POV: SAINT
This can't just be a coincidence.
"Are you certain?" I asked, and Mateo nodded in agreement.
My mind drifted back to my time in the forest with Ava. I remember catching the scent of a familiar wolf before Ava even made her move against me. Was that Sam?
"We need to confirm this before we tell Jackson, so we don't wrongfully accuse him," I suggested.
"I agree, but how do we go about it? He's such a reserved person and rarely speaks more than necessary."
Mateo had a point. The most I had seen Sam communicate was when he picked me up from my apartment to take me to Jackson's place. He only engaged with Jackson and then left right away.
"We should follow him and observe what he does when he's not under orders," I proposed.
"Are you suggesting we go to his house?"
"Yeah, that might give us some clues. But we need to be extremely cautious. Do you think he noticed you when you saw him behind the trees?"
"I doubt it; we didn't make any eye contact. Do you think he realized?"
Just then, Sam stepped through the door, wearing a neutral expression as he entered, followed by the pack doctor, who greeted us with a smile.
"I was informed you two were here," the pack doctor said while checking on Marcus. I glanced at Sam, whose gaze was fixed on the doctor's actions.
"We wanted to see how he's holding up," I remarked, glancing back at Sam. He appeared distant, and I had yet to witness even a hint of a smile from him. He seemed incapable of causing harm.
"Nothing's changed. My friend will come tomorrow, and I'm confident he can help with this," the doctor replied, drawing my focus back to him.
I nodded, though he didn't notice as he continued to examine Marcus. Turning my gaze to Sam again, I found him already looking at me. I quickly looked away, but when I glanced back, he was still fixed on me.
"How's your head?" he asked, his expression remaining neutral.
How did he know I had a headache? "I'm okay now," I responded, maintaining a calm demeanor to avoid revealing that I was onto him.
He nodded and shifted his attention back to the doctor. I caught Mateo's eye, and we seemed to share unspoken thoughts.
"We should head out. We can come back tomorrow," Mateo suggested, and I readily agreed.
"What time will your friend be here?" I inquired.
"I'm not certain, but I'll inform the Alpha as soon as he arrives," the doctor replied.
With that, Mateo and I exited the hospital. "That was both awkward and unsettling," he remarked once we were at a safe distance from the pack hospital.
"Do you know where his house is?" I inquired, but he simply shook his head. "Neither do I."
"Can't you check with Alpha?"
"If I do, he'll want to know why I'm asking. I can't explain since we're still unsure."
"Good point. Who else can we turn to?"
"Blake," I replied, recalling that Blake was Sam's son.
"Who's that?"
"Blake, Sam's son and also a friend of Tom. He might be able to help."
"Alright. But if Sam is truly behind this, what could his motive be? Control over the pack? Deltas can't dominate a pack," Mateo pondered.
"You're right. Let's gather info on him first; I'm confident—
Saint~~
I suddenly paused, scanning my surroundings. Pack members were mingling, chatting amongst themselves, completely oblivious to me.
"Are you alright?" I could hear Mateo's distant voice, but I couldn't respond.
Saint~~
The child's whisper echoed in my mind once more, sending chills down my spine and making me break into a sweat.
"Saint? What's wrong?" Mateo asked again, but I remained silent.
Keep moving, Saint~~
My legs began to move involuntarily, quickening their pace. I couldn't stop, even as I heard Mateo calling out after me. This caught the attention of other pack members, who started to point and murmur.
Stop. Take that knife from the person and run~~
"W-what are you doing, Saint?" Mateo questioned, running beside me.
I want you to run, Saint. Keep running until I tell you to stop~~
I followed the instructions exactly and took off running. I had no clear destination in mind, yet somehow my legs seemed to know the way. I skillfully dodged pack members along the path, occasionally brushing against some, but it didn't matter to me.
Stop~~
I came to a halt and looked around my surroundings. I realized I had ended up at one of the pack's schools. It appeared that classes had just finished, as parents were emerging with their children in tow.
Just wait until I tell you what to do~~
I stood there, staring straight ahead. "S-Saint," I heard Mateo's voice, breathing heavily and anxious. He continued, "You're frightening me," taking a moment to catch his breath, "What's the matter?"
I wanted to respond, but the words wouldn't come.
"Saint?" Jackson's voice broke through next. He stepped out, flanked by Tom and Lily, both holding onto his hands.
Now, I want you to take that knife and stab your mate. Kill him just like you nearly made me to kill my brother~~
With the knife gripped tightly in my hand, I approached Jackson. "Saint?" he called out again, but I couldn't bring myself to stop. As I drew closer, I clutched the knife firmly, until suddenly someone grasped my hand.
"Uncle Saint, what's wrong?" I snapped back to reality at the sound of Tom's voice, looking down to find him gazing up at me with wide-eyed curiosity.
I glanced at Jackson, then back at the knife, as tears started to well up in my eyes. In that moment, I let the knife fall and pulled my hand away from Tom's.
"Saint—" Jackson began, but he paused when I took a step back, wary of his approach. All around me, curious, confused, and frightened eyes were fixed on me.
I turned and bolted back home, tuning out the calls of Jackson and Mateo. The pack members continued to point and stare as I dashed past them. Once inside, I hurried to my room and locked the door behind me.
"I nearly hurt Jackson," I whispered, tears streaming down my face. "I almost hurt my mate," I repeated, grabbing at my hair in frustration.
"I'm just like them, just like those who tried to kill me. I—" My words were swallowed by sobs.
"Saint, please open the door." I heard Jackson's voice, followed by a gentle knock. "Let's talk, Saint. Please let me in." I stayed silent, my tears flowing even more freely.
"Mateo filled me in on everything. You need to know it's not your fault, okay?" he said softly.
"Saint, I'm begging you. Open the door." His tone was filled with desperation. I approached the door, my hands trembling as I unlocked it. Jackson stepped inside and quickly shut the door behind him.
"Saint,"
Without thinking, I threw my arms around him, crying into his embrace as he held me tightly. "I-I'm so sorry. I swear, I-I never meant for that to happen."
"It's alright," he reassured me, offering comfort in my moment of distress.
He gently pulled away, brushing my tears aside as he guided me to the bed. Once seated, he joined me, his presence a comforting weight. "Mateo told me what happened. It's Ava, right?"
I gave a slight nod. "I keep hearing a child's voice in my mind, urging me to harm you."
"When did this all begin?"
"It started this morning. How can I make it stop, Jackson? I don't want to hurt you," I confessed, fresh tears streaming down my cheeks.
He wrapped his arms around me once more. "Don't worry, everything will be alright. I'm sure the witch will find a way to help us with this."
I leaned into him, feeling utterly drained yet grateful for his support.