Alpha's Faire

XVI

Raphael listened carefully to her words, her heartbeat, and even scent as he kept his hand on her shoulder. To be honest, he wasn't entirely fooled. The reality was that she was keeping something from him, any fool could see that. But her intentions, her emotions, the fact that he could see from her clenched fists that she was just as upset as he was, if not more, told him all needed to know for the moment.

"Alright." Raphael released her shoulder. He could trust her for now. "Thank you, Dr. Lewis, for being honest for once."

She snorted at his response. Raphael's wolf growled in annoyance at the disrespect. But then again, it was almost amazing that he had made it this far without being irritated at the blatant disrespect she displayed. It seemed his wolf respected her, despite everything. He was just as intrigued as Raphael was.

"I expect you to be the same in the future, Alpha Stone." Her honey-blonde hair shimmered in the light as it flew around with the motion of facing him. Deep sapphire eyes bore into him, daring him to try anything otherwise. Her arms crossed across her chest. "So please, let's continue the rest of the conversation and briefing here. I am aware of the desire to have a safe haven to treat the afflicted at Whitehaven."

So she wanted to move on, despite the fact she was still upset. Well at least, she wasn't going to dwell on the topic for now. Raphael could get the sense though that it was going to come back. Dr. Jess Lewis didn't seem like the type to waste an opportunity.

"Yes, it would make sense to have them close to a supply of the orchid." Raphael's eyes narrowed, not understanding where she was going.

"But what are the plans to reduce a risk of an outbreak?" She flatly asked.

"We had acquired a shipment of level five hazmat suits. Whitehaven members typically include a small portion of the orchid in their diet, so there was some preventative measures in place."

"And what else?" The question dug under his skin somehow. Was she really going to question his plan?

"Are you talking about quarantine areas?"

"I'm talking about everything Alpha Stone." She gritted her teeth, eyes narrowed at him.

"Fine." He growled lowly, annoyed by her insinuation. "We had cleared a number of buildings on the border of Whitehaven and created a quarantined zone, with hazmats and completely sealed rooms. We have a team of volunteers who would interact mainly with the afflicted. These volunteers understand the risk and are willing to take it. They vary in backgrounds in the medical field. If the strain grows too great, other packs have volunteered doctors and researchers willing to help and do whatever is necessary if needed. Is that sufficient, Dr. Lewis?"

"I hope you don't take this personally, Alpha Stone." Dr. Lewis nodded, understanding the plan. "But that's a god awful plan."

Raphael resisted the urge to slam his fist down. Furious waves of power rolled off his body, insulted at her words. This was their best plan, albeit not the greatest, but the only one that the werewolf community had to prevent the worst. No one other pack was willing nor equipped. The volunteers all understood that they were not going to probably survive the first wave. But they still all wanted to help. His pride didn't stomach the fact that she insulted their hard work and sacrifice to prepare for this.

But his fury didn't even affect her. She didn't react to it at all. She didn't even flinch. The woman in front of him kept her calm. He released a growl in frustration as his eyes pierced her. If being in a room alone with an agitated Alpha did not phase her, what the hell did?