PART- 6

[ Cassandra ]

Four years later…

The fresh and humid air carrying the earthy scent inside my calmed my throbbing brain cells. My fingers wrapped around the coffee mug. I read the reports and they didn’t look promising.

I had been doing my research on this unidentified illness among werewolves for three long years once I finished my online P. hd. but it was found only in my son, no otther known cases. His cells dying, prone to infections and constant fever, it wasn’t  uncommon in werewolves.

I pressed my temples because I could not see a positive light even after countless trials and research. Something was missing.

A knock on the door put a pause on my thoughts and I placed my cup down chipping a low ‘come in’ to the person.

“It’s almost nine in and you’re still here, Dr. Croft?”

“Like I have time or a reason to go home, Alpha.” I shook my head with a tired smile.

“Cassius is doing better now, Cassie. He’s a strong boy who wants only his mother to feel brighter and energetic.” He said with a hint of sympathy for me.

“This hospital has become a second home to my son, Roman. As much as I try to convince myself that one day he’d be free from this decease, I can’t help but live in constant fear of of..los-” My throat choked.

“What happened yesterday was depressive but I have full faith in your, Cassandra. Your dedication will result in success very soon and our little Cassius is also counting on his mother. You’ll heal him and others like him if this sickness will be seen again.” Roman, my alpha and the co-owner of the hospital said to comfort me.

“Thanks, Roman for being a great friend to both me and Cassius.” I expressed my gratitude.

“You can thank me with a treat of red meat steak and your lasagna for the dinner on weekends if your schedule allows.” He winked.

I shook my head,

“I am free on Saturday so I think it’s possible.” I agreed, together we walked out of my cabin.

My shift was over unless an emergency case arrives at the hospital and I’d be needed otherwise I could go and spend time with my son in his private ward in the same wing.

“Cassie, I won’t be able to pay another visit in next two weeks since there’s a lot that I need to handle at the pack. I hope you can manage everything here at the hospital.” He said in a serious tone.

“Roman, I am managing this hospital as the chief medical officer for last one year. You only come for a formal inspection or to meet Cassius.” I laughed.

“But the workload is levying on your shoulders, Cassie. You also need a break for yourself and I am thinking to build a special faculty for wolves with critical decease so you can only focus on treating the humans until your research is complete.” He suggested.

We had reached at Cassius’ ward.

“Let’s talk about this some other day. It’s almost nine-thirty. I think you should be going or it’ll be too late to reach at the pack.” I tried to avoid the conversation and he knew exactly why.

He sighed and pressed a smile.

“Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow because tonight I am staying at my condo to finish some business related work. Good night and please, take some rest.” He said with a genuine care itched on his face before leaving.

He was a gentleman, an angel disguised as a friend who cared for me.

I wondered if I hadn’t met Dominic and fallen in love with him, I would definitely be drawn to Roman but I had no time or interest for a romantic relationship. I preferred our pure friendship.

Slowly pushing the door open, I stepped inside. My heart ached to see my son laying on the small hospital bed, tubes attached on his small body but he smiled when he saw me.

“You should be asleep by now. It’s past your bedtime.” I narrowed my eyes at him.

“I slept all the day, Mom.” He tried to laugh, “And I missed you so I tried to stay awake so I could see you before sleeping again.” He said in a pained voice which he tried his best to hide from me.

“Come here, give me a hug.” I sat down on the edge of his bed and opened my arms for my baby.

He immediately hugged me wrapping his tiny hands around my frame and buried his face in my chest.

“Sorry for being late. There were many patients today and I couldn’t leave them.” I apologized.

“Don’t say sorry, Mom. You are a doctor and your first duty is to save people. I am proud of you.” He said with a wide smile.

I kissed his hairs.

“But I feel more proud of you being a fighter. You’ll be out of here in a couple of days. Perhaps by Saturday and then we’ll go to the amusement park and to the aquarium as I promised you.” I said to him and his eyes sparkled.

“Really, Mommy?” He asked.

“Yes, I have applied for two days leave to spend the weekend with you, Cassius.” I ruffled his silky raven-coloured hairs.

He looked more like his father than me.

“I can’t wait to get discharged. I promise, Mommy. I will take care of myself more. I won’t eat cold things or fast food or wet myself. I know my sickness scares you.” He said in a low voice.

“Hey, don’t feel sad. I never feel disappointed or tired. I do everything for you because I loved you the most in this world.” I cupped his face and made him to look at me.

Despite being only four years old, he could understand everything.

“Mom, can you pat me so I can sleep?” He yawned.

The heavy medicines were making him sluggish. It was for his recovery.

I laid down beside him and pulled him into my embrace, I sang his favourite song and soon he drifted into a peaceful sleep.

Once he slept, I covered him properly with his blanket, placed his soft wolf toy and kissed his forehead.

My eyes teared up but I had to stay positive and strong for him.

Quietly leaving his room, I made my way to the staff room to change my clothes and go home to take a shower and take a few hours’ sleep to keep my body functioning.

I thought about my past as I walked aimlessly in the deserted corridor.

If Rowan hadn’t found me in the woods, barely holding to life after rogues followed me, I would have built this life with Cassius, my only sunshine.

He saved us and helped me to start a new life in the sub-urban area where humans and werewolves could live together. He helped me to get a job in the hospital where they needed doctor for both races and since then, I didn’t need to look back.

I gave birth to Cassius and life became a pure bliss after the heartbreak which I thought I would never overcome but when I held Cassius for the first time, I knew I had to move on for this blessing.

But my happiness was eclipsed when I discovered that Cassius was weak and fragile. His immune system wasn’t as strong as a werewolf pup should have, let alone an alpha child.

The answer was harsh. I was wolfless so he couldn’t receive the energy inside womb, it could be filled if his father was around him. And that day I promised myself to find a cure for him and other wolves like him.

Suddenly, at the reception area, I heard a commotion. The medical staff was rushing a patient towards the emergency section, there were bulky men filling the area. I stopped in my track and narrowed my eyes at the patient, she was a woman but the scent made me anxious because it was somehow familiar.

“Start the treatment. Her body is completely cold.” I heard a deep, intimidating voice and this time I couldn’t be confused when I saw the owner of such authoritative demeanour.

My blood ran cold when I saw the person’s face whose face was hard.