Chapter 36 – Wolf Matters

Carlisle:

Things have finally gotten back to normal since Billy's stroke and he shows no sign of ever having one. He was lucky and he knows it. We have gone back to our usual lives and school will be starting in a few weeks. Seth was happy to get back to his job at the vet's office and he is doing his 3 days a week and loving it. Dr. Poston sent out letters to all of his patient's owners explaining to them that a new strain of dog flu is going around and that they should bring their dogs in for a flu shot. The flu is only susceptible to dogs, not cats or any other animals. Humans can't get it either. We took Harry in for his shot and he is doing fine.

"Hello my love," I said as Seth and I walked in from the hospital. I picked Seth up from his job on the way home.

"Hello my darling," Esme greeted me with a tender kiss.

"Oh please, take it upstairs will ya," Jake said closing his eyes.

"Hi Mom," Leah said walking in.

"Where were you Leah?" Esme asked her.

"Me and my friends from nursing school went to get our new books," Leah replied.

"You certainly have more than last year," Esme said.

"Well, some of these are fashion books, and other things," Leah said looking embarrassed.

"What other things," I asked now wondering why she was turning red.

"Just things," Leah said.

"Here's a little hint, Lulu…never try to evade a question from Pops," Emmett said now getting in the conversation. His curiosity was peaked also.

"Like what," Seth asked.

"Gee, they're just books," Leah said. "Why is everyone so interested in what I have?"

"Because you're acting funny about it," Jake said. "Let's take a look!" Jake said grabbing at the books.

"Hey, get away from me," Leah said.

But it was too late and Jake nabbed one. He walked off holding it up high and Leah was running after it trying to reach it, but Jake kept holding it up above her.

"Let's see what we have here. Ooooooooo, how to write a good dating profile. Why Lulu, are you joining a dating service?" Jake asked.

"What?" Esme and I quickly asked.

"Uh oh, parents alert! Parents alert!" Emmett said.

"Give me that," Leah said grabbing for it again.

"No, not till we check it out," Jake said now opening it up.

"Leah, what are you doing," Esme asked.

"Nothing Mom," Leah said.

"Your ideal mate: tall, handsome, smart, preferably in the medical field, Native American preferred, 25 and older. Oh Lulu," Jake teased.

"Let me see that," I said holding my hand out to Jake.

"No Daddy, please," Leah said trying to get the book.

"It's a portfolio of Leah Cullen, the Snarl," Jake teased.

"Jacob, that's enough," I said now looking at the binder.

"Dad, I didn't do anything with it yet. My friends and I thought it would be fun to check it out, not that we were going to join it," Leah tried explaining.

"Oh really, then why is there a receipt here for your initial profile submission," I said holding the receipt up to her.

"What? Leah Cullen, this could be dangerous," Esme said coming over to look for herself.

"Lulu got caught," Jake teased.

"I don't like this. What's wrong with finding your own date the old fashioned way," I asked her.

"Well, you know Dad, Lulu has a little trouble in this field. Just look how it turned out with Popsicle," Jake said.

"I was so disappointed in him," Emmett said shaking his head.

"You were disappointed? How do you think I felt about it?" Leah asked Emmett.

"Leah, don't go to a dating service," Rosalie said. "Those people lie."

"Not always, it says they have a good track record," Leah explained.

"Are you crazy? Don't do that, Leah," Alice said. "You will do better finding your own."

"Like last time?" Leah pointed out.

"It was your first time. Next time you will be more experienced," I said to her.

"You liked David also, Dad," Leah pointed out.

"I know, but sweetheart, I'd rather you find your own. Just when you least expect it, you will meet someone. Just concentrate on school for now," I said to her.

"But Dad, my friends from nursing school are trying it," Leah complained.

"Well, see how it goes for them," I said to her. "I don't want you doing this."

"Dad, you're too protective of me," Leah said.

"You're my only daughter who is not with a mate and I can't help being overprotective of you. Father's prerogative," I said smiling at her and touching her cheek.

"Dad, you're embarrassing me," Leah said touching my hand and looking at me with a smile.

"You'll get over it," I said to her still smiling at her.

"Do as your father says, Leah," Esme said now adding her thoughts.

"Aw let her go on a date. When she meets the loser, he'll realize his mistake that he picked Lulu," Jake said.

"Jacob, do you want to sit on the naughty chair?" Esme asked.

"Not particularly," Jake said.

"Then keep your remarks to yourself," Esme warned him.

"Sorry Mom…supper ready," Jake asked her.

"Not just yet, but soon," she answered him.

"Okay Dad, I'll let my friends try it first," Leah said.

"You'll let them try it and that's it. You are not dating that way," I said firmly to her.

"Daaaaaaad," Leah whined.

"That's final Leah. No more on the subject," I said giving her a look.

"Yes sir. I'll never find anyone," Leah mumbled.

"Yes you will," I said hugging her.

"I hope you're right," Leah replied.

"Mom…hunger is making me weak," Jake said with drama.

"You'll live," Esme said to him.

"I'm going to brush Chester," Rosalie said as Chester came up and jumped in her arms.

Next day:

Carlisle:

The next day I was driving home from the hospital. On my way on the highway to our house, I spied something close to the road. As I approached I noticed a large wolf by the side of the road. It was Nathan. He knows this area is off limits to all the wolves. The Pack and my wolf children know this too. I sped up and approached and he saw me coming. I swerved to the side of the road and threw my door open.

"Nathan! What are you doing so close to the road?" I shouted at him.

He looked startled at my reaction and backed up a little with his tail between his legs. I could hear him whimpering knowing he was in the wrong.

"Get home right now and phase back and wait for me," I ordered him.

Nathan put his head down and backed up a little and was looking very sheepish. He knows he is in the wrong and he is now in trouble.

"Hurry up before someone comes down the road," I said motioning to him to take off.

He bounded off toward home. I got back in my car muttering to myself at that boy's carelessness and how this could have caused great problems for the wolf pack. I drove home and once in the driveway, I got out of my car and headed in the house.

"Carlisle, what's wrong. Nathan just ran past and looked upset," Esme said coming up to me.

"I caught him down by the highway in wolf form a few miles down the road towards town. I got out and told him to get home before someone saw him," I explained.

"What? Oh dear," Esme said.

"Stupid runt, he could have exposed us," Jake complained.

"He knows better than that. What is wrong with the child," Billy said upset at the thought of the wolf secret getting out.

"Dad, this could have been a disaster," Leah added.

"Boy, he's in for it," Seth said.

"Where is he," I asked.

"I think he's in his room," Esme said.

"Fine, I'm going up there," I said starting for the stairs.

"Should we all leave Dad," Jake asked.

"No, you can all stay," I said.

"What? He's not getting it?" Jake asked.

"Jacob, I deal with the discipline," I called back.

"Doesn't look like it," Jake said after me. That was not going to get by. I flashed back down to Jake.

"What did you say, Young Man," I said getting in Jake's face.

"See, like this! You need to do this to the runt," Jake said trying to make light.

"You don't tell me how to discipline my children or guest, mister. Do I make myself clear," I said now demanding an answer.

"Yes Dad…sorry," Jake said backing down.

I reached out and yanked Jake toward me turning him to the side and landed a good SMACK to his backside. He yelped as his face turned red in embarrassment. It happened, that as I turned him to the side, Jake and Rosalie locked eyes. Of course Rosalie was trying to keep from laughing.

"OOOWWW!" Jake yelped. "That hurt!"

"I can continue if you need any more clarification," I said to him.

"No! I understand…you're the Dad…the spanker," Jake said.

"Don't forget it," I said to him ruffling his hair.

"How can I since I'm reminded every time I sit now," Jake said.

Nathan's room:

Carlisle:

"Nathan," I said as I opened his door and walked into his room.

"Yes Uncle Carl," Nathan said standing up by the bed.

"Do you realize what could have happened if someone saw you in wolf form?" I asked him.

"Not really, they would think it was a big wolf," Nathan said unconcerned.

"More like a HUGE wolf. Nathan, you could have caused a panic and then people would talk. You put the Pack in danger," I said to him.

"Nothing happened. Why is everyone so upset," Nathan said.

"Because something could have happened. This could have caused an uproar again when people saw the wolves for the first time and a panic set in. Chief Swan had a time and he didn't know about the wolves at the time. You know you have to protect the wolf secret, Young Man," I said sternly to him.

"I know…am I in trouble," Nathan asked.

"Yes you are. No more going by the highway in wolf form. Stay away from there. It's dangerous by the highway anyway even in human form and you are forbidden to go around it again. Is that understood?" I put to him.

"Yes…," Nathan said grumbling.

"No evening perimeter run tonight or tomorrow night," I said to him.

"What? Come on Uncle Carl. We love the perimeter runs. I wanna go," Nathan whined.

"No run tonight or tomorrow or else," I said to him.

"Awww mannnnn," Nathan mumbled.

"Nathan! No runs! Did you hear me," I said again.

"Yes sir," Nathan agreed reluctantly.

"You're lucky that's all you got," I said to him.

"Rats," Nathan said again.

"You stay in your room until supper to think about it," I said to him.

"Yes Uncle Carl," Nathan said and plopped on the bed. "What a bite…stupid punishment."

That was enough. I walked over to the bed and landed a good smack to his backside.

SMACK!

"Owww!" Nathan yelped.

"You better watch that attitude mister. I don't care how you feel about the punishment, you deserve it and you're lucky it's only two nights. Now behave and stop grumbling or it will be for a week," I warned him.

"Okay, okay," Nathan said rubbing his stinging seat.

Two days later:

Carlisle:

Seth and I came home from the hospital and his vet job. Seth was kind of quiet. We walked in the house and Sam was there visiting Billy. They looked a little upset.

"Carlisle, we need to talk," Billy said motioning to me.

"Privately," I asked.

"In the study would be fine," Sam said. We went into the downstairs study. Esme looked concerned but went back to making supper.

"What's wrong," I asked concerned.

"It seems some of the Elders saw two wolves near the highway by La Push. One was Canton, one of the newer and younger wolves. He phased when the Denali and Volturi were here," Sam explained.

"I bet the other was Nathan," I said shaking my head.

"How'd you know," Sam asked.

"Because I caught him by the highway near our house on my way home from work. I grounded him for 2 nights of perimeter runs. I told him how dangerous it was to be seen by anyone," I explained.

"Well it seems these two are at it again. I tried to talk to Canton but the Elders weren't sure of which wolves they were so I couldn't accuse him. I'm sure it's the two of them," Sam said.

"Why are they doing this?" Billy asked.

"Why do kids do things they are told not to? Because they are told not to and want to prove the adults wrong. I'm thinking they want to scare people. Imagine driving down the highway and seeing a massive wolf on the side of the road. The people will not believe their eyes," I surmised.

"You're probably right," Sam said.

"They need their hides tanned," Billy said.

"And that's what will happen if we catch him again. Nathan for sure," Esme said coming in and joining the conversation.

"Can you talk with Nathan and find out for sure if it is Canton who is with him," Sam asked.

"We most certainly will, Sam. You can bet on it," Esme said.

"And just how are you planning on getting Nathan to open up," I posed to her.

"Oh he will answer to me," Esme said with confidence.

"That's what I love about you Esme, total faith and courage," Billy said smiling at her.

"I certainly wouldn't want to cross her," Sam said smiling at her.

"You just remember that, Sam Uley," Esme said walking out to the kitchen.

"I always do," Sam answered.

"Want to stay for supper, Sam?" Esme asked him turning back as she got to the doorway.

"Sure, let me call Emily," Sam said happily dialing his phone.

"Come on, Carlisle. Lovers talking," Billy teased. We both went out to the kitchen.

Dinner:

Carlisle:

"Okay, dig in," Esme said to the Wolfies and Billy.

"Hungry wolves eating…watch your fingers," Jake said as he helped himself to a huge portion of beef roast.

"Hey, save some for the rest of us," Leah said to him.

"You snooze you lose," Jake said smiling at his plateful.

"Jacob, that is enough for 3 people," Esme said to him.

"I'm a young, growing wolf, I need carnage," Jake said snickering.

"What a pig," Rosalie said pouring Billy coffee and Sam ice water.

"Listen Miss Poison Ivy…," Jake barked at her.

"Jacob, mind your manners at the dinner table," Esme said to him.

"But Mom, she insulted my wolfness," Jake said to his mother.

"Jakey, you could control your eating habits," Esme said to him.

"I agree, listen to your Mother and mind your manners," I said to him.

"Always picking on me," Jake complained.

"You're the one who's always shooting his mouth off, wolf bro," Emmett said coming in and joining the conversation.

"Seth & Nathan, come for down for dinner," Esme called to them.

"Is Nathan allowed out of his room yet," Billy asked.

"Yes, I told him to stay there until he got called downstairs," I replied.

"Here comes my baby and his friend," Esme said of Seth and Nathan.

"Am I allowed to come down, Uncle Carl," Nathan asked me.

"Yes, sit down and eat before Jake inhales all the meat," I said to them.

Both Seth and Nathan sat down at the table. Nathan happily filled his plate. Seth just sat there and slowly took just a little mashed potatoes and gravy. He looked pale to me.

"Seth, why aren't you eating," Esme asked him.

"I don't know…just not too hungry," Seth replied.

"What's wrong Seth?" I asked now noticing his eyes. He looked glassy-eyed.

"I'm not feeling too well," Seth said.

"You don't feel well? Carlisle, check my baby out," Esme instructed me.

"I am, my love. Are you nauseous," I asked him.

"No…just not hungry…kind of achy…just yucky," Seth said.

"Does your stomach hurt," I asked now walking over and placing my hand on his forehead.

"A little," Seth said.

"You're very warm. I think you have a fever," I said looking in his eyes now.

"Da-ad, I'm okay," Seth said trying to pull away from me.

"Emmett, get my bag from my study," I said to him.

"Sure thing, Pops," Emmett said flashing up and down with my bag.

"Here ya go, Pops," Emmett said handing me my bag.

I got the thermometer out and put it under Seth's tongue. When it beeped I couldn't believe my eyes. It was 110. The wolves' normal temperature is 108.

"Seth, you have a fever," I said now growing concerned.

"What? How can he have a fever," Esme asked now coming over and feeling his forehead for herself.

"I'm not sure. Usually they don't get sick, the advanced healing usually kicks any bug they come into contact with," I said.

"This is strange. We never get sick," Sam said growing concerned now too.

"Dad, now my stomach is starting to hurt and this food is making me sick," Seth said now holding his stomach.

"Go upstairs Seth and get ready for bed. I'll be up with my bag when you have your pajamas on," I said to him.

"I need a shower first Dad. I smell like the vet's office," Seth said.

"Hmmpf! How can you tell the difference," Rosalie said.

"Rosalie, don't aggravate your brother…he doesn't feel well," Esme said to her.

"Sorry Cubbie," Rosalie said now concerned also.

"It's okay, Rose," Seth said now making his way to his room.

"Nathan, I want to talk to you later," I said to Nathan who now had a worried look on his face.

"Uh…ok…what about," Nathan asked hesitantly.

"You'll find out later," I said keeping him guessing.

"Yikes," Nathan said going back to his meal.

Upstairs:

Carlisle:

I walked up the stairs with my bag and went into Seth's room to wait for him. I could hear the shower going and I knew he would be in shortly. I heard the shower stop and then nothing. Then I heard the sound all parents dread—heaving. Seth was vomiting. I ran to the bathroom to help him.

"Seth, I'm here," I said as I saw him on the floor hugging the toilet. I got a glass with water and a wet washcloth.

"Dad…I'm so sick," Seth said still upheaving.

"Let it come out, son," I said putting my hand on his back.

"Dad…you don't have to stay in here…it's gross," Seth said to me.

"Don't you worry about that son, I've seen worse," I said rubbing his back trying to soothe him.

"I-I think I'm finished," Seth said.

I wiped his mouth with the wet cloth and then helped him up. He looked pale and was shaking with chills. He looked miserable.

"Rinse your mouth out, son," I said holding the glass out to him.

"Okay…yuk…," Seth said again.

"Better," I asked him.

"For now," Seth said.

I picked my baby cub up and carried him to his bedroom. I threw the covers back on his bed and set him down in it, covering him and trying to make him warm. I walked over to get another blanket from the closet and covered him with it. He still had chills. I left quickly to get a bucket just in case he had another accident. I set it down on the floor next to his bed. I took my thermometer and checked his temperature. It was still high.

"How is he," Esme asked coming in the room.

"Miserable. He has chills and a fever still," I replied.

"My poor baby. How can he be sick," Esme wondered.

"I don't know. It's unusual but I guess it can happen," I said to her. "Can you get a cool, wet wash cloth for his forehead," I asked her.

"Of course," Esme said flashing out and right back. She walked forward and placed it on his forehead stroking his hair.

"Thanks Mmmoommm," Seth said through his chattering teeth.

"My poor baby cub," Esme said soothingly to him.

"How is he, Carlisle," Billy said peeking in with Emmett behind him.

"Still feverish and has chills. Billy, stay out of here. We don't need you coming down with this," I said to him.

"Don't have to tell me twice," Billy said scooting away. "Take me downstairs, Em," Billy said.

"Can I do anything," Sam asked walking in the room.

"Yes, I suggest you leave the room also," I said to Sam.

"No problem. I think I better head back to the Lodge," Sam said leaving and making his way home.

"Get some rest Seth and drink plenty of fluids," I said to him.

"Dad, don't leave," Seth said reaching for my hand.

"I'm staying right here, son," I said grasping his hand.

"Carlisle, should I get him water or juice," Esme asked.

"What sounds good, Seth," I asked him.

"Juice, orange juice," Seth replied.

"I'll be right back, my baby," Esme said kissing him on his forehead.

"Thanks Mom," Seth said.

"Try to get some rest, son," I said.

Seth pulled the covers tighter and closed his eyes as he shivered. I sat there watching my baby Cub, hoping this passes just like humans get the flu. My baby Cub has me worried. My phone starting ringing. It was Sam.

"Yes Sam," I said into the phone.

"Carlisle, I asked the boys here at the Lodge and some of them said the flu is going around the Reservation. Emily said the bug is hitting the children pretty hard, even though they had their flu shots," Sam said.

"Well, I guess it's just the flu but it's strange that Seth would get it. Usually if you and the Pack get sick, you can overcome it anywhere from a few hours to a day," I said.

"Yeah, that's true. Well, I guess even us wolves can't shake some strains of the flu virus at times," Sam said.

"Yes, that can happen. Let me know if any of the Pack come down with this, or you and Emily," I said to him.

"Sure thing, Carlisle. Talk to you later," Sam said. We hung up and I sat there pondering my thoughts.

"I wonder…," I said to myself out loud.

To Be Continued…

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