Page 10 of Wolf's Witch

Mathias narrowed his eyes. “Your pack needs you, Zeke.”

I raked my fingers through my hair and groaned as I met his eyes. “You just said we need someone who will lead with their head, right? So give me some time to think this through.”

Mathias finally nodded. “Fine. You have until Friday.” He turned to Kiefer. “If Zeke refuses this calling, you will ascend in your brother’s place.”

I walked out without looking back.

Mathias’s body might be weakening, but his mind was definitely not. He’d made that second offer to Kiefer as a pressure play. He knew I’d never thought Kyle had been the right choice, and Kiefer was every bit as quick as his brother to fight his way out of a situation and ask questions later. If I didn’t step up, Mathias wanted me to know I’d regret it.

Wily old bastard.

I went out to my truck and took out my cell phone. I had a voicemail from Greg, my human friend at the hospital, he had the antibiotics and would be at the hospital until eight o’clock tonight. Plenty of time. I started the truck and headed out. The first order of business was to get Mathias back on his feet. Then I could think about his proposition.

My father hadn’t been an Alpha, and after my twin brother had drowned in Spring Pond, our dad had drunk himself to death. I hadn’t been raised to be a leader. Even if I was willing, would I be strong enough to lead the pack? I was approaching my fortieth birthday, and I didn’t have a mate or children. What kind of future could I offer this pack? I’d be the same dead end as Mathias, only a few decades younger.

By the time I pulled into Salem Hospital, I’d thought myself in dizzying circles. I parked in the visitor’s lot and texted Greg to let him know I arrived, relieved for the break from thinking about pack politics.

My phone rang, and Greg’s name lit up the screen. “Come inside and meet me on the fourth floor, room 4112.”

“See you in a minute.”

I got out and jogged through the parking lot, eager to get the meds we needed for Mathias. Maybe once he healed up, he’d forget about stepping down as Alpha altogether.

I could hope.

The glass doors parted, and I almost winced as the scent of blood, death, and disinfectant assaulted my nose. Fuck. I hated hospitals. I bypassed the welcome desk and headed directly to the main elevators. Greg had been a friend since high school. He had no idea I was a werewolf or that shifters even existed. As far as he knew, I didn’t have health insurance through my work at the farm, which was true, but not for the reason he thought. Doctors and hospital visits were out of the question for werewolves, so as I saw it, health insurance wasn’t a good investment.

When I stepped into room 4112, Greg was already waiting. He looked me over from head to toe and shook his head. “You don’t look feverish or sick enough for antibiotics.”

“They’re not for me. My grandfather has a fever.”

He took a slender prescription box out of his pocket and handed it to me. “You didn’t get this Z-Pak from me if anyone ever asks.”

“I know. Thank you.” I took the box and gave him a hundred-dollar bill. “And if someone comes around asking questions, you never saw me.”

Greg frowned. “Are you in some kind of legal trouble?”

“No, but I value my privacy.” I stuffed the Z-Pak in the front pocket of my jeans. “Take care, man. I’ll be in touch soon.”

I went back to the elevator before Greg could pepper me with more questions. Plus, the stench was inescapable inside the hospital. I needed some fresh air.

Outside, I flipped the collar up on my coat as I walked through the drizzle back to my truck. My phone rang as I opened the door. I frowned at the unknown number.

“This is Zeke.”

“Hi. It’s Ruby…from this morning.”

Like I wouldn’t remember her. I nodded as I got into the truck. “What’s up?”

“Lillian left her crystals up in the room with Mathias.” I wondered how she had gotten my number but not enough to interrupt her. “She asked me to pick them up for her.”

The pregnant pause made it clear she was hoping I’d offer her a lifeline.

And for some reason, I was…willing. What the fuck was wrong with me?

I chuckled as I started my truck. “You want me to get them and bring them by the store?”

“Could you?” The relief in her voice was palpable.

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