The Salvatore Saga, Part Four: My new Life

I stood by the window, gazing outside. Though it was still summer, our yard was now empty. No more playful cubs running around amidst the lush green lawn. No more joyful chatter or gleeful screams as they frolicked. They were all safe, in the magical house, receiving education and starting their new lives.

A sigh escaped my mind as I sensed the Salvatores stirring. It was becoming increasingly difficult for me to gather myself, but once again, I managed to do so.

I used my powers to lower my fever, causing fever medication to constantly leak from my teeth. I had to swallow it occasionally, as it also absorbed through my mucous membranes. However, the constant leakage from my teeth worsened my headache, as the pressure behind my eyes did not subside.

Nevertheless, I maintained a neutral expression and tried to improve my posture. It took effort to prevent contagion and used my camouflage power to appear healthier. It was just something I did, without questioning or hesitating, all for the greater good.

Admittedly, it was a foolish decision, but as the alpha female, my responsibility came first. I had to keep going and ensure the well-being of my pack. Since the females were still sick and in need of support, I had to persevere.

This bedroom, with its light blue rugs, off-white walls, and plush yellow water bed, didn't offer much comfort in my current state. But it was simply my reality. Being sick is never enjoyable, and for me, it is particularly challenging, as my symptoms are always severe, draining my strength constantly.

I had brought the cubs into the magic house when the breeding season was over. Although there were sick people in our pack, I, being the strongest and the pack leader, took it upon myself to care for them.

The Salvatores were not in the picture, so this duty fell to me. Damon would never sacrifice as much for the pack as I would. It was just who I was. I hadn't told Wulfe, Magnum, or anyone else about my own health.

One thing that drained my strength was keeping my condition a secret. I had to keep my mind clear and prevent any random thoughts from revealing the truth to Wulfe. I knew he would do anything to support me, but now was not the time for me to take a long nap.

He would insist on making me sleep and protecting me, even though he wasn't a doctor. I knew him well enough to understand that he might even use his own life force to boost me, and I couldn't risk that.

I wasn't sure if my condition was infectious to him or others, so I wrapped myself in my powers to create a shield around me. I wasn't sure why some of the Salvatores were on the move, but they had been restless in the past.

It had nothing to do with me, though. They were just concerned about Mariella, who had been bitten by the number one. Maybe this was just another one of those times when they were restless and checking on things to ensure everything was in order. Well, I had most things under control, so there wasn't much for them to do.

My god, I was tired and sick, and I felt incredibly weak. But I had no choice but to push through. I couldn't afford to crumble and let everyone down. In my mind, I was the power battery of the pack, the one thing keeping the protectors going. Yes, I had a big ego and sometimes thought highly of myself, but I couldn't help it.

I took a deep breath, allowing my powers to mask my situation and keep me going. There was too much at stake, and my presence was crucial for the rest of the pack to recover. What I didn't realize was that my tendency to give my all gave Damon an excellent excuse to be lazy. But that would change in the future. 

I glanced at the reflection in the window and noticed that it was number two standing in the doorway. Uncertain of his intentions, he approached me.

His voice was soft but not overly gentle as he asked, "You're sick, right? You've been keeping it a secret for a while?"

I nodded subtly and replied, "It's alright. I can handle this. Damon still needs me, and I have the strength to support him."

Number two came closer, his movements deliberate, his hands clenched into fists.

I could see the tension in his mouth as he looked at me and said, "No, not anymore. Damon will be fine, and you, my baby, you have to let go. Stop putting yourself through this every time. Do you realize how much it hurts? I feel your pain, and yet you still hold on."

I responded, "It's because of number one, not me. He's worried about Mariella."

Number two replied, "Not anymore. We, numbers three, four, nine, and ten, have broken away from him. We've sensed your struggle, and we're here to take care of you. Now, Missy, let go. Stop pretending to be stronger than you really are and let me see."

Exhausted and feeling like this was too good to be true, I turned around. I felt like I would crumble if I let go, even though his presence was comforting. A stubborn part of my mind denied that I had anyone to catch me.

Looking at number two, I asked, "Do I have to stay strong? I'm so tired of being strong. Is this really happening? I've already protected the cubs. Are you truly here for me, or is this just another cruel twist of fate, making me believe that I could have someone?"

He stepped closer, not uttering a word. I could sense his love and concern through our connection.

When he was close enough, he enveloped me in his arms and said, "No, you don't have to be strong anymore. Just let go. I've got you. We've got you..."

With his sturdy frame pressed against mine, he clasped me. I could feel his heartbeat, his warmth, and I caught a whiff of his passionfruit scent, which brought me a sense of security. I leaned into him, relinquishing my control.

I allowed my powers to recede, my hands began to tremble, and a throbbing headache overcame me. I buried my head in number two's chest, the pounding sensation unbearable. He lifted me in his arms and carried me to bed, not uttering a word, but I could feel him trembling as well. 

His trembling indicated that he was experiencing a powerful emotion, often anxiety or anger, but this time, it was different. He carefully laid me down on the bed, removing his clothes with practiced ease. Using a spell, he undressed me, his breath catching as he noticed the many bruises on my body.

The relentless infection had left me bruised, and my healing abilities were not as effective as they should have been. He moved closer, gently repositioning my head, and the intense burn of his bite was quickly replaced by a comforting sensation, as if warm velvet-like substances were coursing through my veins, causing my mind to shut down completely. 

Number Two groaned inwardly as he fought against the encroaching stupor that threatened to overwhelm him. The baby was in a critical condition, and while his mind was willing to do everything, he knew he couldn't handle this alone.

Telepathically, he called out to Number Three, "Are you available? I need your help. Hurry, I'm on the verge of shutting down. I can only focus on keeping her strapped in. I can't do much more right now."

Number Three replied, "I'm on my way. I'll inform Number Four as well. He's in the medbay, so he can bring the strap bag and see if we can treat the infection."

There was no further response as Number Two's system shut down, prioritizing Mimi's treatment. Her straps were affected, and straps were the energy that sustained the body. If a human lost their straps, they would die.

However, for immortals like Mimi, her soul would simply transfer to someone else's mind, which wasn't ideal, as the body healed better when the soul was present. Therefore, they had created a substance that strengthened the straps and helped maintain them.

Colin had his own drops, but Number Three hadn't informed him about Mimi's situation. He wanted to handle this using his teeth, as it would be the fastest way to help her. They were essentially Mimi's biological halves, so the infection wouldn't affect them. However, Colin's immunity to this infection they couldn't be completely certain.

At this moment, Number Two's brain was solely focused on saving Mimi's life. Holding onto her straps was the most important thing to him. Unfortunately, it wouldn't help her much as the infection continued to ravage her body. Her fever spiked rapidly, causing her body to burn energy at an alarming rate.

As Number Three approached, he swiftly removed his clothes and repositioned Number Two to expose a large portion of Mimi's skin. There was no need to further raise her temperature. He then spread her thighs and sank his fangs into her femoral artery, aiming to prevent her fever from escalating.

Her sick blood tasted bitter in his mouth, and as lethargy crept in, there wasn't much he could do but succumb to it. His teeth began regulating Mimi's body temperature, releasing a strong fever-reducing agent to combat the high temperature.

Only once her temperature normalized would his teeth be able to address other issues. For now, they had identified the primary problem and were working to solve it. 

As number four entered the room, carrying a heavy bag filled with various items with the numbers ten and nine, he let out a sigh. "You two, once we have her cannulated, go check on the others. It seems I'll have to get involved as well. But first, let's secure her with straps and administer a febrifuge. We need to take some blood samples and then proceed with the dental procedure. After this, we need to have a conversation with her and establish a protocol to prevent this from happening again. I mean, she's been hiding her illness and using her teeth to mask her symptoms."

Number ten spoke up, "We have a major problem, Wulfe. How do we get him to stay away from her? He might be in danger too, but I can't force him to keep his distance."

Nine grunted in agreement.

Number four suggested, "Let's create an energy shield or clearly communicate to him the risk of getting infected until we identify whether or not it's contagious to others. Let's play it safe."

They nodded in agreement and began to take action. They swiftly installed a cannula into Mimi's heart and carotid artery, extracting many tubes of blood for analysis.

An IV stand with several pink bags containing strap substance, nutrition concentrates, febrifuge, and an all-purpose antibiotic was set up to slowly drip into her veins, serving as a precautionary measure to prevent secondary or other infections. Considering Mimi's weakened state, it was important to proceed cautiously. It acted as a backup plan, so to speak.

As Number Four prepared everything, he had already made plans for Numbers Ten and Nine, and they were well aware of what they needed to do. Now it was time for him to sink his fangs into Mimi. He carefully chose her right arm and pierced his fangs into her brachial artery, causing a flood of substances to flow out. Soon after, he too succumbed and shut down.

Three husbands of Mimi rushed to save her. They worked together, their minds shutting down as well. Their souls sang in unison, for this was what they desired - to help her, heal her, and care for her. Mimi belonged to them; she was their baby, their beloved.

There was nothing they wouldn't do for her; it was their purpose. Being with her was not a burden, but a privilege. They had never promised anything to Mariella, nor made her a priority. Their focus was solely on Mimi.

Now, it was time to heal the alpha female of the pack. She had given her all for her pack, and it was time to repay her.