Chapter 338
Chapter 338
“Alright,” I say firmly, locking my gaze on her. “But know this—you’re under my watch every second. The moment I lose sight of you, you’re done. You’ll be back here, no questions asked. If I have to carry you myself, I will. I don’t care how much you throw a tantrum. You’ll even pee with supervision, understood? We can’t risk anything—not for you, not for the pack’s future.” My eyes narrow as I hold her in place, and though she glares back, I can tell she’s itching for a fight. Honestly, I think she just enjoys arguing for its own sake sometimes. Probably because Jer never says no to her. I add, “By the way, your scent’s changed again. What’s going on p>
A sly smile tugs at her lips, reminding me of Kennedy when she’s plotting something. “Well, it’s not just one pup this time,” she says, her hand gently resting on her belly. “There are two.” She strokes the curve of her stomach tenderly before drifting over to Jer, who presses a soft kiss right where her belly button lies.
“That’s my cue to take my leave,” Jer says, glancing at his watch. “Luna, I’ll be down in ten minutes. We’re heading to the clinic. Be ready.” Neither of them even look my way. I sigh, rolling my eyes, then turn away to shower and change for the day.
When we step into Doc Jensen’s lab, Rayna’s reaction is immediate and sharp. “What died?” she asks, her voice tense.
I take a moment to scan the room. The sterile scent of antiseptic hangs thick in the air, making it difficult to pick out any other odors.
“That would be the heart and liver of a rogue we found near the border between our territory and Malcom Junior’s. The poor thing was foaming at the mouth and in the middle of a change kind of like what you all have been describing lately. I wanted to run some tests to figure out what might be in his system p>
“Will these help, Doc?” I hold out a small vial of clear liquid and a container holding a white powder.
Doc Jensen peers over his glasses, curiosity lighting up his face. “What have you got there, Benjamin?” He probably doesn’t care much about the specifics—he just loves the thrill of a new puzzle.
“I was hoping you could tell us,” I explain. “Elara and I found these in a cave along the waterfront belonging to her and Junior’s pack. The place was stocked with all kinds of stuff, but nothing was labeled in a way that made sense to outsiders. There were tables and workstations, but no clues about what they were making or using these for. Can you help us figure it out p>
He grins broadly. “I thought you’d never ask, my boy p>
Twisting off the black cap from the vial, he takes a cautious sniff but keeps his expression neutral. Suddenly, Rayna covers her nose and mouth, her knees wobbling slightly. I step forward quickly, ready to catch her if she falls.
“What are you smelling, Luna?” I ask, concern sharpening my tone.
“It’s like acid burning my nose hairs,” she gasps, struggling to stay upright. “I feel dizzy p>
“This isn’t good. We’re leaving.” I move to guide her toward the door.
“Wait!” Doc Jensen steps forward, his eyes wild. I halt, positioning myself between him and Rayna. “Can you still smell it with the cap on?” he asks.
Rayna nods, her face pale.
“And the powder-can you smell that too p>
Another nod.
“They both smell like preservatives,” she says, squinting as she tries to focus. “The liquid is acidic kind of like vinegar. The powder is sweet p>
“You’ve been a huge help,” Doc Jensen says, clearly energized. “That narrows it down. I’ll have an answer for you within the hour, Benjamin.” I give a brief nod, then gently push Rayna toward the door, eager to get her out of the lab’s oppressive air.