Orthrus

Chapter 1

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I glanced at my watch once more.

2:32 p.m.

Any minute now, he would burst through the door and discover what I hadn't done.

My brother was never understanding about these matters. It was always the Alpha's way, with little regard for anything else, not even if his own sister was deeply affected.

Shifting my gaze to the man lying beside me, his tan face swollen from the morning's beating, I tensed every time he stirred, afraid he might wake. His name was Jacob, at least according to the chart my brother had given me.

Name: Jacob Mill
Test Subject #294
Notes:

9:50 a.m. - Injected with Orthrus serum.12:20 p.m. - Tested in arena; serum ineffective.12:50 p.m. - No signs of mutation.1:00 p.m. - Healer's attention; scheduled pickup by 2:30 p.m.

I checked my watch again.

2:35 p.m.

Glancing towards the door with Jacob's chart in hand, I wondered why my brother was late. Precision was his hallmark, inherited from our father, the Alpha. Unfortunately, they shared the same short temper.

Beside me, Jacob took a deep breath, his wounds already starting to heal. The protocol was clear: heal, transfuse blood to remove the serum, sedate. I hadn't even begun the first step. I disliked using my powers; they exacted a physical toll, transferring any ailment to me. My body healed slower than most wolves.

Guilt weighed on my chest for prioritizing my needs over others'. I was still recovering from the last test subject, whose injuries had left a scar on my lip. Healing him had been excruciating, leaving my knuckles sore, another consequence of my brother's tests.

Footsteps echoed down the hall, abruptly stopping. The heartbeat revealed someone who had been running.

Uncertain if they halted at my door or the next, curiosity drew me closer. Cautiously approaching, clipboard held defensively, I heard the door knob jiggle.

Instinctively retreating to my desk, I feigned focus on the clipboard, pretending not to notice.

"Hello?" A soft voice queried from the doorway. Peering over, a woman with cascading hair and an innocent posture appeared, though an unsettling aura hinted otherwise.

"Hi," I responded with a forced smile, turning fully to face her. "Can I help you?"

Her gaze darted to Jacob, and she emitted a small gasp. "Jacob!" Her voice quivered as she rushed to his side, tears welling in her eyes. "What happened?" Her gaze flickered towards me, momentarily revealing yellow eyes—a wolf.

Her body tensed, fighting the urge to shift, protective instincts kicking in.

Rising cautiously, hands raised in a placating gesture, I took a step back. "Miss," I stammered, palms sweating. "I'm the healer. I haven't harmed him, I swear." Her nails sharpened against the desk, disbelief evident. 

Her left hand bore a well-worn wedding band, indicative of years of marriage. Glancing at Jacob's hand, I noticed a matching band.

"Your husband will be okay," I blurted, emphasizing 'husband'. "It looks worse than it is. Trust me, there could have been more damage. He's lucky." Stepping forward, I hoped to reassure her.