Heartache in Yellowstone

STANLEY POV

Sam's heart thumps slowly as the blood continues to ooze out of her wound.

Something is definitely wrong. Hurst has been working on her for longer than needed for a simple bullet extraction. The sweat on his brow also points to an issue.

My eyes flick to Dan again and the worry on his face makes my heart pinch. I've never seen him look so desperate. If we lose her now the pack is doomed. Dan won't be able to lead and the weight of the pack will fall solely on my shoulders...Not something I want. I prefer my place in town. I prefer having my name known for my victories in the courtroom, but I will step up if needed. The Alpha bloodline that runs through our bodies is strong. Even Finley, who is the youngest, would suffice if I should falter. Watching the lose of Sam destroy Daniel would be soul shattering for all of us. Maybe if Samantha does succumb Angelica will be enough to keep him going.

Hurst sighs again and we all freeze. My eyes snap to his face and my heart sinks further. His face doesn't look like he is about to give us good news. He places down his instruments before meeting Dan's eyes with a look of almost guilt.

"Let's step out Alpha. The information I have for you is rough and you shouldn't be close to her when I tell you," Dr. Hurst says quietly and we all file out of the bedroom turned operating room with tense nervous steps.

DANIEL POV

"The bullets splintered. They look as if the metal was laced with silver. Most bullets are made from copper and lead, but these are cheap...I can't dig it all out. I will have to stitch her up and give her antibiotics. Her heart didn't get hit, but she is in critical condition. How far away are the other two pack members? It will help her animal if the entire pack is here, Alpha. Maybe even in animal form," Hurst says as he wipes Samantha's blood from his hands.

"David is still an hour out, but they will be here soon,” I say as the rest of the pack nods.

Hurst nods and goes to turn back towards my bedroom door, but a new scent makes us all freeze. The scent of oranges and lemons fills the hallway as we all whip around to find a wild-looking woman watching us. I have no idea how none of us heard her or smelled her before this moment, but I don't care.

I roar and Benji jumps in front of me with his arms up. His eyes plead with me to calm down, but my protective instincts won't hear it.

"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU? ACTUALLY, GET THE FUCK OUT. I CAN TELL YOU'RE A SHIFTER SO YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO TELL MY MATE IS IN NO CONDITION FOR VISITORS," I shout, and Benji cringes before glancing towards the slim dark-haired wild looking woman.

"Mariah," Benji says, sounding cautious, and we all connect the dots simultaneously as we look between the two.

"Fuck," Lewis grumbles, and Dr. Hurst crosses his arms.

"She needs me," Mariah says, stepping towards us, and I growl.

Benji growls at me lowly, and I roar into his face. He drops his head, and I step around him. The rest of the pack moves out of my way, and the dark-haired woman tenses.

"Who the hell are you, besides the cougar who rejected my pack member? Why would my mate need you," I growl as I get right in her face.

She growls lowly but drops her head, showing submission. My rage dips a bit, but she still isn't getting past me.

"She is a cougar...she might be mated to a wolf, but her animal is cougar. I did some digging...your mate is my cousin. When Benji mentioned his Luna was a cougar I got interested in just how many of us were left in the world. I knew there weren't many of us left, and it's seems your mate's mom was my mom's older sister. Cougars need blood relatives around to feel safe. We have never been a species that bonds very easily...Now I know your mate is half-wolf, so I think we all need to go in there. Her pack and her relative. It will make her inner animal feel the safest,” Mariah explains, and my eyes widen.

"You're her cousin,” I whisper, and Mariah nods.

"Yeah. My parents died when I was young. But my mom told me about her family tree. When Benji mentioned another cougar, I called the council. I told them my parents’ names and their siblings...next thing I know, they gave me the names of two cousins. One hasn't been seen since he reached maturity, which is common with us, and then the other was Samantha. Her last known address was this house...I got to the front door and smelled my mate..Mother Goddess knows what she is doing, doesn't she? Now are we going to save her or not,” Mariah asks, and I feel like my jaw has hit the floor.

My brain is exploding with information, but I know one thing the Goddess does answer prayers. "Yes. My name is Alpha Daniel. Welcome to the Grey Pack, Mariah," I reply before grabbing her arm and towing her straight into my room.

The rest of the pack, minus David and Lauren, follow us in. The scent of blood is still heavy in the air, but I ignore it as I approach my cougar mate. Nothing else matters but making her better.

"The next twenty-four hours should be very critical, Alpha. I will stay in a room upstairs. Let me know if she wakes up or acts as if she is in pain. If she starts to shift back to human, let her. It will be easier to treat her in human form," Dr. Hurst says before leaving us standing around my bed.

Mike hands Angelica to Boyd, and I hold my hands out. I haven't held my stepdaughter all day, and I missed her. Boyd passes her to me without a word, and I bury my nose into her velvety folds of skin. "I missed you, little cat," I whisper, and she grabs a handful of my hair.

As my scalp stings, I grin. At least Adam didn't hurt his child.

"Mommy will be just fine, baby girl," I whisper before looking at my mate's tranquil face.

Just fine.

STANLEY POV

"She will wake up soon,” I whisper, and Dan nods.

His overgrown facial hair and wild eyes make him look like a rogue. My inner animal can't even recognize him as an Alpha anymore. If it weren't for Angelica and Samantha's presence Dan would be insane right now.

"It's been too long...I..Stan, what happens if she never takes up,” Dan asks brokenly, and I shake my head as I grab his shoulder.

"She will. She has healed. Her body just needs some more time. She experienced a lot in a short amount of time. I am sure her brain needed to recoup along with her body," I say sternly, and he nods.

"Okay. Yeah. You are right. I just..If it goes wrong...the pack will look to you. I won't be able to function,” Dan says, and I nod.

"There is no chance of that happening. But if there ever comes a time that you are unable to lead this family, I will step up. You have my word," I say, and Dan nods once before looking back at Samantha's peaceful face.