It was very late at night when Erick and Roel finally left Amber's house. The couple greatly apologized to the two of them for taking much of their time.
At first, both Amber's parents were reluctant to get help for Remi, especially from a shifter. But after much persuasion and reassurance from Roel, they finally admitted that they needed help. It was then decided that they will go bring Remi to meet with the doctors at the Cairin Oaks the next weekend.
The conversation between them took so long because Eren and Syden had so many questions to ask, which Roel had answered patiently.
Jeayan was about to doze off when they finally ended their conversation.
When they saw Jeayan's sleepy look, they apologized once again for taking much of their time, especially since tomorrow is a school day. The three of them waved away their apologies, saying that it was fine.
Since Roel and Erick went to Amber's house in different cars, it was naturally decided that Erick would drive back home alone while Jeayan went with Roel in his car.
On the way home, Erick was pondering on Remi's condition. Although he had heard of the 'disease', he had never seen the effect of it. But from what Roel had explained, it must have been petrifying, especially when one goes rogue, they will lose their humanity. In worst cases, they will become wild werewolves with no intelligence but survival instincts.
When he finally arrived home, the lights were all switched off at his house, indicating that his parents were already asleep. It was fortunate that he had his house keys with him.
Unlocking the front door, he immediately went to the side of the front hallway. Earlier before he unlocked the door, he had heard that there were thumping sounds coming from the inside. It sounded like something was heading down the stairs, heavily. And soon after, just as Erick opened the door and stood aside, there was a whoosh sound from where he had stood earlier.
He then peeked out and saw Luka looking around him, as if he was looking for someone. He then sniffed the air and whirled around. He growled happily when he saw Erick laughing softly, inside the house.
Erick laughed again when Luka successfully jumped onto him, growling happily. Seriously, sometimes Luka is like a dog, instead of a wolf.
He gently pushed Luka away from him and patted the latter on the head. He then went up the stairs, followed by the happy Luka, with his tail wagging happily.
-----
Cairin Oaks.
Latham was inside the guest room of the Cairin Alpha's house, where he shared the room with his brother, Noaz. It has been nearly a week since they had stayed there.
So far, there hasn't been any problem with his healing process. In fact, his hand had already grown back albeit a bit weak. But he has to stay there for another couple of days for observation.
It was fortunate that he could ask for leave from work for medical purposes but Noaz… it was difficult for him since it was nearly exam week. Hence, for his brother, he was willing to get unpaid leave.
Noaz was currently talking with one of the pack doctors of the Cairin pack, asking about the healing progress and what were the next few steps and procedures that they should take note of. So, while Noaz was talking, Latham was alone in the room, clenching both of his hands, comparing the two. He could feel his power was coming back but not all.
Seems like he needs to train more to regain his strength, he mused thoughtfully.
While he was lost in thoughts, the door to the guest room opened. Noaz walked and the first thing he saw was his brother sitting on the bed with his elbows on his knees, staring hard at his two hands.
He sighed and walked over. He stood in front of his brother, who did not notice him entering the room.
Latham then looked up when he felt someone was watching him. He frowned and asked, "So, what did the doctor say?"
Noaz sat down next to Latham and flopped down on the bed, his arms wide opened. He then placed both of his hands under his head, looking up at the ceiling. "The doctor said that once your hand has fully healed, we should be able to go home in a couple of days. They just need to give you the last dose and you're done."
Latham rubbed his face in resignation. "That's great. I don't know how long I can stand without my mate," he said, sighing. "And I feel like I've been stabbed so many times, I've lost count."
Noaz just laughed softly as he continued to look up at the ceiling.
The two were quiet for a few minutes until Noaz broke the silence.
"Yo, bro," he began.
Latham turned his head to look at his brother and said, "Hmm?"
"So, that guy. Rehan…" Noaz said slowly. "You think there might be someone behind him? Someone more powerful?"
"Should be," Latham replied as he turned back to looking down at his hands.
"It's weird," Noaz murmured thoughtfully. "I always thought warlocks were always kind of weak, compared to us. But he seems… strong," he continued. It was kind of shameful to admit that there were other creatures that were more powerful than them.
"And it seems like he has control over those mutated rogues," Latham added.
"That's what I thought too," Noaz agreed. "That's why I have this crazy thought."
Latham frowned as he turned to look at his brother. "What is it?" he asked.
Noaz sat up and placed his elbow on his knee with his chin propped on his palm. "You think… a shifter was involved in this?" he guessed.
Latham's frown deepened. "That would be a blasphemy," he rejected the thought. It was unethically impossible for a shifter like them to work together with other supernatural beings, other than their own race.
Although all supernatural beings were not at war with one another, it was not as if they were friendly as well.
"But think about it. How could a warlock be able to control those mutated rogues, unless a shifter has a hand in this?" Noaz argued. "Yes, they know our weakness," he continued, "But I do not think it was enough to know how deep our weakness could be exploited."
Latham let out a light chuckle. "You've been thinking a lot, haven't you, bro?" he said.
Noaz smiled a bit. "I guess," he said.
"I don't want to think much about that," Latham said slowly. "But I guess it's inevitable, isn't it?"
Noaz nodded.