"Sophia, what's going on? Is Ava okay?"
"Oh, Jared. I don't know. They took her in 10 minutes ago and no one is telling us anything. She collapsed in the woods while we were walking."
"Calm down Sophia. She'll be fine. She's a strong girl."
"I just wish someone would tell me something. What is HE doing here?"
"Sophia, I brought Luke. I think he deserves to know about what's going on."
"No he doesn't. Really. It's no use disturbing him for this. Luke just go back to the brewery."
"Sophia, please. Don't let our problems get in right now. I want to know. What's wrong with Ava?"
"She... she... I need a seat. Ava was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago. She fought it then and everything seemed to be going fine. A few months ago, she started complaining of dizzying spells and we found out that the leukemia had come back."
Luke stared at her in shock. His little girl was dying? He had only met her and she was going to be taken away. This couldn't be happening. Just then, the doctor came out.
"Ms Donner, your daughter is fine for now. Her condition is stable but it is worsening. It's apparent that there is nothing modern medicine can do for her, she needs to change now more than ever. That is the only hope we have. Time is of the essence, the weaker she gets, the less likely she'll be able to survive a change."
"Oh my god! Ava..."
Sophia couldn't take it anymore. The news that she had been dreading to hear was now out. She collapsed into sobs, her strength all spent. Luke looked at Sophia and suddenly it dawned on him what she must have gone through all this time. He should have been by her side. Slowly he crouched down next to her and slowly put his arms around her, his head resting on top of hers.
"Sophia, shh... it's okay."
"I don't know what to do anymore. She's just a kid. She can't go through a change."
"She's our little girl and that means she's not only tough, she's stubborn as well. And she's a fighter."
"She is, but I'm not. I don't know if I can go through this again."
"You're not alone. I'm right by your side. We'll fight this as a family."
Adrian looked on in silence. He realized that this Luke Cates was their father. He was glad that there was someone who could comfort his mother. It was the first time she had broken down and he was awkward at what to do. In the room next to them, his twin was fighting for her life. He could feel her struggling.
---
The machine beeps were all that broke the deafening silence of the stark white room. Luke stared at the small form on the bed, hooked up to various wires and tubes. The shock still hadn't subsided from him. Sophia had fallen asleep from exhaustion on the small chair. He still couldn't believe that was his little girl lying there. A tear escaped from his eyes and slid down his cheek. Slowly, he raised his hand and put it next to her cheek. So warm. He stood up and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. Ava's eyes fluttered open startling Luke.
"I must be back at a hospital huh? The whiteness is a dead giveaway."
"Shh... you need to rest."
"Nonsense. I'm sick of resting. I hate being stuck in a room and confined to a bed like this for days at a time. If I were to die, I'd rather die outside, under the stars."
"Don't talk like that. You're not going to die."
"I know my chances Luke. Or should I call you dad?"
"What? How'd you find out?"
"I knew since that day at the woods. Just like I look almost like mom, Adrian looks like you. Plus, it was confirmed when I overheard Uncle Jared and my mom talking. But I'm glad that I am finally able to meet my dad. Can I call you dad?"
"Sure. Thank you Ava. Now please get some rest. I'll be here when you wake up."
Dr Bleakley, the doctor attending Ava came in at that moment. He picked up the chart and examined it. Sophia woke up at the same time and both Luke and her waited for the doctor's news.
"The lab results came back. It's just as we suspected. The leukemia cells have spread. We need to induce Ava to begin the change, it's too late to wait for it to happen naturally."
"Induce it? How is that possible?"
"Well, Ms Donner, the pack healers managed to develop a drug that will slowly induce change in a skinwalker. But we also need to transfuse blood from her parents to make it work. The wolven DNA already strong in your blood will give her strength to go through the change. But it is risky and there is only a 60 chance of her changing fully yet alone surviving. However, I would advise you to consent to the inducement, at this point, it is the only chance Ava has of recovering."
"Are there any side effects?"
"No major side effects but she may start experiencing the normal pre flip effects. If we administer the drug and transfusion immediately, it would take about 7 to 10 days for the change."
"Very well doctor. It is the only hope we have now."
---
AT THE CREED RESIDENCE THE NEXT DAY
"Tyler? Where are you baby? Come on, the water's getting cold."
"Hang tight to your panties, darling. I'm bringing the whipped cream and wine. You just stay put and I'll be right there."
"Ooooh, Tyler. That does sound yummy."
Heh, that blonde bimbo is so easy to control. I've got her wrapped around my little finger... snicker or should I say dick. No wonder Cates got bored of her so quickly. But she'll come in handy when the time comes. I'll be Alpha Tyler in no time. That's my cell. Now where did I leave it?
"I'll just be a moment sweetheart. I've to take this call first."
Tyler walked into his office and shut the door, making sure to lock it. He didn't want that bimbo to eavesdrop, as he knew that she was likely to do so.
"Spit it out, Sanders. And it better be good. I've got a blonde waiting in the tub."
"Sorry boss. You know I wouldn't call you if it wasn't good."
"So what is it? You're wasting my time."
"We've got a perfect candidate for the experiment, sir. And you'll just love to know who it is. This one matches all the requirements we were looking for."
"Shh... not on the phone idiot. What are you waiting for? Just make sure no one sees you injecting the virus into her system. We wouldn't want anyone finding out or that stupid Alpha would hang us all. I'll meet you there in about 2 hours."
"Got that covered. They're planning on putting her on that new inducement drug. I'll just mix the virus into her drips and no one will be any wiser."
"And Sanders..."
"Yes, sir?"
"Make sure no one finds out or you'll be the one getting the injection and I'm sure that wouldn't be a pretty picture."
---
A WEEK LATER...
Sophia walked in to visit her daughter and was moved to tears at the sight in front of her.
Luke had carried Ava out of her bed and was cradling her in his lap as they watched the stars together through the window. He had been with Ava almost every hour of the day, refusing to leave her side except when Sophia came to take over in the mornings.
It was clear that Ava had accepted her father. Adrian, on the other hand, had retreated back into his shell. He barely spoke to anyone other than Ava anymore. Sophia sighed.
"Mom, dad has been explaining to me about the change. I think I would like to do it in the woods. If there is a possibility I don't make it, I want to die there. Please mom."
"Ava, I have told you time and time again that you are not going to die."
"Sophia, Ava is right. She should be given the opportunity to change where she wants to."
"Alright. I'll talk to Dr Bleakley and Sherman."
---