The Alpha and the Mistake novel Chapter 29

Ryder

I laid on the bed next to Brook as I told her how much Dean had been babying me lately and how he kept asking me if I'm alright when he gave me my lunch today. The hope time I wished she'd open her eyes and prove to me everything was going to be okay. Brook had been in a coma since she fell. Mom said she'd heal better that way, but I hated not being able to talk to her or hear her voice.

Harry and Brook's mom came into the room as I finished telling Brook about Dean. I sat up. It was awkward lying next to Brook with her Mom in the room. "Hi," I said rubbing a kink out of my shoulder. Man, I hated these beds.

"Hello Ryder," Brook's mom said with a tight smile. She smoothed down Brook's hair although it looked fine. Must be a mom thing, mine did it all the time to me too.

A moment later Mom joined us. "Good you're all here."

"What's going on?" I asked, trying to sound as worried.

Mom gave me a brief smile. "The full moon is tomorrow, and plans need to be made," she told me and turned her attention to Harry and his mate. "Brook's recovery is going well, but as expected, she's still not healed enough that I feel comfortable with her first shift. My team and I have a devised a plan, and with your okay, we'll begin moving head tomorrow evening a few hours before moonrise."

Harry and Brook's mom nodded, waiting for Mom to continue.

"If we give Brook a super dose of muscle relaxants and painkillers, she will suffer much less trauma during the shift, especially with Ryder with her-"

Brook’s mom interrupted her, worry on her face. "Wait, how can he be with her. He's going to shift like the others and how would he help?"

"He'll be here in his wolf form and Brook will be able to sense Ryder near, and it will help keep her calm. However, we'll be prepared to introduce her into a deeper coma if need be."

"Is that safe, putting her under so deeply?" Harry asked, holding his mate's hand. "And why can't you silver her to prevent the shift?"

"It'll be safe. We're capable of putting her fully on life support if needed and I want to avoid silver if at all possible. While the typical silver-filled plastic zip ties prevent a shift, it's stressful on the werewolf which is something we have to avoid at all costs."

Harry looked at Brook's mom and gave her hand a squeeze. "It's your call. What do you want to do?"

She shook her head. "I don't know I can make an informed decision on this. What do you think Harry? This is your people, your world, does this sound reasonable or like it will work?"

Harry gave her a kiss on her temple. "It's our world Nan, but yes, this sounds like Brook's best chance. I think we should do it.”

"Okay, do what you have to do, Emily."

"I'll begin the preparations immediately. I promise I'm going to take the best possible care of your daughter," Mom told them.

"You?" Harry asked, looking as confused as I was.

One that I shared. I'm not a doctor, but I'm pretty sure you need hands. Mom gave us a tight smile. "I'm going to silver myself, so I may be able to see the whole procedure through. Painkillers and I'll be fine."

Mom sounded like she could be saying that for herself as much as us. Silvering on a full moon was far from pleasant. "You don't have to do that Mom."

She shook her head. "Yes. I do. She risked her life to save my mate and children. The least I can do is share a little pain with her tomorrow night to make sure everything goes as it should. Now if you don't have any more questions, I'm going to start getting everything ready."

As the full moon came closer, the tension grew. I hardly slept or ate. My wolf was close to the surface, making me more anxious.

"Ryder, it's about time to change," Mom said the evening of the full moon. Dad was with her. "Before Nancy and Harry arrive, we should discuss something. While I know you won't harm Brook, I am a little concerned about the staff. Try to focus on the fact everyone here is going to do everything they can to save Brook. None is a threat."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"We can be more instinctual when in wolf and despite what instinct may tell you doing nothing will be better than doing something. If you can't help yourself, Gwen has a sedative especially for you ready."