Chapter 58 Fifty-Eight
Many warriors and wolves alike ran around frantically with concerned looks on their faces when Danica and Mason arrived back at the packgrounds. It seemed that something serious had happened in their absence, and it had everyone in a fit.
"What's going on?" Mason asked, grabbing hold of a man's arm that happened to rush past.
"Alpha..." The man said, his eyes widening. "The...the infected...."
"What?" Mason pushed, beginning to frown. "What's wrong with the infected?"
"They...." The man looked around as if hoping someone would save him from having to break the news. "They passed away."
Danica could feel her heart clench painfully in her chest at the man's words. The infected warriors had passed away, but how could that be? They were doing fine not even twenty-four hours ago.
"What did you say?" Mason asked, seeming to be unable to accept what the man had said.
As he waited for the man to respond, his grip on his arm tightened, causing the man to wince in pain.
"Mason..." Danica said, softly placing a hand on his arm. "You're hurting him."
Seeming to snap out of it, Mason looked down at his hand before blanching and immediately releasing his hold.
"Sorry, thanks for the information." He said quickly, allowing the terrified man to run away.
"Lets go speak with Dr. Williams." Danica suggested as Mason stood in a daze. "He can fully explain what happened."
Seeming to just remember Danica being there, Mason shook his head before letting out a breath.
"Yeah, lets go do that." He muttered; he seemed to be having a hard time processing the news.
Not saying another word, Mason began making his way to the hospital, with Danica following closely behind.
Even though Mason had seemed to completely forget her presence due to the impact of losing his packmates, Danica didn't hold it against him. If she were in his position and was as close to these wolves as Mason, she probably would find herself not handling it as well as Mason was.
They entered the hospital to find the atmosphere tense. Many people roamed around, looking frantic, while others were crying.
From the looks of it, they were most likely family and friends of the deceased.
"HOW COULD YOU LET THIS HAPPEN!?" One woman screamed as she spotted Mason. "You're our Alpha; you are supposed to protect us!"
"Melinda." A man spoke, grabbing the woman around the waist. "Alpha can't control what the moon goddess wills."
"Kevin..." Mason said quietly, placing a hand on the man's shoulder. "I'm sorry for what happened; once I've spoken with Dr. Williams and understand the situation, I will give everyone a reasonable explanation."
"THE EXPLANATION WON'T BRING MY SON BACK!" Melinda wailed as she turned and broke down in Kevin's chest.
Watching the whole scene unfold in front of her, Danica couldn't help but feel something was very off about the whole situation. Those wolves hadn't been in danger the day before, so why would they die?
"Melinda, Alpha had no control over this." Kevin continued snapping Danica's attention back to the present. "Now, let's go."
Turning Kevin pulled Melinda along and out of the hospital as Danica and Mason watched. Mason waited for the two to be completely gone before turning and continuing to make his way to the main ward, where Dr. Williams was caring for the infected.
Dr. Williams was busy speaking with the family of one of the deceased patients when they arrived. His face was haggard, and he had three scratches across his cheek. It seemed that someone had lost their cool and attacked him.
Anger flared within Danica at the sight. It wasn't the doctor's fault that something like this happened, and he deserved nothing but praise given how much time he had spent caring for and trying to cure those wolves.
"Dr. Williams." Mason said as he strolled up to the man.
Finishing his conversation, Dr. Williams turned his attention to Mason and Danica. A sad smile formed on his lips.
"Alpha," he said as Mason came to stop in front of him. "I suppose you've already gotten wind of what happened."
Mason nodded. "Any idea what caused it?"
Dr. Williams shook his head. "We have already examined a few and can't seem to find any rhyme or reason for their sudden passing."
"It didn't have anything to do with the virus." Danica gasped, unable to remain quiet.
Dr. Williams turned his tired gaze on her and said, "I couldn't find anything indicating that it was due to the rage virus."
Nothing showed it was related to the rage virus. Danica let the words sink in. If it had nothing to do with the virus, then did that mean that it was due to something else? But how was it possible that all the patients passed at the same time?
"I want you and your team to do a thorough investigation into this." Mason ordered. "The minute you find a cause, I want to be informed."
"Of course." Dr. Williams agreed. "I do apologize that you weren't the first to be told about this Alpha." It seemed Dr. Williams thought that Mason would reprimand him for allowing such scary news to spread so quickly. "One of our nurses freaked out when she went to check on one of the patients this morning and ran out, announcing everything."
"I don't blame you, Dr. Williams." Mason sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know you wouldn't intentionally allow an uproar to occur."
Dr. Williams smiled in thanks. "You should head back now, Alpha; once I've finished my examinations, I will send word for you."
"Keep up the good work." Mason said, clapping Dr. Williams on the shoulder before turning to leave. "Also, be sure to fire that nurse and have her come to my office later. I'd like to have a word with her." He said over his shoulder before wrapping an arm around Danica and pulling her along.
"What are you going to do with that nurse?" Danica asked Mason once they were out of earshot of Dr. Williams.
Mason's frown deepened. "I think a week in the hole for insubordination will do the trick."
The hole, Danica felt a chill run up her spine. Chris had told her about the hole; it was the equivalent of jail for Mason's pack members. It was located within the main building of the training grounds, where Mason's office resided and where official pack business took place. From what Chris had told her, it didn't sound pleasant in the slightest.
"Isn't that a little harsh for someone who just happened to get a scare?" Danica asked slowly, feeling sorry for the woman.
Mason stopped in his tracks, turning to Danica. "When it comes to keeping my pack in order, nothing is too harsh."
Thinking better of arguing with Mason, Danica simply nodded. In his current state, there was no getting through to him, so all she could do for now was just accompany him until he was able to fully calm down and process everything.
"Let's go back," Danica said quietly, ending the subject.
"Yeah, let's go." Mason agreed, beginning to walk once more.