The Wolf Within

5 - Ever

"Ever, wake up,"

Someone was shaking me.

Groaning, I rolled over and nearly fell off the couch. I must've fallen asleep while watching TV. I blinked and looked up to see Danny and Liam standing over me.

"What time is it?" I mumbled, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

"Around five," Liam replied, "you want some dinner?"

I was instantly awake at the idea of food. "Yes!"

Daniel laughed, "There she is. C'mon Evie, let's eat. How's your blood sugar?"

I sat up, only to be met with a wave of dizziness and nausea. "I think I'm a little high," I confessed. I sat up and pricked my finger, sliding the drop of blood onto the monitor strip. I winced. 200 mg/dL. I showed Danny the monitor.

Danny nodded. "Where?" he asked.

"Bathroom counter," I replied, knowing what he was looking for. Danny left to grab what I needed and I shakily stood up. Liam and I made our way to the kitchen just as Danny was coming back down.

"Here you go," he said, handing me the pen and needle. Liam watched intently as I prepared everything before injecting medication into the side of my tummy. After I was done, I cleaned up and put my things back in my room. I heard the boys talking as I came down, but froze when I heard my name.

"--I know Evie's strong, but it still hurts me to see it," Danny was saying. "Here I am, this big strong wolf that's never even caught a cold, and she has to deal with this crap every day. I can't even imagine what it's like. She has to constantly watch what she eats and every little thing can affect her levels. Stress, sleep, food, hydration, and even temperature can affect her insulin levels. I think it would drive me crazy."

"I can't relate, but I can empathize," Liam said. "I see how much you care about her, Daniel."

Danny let out a noise that sounded like a mix between a groan and a whimper. "You know, in a way, I'm almost glad I haven't met my mate yet. I can't imagine not being there to take care of Ever. What's going to happen when I meet my mate? I don't know what to do, man."

"Hey, it's okay. Like you said, Ever is strong, probably stronger than either of us know. Plus, she's not a child, Danny. She understands what she needs to do to stay healthy and safe. You need to trust her. She's certainly not fragile."

Deciding I had heard enough, I made a noise in the stairwell to alert them of my presence. I stepped into the kitchen as they tactfully changed the subject. If I hadn't heard their conversation, I wouldn't have known the difference.

Dinner consisted of pleasant conversation and banter. After we cleaned up, we headed back down to the game room.

"So what's the plan for tomorrow?" Danny asked as we sat around the coffee table, cards in hand.

"I have some work to do in the morning, but in the afternoon we can go to the gym if you guys want. I have to run a training session anyway, so you can come and join Danny. Ever, you're welcome to watch if you want. Danny, got any 2's?" Liam responded.

"Sounds good to me," Danny said, handing over a card.

"Cool. Ever, do you have a King?" Liam asked, turning to me. I heart thumped in my chest as his warm eyes found mine.

Stop it, Ever! I scolded myself. Getting attached won't do you any good and you know it.

"Uh, no," I replied, "Go fish."

We played three rounds (of which I slaughtered the boys each time) before heading to bed.

The next afternoon Liam led us to the gym. The building was huge and only contained the highest-end equipment. It didn't surprise me, considering this was the King's pack. Liam gave us the grand tour: studios for classes, a cardio room, a climbing wall, a pool, and a few indoor shooting ranges.

"Nice place, man," Danny said, looking around appreciatively.

"Thanks," Liam replied. "I have to go meet my class, but you're welcome to watch!"

And watch I did.

I sat up on the elevated track that circled the training room while Danny went to try his paws at the climbing wall. Liam entered the room and the 50 wolves gathered immediately bowed, showing their respect. After warming up, Liam paired the wolves up and they started sparring. Liam walked around the room, (shirtless, I may add), and observed them, occasionally stepping in to correct someone or to demonstrate. Even though there were 50 shirtless, sweaty, and intensely ripped wolves in the room, I couldn't tear my eyes from Liam. The way his taut muscles rippled under his tan skin was mesmerizing. His posture was impeccable and he never faltered, smoothly showing his diligent pupils what he wanted them to learn.

He's going to be a great father someday, my inner voice mused before I could stop it. I shook my head to erase the thought and got up to wander around the gym some more.

I ambled around the complex, stopping to watch a workout class. The she-wolf leading the class was tall and lean, clearly a fighter. She caught my eye and made her way over to the door.

"Hi!" she grinned, "Do you want to join us? We're just getting started."

"Oh, no, that's o-" I started.

"Great! Come on this way," she said, tugging me toward a yoga mat close to the door. "I'm Gwen, and you are?"

"Ever," I mumbled, embarrassed.

"It's nice to meet you, Ever! Alright class, let's begin!"

Thirty minutes later, I was dying. I had thought I was at least somewhat in shape after spending all day everyday cleaning and running errands. Ha. My legs were cramping and my arms burned from planking.

"Okay guys, let's finish up! Our last circuit contains 20 burpees, 20 push-ups, and 20 high-knees. We'll do the circuit five times. Go!"

Everyone around me took off. I was halfway through my final set when the familiar burning sensation indicating an asthma attack started. I pushed through and finished, wheezing heavily by the time I was done. I leaned over, my elbows on my knees, and fumbled through my bag for my inhaler. Once I found it, I pulled it out and took a puff. I swear everyone in the room turned to look at me. Stupid werewolf hearing.

"You're a human?" Gwen asked, cocking her head to the side.

I nodded, my face red from more than just the exercise. Thankfully, my favorite brother chose that exact moment to find me.

"Ever! There you are! Liam and I've been looking for you! C'mon, time to go!" Danny exclaimed, stepping into the room to collect me. Before anyone had a chance to say anything, Danny had a hold on my upper arm and was pulling me from the room, saving me from further embarrassment.