Chapter 16: Sixteen.

Daniel was in pain.

His original plan, had been to shift back and allow himself out of the enclosure in the evening, then he would go home to complete his pack duties, catch some sleep and return early on the next day, before his absence was detected, and spend as much of the day with Sammybas he could.

He even thought if he played his cards right, acted docile enough she might let him out and he could simply shadow her for the day.

But, that was not about to happen, because Daniel forgot to take into consideration that his mate was a vet, a vet who worked with large wild animals; and as such, Sammybwas a vet who followed strict protocols, and so, she damn well treated him for non existent parasites.

The embarrassment of it was one thing in itself, but the reality was something else altogether.

The medication was like a toxic laxative that had left his bowels feeling shredded, and weakened him into a state like no other. At one point he even considered silver chains preferable.

It was single handedly one of the worst experiences of his life.

But,it was an experience his Alpha found hilarious, and vowed never to let him forget. Daniel's only saving grace was that it was only three more days he had to wait. Three more days till he could tell Sammy the truth.

It was that thought alone that kept him going through the night, as his guts wrenched themselves in two, and followed up nicely with him enduring gruelling stomach cramps, which he believed would rival childbirth.

Not that he would admit thatbto any pregnant woman ever, he enjoyed living, and planned to continue enjoying living, should he make it through this.

Learning that werewolves and actual wolf medicines clearly do not mix, meant Daniel was paying an awful price. But, it was a price that when everything settled down, he had every intention of allowing Sammy to make up for

The next morning when Sammy arrived to check on him, he had started to feel a bit better, his stomach had settled at last and though he still felt weak, his spirits lifted when he seen her.

However, his mate was not one to be fooled. As soon as Sammy spotted Daniel, she knew something was wrong. He was laying by the gate, looking incredibly listless. Not at all like the joyful animal sh met yesterday.

"Shit!" Her panicked words roused his attention further, and he lifted his head. "You're not doing so well, huh, Buddy?"

She was on her knees beside him in a flash, pinching his flesh lightly and automatically going into care taker mode.

"Tom?" She picked up her radio, looking for help.

Daniel whined, and moved his head onto her lap, deciding to play poorly on the scheming chance he would get more time with Sammy.

"Tom, are you there? I need help moving the new wolf to the surgery. I think he has taken a bad reaction to the worming meds. Over." She called out.

At her words, Daniel stood on shaky legs, pawing her to try and indicate he could walk.

He had to maintain some dignity, no way was he letting his mate and a human male carry him around.

"You want to walk?" Sammy asked him? "Alright, seems Tom has forgotten his radio again, anyway." She sighed. "Hang on sweetie, I just need to grab a couple of things first."

Sammy cocked her head as Daniel sat down to wait. If she wasn't so logical, she would have sworn he could understand every word she said, but then she would have to question just why she was acting like she understood him as well, and there wasn't a therapist in the state who could answer that question quickly.

Daniel waited for about five minutes, till he heard her footsteps returning.

He was delighted she was back until he seen what she was carrying.

In her hands she held a lead, and worse than that, there was also a muzzle.

No.

He had his limits, and with that he growled, and turned his back on her, flopping to the ground with his paws across his face.

"You were definitely a pet then, Baby?" Sammy spoke, judging by his reaction. "I'm sorry, but I cant have you loose around the other volunteers," she stated, edging forward gently beside him. "Besides, I'll take it off once we get to the surgery, I promise."

Daniel snarled under his breath, but stiffened when he sensed Shane appearing.

"Hey, Sammy, need a hand?" He called out.

*"Shane, don't you fucking dare!"* Daniel mindlinked.

All he got was his Alpha's laughter echoing through.

"That would be great, thanks," Sammy responded, glad of an extra pair of hands.

Daniel got up, intending to run, but in his movements he brushed against Sammy and froze momentarily at the contact.

That was his first mistake.

Shane was on him in a flash, securing the muzzle around his head before Daniel could react properly. If it were any other pack member, they wouldn't have managed, but Shane was their Alpha for a reason, no e of them rivaled his speed or strength.

The lead was of a slipknot design, and Sammy gently placed it around his neck, scratching his ears affectionately as she did so.

"Sorry Baby, but it's only till we get to the surgery. Come on." She gently called to him, tugging gently on the lead.

Daniel growled out, snarling at

Shane as he laughed his head off through their link. Before he followed Sammy with his head held low.

Thankfully they didn't see anyone on their way, and true to her word as soon as the were inside, Sammy discarded the lead.

But not the muzzle.

First, she went to a cabinet and pulled out a vial, then upon seeing Daniel scratching at the muzzle she called to him.

"Two minutes, Buddy," she stated, before guiding him over to a large set of scales against the wall.

Daniel internally rolled his eyes as she manoeuvred him onto the device, recording his weight on a clip board before she returned to her cabinet.

Daniel started shaking his head in ernest, to dislodge the muzzle.

Not paying attention to his mate was his second mistake.

He winced momentarily in surprise when the needle pierced his skin.

As soon as Sammy withdrew it, she removed the muzzle and scratched his chin.

"Sorry honey, I didn't know how you would react. It just a sedative to keep you relaxed. You're all dehydrated and in need of some fluids." She explained, then wondered why she was explaining the procedures to the animal undergoing them.

Daniel's mind panicked, his wolf too. Shit, she had sedated him!

Shit! Shit! Shit!

He could feel his head getting fuzzier as he started to lose consciousness.

*"Shane..."* He began, before everything went cloudy.

He gingerly lay down, as Sammy started humming. It gave him comfort to hear, and all he was able to do was tune into that beautiful sound. His mate as she hummed a sweet tune all for him.

When Daniel came to again, he was feeling much better. Whatever Sammy had done it was good. He began a barking call, trying to gain his mate's attention as he shifted the call into a low howl.

He smiled inwardly when Sammy appeared straight away. He was still in the surgery but lying in what appeared to be a very large dog bed. He was almost certain that wasn't here earlier.

"Well someone is looking better," Sammy smiled at him, her whole face lighting up at his recovery.

Daniel couldn't help it, he sprang up and lunged at her, inhaling her scent as he burrowed his nose to her neck.

Sammy laughed, before unceremoniously shoving him off of her.

"That much better then, Baby?" She cooed to him sweetly, petting his head affectionately.

Daniel barked in agreement, as Sammy backed up to organise something on the counter.

"You had me worried there for a moment," Sammy admitted, making Daniel come over beside her.

He leant into her in an attempt to reassure her he was there. That's when the door opened, and a concerned Shane walked in.

Shane was masking his worry, as he turned to Sammy, "How is he doing?"

Daniel studied his Alpha, something was up, despite his smile, his shoulders were tense and his fists clenched.

"He is doing great. I'm still not sure why he reacted so badly to the drugs in the first place. I'm thinking he may have an underlying allergy, so, I've treated him for severe dehydration, and run some tests on his blood. I should have some answers by the morning, its currently in the centrifuge, and I'll examine the samples further in the morning." Sammy explained, her hand still idly scratching Daniel's head.

Both Daniel and Shane's eyes sprang to the machine on the counter that Sammy had spoken of. Their bodies were thrumming with alarm.

*"Alpha?"* Daniel asked, knowing this was Shane's remit, and his decision.

*"Your time is up. I will cover with the council. If anyone asks, you saw her before the haunted house, but she got away from you."* Shane answered while still feigning attention to Sammy. *"You're going to escape, take the main road and get outside the sanctuary borders. We will hunt for you in teams of two. Sammy will be with me. When you get to Lake Blue Tree you will wait. I will get Sammy there. Then you can reveal yourself. Understand?"*

Shane's demeanor was completely business like, almost emotionless as he gave his Beta his commands.

*"Yes, Alpha."* Daniel responded, *"When are we doing this?"*

*"Now."*