Chapter 37 – Wolf Flu
Carlisle:
"Wonder what?" Esme asked.
"If this could have anything to do with the dog flu at the vet's office," I said pondering this thought.
"What do you mean?" Esme said.
"The flu is contagious to dogs. It could affect the wolf side of Seth," I said rubbing my chin.
"No one else is sick at the vet's office," Seth offered.
"Humans are not affected by this, Tom Poston told me. Seth, you are half wolf. It could affect the wolf side of you," I said again.
"But the dogs that contract it, died," Seth said with wide eyes.
"Carlisle! Do something," Esme said with worry.
"I think in this case, the human side of Seth is helping him. Since he is a wolf, the advanced healing will work on him because he is half human. That could be why he is sick like with the flu," I said.
"I'm not going to die am I Dad," Seth asked.
"No son. In this case, it's good you're only half wolf," I said to him.
"Are you sure, Carlisle," Esme ask concerned.
"Yes, or he would be sicker. I'll call Tom and ask him what is in the flu shot he gives the animals and maybe I can make an antidote for him," I said.
"Hurry and call him," Esme urged.
Phone conversation with Dr. Tom, the Vet:
"Hi Tom, this is Carlisle," I said into the phone.
"Oh hi Carlisle, what can I do for you?" Tom asked.
"I was wondering what you are giving to the dogs to inoculate them for the dog flu that is going around," I asked.
"Why, is Harry sick?" Tom asked.
"Uh no, but a friend of mine has a pet wolf and I told him about the dog flu and that we took Harry for a flu shot. He was wondering if it would affect his pet wolf like it has affected dogs," I asked. I had to come up with something about a wolf.
"Well, the wolves are different, even though they are ancestors of the domesticated dogs, they have a different system. It probably would only affect them like having the flu. This strain seems to only affect domesticated dogs, especially pedigree dogs," Tom informed me.
"Oh, so if a wolf would contract it, it could recover," I asked hopeful.
"Yes, like I said, they are wilder and can fight off diseases because of all of the healthy DNA passed through generations of wolves. I would think they may just get sick but could fight it off," Tom said.
"My friend will be glad to hear this," I said.
"You can have your friend bring his wolf pet in and I can check it over and give it the flu shot," Tom offered.
"What's in the vaccine?" I asked.
"Just normal flu vaccine just like what humans or given. It's derived from the strain of the dog flu," Tom explained.
"I think my friend would be more comfortable if I injected the wolf. He is wary of bringing a wolf into town. He wouldn't want to frighten people and he is afraid the wolf would feel threatened. Would you mind if I came by and picked up a vaccine?" I asked.
"Of course. You can come now and I'll meet you at the clinic. I'm sure you can give an animal a shot since you give shots all the time to people," Tom laughed.
"Yes, I'd say I've had a lot of experience with giving shots over the years," I chuckled.
"I'll be waiting for you, Carlisle," Tom said. I hung up the phone and went to tell Esme.
Seth's Room:
"Are you going to get the shot now?" Esme asked.
"Yes, I can analyze it and make more vaccines in case the others catch it," I said to her.
"What? I have to get a shot?" Seth asked.
"It will help you get over it," I explained.
"Dad, I hate shots," Seth said.
"Surely you can stand a little pinch from a little needle. I'm leaving now," I said.
Later:
I arrived back with the shot. Rosalie, Edward and I went to the medical room and analyzed the shot. We were able to make more so that we had something to inoculate the other wolves in case it spread.
"Dad, I don't feel so hot," Jake said coming in looking flushed and sweaty.
"You probably caught it from Seth," Edward said.
I grabbed my stethoscope and felt his forehead. I listened to his chest and he was a little congested and I could even see he felt bad.
"He has a temperature. Rosalie, take his temp while I listen to his chest," I said. Rosalie came over with the thermometer.
"You are congested like Seth. You have the flu," I said to him.
"He has a temp of 108 like Seth did," Rosalie announced.
"No wonder I feel so lousy," Jake said.
"You're just a hot dog," Rosalie said laughing.
"You're…aww…I feel too bad to come back at that," Jake said.
"Just one sick puppy," Rosalie added.
"Okay, those were two good ones. I'll get you back when I'm better," Jake said.
"That day will never come," Rosalie prodded him.
"Rosalie, that's enough," I said to her.
"He must be sick, Daddy. He's not insulting me back," Rosalie said. Jake had settled on a chair in the medical room.
"Jake, come on, I'll take you to your room," I said lifting him up.
"I need a shower, Dad," Jake said.
"I'll say you do," I said as I got a whiff of him. He and Leah had just come in from their perimeter run.
"What's wrong with Jakey," Esme asked coming in to check on him.
"He's got what Seth has," I said walking to the stairs.
"Where are you taking him," Esme asked.
"He needs a bath and then to bed," I said.
"I'll bathe him," Esme said.
"No, not Mom. Dad don't let her," Jake said embarrassed.
"For crying out loud Jake, I'm your Mother," Esme said to him.
"But…but…," Jake stammered.
"Esme, I'll give him a bath. He doesn't feel well," I said to her.
"Oh alright. Jakey, I'll make you some soup," Esme said.
"Ugh, Mom don't mention food…uh…Dad…you better get me to the bathroom…quick," Jake said holding his mouth.
"Stand back Esme," I said as I flashed to the bathroom.
I made it just in time as Jake let loose. I flushed the toilet and drew a warm bath and cleaned him up. I wrapped him in a towel and took him to his room and got him in his pajamas and into bed. I was just tucking him in when Billy came in.
"I heard you were sick," Billy said to Jake.
"You heard right," Jake answered now looking as white as a ghost.
"You look like your vampire family," Billy teased him.
"Thanks, that makes it all better," Jake said.
"Does he have what Seth does," Billy asked.
"Yes, it's a strain of the dog flu. It's affecting the wolf side of them. You won't catch it because it does not affect humans," I explained.
"Dad…I'm miserable," Jake said.
"I'll be back with some Tylenol," I said to him.
As I walked to my study where my bag was, I ran into Nathan who had come in bounding up the stairs. He didn't seem to be infected with the flu yet. Hopefully I can give him a shot and he can avoid the nasty virus.
"Hi Uncle Carl. I heard Seth was sick," Nathan said.
"Listen Young Man, you and I need to have a talk," I said sternly to him.
"What about?" Nathan asked.
"You'll find out later when we talk. For now, stay away from Seth and Jacob," I said to them.
"Jake's sick too?" Nathan asked.
"Yes, he has a fever and is nauseous," I answered.
"Yuck, hope I don't get it," Nathan said.
"Stay away from them and hopefully you won't. Go back downstairs by the others," I told him.
I went back to Jake's room and gave him two Tylenol's and a drink of water. He settled back in the bed. Billy and I were looking at him when he jumped from the bed.
"Gang way! I need to get to the bathroom…I'm gonna hurl," Jake shouted and ran to the bathroom.
At that moment, Leah who was in the kitchen began feeling ill. She was holding her stomach and felt hot. Esme noticed right away.
"Leah, are you feeling sick," Esme asked.
"Yeah Mom, it just came over me. Uck, I need to go," Leah said and rushed upstairs to the bathroom were Jake was busy hurling.
"Jake...MOVE…I'm sick…," Leah shouted entering the bathroom.
"So am I. Get out!" Jake shouted back at her.
"I can't…I won't make it," Leah said running up and pushing him away from hanging his head in the toilet.
"Hey! I'm busy here!" Jake shouted at her pushing her now.
"I'm sick! MOVE!" Leah shouted pushing Jake to the floor.
"Jacob, let Leah near the toilet," I said walking in on them with all the commotion.
"I can't Dad, I still need it," Jake said as he made another deposit in it.
"Dad…," Leah said looking about frantically.
"Leah, just use the waste can," I said holding it up to her.
Leah grabbed the waste basket just in time and promptly made 3 healthy deposits in it. Jake cringed each time she did so.
"Awwggh, I have to get out of here," Billy said wheeling back to his room.
"That smells Lulu, get out of here," Jake shouted at her.
"NO, I can't make it anywhere else," Leah shouted back. "Move out of the way," Leah said now pushing Jake onto the floor and took over his position. She made use of the vessel in front of her.
"Oh man this is so disgusting," Jake said rolling on the floor now. "I'm so sick," Jake called out.
"Me too," Leah said leaning against the toilet. "I'm miserable!"
"Are you both settled for the moment," I asked.
"Can't guarantee it," Jake answered.
"Me either, Dad," Leah said.
"I'm getting two shots and will be right back," I said walking toward the door.
"I don't want a shot," Jake said.
"Chicken," Leah said to him.
"Outta the way," Seth called as he ran into the bathroom now shoving Leah aside and also joining in the disgusting festivities of the bathroom.
"Get out Seth," Leah called to her brother.
"I can't…ummppppfff," Seth couldn't hold it in.
"Eeewwww, you got it in my hair," Leah shouted.
"Aww, sick," Jake said.
"Gross," Seth added.
"No, I'm sick…move…," Jake shouted as he pushed Leah and Seth out of the way and heaved again.
"Man, stay away from the bathroom. Sick wolves hurling," Emmett called out.
"That's a pretty picture, Emmett," Jasper said wrinkling his face at Emmett's description.
"Hey Pops! Hurry and get back here. The Wolves are having a vomit-fest," Emmett called out.
"Emmett! Stop it," Esme said as she walked over to help her babies.
Hearing all the commotion I hurried and drew up 4 shots and made my way to the bathroom where my wolf children were sick. I entered the room and they had calmed down and were all sitting against the tub and walls just trying to feel better.
"I have a shot for each of you. It should ease the flu symptoms. Jake, you first," I said looking at him.
"Why me?" Jake asked.
"Cause you started after Seth, now roll up your sleeve," I said to him.
Jake did as I said and didn't even flinch when I gave him the shot. I then gave Seth and Leah a shot and they didn't protest either. After a bit, they seemed to feel a little better. They were able to hold a half glass of water down.
"Each of you clean up and get into bed. I will come by and check on you after I give Nathan a shot and have a little talk with him," I said to my three sick wolves.
"Come on, I'll help you all into bed," Esme said.
Esme helped Leah get a shower and then Seth took one after Leah and Esme left the bathroom. Rosalie and Alice cleaned the bathroom but not without complaining but they felt sorry for their sick wolf siblings. I made my way to Nathan's room.
"Nathan, I'm coming in," I said as I opened his door and entered his room. He was laying on the bed and immediately got up.
"How are the others?" Nathan asked.
"Sick. How do you feel?" I asked him.
"So far I'm okay," Nathan replied.
"Good, let's hope it stays that way. Now come over here and drop your pants and lay across my knee," I said sitting down on his bed.
"What? What did I do?" Nathan asked.
"Nothing, just come over here and do what I said," I repeated.
"Why do I have to get spanked," Nathan asked.
"I'm not going to spank you, I'm going to give you a shot," I said to him.
"Oh okay…that's different…hey wait! I DON'T WANT A SHOT," Nathan shouted.
"You have to get one or you will get sick too, now bend over and let's get it over with," I said to him.
"Can't I drink it?" Nathan asked.
"No, now come here," I said and yanked him over my lap.
I quickly pulled his pants down to Nathan's disdain as he whined and beg me not to give him a shot. I quickly administered the injection and Nathan didn't even feel it. He was too busy telling me he didn't want a shot and I quickly pulled his pants up and righted him and stood him in front of me.
"You're not giving me a shot," Nathan asked.
"I already did," I said to him.
"Really? I didn't feel it," Nathan replied with a smile.
"You were too busy crying about it to feel it," I said to him. "Now sit down here." I said getting serious.
"Yes sir," Nathan said and sat next to me.
"Sam said you and Canton were down by the road in wolf form again," I said watching his reaction.
"He did," Nathan said wide-eyed. He knew he was caught.
"Yes, some of the Elders saw two wolves who looked like you and Canton," I informed him.
"Yikes," Nathan said getting a little nervous.
"I told you not to go near the road in wolf form again didn't I," I asked him.
"Yes sir," Nathan replied.
"So why did you disobey me again?" I asked him.
"Cause Canton wanted to and it was fun," Nathan replied.
"Do you not understand you are risking the wolf secret, Young Man," I said firmly to him.
"No one will figure it out," Nathan said.
"Did Canton tell you that?" I asked.
"No, I told Canton that," Nathan replied. This was worse.
"Nathan, no going by the road in wolf form ever again. And because you disobeyed me, you are grounded for 2 weeks," I said to him.
"No! I hate being grounded," Nathan said to him.
"This time you go nowhere unless I say you can or Aunt Esme says you can. You ask permission to go outside and no runs with any of the Pack, including Jake, Leah and Seth," I said to him.
"That's not fair," Nathan protested.
"I can make it a month if you'd like," I put to him.
"Awwww…noooo Uncle Caaarlll," Nathan pouted.
"And if I find out you were by the road in wolf form again, I'll give you a spanking. Is that understood?" I asked him.
"Mmmmpf," Nathan mumbled.
"Nathan! Do you understand?" I asked again now grabbing him and made him give me his attention.
"Yes Uncle Carl," Nathan whined.
"Now you get a shower and get to bed so you can get a good night's rest," I said to him.
"Hey, does that mean I'm grounded from going to school when it starts up?" Nathan asked hopefully.
"No, you go to school and come straight home, since you are grounded," I answered him.
"Oh brother," Nathan lamented.
"Carlisle," Esme said coming to the door.
"Yes darling," I said to her.
"Emily just called. Sam, Jared and Paul are sick and throwing up," Esme announced to me.
"Oh no, Sam must have taken it with him from here to the Pack. I guess I better get over there," I said.
"I guess you better," Esme said.
"Uncle Carl, suddenly I don't feel so good," Nathan said holding his head.
"Oh no," Esme said.
"Your stomach hurt?" I asked Nathan.
"Yeah, and my head is hot and it hurts," Nathan said still holding his head.
"He has it now also," I said to Esme.
"I'll take care of him. You go on," Esme said to me.
"I'll call you from the Lodge," I said going to my office and gathering my vaccines.
At the Lodge:
Carlisle:
As I arrived at the Lodge, Emily was beside herself. First Sam went down, followed by Jared and Paul. It seems to hit the oldest ones first. Then every half hour Emily said another one would be sick. By the time I got there, Canton was beginning his bout and there were 2 younger wolf boys that I only seen a few times since the Volturi were here along with the Denali Coven. Emily said they were 10 & 11 years of age. One was Dayton and the other was Mikey.
After administering the first 5 injections, which the younger wolves are trying to avoid, I decided that we had to help out at the Lodge. It would be better to move my wolf children here and we can have Emily and my vampire children help take care of everyone. I decided to call Esme and have her load everyone up.
"Esme, everyone is sick over here at the Lodge and Emily needs help. I think it would be best if you just have Emmett, Jasper and Edward help bring our wolfies over here. You can bring Billy too since it doesn't seem to affect humans. This way everyone will be under one roof," I said to her.
"We will be there as soon as we can. Nathan is in the bathroom now and he is very sick, so as soon as he can get himself under control, we will be there," Esme said.
"Okay, we will be waiting," I said into the phone.
"Oh Carlisle, thank you so much," Emily said.
"Of course Emily. We're glad to help out," I said to her.
An hour later:
Carlisle:
Esme and the rest of my family arrived at the Lodge. Emmett, Jasper and Edward helped me fix up the large great room in the Lodge as a hospital wing. We pulled beds out from the rooms and all the sick wolves took a bed. We even brought Sam out of his bedroom and fashioned little triage areas where we grouped the sickest to the ones who were not so sick. It was working great.
"Dad, I feel awful again and I'm burning up," Jake called to me.
"Let me take your temperature," I said walking over. When the thermometer beeped it read 108 again.
"Jake you are burning up again," I said feeling his head.
"Dad, I'm so sick and I'm so hot," Jake said again.
"Here, let me help. Roll on your side, Jake," Rosalie said.
Jake did as she said. To my surprise Rosalie got into bed on her side behind Jake and wrapped her arms around him and held him. She was like a vampire ice bag.
"Hey, that feels wonderful. Thanks," Jake said still sweating.
"Yeah, we'll just don't get your wolf cooties on me," Rosalie said.
"Ouch, get your thorns outta my side," Jake came back at her.
"Ungrateful wolf," Rosalie said to him. She was smiling though.
"AHH! Get away from my head. You're giving me brain freeze," Jake yelled out placing his hand on his forehead.
"Thank goodness. Maybe you'll finally be normal," Rosalie teased.
I just stood back and watched those two and shook my head. I couldn't help but chuckle at them. Even when they are being caring and helpful they still banter. Jake had to be feeling a little better to go at it with Rosalie once again.
"Carlisle, I'm mighty proud of Rosebud," Billy said.
"Yes, so I am. And it's a great idea. We can help the other wolves who have a high fever by doing the same thing," I said.
"Yes, Leah is now complaining about being hot," Esme said.
"I got it Momma," Alice said. She promptly went over to Leah and crawled in bed with her as Rosalie did.
"Thanks Ali-cat," Leah muttered. She was still feeling woozy.
"No problem, Lulu my little sister," Alice said kindly.
"Carlisle, Sam is burning up," Emily said worriedly.
"I got it, Pops," Emmett said. He hopped into the bed and drew Sam into a bear hug. "Cool down, Sam-a-lam-a-ding-dong," Emmett teased.
"Why'd I have to get Emmett," Sam said kiddingly.
"Cause you're the luckiest wolf in this joint and I got you covered. Talk about wolf infirmary," Emmett laughed.
"Listen up, no one eat or drink anything until I say so. You'll just throw it up. Let your stomach get settled before eating or drinking," I said to the sick wolves.
"Dad, please don't mention food," Seth yelled out.
"The shots should be helping with the symptoms soon, but you can still feel worse even after the shots for the first few days," I said to them.
"What do you mean the first few days," Jake asked.
"You won't get over this flu for a couple days with the way things are going," I answered him.
"Aww man, by the time we get over this crap, it will be time to go back to school. Of all the luck," Nathan lamented.
"What happened to that advanced healing we have," Jared asked.
"It took a sick day," Quil answered.
"It's getting late, all of you try to get some rest. Emily and Billy, you too," I said to them.
"What a lousy way to feel," Paul added.
"Hey, it's no picnic for us either," Edward said to him.
"At least you vampires don't get sick," Embry said.
"For once I wish I was a vampire," Seth said.
"Now I am sick," Jake said…
To Be Continued…
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A/N: Sorry this update is so late, but I had another problem with my computer. My hard drive died and I've been without it. It has a new and faster hard drive now, so here's hoping...