The Pack

by Donna Flynn

  Lucan lifted his cell from his pocket with dread and made the call no father ever wanted receive.

  *****

  Mercy woke hours later, visions of Alec on the ground bleeding out after being shot racing through her mind. Immediately, she struggled to get up casting a glance around the room, finding him lying quiet and pale on the bed next to hers.

  “Alec?” she whispered rising unsteadily, stumbling to his side, fearful, he might die despite her efforts to save him. He was breathing heavily as if it took extreme effort and the white pallor of his usually tanned skin worried her.

  She pulled down the sheets frowning at the slight puckered entrance wound where the bullet entered his chest, wondering how long she had slept. A quick glance at the clock showed her only a few hours had passed since she had healed him. His wound however, appeared as if it had been healing for weeks. Having little experience with the use of her healing skills she was uncertain if that were normal, but she was confident his trembling and sweaty body were not.

  Sitting on the edge of the bed holding his hand she listened to every ragged breath he took with concern. “Alec can you hear me.” She laid a hand on his cheek and his head turned towards it as if seeking her touch, but his eyes remained closed. Fear she had missed something when healing him had her second-guessing everything she had done and she became terrified he wouldn’t pull through.

  The door opened, the slight squeak drawing her eyes as Lucan stepped inside followed by Alec’s father Gregory. Both men seemed startled to find her awake and at Alec’s side, but neither said a word.

  “He won’t open his eyes,” she told them before turning back to the bed, clenching Alec’s hand, as tears rolled down her cheeks.

  Lucan walked to her side laying his hand on her back. “We need to talk about what happened last night.”

  “I tried to save him, but what if I screwed up? What if he never wakes?” she creid out.

  He saw the despair in her eyes, heard the heartbreak in her voice and knew that her fate was sealed. As a human, she may not be aware of her true feelings for Alec,but deep inside where her wolf dwelled, the pain all mates experienced when their significant other was hurt, recognized the bond.

  “You did great, he’s alive now because of you, but we need to know about how you pulled the bullet out.”

  “I don’t understand myself, how can I explain to you?” she answered wearily.

  He squeezed her hand offering encouragement. “Try.”

  She dreaded telling them, worried they would think her a freak for posseing such an odd ability. “I don’t know how it happened or why, but when I touch living things I can see how they were injured, then an energy builds within me that releases into their body to fix the problem.” Having explained she turned back to Alec worry for his recovery foremost in her mind.

  Laying her hands on his chest, she focused once more, searching inside of him for the reason he remained so ill. She was frustrated and about to give up when something abnormal in his blood stream gained her attention. Upon further examination, she realized the toxin she found was slowly working through his body poisoning him. With newfound purpose she worked, collecting all of it into herself until he was breathing easier and only clean blood pumped through him.

  Satisfied she got all the poison, she called her energy back into her own body and was about to stand when scream inducing cramps formed in her belly. Unable to handle the firestorm that tore through her abdomen she stumbled backwards into Lucan’s arms. An acidic liquid filled her mouth burning her with its taint and she grabbed for the trashcan, violently throwing up into the soft pink plastic container. When she could, expell no more, her body gave out and she collapsed against her brother.

  Lucan lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed noting a skin temperature well beyond the normal heat of their kind. Grabbing a cloth from the nightstand, he dunked the piece of material in the cool water they had been using for Alec and proceeded to wipe her brow. Instead of growing cooler as he had hoped, she grew hotter and hotter until she was sweating profusely and her body became racked with chills.

  “We need to find a healer,” Gregory told him.

  “What the hell happened?” Lucan asked panicked by how quickly Mercy had fallen ill.

  “I’m not sure.” Gregory laid his hand on his sons head noting his skin was now dry and warmer than it had been when he had arrived. “Whatever made him ill is now effecting her. Alec is much calmer and breathing easier, so she must have absorbed whatever it was harming him.” He turned his cool gaze on Mercy and frowned. Her body shook with chills, her breathing was irregular, and her skin was to pale to be healthy. “I’ve never seen anyone do that before.”

  Lucan stared down on Mercy. Beads of sweat ran down her forehead, but her skin was like ice when he touched her and her breathing was ragged. “Fight Mercy we cannot lose you,” he whispered taking her hand in his own

  “Force Alec to shift, that way we can be sure he will not suffer any lasting effects of the poisoning,” Cade said from the doorway after hearing their exchange.

  “Good idea,” Gregory said.

  “We should move him first. Seeing a wolf would terrorize Mercy if she wakes,” Lucan reminded them.

  “I will take her to her room,” Cade volunteered.

  “No!” Alec mumbled waking for the first time since the shooting. “Don’t move me.” He reached out and gripped his father’s hand forcing his bloodshot eyes open. “Promise me, I can’t leave her.”

  “I promise,” Gregory, said kneeling next to the bed clasping his hand. “No one will move either of you.”

  “Thank you.” He whispered closing his eyes once again, confident his father would never break his word to him.

  “Make him shift now Gregory he needs to heal,” Cade said.

  Gregory eased down in the chair next to the bed where his son rested placing his hand on Alec’s shoulder forcing his will on him, so he would shift. Normally, Alec would laugh at his attempts, but in his weakened state, he did not resist.

  Almost immediately, Alec’s body arched off the bed, accommodating the bones as they reshaped themselves. Fur swiftly took the place of bare skin, covering him with the silky soft browns and gold of his beast, until he lay panting on the bed, a large wolf with amber eyes that warily watched everyone present.

  The change had been quick. A true testament to how powerful his son would be one day and as always, Gregory was in awe of his son’s abilities.

  Alec’s wolf, turned his gaze on Mercy and whined trying to rise, but his body too worn out and refused to follow his cooperate.

  “Rest son we will take care of her,” Gregory said using his own powers to keep him in place.

  Alec felt his father’s persuasion lulling him sleep, acknowledged his words with a shake of his head, then closed his eyes and let the healing of the shift finish the work Mercy had started.

  Chapter Seven

  Gregory walked to the bed where Mercy lay shaking uncontrollably and frowned. It had been hours and she showed no sign of recovering which was worrisome. “Have you ever seen any of our healers absorb poison into themselves?”

  “Never,” Cade said his concern for his sister growing with each passing minute. Night had turned to day and morning to noon, but she had yet to waken. “How do we cure her when we do not know what is causing this ?”

  “We are looking for healer in the area, hopefully they will know how to fix this,” Gregory told him. His own concern for the young girl who was destined to be his sons mate was strong. He knew if they did not find one to cure her, Alec would never be able to live the pain of her loss. He had known Mercy too long and had no anchor that would force him to live as Gregory had when his mate had died.

  The doorbell rang its loud bell chiming interrupting their vigil. A soft wind came through the bedroom window and Lucan growled, raising his nose in the air, letting Mercy’s hand drop to the bed. “I would know that scent anywhere.”

  He ran
out of the room and down the stairs ignoring Cade, who kept pace behind him trying to calm him before he opened the door. “Luc, we do not know who shot Alec you can’t go after someone who might be innocent.”

  Lucan was too angry to listen to reason, he ripped the door open and hauled a stunned Kirk inside. His hands locked around the boy’s throat as shoved him against the wall. “You!” he screamed slamming his head into the wall ignoring the plaster that cracked and fell to the carpet below.

  “I didn’t do anything!” Kirk choked out fighting to get free.

  “Lucan let him go!” Gregory commanded behind them.

  “He shot your son. He is the reason Mercy is dying and you want me to let him go?”Lucan argued.

  “You’re upset and although I understand how you feel, but there is no evidence against him or his pack to suggest they are responsible.” He placed his hand on Lucan’s arm willing him to release Kirk.

  Lucan lowered him to the floor begrudgingly and backed away glaring at him with murderous intent.

  “Good now why don’t we talk you and I.” Gregory said directing Kirk towards the living room.

  “What is this about Mercy?” Kirk asked straightening his clothes as he followed behind him. “Is she ill?”

  “Like you care?” Lucan sneered leaning against the doorframe, a clear threat if Kirk should decide to leave before Gregory dismissed him.

  “Luc,” Gregory snarled in warning.

  “He’s the only one around here who stands to gain anything if Alec should die.” Lucan argued.

  “I’m not sure what is going on, but I assure you I have nothing done nothing. I really like Mercy I would never want to see her hurt.” Kirk replied defensively. “I only came to ensure Mercy was alright since she did not return my calls. I was worried she might be hurt.”

  The cold stare he gave Lucan wasn’t lost on him and he snarled in return for the insult.

  “Luc, that’s enough!” Gregory hissed.

  Lucan leaned back against the door staring daggers at Kirk, but followed his Alpha’s command.

  “Can someone tell me what’s going on and where Mercy is?” Kirk asked worriedly.

  “Someone shot my son last night.” Gregory explained holding his hand up to stop Kirks questions. “Mercy healed him, but the bullets were poisoned and now she is very ill. Her chances of recovery are not good if we cannot find another healer soon who can figure out what the shooter poisoned the bullets with.” He watched the boy’s reaction closely, finding no sign of duplicity in his expression.

  “I swear I am not responsible for your son getting shot, but I can help.” He pulled out his cell phone, dialed, spoke brusquely, then snapped the device shut looking pleased. “There is a strong healer in our pack she is on her way.”

  “You can’t be serious!” Lucan growled. “We are going to trust him, when he maybe the one responsible for all of this?”

  “Luc, his pack is not involved. I would have smelled them when I chased the shooter last night. Let him help if he can,” Cade said behind him.

  “His father probably hired someone to do the job,” Lucan argued.

  “That is not his father’s style.” Gregory said sharply, before turning back to Kirk. “This healer she is good?”

  “The best,” Kirk answered confidently.

  “Why would she help my sister when she is not one of your pack?” Lucan asked suspiciously.

  “She’s my sister, and she would do it because I asked her too,” he replied trying to be patient because he knew the stress Lucan must be under. It was clear how much he loved Mercy and the idea she could die must be unbearable for him. “Can I see Mercy?” he asked Gregory.

  “She’s upstairs. I will take you to her.”

  “Thanks,” Kirk replied following the Alpha out the door and up the stairs.

  Lucan remained quiet, following them to the bedroom where Alec lay sleeping as Mercy thrashed about on the bed her face glistening with sweat.

  Kirk went to her side and sat next to her taking her hand in his own troubled by her condition. “Mercy I’m here.” He pushed her wet tangled hair back from her forehead and stared at her pale face worriedly. Her eyes were sunken in, her cheeks hallow and it was clear what ever had been effecting Alec was ravaging her body. “Help is coming, hang on.”

  He knew his sister was close, she had been on her way home from a shopping trip at the local mall when he called and she detoured to get to him. His father was not going to be happy, he didn’t like her healing outside of his own pack, but to save Mercy’s life he would deal with is father’s wrath.

  Mercy grew quiet and her body became still on the tangled sheets as they waited anxiously for his sister to show. No one knew how much time she had left before the poison finished its work and the room filled with tension, but to the relief of everyone assembled the doorbell finally rang.

  Cade rushed out of the room to answer the door, coming back seconds later. He escorted a small blonde dressed in designer clothes, her blonde hair meticulously styled, her high heels not slowing her down one bit as she crossed the room to her brother’s side.

  She listened patiently as they explained what had happened, laid her things on the nightstand and peered down at the jar that contained the bullet. “May I?” she asked her blue-green eyes meeting Lucan’s, for the first time.

  He nodded, unable to believe that now in the midsts of such tragedy he found the one woman he looked for his whole life. His palms began to sweat and his heart raced so fast he feared he was having a heart attack. He couldn’t look away, he wanted to take in everything about her and keep it in his memory forever.

  “Mandrake,” she announced wrinkling her nose in disgust.

  “What?” Lucan answered dumbly.

  “Mandrake, it is toxic to our kind.” She lifted the bullet out of the jar and nestled it in the palm of her hand ignoring the burn to her skin. “Silver now that’s interesting.”

  “Should you be touching that thing?” he asked concerned she too might become infected with its poison.

  “Silver burns heal quickly to skin and I am immune to Mandrake. I was poisoned once a long time ago, she will be immune too now that the toxin has been in her system.” She plopped the bullet back in the jar, placed the glass container back on the nightstand, then sat on the bed laying her hand over Mercy’s chest and closed her eyes.

  “Wait,” Lucan said coming to her side. “What if this does not work?” He laid his hand on hers and she smiled up at him ignoring her brother’s protective growl behind them.

  “I can assure you I know what I am doing.” She closed her eyes once more focusing on the girl in the bed. The room began to hum with energy and her face became blank as if she were in a trance. A bright light flowed from the healer’s body into Mercy’s and her body arched off the bed as she let out a loud scream of agony. Under her skin, serpent like movement began as the healer moved through her seeking out the poison, forcing it through her system until the foul substance ran from Mercy’s mouth in steady stream to saturate the pillow beneath her. Mercy let out pitiful moans, beads of sweat forming on her forehead, her hands clenching the sheets in a death grip as the healer worked to deplete her body of the Mandrake. Everyone in the room waited on tender hooks, until at last her body fell to the bed still and silent once more.

  The healer pulled her hands away from Mercy and took a cloth her brother offered to wipe Mercy's face as Lucan lifted her head and removed the fouled pillow. Mercy lay quiet, her breathing regulated, her heat beating at a normal pace.

  Lucan took her hand in his own brushing his lips over her brow his worry for her paramount to anything else. He was not her real father, but she had become the daughter of his heart and the idea he might never see her laugh or smile again brought tears to his eyes.

  “She’s going to be fine.” The healer said, her gentle voice breaking through his upset. “I got everything, she will be up and around in no time.”

  “Thank you,” he told her
lifting his eyes to meet hers unashamed of the tears rolling down his cheeks.

  “She had already expelled most of the poison from her system. I only helped with the last little bit,” she explained as she gathered her things from the nightstand. “When she is better I would like to meet her, someone needs to show her how to use her healing so this will not happen again.”

  “Thank you….ah ...”

  “Nina,” she supplied with a shy smile. “My name is Nina.”

  “Thank you Nina, we will tell her about all you did for her.”

  She nodded, but looked to Alec with concern. “Whoever shot your young friend didn’t want to wound him, they wanted him dead. Silver and Mandrake can be deadly alone, but together they are lethal to our kind, lucky she was close by.” She turned to her brother looking resigned. “We need to go, father will not be happy I detoured.”

  “Thank you both,” Gregory said polietly giving Lucan a pointed look.

  “Yes, thank you. Kirk, I am sure she would welcome your visit tomorrow after school,” Lucan added begrudgingly.

  “Thanks, I will come by as soon as I can,” he said before escorting his sister out leaving them to care for their own.

  Chapter Eight

  Alec bolted upright from his sleep grabbing his chest, images of the bullet slamming into his chest flashing through his mind like a movie.

  A strong reassuring hand pressed him back down to the pillows. “Settle down son,” his father said.

  “Dad?” He peered up at the man who meant the world to him realizing if he was there, things had to be bad. His hand went to his chest, but aside from a slight ache there, he felt fine, so why was his dad there?

  “Relax your fine now,” Gregory assured him.

  He recalled being shot, the pain, and the fear he was going to die before Mercy ever found out what she meant to him. He knew she had come to him as he lay dying and somehow taken away the pain, he still felt as though her essence was inside of him. His wolf growled in the back of his mind and images of Mercy laying on the bed her body sick and fevered took over. He struggled to get upright needing to see her, needing to know she was alive.