Everything is happening so fast, at first I didn’t know if I was still asleep but then I felt it. I felt the General’s pain, it ripped through me as if I had been injured too. On my way to pick up Chrissy I pull up my shirt to see if I have a wound, there are two red whelps, one on my chest and one on my stomach. I touch the spot with my finger and feel the heat of the wound. Oh this can’t be good. I think to myself.
Chrissy is sitting on her porch waiting for me. I have her check my phone for any messages, there is one.
“Be prepared.”
“Who is it from?” I say slightly louder than I meant too.
“Oakley. It’s from Oakley. Do you want me to reply?”
“Ask him how far away are they. I know they’re on their way to the farm but I need to know how much time. What doctor do we call? Oh never mind that, I’m sure Dolly has that information. Crap, I don’t know, just find out how far away. I’m so hot, is it hot in here. I’ve gotta crank the air, I’m sorry. It’s so hot though, I can hardly breath.” As I said it, I knew. Double crapola. Oh no, he is dying, I am being forced into shifting. I didn’t want Chrissy to know so I quit complaining about how hot I am. She’d have to be dumb not to see the sweat dripping off of me.
“Abel? Are you okay? You look really flushed.” Chrissy touched me, her head went back and she had a lost look on her face. “Abel, this isn’t going to go well.” She dropped her head a little. “I’m glad I can give you moral support. I’m so sorry.” She says, struggling to keep her face composed.
“He isn’t dead yet. Has Oakley said how far? Oh, come on, please don’t die. Pru, oh man, call her and find out if they’ve made it out there yet.” I ask, shaking with frustration, wishing we could just get there already.
Oakley sent us a text about an hour later saying they were two hours away. The satellite on the RV wasn’t picking up a signal per his text message so I’m not sure if they were really just an hour out or if he sent a brand new message just now. Either way it is time to get a doctor to the house. We called out to the farm and find out Dolly put the farm on lockdown; no one is allowed to leave for any reason. The perimeter is completely guarded and alert just in case any supernaturals are lurking around. I check with Shaynie to see if she can sense anything from her Alpha, she says she can’t. I know Pru isn’t crazy about her but she has always been nice to me. Sure she is slightly moody at times, and apparently has baggage which I’m starting to wonder who doesn’t.
Dolly is on the porch when we arrive, I take her aside to tell her about Chrissy but she already knew from picking up the General from poker night. She tells everyone that she is my girlfriend and as their future boss my friends are to be welcome and respected. I can tell it is a little awkward for the guys since they are worried about exposing the secret, I decide we should just hang out in Pru’s room.
I put my arms around Chrissy and ask. “So, what do you think is going to happen?”
She wraps her arms around my waist, resting her head against my chest she whispers. “Pray for the best but expect the worst. I’m sorry to say.”
I kiss the top of her head, her hair smells like shampoo. “Yeah, my gut is telling me this is going to get ugly. If you’ll be okay in here, I’m going to go out there for a few minutes and find out if they’ve heard anything new. You okay?”
“Of course. Go.” She pulls away and goes to sit on the bed.