The Runaway Breeder

Chapter 28

"The poor Luna. Not even fully mated yet, and the Alpha is already on his death bed.” A voice says loudly as growls sound afterwards with these disrespectful words.

"Shut up! What if she hears you? Besides, Doctor Rex said there is a chance he will survive." I jolt awake from these words, my eyes scanning for the source when I spot two she-wolves huddled together, their eyes darting about. I don’t see any sympathy for the situation in their eyes and irritation floods me. It is wolves like these that cause disharmony in the pack. Getting up and slowly walking towards the girls. I feel the others’ eyes on me while they wait for a good show. The doors to the shelter are once again open and everyone could have left, but something tells me the pack kept these gossiping bitches here so that I can deal with them. Good. At least the pack has loyalty to Tate and me.

Standing behind the two she-wolves, I let out a warning growl and watch as they stand straighter, fear coursing through them. They can sense me, sense that they have just angered their Luna.

"I suggest you both shut up. Talking about your leaders behind their back, especially with one of them in the room, is grounds for punishment." I grind out, letting the power of a Luna suppress them. I let the two girls sweat for a moment as they realize their mistake before turning on my heels and walking away, letting the pressure ease off the two.

“Send them for extra training for the next two weeks.” I order to one of the Warriors, watching as his glare flickers to the two she-wolves as he scoffs at them.

“Yes, Luna. I will personally see to their training.” He answers, motioning for another Warrior to help escort these she-wolves out. With this settled, I return to taking a peek at my daughter and see how she is doing, smiling when I realize Chris has her in his arms, feeding her.

“Your parents would be proud of you, Luna.” Chris grins, using my new title. I roll my eyes at my cousin before a frown takes over. Were those girls speaking the truth, and is Tate injured? As if answering my question, a familiar face in the crowd makes their way out of the shelter. Mateo approaches me, and it is then that I realize Eeva and her boys are gone.

"Luna, Doc told me to come to get you." His face holds a grim look, one that holds sympathy that is directed at me. I feel my heart drop as dread fills me. Tate is okay, right? I think, taking a shaky breath. Chris hands me Julia as Jack comes to stand behind me, giving me a shaky smile as the two men support me for a moment.

“Okay, Mateo. Lead the way.” I motion towards the door, letting my Head Warrior guide me towards the exit as we climb the stairs and exit the pantry. Chris and Jack stay behind me, making sure no wolf can rush ahead of me. I could tell what Mateo and Doctor Rex have to say is serious. Instead of taking me to the front door to drive to the hospital, I am lead to another room - one that is guarded heavily. I notice the elevator first, Mateo pressing a button that allows our group entry as it ascends. Time feels like it is ticking by slowly, growing my anxiety. The elevator holds a sombre atmosphere as we pass each floor until landing on the fifth floor. Rushing out as soon as the elevators open, Mateo leads us to a set of closed doors, his hands shaking as he opens them. What greets me first is that annoying sound of beeping from the heart monitor. This sound causes my heart to stop momentarily as the scent of blood, and of my mate, reaches my nose.

"Laina." Eeva's strained voice reaches me when I slowly pad into the room, taking note of the sterile environment. I turn my head to see my sister-in-law walk towards me, a strained smile on her face.

"We won and drove them away with no deaths, but-" Her voice cracks as she falls to the ground, hugging herself. I stand there, tears falling down my face as someone takes Julia out of my arms. I notice Jack giving me a sad smile as he adjusts Julia in his arms.

"Go to him, Laina. Chris and I can take care of Julia." Jack's voice reaches me as he steps away. I give a slight nod, turning to look at the figure on the bed, barely breathing, where the sound of the heart monitor beeps away. I hated that noise from my own time in the pack hospital, but right now, I was grateful for this annoyance. It meant that Tate is still alive. Taking a few hesitant steps before rushing to the side of the bed, I collapse beside Tate, clutching at the blankets that cover him.

"You...can't...leave...me!" I cry out, hiccupping between each word.

"Please...Tate, wake up." I plead, burying my face into his side and crying harder. I had already lost a child; I couldn't lose my mate as well. I cried like I did at Kelly's funeral, praying that the Moon Goddess will not take him away from me. Julia needed her father, and I needed my mate as well.