Medic and the Wolf

The North

Troy and I lay in our beds both staring at the ceiling. As sleep starts to take me, I hear a loud bang, then a thud. It joults us both out of bed, standing in the middle of the room on high alert listening for any more noise. We hear people screaming, glass breaking and cars crashing outside. Then there is another bang that's coming from downstairs but can't tell if it’s inside or out. I silently went to the door and looked out into the hall. Two men are there doing the same as me and Troy. Then Kate’s door opens and she pokes her head out with her finger to her lips, saying to be quiet. She had no expression on her face, we hold eye contact. I’m looking for any change in her face and eyes.

It feels an eternity has passed when another bang comes, now the door at the bottom of the stairs rattles. Her eyes widen for a split second. “BOY” she whispers, yells. Her son is right behind her. She gives him a look and he knows exactly what she is saying. He moves quickly and silently up to the next floor. I’m quite impressed with him. She motions for us to follow him. The men go, then Troy. I put Kate between me and Troy as I bring up the rear.

We end up in a large room where her son closes a hatch after me and dolts it shut. Kate moves to the window and looks out. She gives a little sigh, I come up behind her and see what she sees. Chaos is pure chaos, people running and chasing, small fires in the distance and the sounds of people’s screams. I’m not sure if Kate and her son can hear it, but us wolves do. She leans back on my chest and my hands rest on her hips.

“ We will stay here for the rest of the night. It will end soon, they will not get through the door,” she whispers. “ Relax everyone and get some rest, I’ll keep watch.” I give a slight nod to the men and they start to relax. Kate is true to her word and keeps watch over everyone as they sleep. I stay with her at the window until the sun comes up. The sun slowly rises over the city. The sun's rays shine off the high-rise buildings, making them shine like diamonds. “ This is my favorite part of the day” she whispers more to herself, but I hear.

She moves away and opens the hatch. I grabbed her arm to stop her. “ How do you know it’s safe?”

She gives me a warm smile and pats my hand, “ don't worry, it’s fine.” I hesitate at first, not wanting to let go.

“ I’ll go first then. You follow after.”

“ Don’t worry, if ma says it's fine, then it is. She always knows when it’s safe.” Her son says.

Everyone is starting to wake up now. I open the hatch and go down first, slowly scanning for anyone or anything to be in the house. The men followed and we cleared the second floor. We proceeded down to the first floor, carefully opening the door and ready to attack anyone. The men and I cleaned that floor as well, deeming it safe.

I heard a small gasp and looked back to see Kate standing in the doorway taking in all the destruction. There is a flash of pain in her eyes before it's gone.

Her son starts to clean up and the men help him. I took Kate into the kitchen and sat her down at the table. Troy starts coffee and I dig into her fridge. She just sits there looking completely drained. I set out all the ingredients to make breakfast. Kate starts to get up. “ I’ll get breakfast started” she says.

I rushed to her side and put her back in her chair. “ We will make it, you sit and rest love.” I said and kissed her forehead. She gives a strange look but says nothing.

Troy and I go around mixing pancake batter, making eggs, bacon sausage and toast. I handed Kate a mug of coffee along with a bowl of cream and sugar. When the food is done, I take it to the dining room. The table is already set and the place is cleaned up. We all sit and fill our plates. This meal is quiet compared to last night, it’s like now one wants to disrupt the peace.

We hear a small “thank you” float in our ears. We all stopped and looked at Kate. She is gazing at all of us, her eyes glassy. “ Thank you all for helping me and my son.” Some men have smiles on their faces and others nod to her. I put my hand over hers and gave a small squeeze.

“There's no need for that. You opened your home to us. It's the least we can do. We will be leaving after we clean up after breakfast. You need your rest.” I said with a smile.

We finish eating, clean up and pile into two trucks. Kate and her son walked us out. I stopped and turned to her. “ I will be leaving the white truck for you to use until your car arrives. I also have a job offer for you. I would love for you to join our team. You don't have to answer, now you can think about it.” I handed her an envelope. “ Job and pay details”

She has a shocked look on her face and takes it with shaky hands. “ thank you, but I’m not sure about that. I didn’t even finish training.”

“ Don’t worry about that, from what we all have seen already you are definitely the best and will always have a place with us.”

With that, she gives me a hug goodbye and we head back down South. The ride back home was quiet, Troy was sitting next to me.

“ I’m proud of ya man, I thought I would have to knock you out and drag ya home.”

I scoffed at him, lay my head back and sighed. “ I just hope she will come back soon.”

Kate

I watched them disappear down the driveway onto the street. My son puts his arm around my shoulders and gives me a squeeze. “ You like him don't you?” he asks me. I rolled my eyes at him and headed into the house. He sets out to fix the window that is broken, the entry point from last night.

Laying on my bed, I keep looking at that envelope on my bedside table. I toss and turn trying to sleep, but that damn thing keeps calling for me. I sat up in a huff and grabbed the damn thing. I open it and start reading the papers. It all looks normal, it is a job offer. I come to the benefits and pay. My eyes almost bug out of my head, this can’t be right. Maybe it's a typo, a few too many zeros. Sleep finally takes over me.

A week later

I’m at the station on shift. I have not talked to Steve for a few days. I’m still upset with him for making my son worried for no reason. I’m sitting outside enjoying the sunshine. Steve sits down beside me.

“ Kate, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset him. Please forgive me.”

“ Why did you even call him? You have never done that before and know how I feel about making my kids worry.”

“ I was worried about you. The Chief said the Commander called and it sounded like you were having a hard time. I tried calling you but didn’t get a hold of you. I even called that station and was told you were not there. I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.”

“ Does it really surprise you that they did not tell you anything? You're not my next of kin or family member. I became ill after a water rescue. They brought me home to recover after a few days.”

“ Did they give you that truck as well? What did you have to do to get that?” his tone was hard.

“ I don't like your tone or what you are applying. What has happened to you?” I stood up to walk away. Steve grabbed my arm. I gasped “ what are you doing?” I deadpanned him.

“ Look, I’m sorry for everything. It was hard when you were away. Don't be mad.. Friends?”

I look at him cautiously “ Yeah friends”, he lets me go. I have an uneasy feeling, one he has never given me before.

I went into the station straight to the Chief's office. I told him what just happened with Steve and ask to switch my schedule to the opposite of Steve’s for a bit. I also asked him not to tell Steve anything about me anymore, expectantly if I was away for training. Chief is as surprised as I am about his behavior and agrees. I thanked him and left for my seat to look over the garden.

I’m relaxing watching the butterflies flutter from flower to flower when I hear a deep voice from the other room. It sounds familiar, there is a deep rumble of a laugh. I feel the vibration in my chest. Then Chief's voice, Chief came in, followed by Jake.

“ AAH there she is” says the chief. “I believe you know who this Stone is. The commander here would like to tour the station. I have a meeting. Would you mind?”

“ Not at all, Chief”, I gave a small smile.

Chief leaves for his meeting. “ What are you doing here?” I asked Jake.

“ I’m delivering you your car and would like a tour of the station. How have you been?”

“ Much better thank you. I did want to ask you about the paperwork you gave me. I think the salary is a typo.”

His deep rumble of a laugh cuts me off “ It’s not a typo. Everything in there is correct and you're worth every penny and more.” He chuckles at my confused look and puts his arm around my shoulders. “ So show me around would ya?” A giggle slips as we start the tour. I saw Steve standing in a dark hallway with a pissed-off look on his face. Whats his problem? I thought to myself.

I showed him the sitting and game room, the engine bay with all the trucks and equipment. We go out back and show him all the training grounds and explain every station and how versatile they are. As we were walking back up front of the station, I caught him looking at me.

“ It’s not as grand as your station, but it serves us well.”

“ Oh no it’s great. I can see you love it here.” He was about to say something else but the alert system went off.

“ I’m on shift, I have to go. You can wait if you like.”

Chief is in the bay “ Jake, would you like to jump on? I give my blessings if you're interested.” he says while making the sign of the cross.

Jake looks at me as if asking for permission. I nod and we jump on together. It’s a medical call so we’re in the ambulance. As we approach the scene I tell Jake to put his suit on. I climb through the small door from the front to the back. I put my suit on and made sure Jake’s was on right. I hand him his gloves, glasses and mask, we put everything on as we stop. I grab the bag and Jake gets the monitor. I have Steve stay outside in case we need more equipment. He’s not happy about it. Jake doesn't say anything about it.

I’m first in the door, I’m almost knocked back by the pungent smell. We proceed with caution. I radioed Steve asking to double check the notes, he confirmed it was a call for respiratory difficulty.

“Stone, what’s going on? You OK?” Asks Steve.

“Something is not right- OH GOD!” I yelled in surprise. As I went around the corner I saw three people dead on the floor, all signs of the virus.

“ What the hell?” Jake says.

“ What happened!! STONE!” Steve came over the radio.

“ Yeah Steve, this is a hive, you know what to do.”

“ Get out of there NOW STONE!”

We move through the house room by room, finding more dead bodies all in different stages of decomposing. Second to last room, we find a woman lying in bed and breathing her last breath. She has signs of the virus as well. I stop Jake from getting any closer to her. We backed out of the room and opened the last door. I couldn't believe the sight in front of me.

The room is small but clean with only a bed, a small clothes chest and a table with a lamp on it. On the bed is a small child and seems to be healthy.

“ Steve come to the East Side with an isolation blanket and a mask for a child.” I radioed him.

“ Got it on my way.”

“ Hey honey it’s OK. My name is Kate and this is Jake. Did you call 911?”

She nods her head, curling into a tighter ball. “ Mommy”

“That's a big girl very smart. We are here to help you.” Jake goes to the window and opens it when Steve arrives with the supplies. Jake hands them to me.

“ What's your name?” I asked.

“ Chrissy”

“OK Chrissy, I’m going to put this blanket around you and this mask on you. Is that OK?” She nods, when she is ready I pick her up and try to hand her to Steve through the window. Chrissy grabs hold of my neck and doesn't let go. When I try and pry her off she starts to scream. I rub her back trying to sooth her as she crys. Jake rubs her head gently and she calms down.

“ Chrissy, will it be OK if Jake goes out the window and then I hand you to him?” She lifts her head up, looks at me, then looks at Jake.

“ Are you coming? Don’t leave me Kate.”

“ Yes, I’m coming too, but we have to go through the window one at a time, OK?”

She gives a small nod and Jake squeezes through. When he is out and ready, I hand him Chrissy, then it’s my turn. I slide out head first Steve is there helping me get on my feet. No sooner had I stood up straight, Chissy was diving at me, to the surprise of everyone.

“ Hey pretty girl. We’re going to take a ride to the doctors now. I will be right with you.”

We take her into the back of the ambulance and strap her to the stretcher.Jake is with me and hands me the monitor. I gave her a quick once over and a set of vitals. She has no signs of the virus. She is very lucky or immune. I carry Chrissy into an isolation room in the ER. I leave her with Jake so I can talk to the doctors about her presents. I go into the decon room and discard my suit mask and gloves. I clean my glasses. As I talk to the doctors, giving them her situation and report on my findings. I looked over at the room and saw Chrissy talking to Jake. He makes her laugh. It's so cute. I tell the doctors to keep me updated on her condition. I feel drawn to her for some reason.

I call Jake out of the room when the doctors come in. I led him to the decon room and helped him discard his suit.

“ What will happen to her?” he asks.

“ I’m not really sure. Most times they end up in an orphanage under the city’s care.” I say, looking away from him. “ I’ve asked for them to keep me updated about her, but I don't know.”

Jake holds my chin and turns my head to face him. “ She will be just fine.”

“ I hope you're right.”

I explained to Jake what a hive was on our way out to help Steve clean up. A hive or nest is a place where multiple sick people are. They are either sick, dead or dying and find about three a day. Steve called in a special unit to identify the bodies, contact family if there is any and dispose of the one not claimed. I don't know how they do that and don't want to know. Everyone deserves to be laid to rest with dignity.

We arrive back at the station and see Troy waiting for us. I jumped out of the truck and ran up to him and gave him a big hug. “ What are you doing here?” I squealed.

“ Whoa hey there Kate, good to see you too. How are you?” Troy said, laughing.

“ Well, that's a better hello than I got” said Jake, laughing as well.

I stepped back from Troy and introduced him to Steve. Steve has a pissed look and just nods before going into the station.

“ Did I do something wrong?” Troy asks, looking concerned.

I shook my head. “ I have no idea what his problem is, he’s changed. He used to be a brother to me. Now he is a stranger. Let’s get something to eat before we get another call.”

I led them up to the second floor where the kitchen bunk rooms and another sitting room are. I look in the fridge and see chicken, tomato and spinach. I get the idea of grilled chicken sandwiches. I ask the guys if they're good with that and they say yes. I get out the grilling pan and frying pan and start cooking the chicken. I make enough for everyone in the station. Jake and Troy are having a light conversation as well as Jake telling Troy about the call we had and the little girl. Of course, I interject at times to correct Jake with a smile on my face. As I’m plating the last of the sandwiches, I ring the big cow bell. Jake and Troy have confused looks and I tell them to fix their plate and stand back.

A minute later, we heard the stampede of the crews coming up the steps. They file in grabbing plates and sandwiches. We hear comments such as “ I was hoping you were gonna cook.”

“Thanks girly your the best”

“ Sweet chicken, you are the best.”

Most of the crew kiss me on the head as they pass. Jake and Troy stand back and watch with amused looks on their faces. Everyone has a plate and grabs a seat, even the Chief is here, but I don't see Steve. He’s usually one of the first ones here. I sat next to Jake and Troy and dug in. When I am halfway through mine, “ So what's up with Steve?” I ask no one in particular. The crew goes quiet, they know something.

“Oh come on guys, I know you know something. What has happened? Why has he changed? I ask when no one answers.

“ We were hoping you could tell us. When you went to training, he became distant and started to become mean to the younger guys.”

I am shocked to hear this and I know my face reflects that. That's not Steve at all.

“ I have no idea. He won't talk and if he doesn't talk, then we can’t help with whatever it is.” They all nodded in agreement.

“ Well, hate to break up this love fest, but Stone, you can have the rest of the shift off to play tour guide for your guests. Your new schedule starts now and lunch was great, by the way.” says the Chief. He pats me on the shoulder on the way out.

The crew snaps their heads at me when he mentions my NEW schedule. The crew chief is about to say something when the alert system sounds. Saved by the bell, literally. They all stampede out.

“ Do you have to go, Kate?” Troy asked. I shook my head no “ It’s a building fire. I’ll grab my bag and meet you out front.”

I’m in the locker room grabbing my bag, I have a small smile on my face and have a light feeling inside. I close my locker door and Steve is standing behind it. He scares me with surprise. After I gathered myself, I noticed the malaice look on his face.

“ What are you doing?” I asked.

“ It must be nice to have the rest of the shift off. Just because they are here you leave me? I thought you had one f**k boy, but now I see you have two. Greedy greedy girl.” He sneers at me.

“ Don't be disgusting Steve, I went away for training. They were my instructors. It was purely professional, neither one of them was my f**k boy. Anyway, if they were it would still be NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS! Now get out of my way.”

He steps in my way and won't let me pass. “ what do they have that I don't? I have been waiting for you for 5 years and never gave me a second look.”

I’m so confused. Did Steve just confess to liking me? “ Steve, what are you talking about? You are a brother, a friend to me, nothing more. Plus you are MARRIED!” I try to push past him, he grabs me and slams me into the lockers, holding me by my collar, pressing into my chest.

“ Don't you walk away from me” he screamed in my face. “ Don't you know? Haven’t you noticed I’ve been in love with you?! I only keep the w***e around so I can pretend she is you when I f**k her.”

My eyes are wide in shock and having a hard time breathing. His hand on my chest feels like it's crushing me. I try to fight him off, but everytime I move his hand presses harder. I try to scream for help but only a squeak comes out. Now I’m fighting to stay awake and to breathe. Oh, please someone come in here.

My vision is about gone when all the weight is lifted off and I can take a big breath in. I gulp for air and cough as I slide to the floor. I hear loud voices and more footsteps. Slowly my vision comes back, I roll on my back, still coughing and gulping for the sweet sweet air. The Chief and Troy are holding Steve back and Jake is on the ground by my side.

“ Are you OK Kate?” Jake asks with worry and concern in his eyes. I squeaked out a yes, holding my chest. Jake moves my hand and part of my shirt to see the deep bruise on my chest. It makes him fly into a rage and hits Steve in the face, knocking him out cold.

Chief hands Troy rope to tie him up while he calls the police. The other ambulance crew checks me out and tries to talk me into going to the hospital. I refuse, of course. I gave my statement to the police and they took Steve away. Chief kept apologizing to me, saying he should have known he was coming unhinged, guilt reflecting in his eyes. I keep telling him it’s not his fault. He gave me a week off to recover.

Jake and Troy are close to me and I’m grateful for that. I want them close to me. When everything is said and done, I look at Jake. “Take me home please.” I stood up and my legs were shaky. Jake puts an arm around me to help hold me up and takes me to the truck. I fell asleep on the way home.

Jake

Kate falls asleep next to me. I am still fuming mad. How can that son of a b***h hurt her like that! UUGGHHHH!!!!!! I take deep breaths to calm myself. I can’t lose control, not now. We arrived at her house. I picked her up and carried her inside. I’m halfway up the steps when her son comes and sees me. He doesn't say anything.. Yet. I lay her on her bed, took her boots off and covered her with her blankets.

I arrived in the living room in time to see her son turn red. I assume Troy was filling him in.

“ How can that son of a b***h do that to her?” he roared. At least we think alike, I say to myself. “ Did he say why he did that? Do you know why?” he asks us. Troy looked at me.

“ He didn’t tell us but we heard him say that he has been in love with your mom for years as we went into the locker room when we heard screaming. It sounded like she rejected him and he flew off into a rage.” I told him. “ He has been arrested and she filed charges against him.”

Her son scoffs “ yeah, right charges”, shaking his head. Troy and I looked at each other, then at him. We are missing something.

“ What are we missing here?” Troy asks.

He passes back and forth in the room. “ Steve is from a very influential family here in the city. His family will get the charges swept under the rug and him out of jail. He will probably be out tonight.”

“What do we do? We can't leave her here alone. He will most likely come after her,” Troy says.

He stops passing. “ I will call my sister and have her and the baby come here just in case he goes after them. You two will stay here and protect them. Feel free to call more people if you feel the need too.”

“OK sounds good but what are you going to do? You need to stay here as well if he comes after you.” I told him.

He gets a sadistic glint in his eye and says “ I get to play.”