Chapter 4

Never one to cause a scene, Tempest waited until they were in the elevator to truly show her displeasure. “What the hell was that all about? There is no way I can work if I have you or Mitch glued to my side! It’s not going to happen.” She shook her head, hands fisted at her sides.

Trae could understand Tempest’s anger, but he was there to keep her safe and he’d do just that; even if he did get her off side. He gave Tempest a moment to calm down; unfortunately she continued glaring at him and for just a moment, her eyes flashed a soft amber colour before returning to their usual brown. He pushed this to the back of his mind having more important issues to deal with.

Trae remained silent until they were in her office with the door closed. “Doc I know you’re upset, but for now there’s nothing we can do about the situation.” His words did little to alleviate Tempest’s anger. He ran a hand over his chin considering how best to approach her. “We can use this to our advantage. You have a new victim; my being with you will help the situation. If the killer is a Rogue, I’ll be able to scent him.”

Tempest already knew the scent of the Rogue, unfortunately she couldn’t tell anyone. She didn’t like it, but had to admit what he said made sense. There was really no way should could justify him not having at least limited access to the body. “Fine! But if you get in the way of me doing my job, I’ll have you dragged out of here.”

Trae tried hard not to grin, the woman was being serious and he needed her to cooperate. In the end, he’d still do what was necessary to keep her safe, but having her on side would make life easier. He sighed giving her a crestfallen expression that had Tempest rolling her eyes. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that Doc.”

Tempest made a few calls; discovered Dr Barden was out sick. Never before had she been relieved that someone was unwell. She called him at home, spoke with his wife telling her she was on top of things and that Mark should rest, not rush back to work. That being done, Tempest made her way to where the body laid waiting for her, Trae right behind her.

Trae waited patiently as Tempest looked over the body, he wanted nothing more than to get close enough to catch the scent of the Rogue that had done this, but wait until she was done. What he didn’t count on was the gasp Tempest made as if in fear or shock. He moved without thinking, wondering what could have made the Doc react in that way.

“She’s alive. Dear God, Trae she’s still alive!”

Trae looked at the woman laid out on the table, “I’d be able to hear her heart beating if she was Doc and I can’t.”

“I’m a doctor Trae and I’m telling you, she’s still alive. Look! She touched a finger to the woman’s brow. “She’s perspiring.”

Trae moved as close to the body as possible and although he still couldn’t pick up a heartbeat, he could both see and smell fresh sweat. “Son-of-a-bitch! Do something Doc.”

Tempest’s eyes never left the woman, “Lock the door. In the draw on the left you’ll find packets of sterile gauze. Soak one in cold water, wring it out and hand it to me.”

He did as instructed, watching as she wiped over the woman’s face. They waited several minutes unsure what was going to happen. When the perspiration on her brow returned Tempest turned to Trae, “You need to call your Alpha and let him know that this woman is transitioning.” She saw the shocked expression on Trae’s face. “Trae! She’s turning, the next few days will determine if she lives or dies. He needs to know, she’ll need to be protected until…”

“Until we eradicate the Rogue.” He moved away from the woman, pulling out his phone as he moved.

Tempest touched his arm, “I’ll need to notify Jax as well.” She saw the look in his eye and continued, “I have no choice. I’ll let him know that I’ve organised somewhere safe for her to go until we find whoever tried to ‘kill’ her. She’ll be carrying his scent, so if he suspects she’s alive, he’ll come after her. We need people believe she’s dead.”

Trae moved back to the table, smoothing the hair off the young woman’s face. “How do you want to do this Doc?”

Tempest grabbed several blankets, placing one over the woman and folding the other up to use as a makeshift pillow. Trae lifted her so Tempest could pull another blanket on the table so she wouldn’t be laying on the cold surface.

“I’ll call Jax first. Like I said I’m under an obligation to do so. I’ll explain that we plan on keeping her hidden for the time being. She’ll need medical help and I can give that.” She looked up into his face a frown wrinkling her forehead. “Then you call your Alpha. Have him on speaker so I can explain the situation and ask him to give safe haven to…” She growled and picked up the paper work, “to Miriam Anderson.”

Trae was shaking his head, “Wade isn’t going to like it. We should call him first; let him decide what to do.”

“No! This is my domain Trae, my world. I have rules I need to follow. I’ll do my best to accommodate him, but I need to protect my position here and in doing so protect your secret.”

He didn’t like the situation, but she stood her ground. He paced the room several times before coming to a decision. “Okay Doc, we do this your way, but I can tell you right now Wade is going to be pissed!”

“He’s an Alpha, of course he’s going to be pissed.” She smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “It’s been my experience that Alpha’s don’t like it when they aren’t in control.” She shrugged her shoulders. “This time he’ll just have to deal with it.”

Trae sighed, but remained silent as Tempest called Jax.

“Tempest, what can I do for you?”

“Jax, how soon can you get to my office? I need to speak to you as soon as possible.”

“Honey what is it, are you all right?”

“I’m fine Jax, but we have a situation and I need you to keep it under wraps; at least for the time being. Call me when you arrive and I’ll have Trae meet you.” She hung up before Jax could say another word. He’d come, Tempest was positive of that.

She looked at Trae, “Your turn.”

Trae was a strong man, one who would fight to the death if needs be; Tempest was counting on his strength, was more than surprised when he dialled his Alpha’s number and handed the phone to her. Her expression speaking volumes.

“Look Doc, if this is how you want to run things, then you need to tell him. I umm, I don’t think he’s likely to yell at you too much.” The smug look on his face made her want to throw something at him.

“Trae. Hello. Hello. Trae!”

Realising the Alpha had already answered the phone; Tempest sucked in a deep calming breath and spoke. “Mr Benning, its Doctor Kincaid.”

“Trae? What do you need?”

“Trae’s fine. We have a situation that you need to be involved in.” she sighed in preparation of his reaction. “There’s been another attack.” She could hear the low grow he was trying to contain. “Mr Benning, she’s still alive. We need somewhere to keep her safely hidden until the Rogue has been dealt with.”

There was silence on the end of the line, “Mr Benning, are you there?”

Wade couldn’t believe his ears, “She’s alive?”

“Yes, her name is Miriam Anderson. She’s transitioning, which means she’ll be carrying his scent.”

“Will she survive the change?”

“Yes, if I have anything to do with it. We need to keep her hidden Mr Benning I can tend her, but if he gets wind of her being alive, he’ll come after her. I do not want a bloodbath in my city.”

Wade couldn’t help the surprise, “Your city?”

Too late she realised she’d challenged him, “My home, Mr Benning. I don’t want to have to autopsy any more of your people.”

Realising she hadn’t meant to rile him; he calmed down and got to business. “I’ll have car there in thirty minutes to collect her.” The silence that followed made he want to groan, “What else do I need to know?”

“Jax will be here shortly. I’ll explain the sit…”

“And why in the hell would Jax be involved in this?”

“Because Mr Benning, for all intents and purposes Miriam Anderson is human. I had no other choice but to inform him that she’s still alive. And before you get all het up and agro!” she sighed, “Jax is a good man, he trusts me. That should be enough to convince him to keep quiet about this for the time being.”

Wade’s temper was almost at its limit, he knew if he didn’t get off the phone he’d likely say something he’d regret. “I’ll be there in fifteen minutes. Don’t make any more decisions before I get there!” He hung up and headed for the door and his car, thankful that he’d been called into the city for an early meeting.

“God damned arrogant, stubborn, controlling…” she stamped her foot and glared at Trae. “Bring Miriam to my office; I don’t feel right leaving her here.”

Trae didn’t want to be caught between Wade and the Doc, the thought of Jax in the mix made him shudder; he remained silent and did what he was told. The woman, Miriam was a tiny bit of a girl, light as a feather and thankfully unconscious. If she regained consciousness she’d be in a great deal of pain.

Unconsciousness would save her that pain and once the transition was completed if she did wake up, she’d be forever changed. A subject Trae was glad wasn’t his responsibility to deal with. Wade would be the one to explain to Miriam what she had become, that there was a whole other world she’d now be a part of.

Trae got Miriam settled on the couch in Tempest’s office, making sure she was as comfortable as he could manage. He pulled out a chair from in front of the desk and sat down beside the couch to keep an eye on Miriam while they waited for Wade and Jax.

Tempest left the room, returning a few minutes’ later a mug of coffee in her hands. She handed it to Trae then crouched down in front of the couch to check on Miriam. Temperature rising, her body sweating and thankfully her heart beating stronger, only time would now tell how this situation would end.

Neither spoke, contented to watch and wait. Wade arrived first, storming into Tempests office exuding anger and frustration, ready to lay into her for involving humans in what he considered Pack business. He turned looking for his target, coming to a halt when he saw her crouched on the floor monitoring the woman lying on the couch.

His anger dissipated as he approached, placing a hand on Tempests shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze. “How’s she doing?”

“She’s holding her own for now. I’d like to get her somewhere more comfortable, someone safe. I’ll stay with her, see her through this. That is if you are agree?”

He sighed, “We’ll get her to the Compound, she’ll be safe there. It would be good if you’re there too. If… when she comes too, she…”

“Miriam. Her name is Miriam.”

“Of course. When Miriam comes too, she’ll need someone to lean on. You’re human, that should help. When she’s up to it, I’ll explain what’s happened. Let’s hope she deals with it well.” Wade knelt down to get a better look at the woman, “I’m still pissed Doc. You should have talked to me before you called Jax. Although I have a feeling you called him first because you knew what I’d say.”

Tempest looked up at the Alpha, “How about we get through this crisis, and you can yell all you want later. Okay?”

He couldn’t help but laugh, “Okay. Jax?”

“Let me handle him.”

Minutes later Jax walked through the door, concern on his face. “Tempest, you all right?”

“I’m fine Jax, but we have a problem.” She indicated Miriam with a nod of her head, “Miriam was attacked in the same way as the others. She’s still alive and I’d like to keep her that way. I’ve asked Mr Benning if we can second her to his residence outside the city. He assures me his people can keep her safe there.”

She could see Jax considering how best to handle this, knew he’d be just as concerned about her. “I’ve offered to go with him. He has a small clinic there, so I’ll be able watch over Miriam and make sure she has the medical help needed. What do you think?” she looked up at him with honest hopeful eyes.

“If we want to keep this hush, hush you’ll need to get her out of the building without anyone knowing. I’ll work things from my end, everything but the body will be processed.” He helped Tempest to her feet giving her a hug. “I want you to stay there too, I want you safe.”

He turned to Wade. “I’ll be holding you responsible for both of them.” He sighed, “I’ll go do my part. It might be a good idea if you go about your business in as normal a manner as possible, then move the woman tonight when there aren’t so many people about.”

Tempest gave a sigh of relief, “Thank you Jax. I trust Mr Benning, he’ll make sure of our safety and I’ll keep in touch.”

“Make sure you do, or I’ll be sending out a search party for both of you.” He pulled her into his arms, holding her close. “Call if you need me, no matter what time it is.”

Tempest nodded, reached up and kissed him on the cheek then stepped back so he could leave.

Jax looked at each person in turn before settling on Wade. “I’m not going to ask questions. That’ll come later. For now just be careful.” He gave Tempest a worried look then left them to it, hoping he was doing the right thing.

Tempest smiled at Wade as if to say “I told you he’d be okay,” took a seat behind her desk and booted up her computer. She looked up to see both men looking at her in confusion. “I need to check my emails and contact Dr Barden to let him know I’ll be taking a few days off. Jax suggested we go on about our business, so I’d suggest we do. Mr Benning, Trae and I can organise to get Miriam to your Compound this evening, until then I assume you have other things to do?”

Her stomach chose that moment to grumble, Trae got to his feet with a laugh, “Come on Wade, I’ll walk you out and grab something for the Doc to eat.”

“Good idea,” replied Wade as he looked towards her, “it seems you need to take better care of yourself Dr T. I’m sure Murray will feed you up while you’re at the Compound.”

Tempest wanted to throw something at both of them, but remained calm and focused on Miriam. As they left, she called out to Trae, “Whatever you get you might want to get double, I’m really hungry and it’ll save us going back up for something later this afternoon.”

“Sure thing Doc!” he called back and suddenly the room became silent.

Tempest glanced at her emails then called Dr Barden to see if he’d be back next day, then inform him she needed to take some personal time and if he was in agreement she’d take the next three or four days off. Tempest had always been driven as far as her work was concerned, so Dr Barden was happy for her to take the time off. He wanted her to have some down time and relax, have some fun. Tempest rolled her eyes at his words, if only he knew what her life truly was?

She shook out the thoughts and went about her normal duties, going over reports and so on. Tempest could smell the food before she even heard Trae and started clearing a space on her desk for him to place the food.

“Mm, burgers and chips! The smell is making me even hungrier.”

Trae grinned placing the food on the desk and opening up the wrappers. He pulled out two bottles of coke from the inside pockets of his jacket and place one in front of her. “I figured you’d be thirsty as well.”

She smiled softly, “Thank you Trae that was thoughtful. When this is all over I might just fix a meal for you as well.”

“You cook?” he seemed a little surprised.

“I may spend most of my time with work, but yes I can cook. My mother made sure I could at least feed myself.” She smiled at the memories of her mother teaching her the basics of cooking.

They sat quietly either side of the desk and ate quietly. Both seemed to have things on their mind that needed silent thought. It wasn’t until they’d finished eating and Tempest had cleared away the remains that she finally spoke. “I’m going to need to go home and get a few things.”

Trae gave her a look that undoubtedly said she wasn’t going anywhere without him, but before he could voice his opinion her hands went to her hips and she glared at him. “You agreed to do this my way and even though you took the coward’s way out and forced me… a poor defenceless woman to deal with your Alpha. The least you can do is follow the rest of my plan.”

“And what exactly is your plan Doc?”

She sighed, this man like all Were’s was frustration personified! “I need to pack a few things, clothing, toiletries and what not.” She saw the look on his face and pushed on, “I have sensitive skin Trae, therefore I use a specific brand of soap, shampoo and so on. I somehow doubt you’d want to be responsible for the fallout if I don’t have access to what I need.”

“So what, you break out in a rash or something?”

She shook her head, “No Trae, I turn into a monster. So here’s what we are going to do.” Trae knew he wasn’t going to like her plan, but listened anyway. “I’m going to get Daryl to follow me home so I can pack a few things…”

“No! I’ll call Mitch and have him take you, that way neither Daryl or anyone else will get curious and start asking questions you won’t want to answer.” He cocked an eyebrow and waited for her agreement.

“Your right Trae, I really don’t want to put anyone else in a position that could cause difficulties for us. You’ll need to stay here with Miriam while I’m gone and if Mitch stays close by we could probably use his car to smuggle her out in.”

“You really are handling things well. Most people would be freaking out about now.”

“I’m not most people Trae.”

“No you’re not,” he smiled and took the seat that was left beside the couch. He’d stay close to the woman while the Doc did what needed to be done. No distractions so she could finalise what she could before they left for the Compound.

                                                            ~~~~~~~~~~~~

Trae’s phone beeped indicating he had a text message. “Mitch is upstairs waiting for you.” Tempest nodded and got to her feed grabbing her handbag and keys. “Doc, don’t take too long and be careful okay. Wade will not be pleased if you get hurt.”

“I’ll be fine Trae. Make sure you stay close to Miriam and lock the door behind me when I leave.” She instinctively reached up and kissed him on the cheek before leaving, stunning him into silence.

As Trae stated, Mitch was waiting out front, she climbed into the passenger seat and tried to relax as the headed to her apartment. When they arrived she turned to Mitch, “I’ll only be a few minutes.”

“I’ll be here.” He replied with a smile that helped calm her.

Seven and a half minutes later Tempest was back in the car and they were headed back to her place of work. When they were a block away she touched Mitch on the arm. “Let me out here and I’ll walk the rest of the way. It’s broad daylight, so it’s safe enough.”

“Okay Doc. I’ll park close by and visit the café for a while. A late lunch and a coffee would be good.” He smiled, “I’ll leave the car in the parking lot and stay clear of it until you leave. Have Trae contact me when you’re ready.”

Mitch gave her a concerned look, “I brought a pillow a couple of pillows and a heavy quilt for the woman to lay on. It was the best I could do.”

Tempest smiled softly, “Thank you Mitch, I’m sure it will be enough to keep her comfortable until we get her to the Compound. Will it be possible to have one of the suites? I’d like to keep Miriam separate from the rest of the Pack. Having her in the clinic might not be a good idea.”

“I agree. I’ll call ahead and make sure you have one of the larger suites so there’ll be room enough for your needs.”

Tempest grabbed coffees and Danish from the café on her way in and wasn’t a bit surprised at the sigh of relief she made when she was finally back in her office. “Any problems?” she asked Trae.

He shook his head, “Is that coffee for me?” he asked hopefully, his grin widening when she handed him both coffee and an apple Danish. “There’s been no change, but we should get her out of here as soon as we can. When the fever hits, she’s likely to be in pain and she’s not going to be quiet about it.”

“Mitch said to let him know when we’re ready and he’ll meet us in the parking lot. I assume your clinic is well stocked? ”

“It is, but if there is anything specific you think you’ll need, bring it just in case.” She nodded and sat down with her own coffee and cherry Danish.

At five thirty Tempest packed up what she’d need to take with her. Trae gathered Miriam in his arms, making sure she was covered and they both headed for the door. They made their way out conscious that there were still, at least a few people about, thankfully making it to Mitch without any problems.

Mitch was ready for them, opening the backdoor of his car so Trae could place Miriam in. Tempest handed off her car keys to Trae and slipped in the back with Miriam, resting the woman’s head on her lap and buckling up. “I want to keep an eye on her.”

Trae shook his head, “You won’t be strong enough to hold her down if she starts thrashing about.”

“I’m stronger than I look, besides the fever hasn’t quite hit yet, I’ll be fine with her.”

Trae relented and turned away walking towards her car. The sooner they got the woman to the Compound the better he’d feel. He waited until Mitch pulled out and followed him, staying as close as possible.

Mitch buckled up and turned to look at Tempest. He took a calming breath, not wanting to ruffle the Doc’s feathers. “You sure you’ll be okay?” she glared at him in answer and he turned to look at the woman. He froze, pulse racing his heart beating faster. Mitch’s eyes widened in shock as realisation hit.

Tempest saw his reaction, Shit! “Mitch, we need to leave. We can’t do that if you aren’t focused.” She grabbed his arm giving it a squeeze with a little more strength than she otherwise would have hoping he’d respond.

When he didn’t response she tried again. “She’s your mate?” he nodded, unable to find his voice. “That’s great news Mitch, but we need to go before someone sees us.” She squeezed his arm again, “Breathe Mitch! In, out, in, out, that’s it. Now look at me. I’ve got her, I’ll make sure she’s all right, but we need to get her to safety. We need you to make sure she’s safe.”

Keeping a mate safe was thankfully instinctive, which got Mitch moving. He may have driven a little slower that he normally would have, but he’d get them there eventually. He was after all carrying precious cargo.

When they arrived at the Compound Mitch parked and moved quickly, opening the backdoor and gently pulling his mate into his arms. Trae had carried his mate to the car, but that was before he knew what Miriam was to him. Now he’d allow no another male to touch her again. Miriam was his. His mate, his to protect and mayhap love if she’d allow him to do so.

Trae grabbed Tempest’s bag and led the way to the suites. Tempest moved inside the suite first searching out the bedroom. She turned the light on, then pulled the covers back so Mitch could put Miriam there. It was going to be a long night and she’d need them both, so took charge.

“Trae I’d appreciate it if you could let Mr Benning know we’ve arrived. I dare say he’ll want to make sure we have everything in hand.”

Trae gave her a curious look and indicated Mitch, who had knelt down beside the bed, his entire focus on Miriam. There was no time for her to give an explanation, so she did the next best thing. “I’m going to need Mitch here in case she gets violent, or I need him to hold her steady.” Trae gave her a nod, not fully understanding what was happening, but did as she’d asked.

She waited until he’d left the room before speaking to Mitch again, “Mitch I appreciate that you don’t want to leave her side, but I need to clean her up and get her into something more comfortable. I can’t do that with you here. I know she’s your mate, but at the moment she doesn’t know you and I doubt she’d appreciate you seeing her naked.”

He growled more at himself than at Tempest and got to his feet. “I’ll be outside by the door, call when I can come back in.”

“I’m going to need and endless supply of tepid water and soft clothes to wipe Miriam down to at least try to keep her cool. Perhaps you could help me with that once I’ve gotten her settled. I don’t know if you’ve ever helped someone transition, it can be brutal, especially if it’s someone close to you. You need to be prepared okay.”

“Okay Doc, just tell me what I can do the help.” Mitch pulled the door behind him leant against the wall and slid down to the floor, emotions threatening to overtake him. What seemed like hours later to him Tempest opened the door for him to enter.

As calmly as he could Mitch made his way back to the bed to check on his mate. Tempest had pulled a chair up and indicated he should sit. He reached out to touch her hand, releasing a sigh of relief. She was here safely at the Compound and he would not leave her side until he knew her fate.

Tempest got a hand-towel from the bathroom, wet then sat on the other side of the bed so she could wiped over Miriam’s face. They didn’t speak, both too focused on the unconscious woman on the bed.

This was how Wade found them. Neither seemed to realise he’d entered the room, Trae behind him carrying a large bowl for Tempest to use. Both men stood silently taking in the scene, realising the importance of what they were seeing.

“Doc,” began Trae, “I’ll get you some water and towels, then see Murray about organising coffee and something to eat. It’s going to be a long couple of days.”

At hearing Trae’s voice she turned, “Thank you. Some ice water would be useful as well, the fever is setting in.”

“Tempest, how’s Miriam, do you have everything you need?” asked Wade.

“Mr Benning, I didn’t hear you come in. Yes, for now I think we have wants needed.” She got her feet moving to the sitting room. “It might be best if you and Trae don’t get too close to her. Mitch isn’t quite himself and he’d be mortified if he lashed out at either of you.”

“Noted! How are you coping with all this?”

“I’m coping, I’ve not actually helped anyone through transition before, but I’ve heard stories. To be honest it’s pretty much up to Miriam now, all I can do is make sure she’s comfortable. She doesn’t need to wake up alone and I might be the better choice when she does.” She looked back at the room indicating Mitch.

“If all we can do now is wait, then that’s what we do. You’re the Doctor, Mitch will do what you say and if he doesn’t we’ll be close by. Call if you need me and if you can, try and get some rest. Leave the door unlocked, I’ll be back in a while to see how things are going.”

Tempest leaned into him a little unsteady on her feet, but straightened up when she realised what she was doing. Giving herself an internal shake she moved back inside intent on caring for both Miriam and her mate.