Chapter 8

POV Eric

The drive to the clinic took what felt like hours. We were less than ten minutes away once we hit town but every time her breathing became labored, I realized I was holding my own. Braxton had been searching for her for days, only now having her frail body across my lap did I feel the urgency he had been feeling. Her limp arm dangling off my lap, swinging at the elbow and hitting my leg whenever the truck maneuvered or hit a bump.

"Can't this thing go any faster." I pleaded with Brent.

He looked at me with soft eyes, choosing his words carefully before he spoke. "Young Alpha, as you know this truck is quite loud and being just after three in the morning, we don't need any unwanted attention. Considering there's a naked child on your lap who looks like she's been through hell, I feel it's best to obey the speed limit." Brent gave me a shy smile. "I'll give it hell once we reach the border, I promise."

True to his word, no sooner had we passed through the gate then he floored it. Roads be dammed, he drove straight through a couple yards making as few turns as possible and almost jumping the curb running around the clinic.

"If you don't like me, you could just say that, trying to kill us on the way here seems excessive." I said as we screeched to a stop by the clinic doors.

The left corner of his lip turned up and as he shot me a crooked smile. "You wanted fast young Alpha."

Candice came rushing out to meet us, her long dark brown hair in a high bun already coming loose. She ran to my door pulling it open. Her dark brown oval eyes scanning the child's body. "Aww baby, what happened to you." Her voice kind but always seemed too deep for someone as small as her. "Let's get her inside, how many wounds does she have like that?"

I hadn't even noticed in the rush; she had several cuts down the length of her arms and legs that were showing. All red and green, clearing infected.

"Luna said she was shifted?" Candice asked not once taking her eyes away from the girl.

"Yes, when Braxton found her, she was in wolf form."

"Poor thing! The trauma it takes to pull a wolf through the veil this young…." She trailed off, half distracted by leading us to the operating room and half lost in her own thoughts.

Candice has studied every book and scroll written about our kind that she could get her hands on. I think she knows more about being a werewolf than most of us do.

When mom offered them a place with us, they were overwhelmed with relief, just having a place they would be accepted meant the world to them both. Candice has done everything she can to try to prove she wants to be with us. She's spent the last year trying to prove that moms' instincts are right and even though she's human she belongs with a pack.

As expected, the operating room was ready for us, clear bags hanging next to the bed, surgical tools at the ready. Watching Candice work gave me comfort, every movement had purpose like a dance only she knew the moves to.

After starting an iv she began cleaning and dressing the wounds, working from the worst to the small scratches. She was still filthy and some of the bandages began soaking through with puss before Candice had finished.

Braxton whimpered as the bandage on her chest was leaking through seeping into the white hospital blanket, she was covered in.

"I know it looks scary, but those superficial wounds aren't our biggest concern right now. I'm afraid she's going septic." Candice said as she grabbed vials and syringes.

Braxton started pacing and whimpering louder. "What does that mean?"

"Ok, how about you pretend like you're talking to someone who doesn't have two PhDs."

"Without running tests my best guess is one of these infections got into her blood stream. I'd say the chest wound is the likely culprit. I'm starting her on antibiotics and making sure she gets plenty of fluids we need to get ahead of it before her body starts shutting down."

Braxton began to panic "but she's going to be ok right? I found her in time. She has to make it. She has to!"

One of the nurses came over and was politely trying to get me to leave but Braxton wouldn't budge. "We have to wait outside." I urged.

"No!" He planted my feet feeling cemented to the floor.

Candice walked over grabbing my face in her hands, making me look down at her. "I will do everything i can for her, but you need to do something for me." Looking deep into my eyes making sure she had Braxton and I's full attention. "You need to let me, give me room so I can take care of her." Giving us a confident warm smile, she went back to tending to the girl.

Braxton reluctantly released his grip. Walking out to the waiting room the light pastel floral paintings and soft pastel blue furniture seemed mocking given the situation. I was thankful for the long couch though, I doubted Braxton would consider leaving and it was just past 5 am.

I was surprised to see Brent laid out asleep in one of the reclining chairs a blanket and pillow set out on the chair next to his. I could only guess they were for me. I stretched out on the couch the weight of the night's events coming down on me. After tossing and turning trying to get comfortable on the couch I decided to try one of the recliners. I found it considerably more comfortable than expected and within minutes sleep overtook me.

The loud bang of the front door smacking into the door stop woke me abruptly. Dr. Stevenson raced past the waiting room carrying two big duffel bags, quickly disappearing behind the operating room door.