Shadow of the Eclipse

Chapter 5

Van felt as though ice had flooded her veins. The whole way back to the pack house, she couldn't take her mind off of Jax. At first, she tried to shrug it off. Some injuries took more time. After all, healing in general wasn't an instantaneous thing. Maybe River...no. River wasn't stupid. And the fear she had seen in his eyes back there only meant one thing. Jax was dying. And nothing made sense. Why wasn't he healing? What provoked these attacks? Why were rogues suddenly working together? One thing was for sure. River wasn't afraid for Jax. He was scared for her sake.

Gamma Garth Helmer was known for two things. His brutality in battle and his absolute hatred for all werecats. It wouldn't matter that his son was still breathing because of her, Garth would find every way imaginable to spin this and make it seem as if she had tried to kill his son. The words traitor and attempted murder would definitely be hurled at her. Along with several other unsavory slurs.

Van sighed heavily. Yep. This was not going to be fun.

She may have been adopted into the pack years ago, but even now, she was still having to prove herself. Each day was a silent battle to affirm to herself and everyone around her that she belonged here. That Alpha Tobias and Luna Jade did not make a mistake by saving her life and allowing her to call this place her home. She owed them everything, and she refused to let them down. Or worse. Let Silas down. He had taken care of her like his own since day one. She could never repay him.She wasn't a wolf. But this was her pack. And he was her family.

While many accepted her, there were still those like Garth who were always waiting for her to make a mistake. Step out of line. Just once. So they could call on the Alpha to banish her...or worse.

Van shuddered at the thought. She had heard stories and rumors of executions. It was not something she ever wanted to witness. Or be part of...

She felt a large hand grip her shoulder, interrupting her thoughts, and forcing her to stop in her tracks. She looked up at Silas. His expression was stern. The doors to the packhouse closed as the last of the group went inside.

So close. Kita pouted.

"Show me." Silas' voice was commanding yet soft.

"It's nothing. A scratch." Van tried to brush him off and stepped towards the large intricately carved oak doors.

Silas blocked her path.

"Now." He growled. Van rolled her eyes and lifted her shirt just enough for Silas to see her injury.

"See? Nothing." She noticed blood had started to seep through the garment as she pulled it back down. She crossed her arms over her chest and raised an eyebrow.

"Nothing? You were practically disemboweled! I want you in the infirmary now." He snapped. "You are to rest the remainder of the day. I will have food sent to your room."

"But-" she started but he cut her off with a harsh look. "Fine." she conceded.

Silas gave her shoulder a small squeeze and offered her an apologetic smile.

"I'm sorry, Van. You did well today. I am proud of you. But..." He trailed off. He never was great with expressing his emotions.

"I get it. I'm sorry for worrying you. But you know I'm stronger than I look. You can't baby me forever." Van nudged him with her elbow. He chuckled, knowing she was right. She was a grown woman now, but when he looked at her he saw the small girl he used to carry in his arms.

"I'll check on you later. I have to meet with Tobias about today's...events." Silas chose his words carefully so as not to alarm anyone who may have overheard him. He walked away, leaving her to make her way to the infirmary.

The hallway leading to the medical wing seemed to go on forever. This was her least favorite place. The smell of antiseptic assaulted her nose. She had once heard the distinct scent of the medical facility described as 'death and disinfectant'. Which she had to admit was pretty accurate.

She reached the doors and paused. Her mind wandered back to her first days at the Moonstone Pack. Doctors. Machines beeping. Needles...so many needles. From stitches to blood draws, it seemed like she had become a pin cushion.

She shook her head, shooing away the memories, and pushed the doors open.

"May I help you?" a small blonde woman in a nurse's uniform asked her kindly.

"Uh...yeah I guess." Van replied. She gestured to the blood staining her shirt. "I'm supposed to have this looked at." She shrugged.

"Exam room one please." the nurse chirped and pointed to an open door. Van smiled at her and nodded before heading to the room and sitting on the exam table.

This is embarrassing. She grumbled to Kita. What shifter goes to the doctor for a scratch?

One that isn't healing. Kita's words echoed in her mind.

What?! Van frantically lifted her shift, exposing the giant wound. Kita was right. The wound continued to seep blood. There was no sign that it had begun to mend at all. How? She was sure it had begun healing. At least she thought so, before they left the river. It had pained her to walk back but she didn't think anything of it, sometimes larger injuries stung while they healed.

She heard a commotion outside of her room. Frenzied voices spoke in hushed tones. Van listened carefully to what they were saying.

"There's no other explanation!" one man whispered.

"There has to be! How could that be possible?" another voice interjected.

"Until we have conclusive evidence that disproves it we will treat it as such to err on the side of caution." a third said in a way that meant no one had better question him.

"But how could the Gamma's son have been poisoned? And with what? There's no trace of anything in his lab work." the first asked.

Van covered her mouth to silence the gasp that escaped. Poison? Jax was poisoned? She looked down at the gashes in her stomach and a shiver went down her spine.

Just then the doors to the infirmary flew open.

"Where is my son?! Take me to him! Now!" Garth burst in like a bat out of hell. He scanned the room angrily but stopped when his eyes met hers through her open doorway. His expression darkened.

Damn. was all she could think.