It was the next day when Milo heard from Elaina. Now, he stood, transfixed on the chaos sweeping Rendall Hospital's parking lot. Staff he recognized from yesterday stood with him behind a tangled mess of yellow caution tape. They shuffled their feet, they whispered amongst themselves, some even shed tears.

"I can't believe this happened! Here?"

"Did they say who it was yet? This is so sad."

"I heard it was an ICU Sec. Who's missing?"

"Oh, my goodness. I think it's Estephanie! That's her car, next to Brenda's."

"Hell, it could be Brenda. We won't know until later. Hopefully they increase security. They can't expect us to walk alone out here!"

Milo tried his best not to listen. Instead focusing on the 5'8 detective speaking to a forensic pathologist. He watched her scribble in her notepad.

"Excuse me? You're that officer from before, correct? Halifax?"

Milo turned recognizing the frail femininity. Behind him stood the plump faced nurse from ICU. Her maroon scrubs were heavily wrinkled, and she looked unkempt. Frantically she scanned the close crowd, who no doubt heard her questioning of him. After a minute of searching her shoulders went lax. Stepping closer she asked again.

"You're him, right?"

"Uh, yea, yes I am. Milo Halifax."

Using his arm Milo made a gap in the growing crowd. Guiding the nurse, he ushered her to his where his truck was parked. Helping her inside Milo shut the door, then jumped into the driver seat.

"You seemed skittish out there. Sitting in here might help."

"Thank you."

"What is this about ma'am? Do you have information on what happened?"

Milo watched the nurse bite her lip. She fidgeted with her fingers, entwining them together and repeating the movement.

"You won't believe me."

"What did you see?"

"Y-yesterday, after that girl left, I went in her room. We check for items left behind of the patients. When I was in the bathroom someone walked into the room."

"Did you know the individual?"

"Yes....I heard Estephanie. She takes the patients insurance information. I was about to confront her but then I heard a man's voice. He didn't sound like one of the men nurses. There's only three. I was going to come out the bathroom but..."

"...But?"

"It's what Estephanie said next, so strange. She said powerful Alpha like you mated to a Kirma."

"Alpha? Mated? ...What did the man say?" Milo leaned back, puzzled at the gibberish.

"He only asked where she lived, the girl. He kept repeating the same question and got angry when she asked more questions."

The nursed eyes became hooded as she stared down at the floor. She clutched her thighs to control the shaking in her legs. A few droplets fell onto her hands. Milo's cheeks sagged and he pursed his lips.

"Estephanie...she didn't tell him, did she?"

"She-she told him she'd give him what he wanted. But she needed something in return. A heir. Nothing more, nothing less."

"Did...did he?"

He watched her cheeks turn crimson and she tucked her chin into her chest.

"Yes. I-I didn't make any noise, I was so careful. But somehow, they- they forced me to the edge of the parking lot. Made me watch them do...thankfully it was dark. After they finished, she told him. Then...I heard the most horrendous noise."

"It wasn't horrendous before that?" Milo regretted it as soon hit the air. He winced at her teary-eyed glare.

"Sorry, I'm sorry. Please continue."

"Estephanie tried to scream. I heard scuffling then a loud snap. I waited, I waited for her to speak, anything..."

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Milo watched the nurse rub her arms. Just like those outside the truck she had a glazed look in her eye.

"He spoke this time. He said listen to me human..."

"Human?" Milo mumbled it more to himself than a question. She gave a low nod.

"Tell...tell Halifax don't go fucking up a good thing over dead campers."

Milo was sure the nurse was gawking. In the window reflection he watched the shock, the confusion, the dread twist his face.

Do you have a place to go? Somewhere safe?"

"Yea, home. He told me no harm will come to me. He needed a messenger...I guess I got lucky."

Milo frowned knowing she didn't feel the least bit lucky. Getting out he opened the door for her. She thanked him then briskly headed to a red car.

"Halifax?"

Spinning, Milo saw Elaina heading towards him. The scene had wrapped up and officers were dispersing the stragglers. Some of whom were still trying to satiate their morbid curiosity. Elaina let out a huff when she reached him. She arched a brow at him, and he found his heart flutter. Her eyes travelled down his chest, hesitating at his groin, before continuing their exploration.

Not a fan of shaving?

He rubbed at the 5' o clock shadow. It was on impulse that he shaved last night. Sleep had evaded him, his body to wired about the information he discovered. Calling into work, he finished his coffee pot when she phoned him.

"You look...different."

He arched a brow as a rosy hue graced her cheeks.

"Uh, thanks?"

"I'm being serious. You look good today, Halifax." She rested her hand on her hips and stepped forward.

Milo scoffed. He did trade out his uniform for t-shirt and jeans. Opting to wear a black baseball cap instead of his ranger hat. She gave him a soft smile, then walked by. Hoping in the passenger seat of the truck Milo gave his head a shake seeing the door rattle. It'll need to be readjusted soon. Trailing after he hopped in.

"Her name was Estephanie Ibarra. She's 23 years old, started six months ago. She lives with her parents and extended family. She clocked in at seven yesterday morning, never clocked out. They have her on camera entering the ICU with a man, but it doesn't show them exiting. No cameras in the parking lot."

Elaina furrowed her brows, thrumming her pen on the tattered notepad.

"It's him. This Theo. Has to be." Milo started up the truck clenching the steering wheel as he left the parking lot.

"Oh? You believe her now? What happen?"

"Ah, I'm not sure anymore. Not with the news I got."

"What did that lady say?"

"Why? Jealous?" Milo smiled slyly when he heard a small gasp. She turned to the window but that didn't stop him from seeing the blush.

"If it relates to the case I need to know."

He smirked before he recounted back the disturbing conversation. He relayed everything that the nurse told him. Exact words and all, also throwing in his own odd experience at the station. By time he wrapped up, they were parked in front of his bungalow.

A modest light green, it sat on a corner block in a quiet neighborhood. Four white pillars held up the porch. Elaina first questioned his status when she noticed the bright floral patio furniture. He vehemently explained that that belonged to his ex-wife. She didn't ask any more questions after that.

"I have to grab something. Wait here."

Opening the truck door he watched her Elaina nod. Her jaw tensed and wrinkles formed between her brows. Sighing, she must have noticed him watching. Wanting to ask if she was alright, she stopped him with a wave of her hand. There was a look to her eye that he'd never seen. It made the chocolate orbs appear brighter. It caused him to worry but he opted to remain quiet.

Entering his home Milo groaned. The last few weeks have been stressful, and the house exhibited that. Stepping over dirty clothes he went down a hall, flipping the light switch on the way.

At the end, his bedroom door lay slightly ajar. The comfortable darkness beckoned to him, and he wanted nothing more than to crawl back in bed. Shut out the world, even if only for a few minutes.

Just get the gun and go.

The thought of his shotgun in his hands brought a sense if security. Pushing the door open it creaked. Suddenly he jumped at the sound footsteps approaching rapidly. Lunging for the light a piercing sting rocked the side of his abdomen. He crumpled to the floor screaming.

"Milo Halifax!"

Bleary eyed from the pain, Milo clenched his jaw. His side felt warm, the sensation travelling down his thigh. Moving to rise, a rough hand clutched his left ankle. The person gave a tentative squeeze.

"Do humans enjoy being feeble? Is it a hindrance having to rely on trinkets instead of natural ability?"

The pressure around Milos ankle grew. Growing until a cracking noise broke through his grunts. Milos scream shook the neighborhood.

"I'm a fair being Halifax. Did I kill you? No. Have I thought of it? Plenty times. I miss judged how long you'd stay a drunk. The 2 months here have been pure bliss thanks to you and Dan. Unfortunately, our time has ended."

Milo's chest constricted uncomfortably, and he began to wheeze. Trying his best to ebb the pain away with sheer will. Three things flagged in his mind:

Theo is in his house.

Theo is not fucking normal.

This isn't a good situation.

Milo drug himself over to his bed. The unsettling sound of bones breaking echoed behind him. The hair on his neck rose as dread surrounded him. If he could just reach the hunting knife under his bed...

A growl made him flinch. The hallway light cast a yellow glow into the room. Milo turned, yelling at the sight of the monstrosity. Its devilishly fanged grin oozed with saliva, seeping into his plush beige carpet.

"That's going to be a bitch to get out."

A wide eye Milo mumbled to himself, as if his own blood seeping around him wasn't an issue. His hands were cold, and his head felt heavy.

"Halifax!"

He could hear a distant crash from down the hall. When Milo took his gaze off the beast, the creature lunged. Bringing his hands up, Milo looked away, not wanting to see his death.

*~*~*

Theo charged flexing his long claws. He growled with excitement at feeling the worthless man writhe beneath him. Coating his hand in his blood and lapping up the warmness it created.

At least, that's what he imagined.

An object struck him on the right side of his face. His vision immediately blackened, pain throbbing in its absence. He yelped, halting his charge while a new scent wafted in the room. Sickeningly sweet and floral. Maple syrup? Sunflowers?

Growling, he was tackled to the ground, the weight of another on top him. The precision in their strikes were swift. They bit down hard on his right shoulder. Tearing away fur and a hefty chunk of flesh.

A guttural groan left him, but the assailant kept up their attack. Biting and ravaging for any vulnerable areas. Theo tucked his muzzle close to his chest as they went for his neck. They latched onto his face instead, shaking with all their might. Another yelp, as his cartilage ripped open.

Raising his hand, he jabbed his claws into the sides of his attacker. They howled, freeing his face from their grip. Quickly he threw them across the room, ignoring the racket that followed. Crouching low he moved on all fours.

With his remaining eye he noticed a tan wolf pulling themselves out the rumble that was once a dresser. They were petite in form compared to him, but the ferocity in their eyes spoke volumes. Blood tainted their coat from the injuries.

He'd chuckle at their spirit if he were in human form. It had been a while since he was caught by surprise. Nevertheless, he wasn't amused. Readying himself, Theo stalked forward. A cocking sound made his ears twitch. It didn't take critical thinking to know what it was. Snarling, he leaped into the hall, missing a shotgun blast by centimeters. This was far from over but he wasted too much time.

*~*~*

Back in the room, Milo panted, leaning against the wall. His hands shook while he tried to reload the shotgun, cursing himself for not investing in an automatic. Blood changed his shirt from bright red. Seeing the other beast he didn't waste the opportunity dragging himself to the gun safe in the closet. Thankfully he left them loaded.

Unfortunately, he wasn't fast enough. It got away. Sighing he slid down the wall, bleeding out. Certain that, his carpet is ruined and death will come eventually.

Shuffling made him tilt his head forward. He could see paws as it walked on all fours opposed to Theo. Even so, he was sure its height was in the 6ft range. Its head was obscured by the brim of his hat. As the beast stepped closer the fur began to recede.

Milo, with his last bit of strength struggled to aim at the beast. The paws became feet and hands. The feet had yellow painted nails. Darkness edged around his vision, he shivered at the coldness that wracked his body. The shotgun went slack, then hit the carpet with a soft thunk.

"Here I thought the cigs would get you first."

That voice, that sweet fucking voice. Always sarcastic and stubborn. It lacked all sarcasm now. Teetering above a whisper. Still soft, still feminine...still Elaina.

He heard her chuckle lightly.

"You think I'm soft and feminine?"

Christ, did I say that out loud?

Milo looked up until his eyes meet chocolate ones. When the light hit them, he gasped at the reflection.

"E-Elaina?"

She gave a half-smile. His body became lax at the sight of her, leaving him speechless. Puncture wounds littered her sides but looked to be healing before his very eyes. Crouching she removed his hat, running her hand across his forehead. Wanting to say more, he opened his mouth, releasing a groan, before falling unconscious. His mind packed with images of the woman who saved him.