Chapter 33

Pauline looked uncomfortable, and nervous. I could see her eyes cloud over for the second time. 

As before, Pauline nodded her head slightly. Who ever was linking with her, was giving her the confidence to carry on. And so, she did.
“Before I tell you what was found in both blood tests, I would like to ask, both Julia and Jackson, if they have ever used any substances for recreational purposes?”

I knew the question was coming, of course the medical staff would have to know.
But, knowing that the question was coming, didn’t mean I liked hearing it.

I assured everyone in the room that I had never participated in anything like that. 
Then, Jackson said the same thing. 

I hoped he was telling the truth, and didn’t just say it because his parents were here. He sounded sincere. But, in reality, what do I know. Jackson was nothing to do with me, not that he ever was. As far as I could tell, he was still planning on making Eva his luna.

“Thank you for answering my question. I sincerely hope you are speaking truthfully.”
I was gratified to see Paulines gaze was focused on Jackson, she had not looked over at me at all.

“If it is true, and neither you have any history of substance abuse. I’m afraid I will be the barer of bad news. You see, the substance that I found in both blood tests, is called The Purple Poison.” 
As soon as Pauline uttered the name of the substance, Luna Lillian’s hands flew to cover the sob that escaped her mouth. The luna kept repeating, No, no, no. Over and over.

Alpha Maximus had shot to his feet. His rage evident on his face. Even Reece had walked away from me, and strode over to Dr Wallace.
The only people who didn’t react, were Jackson and myself.

Alpha Maximus, upon seeing his luna so upset, hurried over to kneel in front of her. He was clearly trying to calm his mate down, even though you could still see the intense rage he felt, in the way he held his body. 

Pauline looked around the room, finally, her eyes landed on me. She sent me a tentative smile. Which I returned immediately. I wanted her to know she still had a friend in me. No matter what she still had to say. She visibly relaxed, then, raised her voice.

Asking if she could continue. The Alpha sat back in his chair, but didn’t let go of his mate. He nodded his head, he was ready to listen. As was everyone else.

“From some of your reactions, I take it you know what the TPP is, and what it does. For those that do not know, I will explain.
TPP is a powerful substance that is derived from a number of herbs. It’s main ingredient is Monkshood. It also contains Gentian, burdock and Nasturtium.

Individually, each herb is harmful to us wolves. But. Put them together, and they become a toxin so powerful, it could easily alter the users reality. In that, it will create an alternate belief system. Making you believe whatever the administer of the substance, wants you to believe.
Now, there are other factors to consider.

The main one being the length of time you are exposed to the stuff. The longer you are exposed, the more catastrophic the impact. As Jackson has been exposed for a shorter period of time, the effects should only be one of perception and control.”

“Control!” It was Jackson’s voice we heard next. And he sounded pissed.
“Do you mean to tell me, that this substance, this TPP has been administered to me, for control?”
He sounded incredulous.
 Though I have to admit, I was having a hard time believing it, myself.

“Let me get this straight. You are telling me that someone in my life has been giving me this shit, so they can get the better of me?

And, there is someone out there in Julia’s life that is doing the same?
Who the fuck would do something like that? 
I am an Alpha-to-be. No one would dare attempt to drug me. 
As for Julia, why would someone waste their time on a useless omega.”

Two growls pierced the air. One from the Doctor, one from Alpha Reece.
Jackson blanched at the response to his little rant. Fear shone from his eyes as he looked at the barely controled Alpha wolf in front of him.
And although the doctor was trying very hard to restrain his Alpha, you could see his own eyes flicker, between his wolf and him. 

“Apologise, right now, to Julia. How dare you call our Lady, an omega.” 
Pauline had managed to speak before anyone else. She looked incandescent with rage, as she kept her gaze on Jackson.
“Well, Alpha-to-be. Apologise or, you will have to leave the hospital.”

Jackson started to say, “you can’t speak to me like that!” But only managed to say the first few words, before his father grabbed hold of him and pulled him into a chair. Yelling at his son to, ‘shut up. You bloody fool.’

“Carry on Nurse Walters. Please. I; We, need to know who is responsible for all this, or at the very least, be told when you think this all started.”
Pauline thanked the visiting Alpha, then spoke again.

“Alpha Maximus, Luna Lilian. I can’t tell you who has done this to your son, the same can be said for our…for Julia. But it does seem likely, that it is the same person.”
Pauline looked between Jackson and myself.
 Only one person sprung to mind. 

“Eva.” 

We said at the same time. “Who is Eva? If you don’t mind me asking.”
Again, Jackson and I spoke at the same time.

“My sister.” “My chosen mate.”
There was another stunned silence as the whole room digested our words. 
And what it meant.

I could see that Jackson was about too loose his temper. So I finally spoke up.
“Pauline, Alpha Reece, do you think the rest of the conversation could be dealt with individually. I don’t know about the others. But I need to process what has already been discussed. I believe we should, at the very least, stop this meeting, now. It’s been an incredibly long day. And, like I said before, Pauline and Myself still have work to finish.”

Reece POV

She was quite simply, amazing. Julia had just been told that her sister was most likely the cause of the toxins in her system. Instead of reacting violently, she let her inner goddess shine. Her gracefulness and calmness throughout the meeting, made me so damn proud. I felt like my heart was likely to burst out of my chest.

I may as well just admit it. I loved her. I was so in love with her, I couldn’t think straight. Every atom of my being, told me we would be fated mates. I knew we would not be able to tell right away. But I believed, in time, and with the help of Nurse Walters and Dr Wallace, Julia would start to heal. And not just physically. At the moment, there was one essential thing missing. I couldn’t wait until it returned. 

The members of my pack did not need me to give my permission, for the meeting to end. Our Lady, had said it all. I returned to Julia’s side whilst my gammer finished off the meeting. I said goodbye to the members of the Moons Wane Pack, thanked them for their help today. Then led Julia away.
I had intended on taking Julia back to the pack-house. But she insisted on staying, so she could help Nurse Walters. I could see plenty of hospital around, and pointed out this fact. But it made no difference. Julia was going to stay. So, I stayed. 

Julia POV

Reece was being very sweet. And I understood his need to protect me. But all I wanted right now was a bit of space. I wasn’t likely to get that, though. Not when we lived in the same pack-house. Maybe, when we return there, I could take myself off for a bath. Have a little, me, time.
I let out a deep sigh, just as Pauline walked into the room I had started to tidy. Her eyebrows rose comically, at the sound. And I giggled out an apology.

“I think I can let you off, this time.” She chuckled back. Then her face went serious.
“Julia, I can’t imagine what you’re going through. I know the meeting was hard to take. It was so intense in there. Please know that you can talk to me at any time, day or night. You can phone me at home, or you can get hold of me here. It’s up to you.”

“Thank you, Pauline. I really do appreciate that. I could do with a friend, right about now.”
I admitted. I watched Pauline’s face soften as she looked at me.
“Well. You have a friend, right here.”
I thanked her again. Then we carried on tidying up. When we had finished all four rooms. Making sure each and every one was spick and span. And fully stocked for the hours to come.

I could see Reece lounging on one of the waiting area chairs. He was chatting to the people there. I watched him interact with them all, young and scared to the old and wise.
I hadn’t realised that I had started to stare, until I felt a nudge. I spun around, expecting to see Pauline. Instead, I saw Dr Wallace. He was looking very harassed. Before I could ask if he was okay, he spoke.

“Julia, please come to my office tomorrow. We will continue the meeting there. It doesn’t matter what time. I am here all day. I must insist you turn up, there are more things that need to be said. They only pertain to you, though. My office is soundproofed. Whatever is said within its confines, shall remain secret. I will see you tomorrow then.”

He gave me a little bow, then walked off. Already thinking about the things that were next on his list. I jump a little when I felt a hand rub my back. I stiffened, not knowing if Jackson was still on pack lands. Until I felt the sparks that lingered where his touch had been. I looked over my shoulder, to see Reece looking down at me with a gentle smile.

“Are you ready to go home, now?”
The way he said, home, made me feel warm all over. He didn’t know it, yet. But I was quickly falling in love with him.