The Palace was in an uproar! Usher was declared ill and wouldn’t wake up from his sleep!
Mireya wrung her hands. She approached the doctor, Scott Saunders, who had just examined Usher’s condition.
“How is he, Scott?”
Scott took a long breath before turning to face Mireya. He looked helpless and his expression showed it. “I’m going to take a blood sample from Alpha for further examination, and if there’s no improvement in the next two days, I’ll recommend taking him to the hospital for more in-depth tests.”
“Oh, God,” Mireya gasped. Her eyes widened and she covered her mouth with both hands, as if she couldn’t contain her rising fear. “Is it that serious, Scott?”
“I can’t tell if Alpha’s illness is serious or not without further examination. Honestly, I didn’t find any symptoms in Alpha from the medical check up I just did.” Scott looked back at Usher. His look showed sadness, concern and confusion. “He’s healthy and everything seems normal.”
Mireya closed her eyes dramatically, and tears formed on her eyelids and trickled down her cheeks. “That’s what makes me even more confused, Scott. Usher has been healthy all this time. He’s never complained of anything, and routine physicals have shown nothing.”
As the most important person in the Frostholm Pack, Usher’s health was of course everyone’s priority. He had a routine check-up schedule that would thoroughly examine his health. Any minor symptoms would surely be detected, allowing the medical team to take early action.
This was exactly what bothered Scott. Usher had just had a medical check up about two weeks ago. The results showed that Alpha of the Frostholm Pack was in good health. Scott found no signs of illness, and this confusion turned into concern for him. He was fully responsible for Usher’s health.
Scott reminded himself not to get lost in worry. He realized that he needed to focus on Usher’s recovery right now. “I will examine Alpha’s blood sample immediately, Mireya. I will let you know the results soon. Excuse me.”
“Yes, Scott. I’ll wait for your news.”
Scott and his assistant left the room. Now only Mireya and two servants remained in Usher’s room.
Mireya stood up and sat down on the bed. For a moment she looked at Usher, who was sleeping with an IV needle in his wrist. She reached out and smoothed the hair that fell across Usher’s forehead.
Mireya looked at one of the shewolves and called to her. “Greisy.”
“Yes, Madam?” Greisy approached Mireya. “What can I do for you?”
“I want you to watch over Usher. Don’t let anyone in.”
Greisy confirmed the order. “Don’t let anyone in, Madam?”
“Yes,” Mireya replied as she stood. She straightened Usher’s blanket with a faint smile. “Anyone who tries to enter is forbidden, no exceptions.”
*
Garth parked the car in a hurry. He quickly unbuckled his seat belt and hurried out of the car. His strides were wide and fast as he jumped over the pile and then made his way through The Palace doors.
It was then that Garth spotted Cora. “Cora.”
Cora turned. “Garth. Just arrived?”
“Yes,” Garth replied quickly. “How is Alpha? Is it that serious?”
“Alpha has not been awake since last night. Scott examined him but couldn’t give a definite answer as to what illness Alpha is suffering from.”
The worry Garth had felt during the whole trip boiled over now. “I need to see Alpha right away.”
Cora nodded and they both went to the top floor of The Palace. They hurried. The escalating worry made them move as fast as they could.
It didn’t take them long to reach Usher’s room. Side by side, they tried to enter, but Greisy, who was guarding Usher’s door, held out her hand to block their way.
Garth and Cora’s steps stopped instantly. They both looked at Greisy in unison.
“What are you doing?” Garth asked, confused. “Are you preventing us from entering Alpha’s room?”
Greisy remained unmoved. “I have been instructed to prohibit anyone from entering Alpha’s room. Now Alpha is ill and unconscious. Alpha needs time to rest.”
“What did you say?”
Cora looked at Garth and caught the uneasy gesture. She stepped forward. “What did you say? You were ordered to prevent anyone from entering Alpha’s room?”
“I’m sure you heard well.”
Now it was Cora’s turn to be shocked. Garth pushed Cora aside and stood directly in front of Greisy.
“I’m pretty sure that doesn’t include me and Cora.”
Greisy remained unfazed. “Everyone means everyone, no exceptions.”
Garth dramatically closed his eyes. One hand rose and clenched, then he exhaled deeply, trying to be patient. “Have you recently been in an accident that caused amnesia?” he asked without waiting for Greisy’s answer. “My name is Garth Morris, and I am the Beta of the Frostholm Pack. Do you know that?”
“While I am Cora Webb,” Cora added. She lifted her face to look at Greisy. “I am the Gamma of the Frostholm Pack.”
Greisy stood firm. “You are still not allowed to enter, regardless of your position in the Frostholm Pack.”
This time Cora’s mouth was really wide open. She was in shock, and so was Garth.
Garth stepped forward with narrowed eyes. “What gives you the right to deny us entry? We want to see Alpha.”
“I’m just following orders, and for your information, Alpha is resting.”
“Just following orders? Hmm. Alright.” Garth nodded repeatedly with a hardened expression. “Who gave you the orders? From who? Was it Alpha?”
Greisy remained silent. At that moment, Cora interjected.
“It’s impossible for Alpha to forbid us to enter, especially to forbid Garth.” Cora’s eyes widened. A possibility crossed her mind and she recoiled in horror. “Oh, damn it. Don’t tell me this is Mireya’s order.”
Greisy turned to face Cora directly. “Watch your words, Cora. She is Alpha’s mate.”
“Alpha’s mate?” Cora scoffed, crossing her arms, then shook her head with a mischievous smile. “All right, I stand corrected. Mireya may be Alpha’s mate, but she is not the Luna. So, she has no right to give orders. Do you understand that?”
Greisy didn’t answer. Only her eyes blinked once.
“I’ll take that as a yes. Now, you better step aside before I lose my patience.”
Cora stepped forward and pushed Greisy with her less than 160 centimeters tall body. Unexpectedly, her petite frame was enough to send Greisy staggering backwards.
Greisy quickly grabbed the wall. Her mouth opened, but not a word came out. Cora and Garth rushed in.
Cora and Garth’s quick steps came to a sudden halt when they saw Usher lying in bed. They walked more slowly, perhaps not wanting to disturb Usher’s rest, or perhaps shocked at the sight of Usher in such a condition.
Usher looked weak. He was not the usual robust and strong Alpha.
“Alpha.”
Garth approached with an uneasy feeling. He reached out to touch Usher’s hand, but suddenly a thunderous shout rang out.
“What are you doing, Garth?!”
*