine will help to weaken the effects of a stronger virus.

“We’re ten minutes out.” Luke’s voice pulls me out of my severely focused state and I look up to see what once was likely a lush forest, now withered and dying.

“Well, isn’t this charming. Nothing says deranged scientist like a spooky forest.” Clint’s comment earns a few chuckles, though I think we all agree. Once we cross the border, the trees are no longer just withered, they’re bare and void of any life at all. Luke pulls over after announcing we’re less than a mile from the packhouse and the caravan of vehicles behind us pull over as everyone starts getting out and arming themselves with weapons and each wolf carries a vial of serum for emergencies.

“Alright, the blueprints for the pack house show that the dungeon was built beneath the packhouse. The only entrance to the dungeon is a steel door on the west side of the house which means it’s the best bet for where we’ll find Alpha Cole. We need to secure the area, clear the dungeon and get Silver down there. If the alpha has been infected, she’s mixed a stronger serum to treat him. We’re operating under the assumption that he’s created a stronger virus, so avoid getting bit at all costs in case the others here are already infected.” The large group of more than sixty wolves answer with unanimous agreement then the invasion begins. Aris, Dane, Clint, Luke and I stay together, all of them tasked with keeping me from harm while the others clear the way.

It takes almost fifteen minutes to reach the edge of the backyard to the packhouse and roughly five minutes ago is when we began encountering the mutilated corpses of rogues, most likely the patrols that our wolves encountered. We get to the steel door to the dungeon and two of the fighters from my pack are standing there, looking rather nervous which does not help my worry in the slightest. One of them pulls open the door, which groans loudly, then we all begin our trek down the stone steps with Luke and Dane in front of me and Clint and Aris behind me.

“Oh goddess…” Luke’s breathy comment has me pushing past them only to find a blood covered steel table in the middle of the room, but my eyes travel to the right where I find a large cell with a bed inside and a tall, broad framed beast standing with his head against the wall while his shoulders rise and fall rapidly. Even if I didn’t recognize his body, that’s covered in claw marks, I would recognize his scent anywhere.

“Cole?” His body responds to my voice, but it’s like his mind can’t comprehend why. His head slowly turns to face me and I see his bloodshot eyes and the saliva dripping from his lips.

“He’s infected and it’s clearly stronger than what we built that vaccine to prevent.” Aris is right, we all know it.

“We need to get the serum into him. Cole, I’m going to help you. I need to give you the serum.” I know the chances of him mentally comprehending what I’m saying are slim, but I refuse to let myself loose hope that I can fix this. I take a step toward the cell, but he rushes the bars, snarling at me while still in his human form and reaching through the bars for me with his claws extended. The sudden movement has me stumbling backward and just as I trip, Luke catches me.

“We need to sedate him.” I know they’re right, but goddess how I hate the thought of it.

“Okay. I need my bag.” Clint hands me the duffel bag he’s holding that contains all my herbs, salves and even a few tonics…one being a strong sedative. I grab the tranquilizer gun and load one of the prefilled darts, but then Clint surprises me when he takes it from me and fires the dart into Cole’s chest, probably knowing how much I would’ve struggled to do it myself.

“I’m going to guess that you used something fast acting, so once he’s down and you dose him, we can restrain him and put him in the secured truck. Did they find Julian?” Luke shakes his head and I can tell he’s pissed.

“No. We picked up his scent, but it’s only here. There’s no trail and we searched everywhere.” Now they all look pissed, but then I hear a soft voice coming from over by the supply closet.

“If he saw or heard you coming, he probably went to the saferoom.” The males are on alert and look more than prepared to attack, but they all step back when I raise my hands.

“What’s your name?” The young wolf steps out of the closet, his weary eyes scanning his surroundings.

“O-Oscar. Are you the alpha’s mate?” I nod my head and take a step closer.

“I am. My name is Silver. Would you be willing to show our fighters where the saferoom is?” He nods without hesitation and takes a nervous step toward me.

“I-I’ll show them, but…there are others…like me. He has their families, infected them and promised a cure if they helped him.” I nod my head, not at all surprised, but very angry with that bastard.

“Alright, let’s get Julian first and then you can help us get to the others. Clint, please take Oscar and let him show you where to find the prick. Make it very clear that they are to harm no one that doesn’t openly pose a theat.” Clint bows his head then leads Oscar up the stairs while the rest of us have our attention directed back to the cell when we hear the sound of something heavy hit the stone floor in the cell.

“Well, he’s out.” Luke reaches through the bars and, though it’s a struggle, he manages to drag Cole so that his neck is close enough to the bars for me to inject him. Once I’ve injected the serum, Luke picks the lock on the cell door then he and Dane put on leather gloves and remove the silver infused bindings from the wall and secure Cole so he won’t be able to attack if he should wake up. After finding a metal facemask with holes drilled into it in one of the cabinets, they get it strapped to his head like a muzzle and begin carrying him out of the cell.

“They got Julian. That pup was right, he was in the safe room. He’s been restrained and loaded up for transport to the council. It seems we have thirteen rogues requesting to speak with you though. They’re the ones whose families were infected.” As much as I don’t want to leave Cole, I know I need to help these wolves if I’m able to, so I nod and let Aris lead me to where the wolves are waiting in what used to be the town square.

“Luna Silver, this is Titus and this is Gregory. Titus’s mate was infected three days ago and Gregory’s sister was infected almost a week ago now.” They’re hesitant to trust me, understandably so, and it’s all because of one psychotic bastard with a god complex.

“Where are your families?” Without me having to ask, Clint grabs a large jar of the powder out of the duffel bag and hands it to me just as Titus motions for us to follow him. He leads us to a large stone building that has the doors sealed shut with thick wooden beams.

“They’re inside. You can see them through this window.” He points to a window that’s just out of my reach, but Clint responds by getting down on his hands and knees in front of it.

“Climb on, Luna. Let’s get these wolves back to their loved ones.” I climb onto his back with Luke carefully gripping my waist to steady me and peek through the window. I see more than a dozen wolves, mostly female, inside and without hesitating, I throw the entire jar through the window, watching as it all but explodes in the center of the room and the powder fills the air in the one room building. Once I see it starting to take effect, I waste no time getting their attention.

“Alright, we have a serum that will cure you, but I need you to come to the window one at a time, so I can give you the injection.” A few of the wolves seem to still be struggling with the haze of the virus, but slowly the others approach the window. With Luke’s help handing me the serum vials, I inject them one at a time then give them two vials of the boosted serum and instruct them on how to inject the last two wolves.

“Can we see them now?” Titus is looking at me with glistening eyes as I give him a nod. He doesn’t hesitate to rush to the door and, with the help of a few of the other rogues, remove the wooden beams barricading the door. Luke helps me down and while I would love to see the happy reunions, I want to see my mate more. Without saying I word, I take off running for the trucks, following Cole’s scent until I reach one of the armored trucks in the middle of the caravan. I step onto the bumper and peek through the small window, but my heart wasn’t prepared for the sight of my mate, still looking feral and no longer unconscious.

“Hey, we’re going to fix this, Silver. Come on, we’ll drive the truck back so you can be close to him.” Luke’s voice is a mild comfort and I give him a weak nod before hopping down and going to the passenger door. The entire drive home is spent with a tense silence and my mind running through every worst-case scenario, something that definitely doesn’t help the situation any.

After arriving home, Luke and four of the guards helped to transfer Cole to one of the cells in our own dungeon, the thought of it alone is enough to bring me to tears, while I went to the lab and got to work on adjusting the serum. Clint, the little saint, managed to get a blood sample for me that’s currently being tested for any additional crap the evil prick may have added. I’ve increased the ratio of antiviral and antibiotic, added more of the oils and now am testing it on some of the blood Clint brought me from my mate.

“So, any progress?” Luke’s voice barely manages to break my concentration, but I can’t help how unsure I feel about all this. The stakes, if I should fail, are high and I can’t bear thinking I might never have my mate back.

“I’ve increased literally everything and am testing it on the rest of the blood sample Clint brought me, but it’ll take a while before I know if it worked.” I know he can see how defeated I feel, but I don’t have it in me to care right now.

“Well, I’m not a patient wolf.” He marches over, grabs a vial of the new serum from the tray then runs out before I can stop him. When I finally get everything situated and all the tests running, I should go see my mate and find out if Luke was able to administer the treatment, but fear of failure prevents me from going. I go to my office and sit down at my desk then bring up the word processor. There’s a lot of information on Julian’s vile experiments, but it’s time to tell the tale of how we fought him and how, in the end, we won. I begin writing my tale, detailing the lengths we all went to in order to find a treatment, how the packs came together to not only treat, but prevent the spread of his carefully crafted disease and how we not only took him down, but helped the rogues he had manipulated to work for him. The only part of the tale I can’t add is the ending, because until Cole is cured, no ending will suffice.

“Luna, I administered the new serum and gave his grumpy ass another dose of sedative. Hopefully, by morning, we’ll see some results.” I know he’s trying to remain hopeful and I wish I could join him, but I feel like I’ve missed something. Following my instincts, I head back into the lab and review the tests to find that, surprisingly, the new serum seems to be working! I still feel like something’s off, but decide to ignore it since the science doesn’t lie. Now, it’s a matter of waiting to see if my mate reacts as positively as the sample of his blood does.

Chapter 13

It’s been almost two weeks and Cole has received a total of five doses of the modified serum. While I was present for his treatment on the third day, I couldn’t bring myself to go down to the dungeon again. Seeing him chained up like an animal kills me. He seemed slightly better, but I can’t help thinking it was my mind playing tricks on me. I can’t eat, I gave up on trying to sleep since every time I close my eyes, I’m tortured with memories of every beautiful moment with him which remind me that we may never have another moment like them.

I’ve spent every day locked away in the clinic, trying to perfect the serum while quickly losing hope. Today is a little different though, because today, Nathan from Black Moon and Ellis from my old pack showed up and have been helping run tests and Ellis even went down to see Cole, saying he was going to give him a dose of anti-inflammatory and a muscle relaxer.

“Silver, you’re looking a little pale and you haven’t eaten since we got here.” Nathan’s concerned tone has me turning to face him, unsure of what to say. Am I supposed to just be okay when my mate is locked in a cell while battling a virus cocktail that may very well kill him?

“I’m not hungry and every time I try to eat, it comes right back up. As for my complexion, I’m tired, depressed and scared to hell that my mate is never coming out of this.” And now, I’m crying! Goddess, I can’t handle much more of this! How can the goddess give me the most amazing mate in the world then do this to us?!

“Stress very well may be a cause of your symptoms, but can you humor me and allow me to run a few simple blood tests to make sure it’s nothing more serious?” I don’t have the energy to fight him on this, so I give him a weak nod then watch as he draws three vials of blood before giving me a smile that’s suspicious as all hell, but, again, I don’t have energy for this. Once he’s got his samples, I excuse myself and go to my office to take a much needed nap.

“Silver? Sweetheart?” I hate that for the last nearly two weeks, I’ve heard his voice and seen his face every time I close my damn eyes. It’s the most blissful torture and it breaks my damn heart.

“Stop tormenting me.” I barely mumble the words in my exhausted haze as I bury my face into the ridiculously uncomfortable pillow.

“Sweetheart, what’s wrong?” Really? Is this damn hallucination crazy? Doesn’t he realize that he’s sitting in a cell, nothing more than a shell of my mate?! Can’t my own mind cut me a damn break?!

“You’re what’s wrong! You promised…you said you’d come back to me and you lied!” My voice is becoming more clear, but now I feel less asleep which means his voice, the one that haunts me, should be gone, but…

“I know, sweetheart, and I’m so damn sorry. Please open those beautiful eyes. I need you to look at me, Silver.” My chest feels tight and I can feel waves of sadness, worry, and…relief? Why the hell would I feel relieved?! My eyes shoot open and I can’t stop the scream that escapes me as I scoot back on the couch when I see the lifelike form of my mate kneeling beside me. Clearly, my sleep depravation is having an unpleasant side effect…full on hallucinations!

“No…nope, you’re not real. Fuck me, I’m losing my fucking mind. First, I see you every time I close my eyes and now, I’m seeing fucking hallucinations in my office?! Shit…Nathan! You might need to run more than blood tests! I think I’m going insane!” The image of my mate laughs and it feels so damn real, but it can’t be! I see Nathan step into the doorway and he’s smiling at me like this is just another beautiful damn day, but it’s not! I’m losing my shit here!

“What’s wrong, Silver?” I focus on Nathan, praying the hallucination will fade if I ignore it. That’s a thing, right?

“Um, you ran blood work…did…did you test for anything that might cause hallucinations, or can you test for anything that might cause them?” His smile drops and his brow furrows as he stares at me.

“Hallucinations?” I swear, I see his eyes shift to the hallucinated image of my mate and back to me, but maybe I’m just that damn crazy?

“Yeah, you know, seeing shit that isn’t there?” His brow arches and the damn hallucination chuckles…fucking chuckles!

“Sweetheart, do you honestly think that I’m a hallucination?” I give the most subtle nod I can because, well, I’m not about to look even more crazy when I talk to the hallucination, not when there’s a damn witness.

“Um, Silver…” Before Nathan can finish, the damn hallucination interrupts him because why would a damn hallucination have manners!

“Sweetheart, I’m flattered that you see me every time you close your eyes, but I’m not a hallucination. I’m really here.” I’m about to get up and get the hell out of here, but then he grabs my hand with his very real one and presses his lips to my knuckles. I feel the eruption of sparks and my tears break free, streaking down my face as I try to grasp the fact that my mate, the one I had honestly started to believe was forever lost to me, is right here, kneeling in front of me.

“You…you’re okay? But…how? The treatments…they weren’t working!” He shrugs his shoulders and gently squeezes my hand.

“They were. It took a while for them to fully work, but they worked. I know I told you I’d be back and I’m sorry it took so long, but I’m here, sweetheart. I’m home and I’m never going to leave you again.” He doesn’t wait for my response, not that I could give one now that I’m sobbing like a fool. He pulls me into his arms and holds me tightly.

“Well, there’s a little more good news I can add to your day.” We both turn our attention to Nathan and it’s at this very moment that I notice the paper in his hands.

“Um…what’s that?” He walks over and hands it to me, but it takes a moment for my brain to register…it’s the lab results from my blood work…and it shows I tested positive…for being pregnant!

“What is it? Is something wrong with her?” Cole’s panic hits him instantly, but dims slightly when I smile.

“You’re damn lucky you came back mister! There’s not a chance in hell I’d survive raising a little you all by myself!” I watch the reaction as it takes place in slow motion. First, his eyes narrow and his brow furrows…then his brow raises and his eyes widen followed by his lips parting in shock.

“Your…we’re having a pup?” I nod and that’s all it takes for him to pull me back against his chest while he peppers the top of my head with kisses.

“Congratulations. I’m going to go let Luke and Clint know the alpha is well and give you two some privacy.” It’s probably rude of us, but we don’t acknowledge Nathan’s comment before he takes off…I’m sure he understands.

“Come on, my beautiful mate. Let’s go back to our suite so I can apologize properly…and celebrate our wonderful news with you.”

Epilogue

It’s been a year since we raided Amber Peak to rescue Cole and only ten months since Julian was executed by the council after a lengthy, though unnecessary trial. His crimes were countless, but the council ensured he was charged for each and every one. They wanted to hold him accountable for every one of them, even though just one of his crimes alone was enough to seal his fate. With the aid of some of the rogues he had forced into working for him, the council was able to locate all of his research notes and they had them destroyed publicly just before his execution, ensuring that no one could use them to bring harm to any of our kind again.

Cole and I had our pup, our beautiful son, and life has been pretty perfect. Another new development in our lives, we worked with the council and had them run DNA tests on me and we found out that the non shifter half of me is actually druid. It really makes sense, though it’s not what we were expecting. It explains why no one could figure it out before because the druids were believed to be extinct.

Even with the threat of Julian’s virus being eliminated, we’ve still pushed for all shifters to be vaccinated since we have no way of knowing just how many rogues he infected before we took him down. Every pack in the country has a ready supply of vaccines and, while not necessarily needed now, a supply of serum as well. We’ve all decided it’s definitely better to be safe than sorry.

My luna ceremony was beautiful and, thankfully, uneventful. Aris and Blake attended with their mates and Dane was even there, though I honestly just ignored him altogether. This may not be the story I had envisioned for myself, but I have to say…it’s a damn beautiful one.