Eve

"Help!" I cry as I run over to Calex, his body jerking violently.

Hasty footfalls thunder up the stairs. Jax is the first to enter, his eyes illuminating as he finds me trying to hold down Calex's arm. Kaden is close behind, a glass of water clutched in his hand.

Jax is quick to step into his Alpha role and assume leadership, which I'm thankful for because I would be a useless wreck by myself.

"Hold him tight. If he moves too much, he could hurt himself or us. Don't let go unless he stops."

Kaden takes his legs, Jax grabs his other arm, and I resume holding on as tightly as I can. His arm flexes and thrashes, nearly taking me off my feet. I squeal as I lose my balance, and his arm swings back, sending me sprawling onto the floor.

I gasp for breath, and both Jax and Kaden snap their heads toward me, worry dancing in their eyes.

I shake off the numbness in my backside and scramble to my feet. Ignoring the burning sensation in my arm, I reach for him again. However, Jax is quick to stop me as Calex throws his head from side to side.

"Grab his head. I'll take his arms."

Doing as instructed, I lean over and hold Calex's head as firmly as I can while Jax pins both of his arms and puts his weight on them.

I'm not sure how long we stand there, fighting against Calex's thrashing. Eventually, it begins to ease, and I don't miss the tears soaking his lashes.

Neither do the others.

When he finally stops, Jax eyes him wearily. Then that stoic expression from earlier returns, and I know he's about to say something when he levels me with that stare.

"Eve, let's talk outside for a minute."

With that, he exits into the hall.

I don't want to go with him, not while Calex is like this. Even though he's still, I don't want to risk being away from him for more than a minute.

"Go. I'll wait with him."

I glance at Kaden, and he offers a small nod.

I pause, scrutinising Calex for another long moment. Assuring myself he's in good hands, I whisper a quiet thank you before meeting Jax in the hall.

"What is it?" I ask, unable to find it in myself to be patient.

He rakes his fingers through his hair, the locks springing free. A rough sigh escapes him, and his eyes soften as he regards me.

"Eve. . . I know how this is going to sound, but you're going to have to let him go."

Everything inside me turns to ice.

I narrow my eyes and ball my fists as I point toward the door.

"What the hell are you saying?" I demand, letting the bite in my tone hit hard. "He pulled through, Jax. He's going to get better!"

His arm swings toward the guest room, his eyes shimmering.

"He won't survive another fit. It will either drain him, or he'll snap his own neck from the force. You saw what he was like in there—the pain."

I say nothing, knowing exactly what kind of pain he must've been in. I heard him cry. Heard him beg for forgiveness. There was nothing anyone could do to help him endure it.

Jax lowers his voice, authority lacing every word.

"No one survives, Eve. No one. I've never seen a bitten victim survive more than twenty-four hours." He grits his teeth. "The best thing for him is to put him out of his misery before he gets worse—"

A sickening slap echoes through the hallway.

My hand stings ferociously.

Within seconds, a red mark splays across his cheek before beginning to fade. His shoulders remain stiff, and silence rings around us.

"How dare you," I snap. "He's not some animal you can put down whenever you feel like it, Jax. He's your brother!"

"I fucking know that!" he yells, gripping my arms. "Why do you think I'm saying it? I don't want him to suffer."

I hit his chest repeatedly, and he takes it as I feed into my anger and despair.

"Why do you care? You wanted him gone only a few hours ago!"

He holds on tighter, his voice cracking slightly. "I was wrong, and I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done it."

Jax pulls me closer, his chest warm against my cheek as he rubs my back.

I sob, my shoulders shaking. "I hate this."

His hand trails carefully up and down my back in a soothing rhythm as I cry against him. He hushes me softly and sways us, while my mind and heart feel unbearably heavy.

Closing my eyes, I count his breaths, evening my own.

I'm not sure how long we stand in the hallway, simply holding each other as Jax whispers that he knows. Minutes must pass before he finally pulls away, his chest glistening with my tears.

Wiping my face, I stare at the floor, not knowing what to say.

"Stay with him," he says slowly. "I'll finish sorting dinner. Shout if anything happens."

With that, he takes a step back and heads down the stairs without another word.

Shortly after, Kaden exits the room, his eyes heavy and shining with unshed tears. I offer a small smile even though it feels wobbly. Walking over to him, I silently pull him into a hug.

His body sags against mine, but the strength remains in his arms as he squeezes me tightly. I pat his back, waiting until his trembling stops.

"He's going to make it," I whisper, clinging to the shred of hope I have left.

"I hope so. . ." he breathes, shuddering against me. "I don't want to lose him either."

Leaning back, I wipe away his tears and encourage him to help Jax finish the food in hopes of distracting himself.

He doesn't budge for a minute, but eventually trudges down the stairs.

With sagging shoulders, I shuffle back into the room.

Calex's chest is still rising steadily. Relief washes through me as I sit on the edge of the bed, silently admiring his strength. I resume stroking his hair before resting my cheek carefully against his chest, mindful of the injuries he's sustained.

His heartbeat is weak, but it's there.

Balling my fists, I shut my eyes and concentrate on the sound.

Please. . . don't take him away from me.

Time passes as I listen to his heartbeat like a ticking clock. It takes everything in me not to fall asleep and not to pace the room because I need to know he's still here with me.

I feel a heavy weight settle against the back of my head, and I flinch.

When did he come into the room?

"Jax, I don't think I can eat just yet," I murmur.

Only when no response comes, yet the contact remains, do I sit up to find the room empty.

The hand falls away, followed by a raspy voice. "Eve. . ."

My head snaps toward Calex.

His eyes are barely open.

Hope slams into my stomach hard enough to make me feel sick, but I cling to it as I rush to help him sit up.

He half-drags himself upright, and I manage to prop pillows behind him for support.

"Y-you're awake," I cry, taking his hand in mine, holding it close to my chest.

"Eve, I—" He coughs, swallowing harshly.

Swivelling around, I snatch up the glass of water, the liquid sloshing over the rim before it's raised to his lips.

"Here, you must be thirsty. The boys have f-food cooking," I stammer, too overwhelmed by seeing him awake to form a proper sentence.

I tilt the glass. He takes some water into his mouth, holds it there, then splutters it back out. I pat his back carefully, rubbing soothing circles.

"I know it must be a lot, but you have to drink, OK?" I plead.

He tries again, only to heave. "I can't keep it down."

Panting, he grips his throat.

"I'm so thirsty," he groans, his voice cracked and strained.

Calex cranes his head back, his eyes slowly closing.

I pat his cheek. "Come on. Stay awake for me. Try again."

I raise the glass once more, only to freeze.

A sliver of red catches my eye—a small scratch from where he caught me during his fit.

Eyeing it warily, I set the glass back on the bedside table.

Cradling the back of Calex's head, I guide my arm closer to him. "Calex, you're going to have to try this."

His nostrils flare.

His eyes widen faintly before narrowing. "No."

Desperation claws at me, seeing how far he's come.

"Calex, please. This might help you," I plead.

But he pulls back.

"I don't want it. . ." He takes a weak breath. "I don't want to hurt you."

I tighten my hold on him. "You won't. I can't lose you, Calex. You have to drink. Please."

His eyes slide to mine. I nod hastily, bringing my arm closer.

His fingers wrap gently around my wrist, and I offer another firm nod, hoping he'll hurry before he slips away again.

His nostrils flare once more, tongue flicking across his lip. His mouth brushes my skin, then his tongue.

Then his eyes begin to glow.

I brace myself as his teeth scrape against my skin, recalling the pain I felt when that wolf attacked me.

Only this time, I'm ready for it.

Suspense builds in my gut as he hesitates. When I'm about to urge him on, his teeth sink into my skin.

I cry out in shock, pain radiating through my arm.

Gritting my teeth, I cling to him, stroking his back in silent encouragement as he continues to drink.

I'm just glad he's managing to keep it down.

His grip grows stronger. I shriek as he suddenly sits upright, using his other arm to pull me tightly against him.

Footsteps thunder up the stairs, followed by Kaden's voice. "Eve, is everything OK in there?"

A low growl sounds behind me, followed by a shocked breath.

A loud step follows.

Blinking back tears from the pain, I shake my head.

"It's alright. I told him to. I think it's helping him," I explain as best I can, swallowing the lump in my throat. "I think he's going to be fine."

I can feel it in that moment.

There's a wave of relief from everyone. No one moves or speaks. Only hopeful silence remains, and this time it fills me with peace rather than dread.

The pain gradually fades into a dull ache, almost turning heavy. We remain like that for a moment longer before Calex carefully jerks his teeth away and throws his head back.

A light sheen coats his skin, but his chest rises and falls with renewed strength.

I'm sure everyone's eyes are fixed on his mouth.

Through gasping breaths, the elongated canines shift slightly, ending in sharper points than before.

His eyes drift shut. The difference between this sleep and the last is unmistakable. He looks peaceful.

I turn to the boys, who regard me with open intrigue.

"What made you do it?" Kaden asks, eyes wide.

Gripping my arm, I shrug lightly.

"H-he couldn't keep the water down. . . and well—"

I'm sure they noticed the scratch Calex inflicted during his fit, so I leave the rest for them to figure out.

"Your arm," Jax murmurs.

I glance down.

Two deep puncture marks stare back at me, both dribbling crimson.

I'm about to tell him it'll be fine, but he cuts in first.

"I'll heal it for you."

I turn to Kaden, who only nods in agreement.

I bite back a retort. I don't particularly want Jax's mouth anywhere near me, but I know it'll heal faster.

Rising to my feet, I trudge over and offer him my arm. "Fine. Thank you."

Jax offers a small smile, one that's quite tense in the corners and takes my arm. There's a slight pause, and I'm sure his mind is straying to the same place mine is—the kiss. He's quick and careful as he trails his tongue over the wound, and I shift.

I don't miss the way his eyes narrow as he averts them. Kaden simply watches, still wide-eyed with fascination from moments ago.

I'm sure it tastes horrible, though not as horrible as it would've when I was covered in aconite.

It stings, but I know it will soon be gone.

"Thank you," I say, lowering my arm.

Jax inclines his head before heading toward the door.

Once he's out of sight, I hear the words drift through my mind. "Thank you for helping him."

I smile, confidence swelling inside me. "You're welcome."

Kaden sits beside me on the edge of the bed, both of us watching Calex for any sign of deterioration.

Instead, colour slowly begins to return to his skin.

We release matching breaths of relief.

"Eve, if it weren't for you. . ." The words die in Kaden's throat as he lowers his head.

"You didn't give up either," I encourage. "If it wasn't for you, I couldn't have done this alone."

His head falls onto my shoulder, and together we watch as Calex's breathing evens out—a promising sign for the hours ahead.