I am so very sorry for the delay on this chapter, and unfortunately the next might be a similar situation. Work is hectic right now with seasonal and I just don't have the time or mental stamina to keep up with that and come up with content for the next chapters. I will continue writing, be sure of that, the chapters just may have a larger gap than I would like. Please stick with me as we all try to survive the coming mayhem of the holidays.
Thank you to the people that are sticking with me and I hope the chapter was worth the wait!
~~~~~
Samantha watched Dominic lying on the ground, writhing in pain, his skin rippling as if filled with water. He stared glassy eyed up at Misty as she held him tightly in her lap, shouting at him to let his wolf out. There were others gathering around her, including Kate and her Patrol, but one deep snarl from Misty had them backing up quickly. They settled a good distance away but still Misty held her slightly hunched posture over her Destined, ready for any sort of attack.
Behind Samantha was a similar situation. A large group was beginning to mass behind her, including her friends, the Alphas along with the close family members, Pearl, and other curious staff who wanted to see what was going on. Many of the individuals gathered were shouting over one another, asking questions and barking orders. Ben was doing his best to not lose his temper, but with every second his voice rose higher in volume while his hands moved with more intense gestures. Soon not even Garrett's restraining hand would be able to keep him from throwing a punch. Beside them, Jarod was on the verge of having an asthma attack because of the stress and from adding his own loud demands for answers. Sol and Orion were doing their best to cut through the noise to give Ben the answers he was demanding while also give orders to the pack members around them. The only thing keeping the bubble of chaos from spilling out of the Den and right on top of Dominic were the twins.
All of the mayhem fell on deaf ears for Samantha. She was too focused on the horror unfolding before her. Dominic was still continuing to wither and thrash on the ground, his dull blue eyes leaking rivers of tears while Misty held him to herself.
"What's wrong with him?!" Samantha tried shoving her way past Storm and Thunder, who were fighting hard to hold everyone inside of the Den. She pushed against Thunder's chest, her hand reaching past him as he wrapped her in his arms. She was sobbing pitifully, scared and confused but determined to get to her best friend. "Let me help him! I need to help him!" Storm came in behind her, taking her firmly by the shoulders and forcing her to turn and look at him. She fought, twisting her neck as far as she could until finally he had enough and grabbed her by the chin. His gold eyes held hers, locking them in a staring contest until her breathing was more under control. Even in the state she was in, she couldn't help but be affected by the man restraining her.
"Are you finished?" Storm asked. Samantha tried to curse at him, but her lips were puckered from his firm grasp, making them come out as half syllables and spit. She settled for glaring instead. "Good. Then please let us explain-" He was interrupted as Dominic sobbed, then screamed in pain. The sudden noise distracted Storm enough that his grip slacked. Samantha was able to turn her head just in time to witness Dominic shifting into his wolf form.
It was nothing like when he had turned in their rooms from catching Lark's scent; then, it had been swift, smooth, even graceful. This time, though, it was slow and incoherent. His joints cracked, fur sprouted in patches, and howls of pain accompanied his sobs and whimpers. Misty was the only thing keeping him thrashing or hurting himself.
Finally, a booming voice silenced all the others. "Enough! Everyone back to their duties. I want this hallway cleared immediately." Orion stood to his full massive height, which alone had many of the lookie-loos scampering off.
"Thunder." Storm handed Samantha back to his brother who began forcing everyone farther inside. Ben argued, but there wasn't much he could do to fight back. Jarod and Garrett were less resistant, but no less upset. They all reluctantly allowed themselves to be herded back into the Den and into their rooms. Sol and her close family all stayed behind as she continued to give orders.
The entire walk back was a struggle. The twins had their hands full keeping everyone moving. Samantha continued to fight, re-instigating the others every time she attempted to run around the big men to make a run for it. It was only after Flint re-joined them that order was restored. He was able to calm Garrett enough for him to act as the calming agent until they made it to the sitting room. There, everyone finally settled and Storm let go of Samantha. Once his hands were free he began conducting the other pack members that were with them.
"Pearl." Their ever present guardian snapped to attention as Thunder gave his orders. "Stay with them. Do not let them outside until the situation is resolved. Have the other Betas been informed?"
The high pony-tail on Pearl's head bounced dramatically with her eager nod. "They have already sent out a warning to the pack to stay clear of the West wall and Clay is the one in charge of the Patrol Unit guarding Dominic incase he needs to be put down. The infirmary-"
"What the hell do you mean, put down?!" Samantha had heard people saying that before. When Flint had been unable to merge with his wolf and was going to be killed, they had referred to it as "putting him down".
Without warning, Samantha darted out into the hall, shoving Pearl into Thunder and sliding behind the other werewolves speaking with Storm before tearing down the corridor. She could hear shouting behind her, but it only spurred her to run faster. Glancing back as she rounded the first corner, she could see Jarod and the others trying to follow her lead, but were being stopped by a panicked looking Storm and Thunder. She kept going, doing her best to remember the way through the maze of the Den. Mostly she had to rely on the odd concentration of people moving out of similar hallways. She figured they were all moving out of the way as the Alphas had ordered as simply went in the opposite direction as them. She repeated this until she could see the entrance to the outside. Her steps halted suddenly as her eyes landed on the scene through the open door.
Two wolves, one black and the other white, were fighting just outside the entrance to the Den. The black was on top of the white, his jaws clamped down on the scruff of her neck as she struggled on the ground. With a well placed kick he was torn from her, causing blood to spray all over the ground and stain the white of her fur. The male stumbled back, tripping and allowing the female an opening to execute a counter attack. She lunged, knocking them both to the ground where they tumbled and snarled.
Samantha watched in horrified fascination as the two massive beasts battled. The female was so fast, darting back and forth as the taller but thinner male tried to keep up. At times they would slow and circle each other, but eventually the male would become impatient and the battling would start again.
Samantha continued to stare dumbstruck until a palm wrapped around her eyes and another clasped over her mouth. She instantly began to struggle, but a part of her recognized the hands holding her and she allowed herself to be pulled back. She knew she was no match for Thunder's strong grasp.
After falling back a safe distance and hiding behind a corner, the werewolf finally pulled his hands away. Samantha was prepared for it, her fury building on the tip of her tongue ready to lash out the moment she was free, but the rage choked inside of her throat when she found herself standing directly in front of the other twin. Storm's eyes were livid, the gold flashing bright and swirling as they changed back and forth from human to not. He was shaking slightly, and his hands were just a bit too tight as he reached forward and grabbed her arms.
"What the
Hell
were you thinking, Samantha, running into the middle of a Destined pair while they battle to mate? Are you trying to get yourself killed?!" Storm was no longer the only one shaking. Samantha could only stare in silent fear as the massive Were glared down at her. She couldn't get the words to come out to snap at him, or to beg him to let her go.
"Brother, enough."