Brother Wolf

Ch 8 Sister

I was quick to get off my bike, moving to put my arm around Jax before he could take off on me. There were moments when I felt claws digging into me during the second half of our ride. He seemed to be able to control his shifting, at least to some degree. The teen smelled of an equal mix of fear and anger. He was so emotionally unstable; I wasn't sure what would set him off. If I could keep him near me, it would be safer for everyone.

"Sister is going to enjoy meeting you," I told him with a smile, turning him toward the hospital.

Jax was almost hyperventilating as I took a step forward, propelling him with me. I was grateful he didn't fight me. I let go of him once we were in front of the elevator. I stayed relaxed, not pushing him for conversation during the ride up, giving him time to get himself together. He followed along as I traversed the halls, dragging his feet and barely looking up.

More than one nurse called out, "Hello, Brother," waving to me as I went by. I waved and smiled back, not surprised Sister had told the staff all about me. Sister couldn't not tell stories. Knowing her, she'd sneaked out past her mom, going room to room telling stories.

I found Tammy's room, rapping quietly on the door. Her mother came to the entrance, greeting me warmly.

"She's sleeping right now..."

"Am not," came an aggravated voice from further in the room.

I held back a chuckle as Tammy's mother went back into the room. It was so typical of my adopted sister. I spared a glance at Jax, catching him trying to emulate the gliding steps that came so naturally to me. He was concentrating so hard on his footing; he didn't even notice me at first. I hid my amusement, relieved he seemed to be looking up to me. I was eager for his story but knew I had to gain his trust before he would be willing to share it.

Tammy's mother sighed, and I stuck my head back in the door, giving her my attention. "It's getting about time anyway," she said. "I think I'll head down, grab a coffee, then meet you downstairs. I'll leave you to fill Brother in."

I quickly motioned out the door with my hand, hoping Jax understood what I meant. Tammy's mother walked past him as he slouched against the wall, giving him no notice.

"Did you bring him?" Sister hissed, pulling her white-knit hat down tighter on her head as I stepped into the room.

"Him, who?" I asked with a grin, knowing Derrick had filled her in about everything.

"The rogue we have to judge!"

I laughed at her exasperated tone. No one flew through emotions like my Sister, as volatile as quicksilver, but never losing her focus or drive.

"Yes, and I'll call him in after you tell me what it's almost time for!"

"We're showing the video of The Origin's play, of course, Brother! How else will people know about us?"

Sister glared at me before grinning wide and holding out her arms. I rushed over and leaned down to give her a quick hug; quick only because she was suddenly pushing me away, shooing me toward the door.

"I hate the idea of punishing him for biting someone, Brother, but what else can we do? Get him in here so I can get his story before I decide on what to do with him. You get the wheelchair at the nurse's station. And don't forget to put your crown on before we get off the elevator!"

Tammy made little shooing motions, impatient for what was her life's blood. She had this innate ability to take real-life events, and retell them in such a way that no one would believe they were anything other than fiction... and yet, every werewolf that clicked on our website would understand them completely. No matter how weak her body got on occasion, my sister thirsted for the real-life stories that she could use to guide future generations. She and I both knew she wouldn't be here to do it in person.