Chapter 36 - Not compatible

It was a typical Wednesday afternoon in the bustling city when Delta Marlon made his way to the office of Alpha Shane for their scheduled meeting. Delta, a respected member of the werewolf community, strode through the grand entrance of the high-rise building, his confident steps echoing in the marble-clad lobby.

As Delta stepped into the elevator, he couldn't help but feel a slight sense of unease. The meeting with Alpha Shane, the powerful leader of their pack, was always a delicate affair, requiring sharp wit and diplomatic skill. Delta took a deep breath, steeling himself for the impending discussion.

The elevator doors slid open, and Delta found himself in the plush reception area of Alpha Shane's office. Leo, the ever-attentive assistant, greeted him with a warm smile.

"Good afternoon, Delta. Alpha Shane has been expecting you. Please, go right in," Leo said, gesturing towards the ornate double doors.

Delta nodded in acknowledgment and made his way to the office. As he pushed open the doors, he was met with the commanding presence of Alpha Shane, seated behind his massive oak desk.

"Delta, welcome. Please, have a seat," Alpha Shane said, his deep voice resonating through the room.

Delta settled into the luxurious leather chair, his gaze meeting Alpha Shane's intense stare.

"Thank you for taking the time to meet with me, Alpha," Delta began, his tone respectful yet confident. "I understand you have some matters you wish to discuss."

Alpha Shane leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of him. "Indeed, Delta. There are a few pressing issues that require our attention." He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. "But first, how are you faring? You seem a bit...pale."

Delta felt a sudden pang in his chest, a familiar sensation that he had tried to ignore for weeks. "I, uh, I'm fine, Alpha. It's just been a long day, that's all."

Before Alpha Shane could respond, Delta felt a sharp pain in his nose, and a sudden trickle of blood began to flow. He instinctively reached for his handkerchief, pressing it against his face.

Alpha Shane's brow furrowed with concern. "Leo!" he called out, his voice tinged with urgency.

Leo, who had been waiting patiently outside, rushed into the room. "Yes, Alpha?"

"Call Doctor Barnes immediately. Delta is having a nosebleed, and it appears to be quite severe."

Leo's eyes widened with worry. "Right away, Alpha." He hurried out of the office, his fingers already dialing the doctor's number.

Delta winced as he held the handkerchief to his nose, the crimson stain spreading across the pristine white fabric.

Alpha Shane moved from behind his desk, coming to kneel beside Delta's chair. "Delta, are you alright? What's happening?"

Delta shook his head slightly, his voice muffled by the handkerchief. "I'm not sure, Alpha. This has been happening more frequently over the past few weeks. I thought it was just stress, but now..."

Alpha Shane's expression darkened with concern. "We need to get you checked out. Doctor Barnes will be here shortly."

As if on cue, the office door burst open, and Doctor Barnes strode in, his medical bag in hand.

"Alpha Shane, what seems to be the problem?" the doctor asked, his gaze immediately shifting to Delta's bloodied handkerchief.

"Delta is experiencing a severe nosebleed, Doctor. We need your help," Alpha Shane explained, his voice laced with worry.

Doctor Barnes quickly moved to Delta's side, gently taking the handkerchief from his hand and examining the bleeding.

"Hmm, this is quite concerning," the doctor murmured, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Delta, when was the last time you had a full check-up?"

Delta winced as the doctor pressed a clean cloth against his nose. "It's been a few months, Doctor. I've been... busy."

Doctor Barnes nodded, a knowing look in his eyes. "I see. Well, it appears this nosebleed is a symptom of something more serious. I'd like to run some tests to determine the cause."

Alpha Shane leaned forward, his expression grave. "What do you suspect, Doctor?"

The doctor sighed heavily. "Based on Delta's pallor and the persistence of the bleeding, I'm concerned that he may be anemic or even suffering from a blood disorder. We'll need to draw some blood and run a full panel to be sure."

Delta felt his heart sink. As a werewolf, he prided himself on his robust health and healing abilities. The thought of a potential illness was unsettling, to say the least.

"Doctor, is there anything I can do?" Alpha Shane asked, his concern for his pack member evident in his tone.

"Well, there is one thing," Doctor Barnes said, his gaze shifting to Delta. "Delta, do you know if you have any family members who might be compatible for a blood transfusion?"

Delta's eyes widened, and he felt a pang of guilt. "I, uh, I'm not sure. My daughter, Trixie, was in an accident when she was young, and I couldn't donate blood to her then because of... compatibility issues."

Alpha Shane furrowed his brow, confusion evident on his face. "Compatibility issues? But Trixie is your daughter, is she not? Surely your blood would be compatible."

Delta sighed, his shoulders slumping. "That's the thing, Alpha. Trixie and I... we don't share the same blood."

The room fell silent, save for the steady beeping of the medical equipment Doctor Barnes had set up. Alpha Shane and Leo exchanged a troubled look, their minds racing to comprehend the implications of Delta's revelation.

After a moment, Alpha Shane broke the silence. "Delta, I'm afraid I don't understand. Trixie is your daughter, is she not? How can it be that you two do not share the same blood?"

Doctor Barnes cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the room. "If I may, this certainly complicates matters. Without a compatible donor, Delta may require a blood transfusion from an unrelated donor, which can be more difficult to obtain and may not be as effective."

Alpha Shane's eyes narrowed, his expression a mix of confusion and concern. "But surely, as a member of our pack, we can find a suitable donor for Delta. Werewolves are known for their strong, compatible blood."

"Delta," Alpha Shane began, his voice soft yet resolute, "we will find a way to help you. You are a valued member of this pack, and we will not abandon you in your time of need."

Delta looked up, his eyes reflecting a glimmer of hope. "Thank you, Alpha. I... I don't know what to say."

Doctor Barnes cleared his throat, breaking the tense silence. "Well, the first step is to run those tests and see if we can determine the cause of your condition. In the meantime, I'd like to keep you here for observation, just to be on the safe side."

Delta nodded, wincing slightly as the doctor continued to tend to his nosebleed. Alpha Shane and Leo exchanged a silent, determined look, both resolving to do whatever it took to ensure their pack member's well-being.