Chapter 75

☆ ☆ Ulfric Draven ☆ ☆ 

The elders of my pack researched all night to find a resolution for Darius' curious affliction. They searched our family's archives for anything about vampires and their abilities. Since that was who he came in contact with before being unable to shift, it had to be their doing. 

We didn't have much, but every pre-dated battle or attack was documented so future generations could use the information to better themselves and their outcomes. The vampires were very cunning and, from what they had brought me, didn't use any special abilities unless their demise was imminent, and then they used them until they could flee.

They could shift into bats to fly away, but they didn't do that until they were at a safe distance. Sylas, we knew, could manipulate his own blood and use it defensively or offensively. Whatever magic flowed through it was strong enough to decapitate nearby victims or lift them with ease. 

They found only two other special abilities: glamouring, which didn't work on us to our knowledge, and the documentation only mentioned normal humans forgetting things or acting abnormally, and a reverse of Sylas' ability, where the vampire was able to draw blood out of his victims but not in the usual manner.

I shivered as I read the description of blood flowing from several orifices: the eyes, nostrils, ears, and any cuts they had sustained. The vampire that did this drained almost an entire pack a half-century ago, and he did it within minutes. The horrified survivors fled, and that is how we gained this knowledge. 

Gamma Gavin came into my office and said, "Here is your paperwork declaring your flight to Michigan. You will be on a small Cessna 172 Skyhawk. You, a pack elder, and the pack's healer will be traveling." I nodded, "Thank you, Gamma Gavin. Are you sure you're up to running this pack in my absence?" 

I asked not because he had a choice but because he seemed overwhelmed when taking over Beta Darius' role and tasks. I looked at me wide-eyed, "I'll do my best, Alpha Draven." I chuckled, "Don't fret so much; the Luna will help you as needed." He gulped nervously, "Yes, Sir." 

Gamma Gavin and my Luna would remain in control until my pack gathered for battle, and then the Luna would rule in our absence. My Luna had finished packing my bag this morning, and I placed the tickets Gamma Gavin had given me into the side pocket. The others were already waiting for me to join them in the SUV. 

I went down the stairs and tossed my bag in the back before climbing into the passenger's seat. One of my members drove us to the Ockel Farms Airport in

Milton, Delaware, where our journey would officially start. This was a small, private airport without all the hassles of security. We left the vehicle and grabbed our bags. 

I hated flying, but it was the quickest way to get from point A to point B. It would have been well over eleven hours of driving time to Alpha Gray's Packhouse, and the flight was just over four hours with a small refueling pitstop in Pensylvania to the Bishop International Airport, followed by a twenty-minute drive.

Besides, it would be a small plane with just the three of us and the pilot. Crowded commercial flights were the worst, all the humans with their smells. This was much more adequate for my sensitive nose. The pilot was friendly enough as he took our bags and situated them in the aircraft before granting us access.

I'm sure the payment he received was really what made him happy. Not that I was complaining, but it seemed I was spending money left and right, not to mention having to pay for a hotel room remodel and a rental vehicle. My main concern at this moment was Darius and recovering his wolf. 

The flight on the smaller aircraft was a bit more turbulent, but otherwise, it went on without a hitch. When we arrived at Bishop International Airport, a young, scrawny man was waiting for us at the arrival gates with a large white sign with my name on it. My title was obviously omitted for the sake of the human travelers.

I waved to him, and he rushed to my side. He tried to take my bag, but I insisted that he take my elder and healer's bags instead. I was perfectly capable of carrying my small bag. He stuttered, "Ww-welcome to Michigan." I nodded and followed him out to the parking structure. 

Once we arrived at the vehicle, he fumbled over his keys. I asked, "Is there anything I can help with?" He shook his head as he finagled the keys from his pocket, almost dropping the bags in the process. He managed to hit a button that opened the trunk, and the bags dropped into the trunk with a slight thud. 

His status in the pack was apparent by his lack of strength and coordination. But I understood why he was assigned to retrieve us from the airport. It didn't require much skill or effort; carrying the bags was the most challenging thing he had to do. I was still appreciative of the hospitality that we were being shown by Alpha Gray and his pack, especially considering the circumstances.

We gathered into the car, and the young, scrawny man drove off. He made small talk while he drove to the pack house, asking about trivial things, like whether I enjoyed being the Ulfric of the North East, how I liked living in Delaware, and if our winters were as harsh. I answered short but politely.

The twenty-minute drive felt like it took much longer. I was relieved when I noticed the woods surrounding us. I knew that we were almost there, and to be honest, my anxiety rose as we got closer to my brother. I desperately wanted to help him and his wolf if I could. I only hoped that my healer could perform a miracle. 

He pulled past the gate and down into a driveway. Alpha Gray greeted us at the entrance of his estate; he bowed his head in deference to me. We shook hands as I finished exiting the vehicle. I went to grab my bag from the back of the vehicle, but he said, "Don't worry about your personal belongings; Mike here can set them up in your guest rooms."

I nodded and tossed a quick glance at the elder and healer from my pack. They took the hint and bowed to show their respect toward Alpha Gray before we followed him into his house. He said, "Beta Darius has been staying with Beta Morgana; I know you must be eager to see him."

We followed him up the stairs and down the hall before he knocked on a door and announced us, "Beta Morgana, the Ulfric has arrived." A stunning she-wolf opened the door and bowed graciously; Darius had won the lottery with his mate as far as looks went. 

She looked up at me, and I swear her icy blue eyes pierced my soul. Her skin was fair in contrast to her long black hair, which she tucked behind her ear before saying, "Darius spoke last night after dinner, but he hasn't spoken since." I was shocked, "How did you get him to speak in his catatonic state?"

She blushed slightly and looked away. That's when I smelled it; they had mated recently. I asked, "What did he say?" She made eye contact with me again and said, "I love you." It was nothing of value to his current situation, but I'm sure that it meant the world to Morgana. 

I looked upon my brother as he lay in bed; his playful expression and smartass demeanor were non-existent. He stared blankly at the ceiling. I walked over, and the elder and healer followed me. I looked at my younger brother and said, "Do you know who I am?" He grunted, and I looked to Beta Morgana for clarification. 

She replied, "Grunts mean yes; silence is either no or unsure." I wanted to cry for him, but I would never let my followers see me in a weak moment; those were strictly reserved for my Luna in the privacy of our room. She was the only one who would ever be allowed to console me during my moments of weakness.

I asked, "Beta Morgana, If he doesn't recover, are you prepared to take over as the Beta for my pack since you are mated?" I paused, "My Gamma is not ready for the position, and I will need someone I can rely on." She paused, "I promised Alpha Gray I would remain at his side until this battle ends." I gritted my teeth. I knew there was logic in her answer, but that didn't change my feeling of hopelessness. 

I let out a long sigh, "We couldn't find anything in our texts that mentioned a vampire capable of removing our wolves. We did find two other skills separate from Sylas', so I'm sure there are more; we just don't have any documentation of them." I added, "Do you mind if I move Darius to the room with my healer for the time being?"