Thirty nine

“Ah!”

“Sorry but I need to make sure there isn’t anything trapped in the wound.” Simone replied, ignoring as Eva glared at her. “Just because it’s healing doesn’t mean you’re not going to get an infection.”

“You sound just like my mum.” Eva huffed, relaxing when Simone finally finished examining the gunshot and pulled her gloves off. “So give it to me straight doc, am I going to make it?”

Simone chuckled, glancing at Eva before going back to writing in her notes. “A couple of bruised ribs and a clean gunshot wound. Doesn’t look like they used silver. You should be back to normal in a couple of days.”

“Thanks Simone.” Eva smiled and hopped off of the examination table, pulling a white take top on. "Have you seen the prisoner yet?"

Simone nodded. She looked less stressed today although it still tinged the colour of her eyes and set the corner of her lips downward.

"Yes." Simone confessed, setting her files down. "It's just as well he is a werewolf or he'd likely be dead."

"Strange. Why didn't he shift?" Eva frowned.

"Because he has the same concoction in his system as the victims did." Simone explained. "I found traces of what looks like a scent suppressor when I examined his blood. By the looks of it, whoever gave him that also gave him the concoction."

"So if he was caught and attacked, he wouldn't be able to rely on his wolf to protect him." Eva muttered. "They didn't know it but they were on a suicide mission."

"Seems it." Simone sighed softly. "Whoever this person is, they clearly don't value the lives of those he's employed."

"Worrying." Eva shook her head. "Thanks again, Simone. Still up for that drink with Maria and me when she is back in town?"

"Of course." Simone smiled.

It had been several hours since the incident in the forest. Kade was fine and so was Eva. Daniel however was in a foul mood, barking orders at the warriors and guards so they scrambled in all directions with their tails between their legs like scolded pups. Needless to say, the alpha was not happy that someone had managed to breach the borders and that his mate and beta had both been shot. Eva could feel the rage crashing like stormy waves through the mate bond. It was mild in comparison to what she would be feeling if they were fully mated but it was enough to let Eva know her mate was on edge. Now Eva was stuck with two guards following her everywhere like she needed protection.

For the most part, the pack was carrying on like normal; however, news of the ordeal had spread like wildfire, meaning every wolf Eva passed offered her a speedy recovery. It seemed a bit much given it was a clean shot and she had walked herself back even if Daniel had wanted her to ride in one of the trucks back to the pack. People were still taking children to school or working. The bars and restaurants were still packed and training was still happening. Nothing had changed except everyone was just a little more alert.

Heading back to the packhouse, Eva was in no way surprised when she heard Daniel raising his voice and several younger guards quickly made themselves scarce. She found the alpha and beta in Daniel’s office, Kade looking bored and fed up and Daniel looking like he was up for a fight. Thankfully, Eva’s new shadows opted to stay outside not wanting to suffer the wrath of their alpha, leaving Eva to shut the door to give herself and the two top-ranking males some privacy. She ignored the way Daniel’s blue eyes flashed as they glanced her way and the amused smirk that had now made its home on Kade’s face.

“Have you questioned the prisoner?” Eva asked as she sat down next to Kade, facing Daniel who loomed over his desk like a black cloud.

“I suggested he waited until he calmed down.” Kade spoke up. “We want answers not blood.”

Daniel simply let out a feral snarl, pushing away from the desk to pace restlessly. Hades was trying to break free and take control, baying for blood. Eva could see it was taking everything Daniel had to keep his wolf-side in check. Pushing out of her seat, Eva caught Daniel midstride, feminine hands cupping his stubbled cheeks and coaxing him to look at her.

“Being angry isn’t going to fix this.” She spoke softly, watching the maelstrom of rage slowly subsiding behind Daniel’s eyes. “We need answers.”

The heavy exhale of air that left Daniel illustrated his resignation, his eyes closing as he rested his forehead against Eva. He looked exhausted; by far the worst he had looked since this whole nightmare began. His skin was pale and shadows had formed under his ocean eyes. When this was over, they were taking a holiday.

“I’ll question the shooter in the morning.” Daniel finally spoke, his voice steady and strong, the usual icy calm bleeding into his eyes. “Kade, are you still up for finding this witch?”

“Fuck, yeah I am.” Kade growled.

“I need you to go tomorrow.” Daniel ordered. “Keep in touch. Whoever this is clearly has resources.”

“You got it.” Kade nodded.

“I’m pulling you off patrol.” Daniel’s eyes seared into Eva, making her freeze.

“What?”

“I can’t have you out there in danger.”

“Daniel, we need all the help we can get.” Eva argued. “We still have another two days before Silver Moon arrive.”

“I know but I don’t want you out there possibly getting injured or worse while we have no idea what this fucker’s next move is.” Daniel reasoned, moving to sit in his desk chair.

“Oh come on!” Eva was incredulous, her hands resting on her hips as she glared at her mate. “This is crazy!”

“No it isn’t. You were shot.” Daniel raised a dark eyebrow. “You’re off patrol.”

“Daniel!”

“Eva. I’m not arguing about this.”

Eva growled, baring her teeth as she threw herself back into her seat, hazel eyes dark with anger as she glared at her mate. Of course Daniel would do this. It was hardly surprising given this was typical male behaviour but it still had Eva’s blood boiling. She could handle herself as she had quite clearly shown when she apprehended one of the shooters. Somehow this move had sealed her fate though. Rather than showing she was a worthy warrior, it had resulted in her being benched.

“So what am I supposed to do while some psycho is running around terrorising the pack?” Eva snipped.

“Work with Ethan on finding any clues in the belongings of the victims. Spend time with Bethan, help Leah with the baby…” Daniel listed off calmly.

This time the growl that left Eva was one of pure rage. “You’re unbelievable.”

“I’m just doing what I have to to make sure you stay alive.” Daniel replied, unfazed by Eva’s anger.

“Well this has been interesting.” Kade finally spoke up, pushing himself out of his seat. “I’m going to find a beer and some food while you two work out the finer details of your disagreement.”

Eva didn’t move as Kade headed off, her eyes burning into Daniel. If looks could kill, he was certain he'd be dead and buried. She was seething at the decision but Daniel wasn't about to change his mind. He couldn't risk losing Eva. Sure this time the attacker had been after Kade but next time it could be Eva. So long as she was safe, Daniel would accept the anger.

"I know you're upset but you have to trust me on this." Daniel finally broke the silence. "I don't want you out there patrolling. I'm also enforcing a curfew for this half of the pack."

"Won't that scare people?" Eva's tone was sharp like her gaze.

"They should be scared. Someone is killing wolves. Someone just tried to kill my beta and we could be next. I won't let anyone else get hurt if I can help it." Daniel would do everything he could to protect the pack, even if it meant curfews.

Eva stood, her mouth pursed in frustration. "This discussion isn't over, Daniel." She declared before spinning on her heel and storming to the door.

"Yes it is." Daniel replied flatly.

"No. It isn't."

And with that Eva slammed the door shut behind her.