Villeneuve said he couldn’t cure the bite, he could only slow its progress. Which means somewhere in Killian’s body, the werewolf’s poison is spreading, changing him. Turning him into a monster that isn’t quite wolf and isn’t quite human and certainly not sane.
I remember what Villeneuve said. Shifters might have more resistance to the bite, but the madness takes over eventually.
What happens to a pack when its alpha loses his mind?
Killian would never hurt Regina, but that thing in his head…?
If it comes down to it, I know what he would want us to do. What he would probably say he wants even now, if he could talk. But do any of us have the heart to do it?
DoI?
“Rowan?”
I blink. Sean is watching me, his eye wide with concern despite the doctor still working on the other side of his face.
“You okay?”
“Fine.”
“Liar.”
But he doesn’t push it. Probably something to do with the fact that he screams bloody murder the next time the doctor places a stitch.
The doctor finishes the last stitch and steps back, examining his work. “That’s the best I can do. You’ll need to keep it clean and dry. Change the bandage twice a day and take the pain meds I gave you at least six hours apart.” He fixes Sean with a pointed look. “And for heaven’s sake, stay away from hexed blenders.”
“No promises,” Sean says cheerfully. “Thanks, Doc! You’re a real one, even if you are a cat.”
The doctor sighs, strips off his gloves, and leaves without another word. I don’t blame him.
Sean swings his legs off the bed, testing his balance. He’s steadier than I expected, though that might be the numbing ointment. “Ready to head back?”
“Yeah.”
We make our way out of the treatment area, past the sprite who’s stopped hiccuping and appears to be sucking on some kind of magic vape pen, and the vampire coven who don’t even look up from their phones.
It’s cold as balls by the time we make it outside. Sean takes a deep breath, then winces as the movement pulls at his fresh stitches.
“That’s gonna suck for a while.”
“Probably will.”
“At least I’ll look badass with an eyepatch.”
“Sure you will, buddy.”
He glances at me sideways. “You’re going all quiet and broody again.”
“I’m not fuckingbroody.”
Sean falls into step beside me.
“He’s gonna be okay,” he says, suddenly uncharacteristically serious. “Killian’s too stubborn to die.”
“Yeah.”
I fucking hope so.
And if he’s not, I hope I’m strong enough to do what needs to be done.
