Chapter 36 Thirty-Six
When Danica woke, she found herself lying face-to-face with Mason. His eyes were shut, and his breath was coming steadily; it seemed that he was still deeply asleep, allowing her the opportunity to take him in.
Examining him up close as he slept, she couldn't help but find herself appreciating just how good he truly did look. Even with the five o'clock shadow, he still looked handsome. How could someone so damn good-looking even give her a second glance?
"Done staring," Mason murmured, catching Danica off guard.
"You were awake?" Danica demanded, slapping his shoulder. "Why didn't you say something?"
"Then I wouldn't have caught you checking me out," Mason chuckled, opening his eyes. "Did you sleep well?"
"Well enough," Danica responded, beginning to stretch her sore muscles.
She couldn't stop the wince that came when she lifted the shoulder that the female rogue had bitten.
"Careful," Mason said quickly, sitting up. "You don't want to reopen the wound."
"I won't," Danica insisted. She didn't know how to react to Mason fussing over her. "You worry too much."
"Can you blame me?" Mason asked, locking his gaze with Danica's.
A blush began to rise over Danica's cheeks as she recalled the words Mason said before she fell asleep and what they had done.
Feeling embarrassed, she quickly pulled the blanket up over her face and tried to hide.
"Don't you hide now; it is too late for that," Mason laughed, beginning to tug at the blanket.
Peeking out, Danica found Mason's face inches from hers.
"Do you have to pick on me?" Danica whispered, getting lost in Mason's forest-green eyes. "Unlike you, I'm not experienced with things like this."
"Like what?" Mason asked, raising an eyebrow, but the smile on his face proved he knew exactly what she meant. "I don't understand; please explain."
"You know," Danica huffed, beginning to bristle. "Don't pick on me."
"Okay, I'm sorry," Mason chuckled, leaning in to give Danica a quick peck on the nose before getting up and stretching. "I'm sorry that I played dumb. I just wanted to hear it come from those gorgeous lips, that's all."
"How long have we slept?" Danica asked, trying to change the subject.
Heading to the window Mason opened the blinds to allow pink light to stream in from outside. It seemed that the sun had begun to set for the day; they had managed to sleep all day.
"I still need to go and check on the sick," Mason announced, turning to Danica. "Do you want to come with me?"
"Yes," Danica said, jumping up.
With everything that had happened, she had almost forgotten that they still weren't one hundred percent sure what the disease was or how the wolves had caught it. She had also forgotten that the whole pack was supposed to be under quarantine and that she and Mason were now at higher risk of contracting whatever the wolves had after their interaction with them the previous night.
"Do you know if the doctor has discovered anything about it?" Danica asked as she searched the floor for her shirt.
"No, I'm hoping he has some new information for me," Mason said picking up Danica's shirt and handing it to her.
"Thanks," Danica said averting her gaze.
Fully dressed, Danica followed Mason out of the dormitories and to the old hospital where the recaptured deranged were being held. Compared to the first time that Danica had come here with Mason, the sounds of howls and scratching had intensified as the wolves madness had increased.
Sensing Mason's unease, Danica reached out and grabbed his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"We will solve this," she said as he looked at her. "I'm sure of it."
Nodding Mason led the way to where Dr. Williams stood talking with a female nurse who seemed to be extremely on edge. Noticing Danica and Mason approaching, the nurse quickly bowed before rushing away.
"What was that?" Mason asked, staring in the direction the nurse had gone.
"We have managed to determine what these patients are sick with," Dr. Williams said slowly beginning to frown. "It seems that they have the Rage Virus."
"What?" Danica asked, covering her mouth. "Was it given to them by the rogues?"
"That is most likely the cause." Dr. Williams confirmed, his frown deepening. "I'm sorry, Alph;, I wish I had better news for you."
"You've done your best," Mason sighed, his face emotionless. "Danica, are you ready to head back?"
Confused, Danica looked from Mason to Dr. Williams.
"Dr. Williams, is there any way to help them?" She asked, refusing to believe that this was the end. "Isn't there some type of treatment or medicine?"
"The only cure to rage is time, and that is if the infected are lucky enough to survive." Dr. Williams responded. "I'm sorry, Luna, but all we can do now is wait and pray."
Nodding, Danica looked around at the multiple doors that were rattling from the deranged wolves attempts to break free before turning and taking Mason's hand.
Lost at what else to do, she allowed Mason to lead her out of the building and back to their dorm.
Once back in Mason's room, Danica immediately threw her arms around Mason's waist. She didn't exactly know what comfort she could bring him simply by hugging him, but she was trying her best to help him feel even the slightest bit better.
Letting out a long breath, Mason wrapped his arms around Danica, pulling her closer to him as he buried his face in her neck.
"Thanks for being here with me," he murmured, his voice shaking.
Feeling like her heart was going to be ripped out of her chest, Danica squeezed Mason tighter.
"That's what your Luna is for, right?" She smiled slightly.
Suddenly lifting his head, Mason locked his gaze with Danica's. "What did you just say?"
"You heard me." Danica said it shyly.
"Please, say it again." Mason begged, his expression serious. "Please."
Shaking her head, Danica smirked. "I said this is what your future Luna is for, right?"
Smiling ear to ear Mason lifted Danica, spinning her around.
"You've finally accepted me!" Mason said, happily placing Danica back on the ground.
"I don't think I ever had any other choice." Danica admitted.
After all, she didn't have a choice; since the very start, the moon goddess had already chosen this path for her, and no amount of fighting would stop the course of time.