Monday, November 26th
(Demetri’s POV)
I wake with a groan as the sunlight peaks its way through the drawn curtains of my hotel room. The emptiness of my bed and the near absolute silence of the room reminds me of how much I dislike this part of being the alpha, of being involved in the fight to change packs like Red Fang. Despite knowing for years that they were a rough group to deal with, I have simply let them live. I can not begin to explain why I refused to stop interacting with them even after Kristoph raped multiple prospects and molested many of my pack’s pups. I guess I knew deep down that I would eventually discover the good ones, the ones who deserve a chance at a better life.
My emotions have been all over the place since Cole left. So many unanswered questions and what if’s roll through my head making it difficult to sleep at night. We did everything we could to get him back before he returned to the one place I could not step foot on without risking my life to save him. As much as I want to be his savior, not even his beta can tell me where he’s at and that’s not a suicidal mission I’m willing to risk.
I open my eyes just enough to see the time on the clock beside the bed, nearly 8am. I slip into my shoes as I make my way to the bathroom making short work of my needs before grabbing my shirt and heading out to the elevator. I look through the buffet style breakfast and quickly make my selection before heading back to my room. I eat the hardy breakfast in silence as I scroll through my phone. I’ve been relying on it more than usual as the majority of my updates are coming through email.
I hop in the shower once I’m finished and head out again, this time towards White General Hospital. My conversation with Alpha White laid out exactly what my expectations were for Jeremy Jenkins and he agreed easily to the plan. Unfortunately, the last I heard from Jon was that they were simply providing them food and shelter but not much had happened with Jerry.
My wolf growls lightly at the thought of the young wolf not receiving proper care. I had to calm my inner beast who’s been ready to take Jerry home since I spoke with them Saturday, even if they don’t willingly come with us.
‘Easy there, my friend.’
I try to soothe the beast that’s clawing to get out.
‘Pup is hurt. Must help him.’
‘We are going to help. Stay close. I may need you to surface but if I need you it will be eyes only. Do you understand?’
‘Yes master.’
‘Good boy.’
The ease of the conversation at least calms that part of my nervousness. Despite his eagerness to protect a pup he’s never met, he's submitting to the control he knows I need to get this done. The young boy is going to be terrified of both of us and control will be the only way to calm him.
I find the hospital easily only to curse the difficulty in parking. After twenty minutes of roaming the parking lot I finally stumble upon someone leaving near the main entrance and park the van easily in the space. I walk swiftly to the front desk and get the directions I need. All families using the hospital as part of Operation Underground are assigned rooms on the top floor in the west wing. I thank the receptionist and follow the signs for the west wing until I reach the elevator. I wait impatiently for my turn only to find myself getting shoved off the elevator earlier than I needed. It’s already a trying day and I haven’t even encountered the difficulties involved in taming an injured, scared pup.
The elevator finally returns but it heads down before traveling up again. All I can do is close my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose in an effort to keep my head straight. The elevator finally opens to a cheerful floor that looks to be designed exclusively for children. I approach the first desk I see and patiently gain the nurse’s attention.
“I’m sorry. I seem to be a little lost. I’m looking for a little boy and his family. They’re supposed to be staying here under Operation Underground. Jeremy Jenkins was admitted Saturday night.”
“You are in the correct place, sir. The fifth and sixth floors of the west wing are used for families while those same two floors on the east are used for adults without pups. Jeremy is room 5 in pod E. He’s the last pod you come to before the therapeutic play room.”
She points behind her, a wall with a door and two very large windows can be seen straight back with rooms to each side creating a circle around the nurse’s station. I thank her for her assistance and start making my way back towards the rooms. I’m shocked to see so many rooms filled on what I had assumed was going to be a ghost floor.
The screams of a child puts me on high alert as one, barely clad in a hospital gown, comes running out of the room sitting closest to the playroom. I put myself in the young lad’s path hoping that his panic would keep him from seeing me until it was too late to get away. I squat down in front of him as his confusion grows. It’s easy to see the amount of pain he is suffering through his tear filled brown eyes.
“Jeremy Jenkins.”
I speak gently seeing how frightened he is. His eyes snap to attention, looking into mine briefly before looking away.
“How do you know me?”
His whispers are barely perceptible but my wolf has never left me, lending me his hearing so nothing escapes.
“I am Alpha Demetri Black. We spoke on the phone.”
“I yelled at you.”
His voice is hushed but much louder now that he’s panicked.
“I’m not mad, Jeremy.”
I try to calm him but it falls on deaf ears.
“Alphas hurt me. I’m sorry. I’m a good wolf. I’m sorry I didn’t lie.”
He rushes through as his tears fall. It’s easy to see that he’s trying to find a way around me but his resolve to run is quickly fading into immense pain.
“I’m here to help you. Let me help you, Jeremy. Are your parents in the room?”
He shakes his head as his eyes dart from one hand, to my face, to the other hand. While it would be easy for any pup to duck around my outstretched hands, it’s enough to cause Jerry a lot of hesitation.
“It hurts alpha.”
He whispers hesitantly as he struggles to control his urge to run. He takes a step back as my bright gold wolf eyes flash briefly. I’m surprised when he responds with a flash of light amber.
His breath catches as worry consumes him. I’m well aware that a pup of only six years has no control of such a reaction and it’s critical that I communicate that knowledge. I cock my head slightly to the side with a soft smile, bringing my hands slowly towards his face. He instantly begins to shake but his wolf compels him to remain within reach of mine.
‘Pup feels scared and very very lost. Must get close. Must comfort him.’
I smile internally at my wolf’s paternal need to help pups indiscriminately. I cave into his desire and allow my eyes to change into the golden eyes of my wolf. He whimpers quietly, uncertain about the change he sees and feels.
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