A/N: Hey guys! So, this little fic just kinda came out of nowhere. It's set in my Cry Wolf AU, but can be read alone. I apologize for the randomness. Reviews would be much appreciated! Thanks!

Without Me

The blonde russet wolf stared in horror as blood began to drip from his partner's opened mouth, fangs glistening with the sticky red substance. Bloody froth making its appearance at the corners of the larger wolf's maw. Jack's tall muscled frame began to tremble, struggling for control.

But it would be pointless.

No one ever survived the disease.

The young russet wolf took a hesitant step forward, fear and dread making his voice come out small. Child-like. "J-Jack?"

The blue roan wolf gurgled something keen to a growl. More blood dripping from his mouth when he shook his head a little. Well, shit. This is just great.

"Stay. . . back. . ." Jack bit out sharply. He winced and growled, tasting copper with each passing minute. Jack struggled to fight for his mind, but the disease was waging a heavy war. Jack was growing tired fast. Jack knew if he didn't end this now, he'd do something he'd never forgive himself for.

He prayed Mac could do it.

"M-Mac. . ." Jack gasped, a sharp spike nearly splitting his skull in two. Mac came forward, knowing what needed to be done, but unable to convince himself to do it. The russet shook his head, tears pricking his innocent crystal blue eyes.

Jack took a breath, mustering any and all left over strength he had left. He locked eyes with his kid. His stubborn, brilliant, loveable kid. "You have to do t-this. I can't. . . It's taking over. . ."

But Mac continued to shake his head. "No. Jack - please don't ask me to do this."

"It's the only way!" The sudden shout brought forth with it a sudden choking cough that tore through the large wolf's throat. A thick spray of blood painting the ground. Jack met his brother's eyes once more, a pleading edge to the warm brown irises. "We can't let it spread! You. . . you know that."

"Does it really matter though?" Mac argued back, pain shining his eyes. "So what if I have to kill you! There's thousands more out there! Knocking one off won't make a fucking dent, Jack! Nothing will!"

"I am not asking you to do this, Mac!" Jack snarled, blood dripping from his mouth. "You don't have a choice!"

Mac went to retort, but he was cut short when his partner suddenly made a godawful gurgling scream, sending chills down the younger wolf's spine. His partner's head twitched sharply to the right, hackles raised. Mac's heart pounded in his chest, eyes wide. He slowly backed away, knowing what was about to happen. A deep feral growl bubbled from Jack's throat as he turned to face him again.

His partner was gone.

His eyes were clouded over as if he were blind, tiny blood trails falling from the corners.

The disease had finally claimed another victim.

Jack let out a roar, bloody spittle flying from his mouth. Mac was frozen in place in shock. The large blue roan wolf charged him, a bloodthirsty look in his clouded eyes. Jack jumped up, ready to pounce. Mac was watching him, knowing if he didn't do something fast, he would be next.

But. . . he couldn't find it in himself to care.

Mac was brought back to the present by Jack body slamming him to the ground. The diseased monster pinned him down with his front paws, snarling dangerously. Mac stared calmly into those cloudy eyes. A lone tear trailing down the side of his face.

"I'm sorry, Jack."

The last thing he saw was Jack's glistening bloody fangs.