Chapter 24: Unorthodox Cure
"Me?"
Anna was beyond confused by the doctor's proclamation, but if there was anyway she could help, she wouldn't hesitate.
The doctor looked to Nik, as if asking his beta for permission to continue. Anna couldn't see what Niklaus did, but he must have suggested it was ok.
The doctor locked eyes with Anna and began to explain.
"Maksim needs to mark you before he can get any better..."
"Ok. Then, let's go. I don't see what the problem is." Anna was beyond frustrated. She realized being marked was a big deal, but she had no question about it if it would save Maks.
Anything for Maks.
"Anna, listen to the doctor." Nik said, knowing there was more to the story.
"Fine... Continue."
"As I was saying, Luna, it's not that simple. We are under strict orders from the Alpha not to allow you near him. And for good reason."
"What do you mean?"
"If he marks you now, after how much stress his body has been through, there will be complications." The doctor said shaking his head sadly.
"What type of complications?"
"They vary greatly. Alpha Lukin could die if the mark isn't received in time. You could die if we wait much longer. Both of you could die if the mark doesn't take...Or we could be looking at something as minute as it leaving a scar. Either way, you will be objected to a great deal of physical pain. This is why the Alpha has requested you stay away."
Anna thought about all of the possibilities. She could loose her life trying to save his... But isn't her life already lost if he isn't in it? In the event that they both die, who will watch over the pack? But wouldn't the pack loose respect for a Luna who could have saved their Alpha and didn't?
This decision affected so many people... so many lives.
But Anna knew what she wanted and in the midst of her selfishness, she gave an answer.
"I'll do it."
"Luna, I respect your willingness to try, but I must recommend that you take some time to-"
"I said I will do it." Anna interrupted, with finality in her tone. Sometimes she felt like they forgot she was luna.
"Of course. My apologies. There is only one problem... The alpha still doesn't want you near him."
She knew the doctor was right. Even if she was willing to help, Maksim's command over-ruled the pack.
"Leave that to me."
Anna looked over to see Niklaus with a mischievous grin spread across his handsome face.
***
Creeping into Maksim's room, Nik tried his best to keep the jello from spilling as he shut the door.
"Hey, buddy. I found these little cups of jello in the café downstairs. As soon as I saw them, I was like 'Maksim would think these are insane'. They had all kinds of flavors, but I got you the red one because I know it's your favorite color. Besides, you look pretty good in red. It suits your skin tone. I got blue for me... I even talked Anna into getting some. Did you know her favorite color is green? And not a pretty green, either. Like kompa green..."
(poop- Russian)
"Niklaus, What did you come in here for?" Maksim asked weakly. His strength had been deplenished for the day. The doctor had even put him on bed rest.
"Hello! Did you not just hear me talk about the cool jello I found?"
"That isn't the reason you came in here. Look, if you want to talk about Anna, save it. Don't try to convince me i'm doing the wrong thing. This is what is best. This way Anna will be safe. I have already made up my mind. I don't need you or the doctors trying to change it." Maksim was tired of discussing this. It was unfortunate that right when he was ready to accept her, things took a turn for the worst, but he wouldn't put her life at risk for the sake of his.
"I agree."
"What?" Maks asked bewildered.
"I said 'I agree with you." Nik restated.
"You do?"
"Sure. It makes sense. You just want what is best for her. At least this way we know she will be safe."
"Exactly." Makism was glad that he finally had someone on his side.
"Don't get me wrong. I dont want to loose my best friend, but at least I'll have Anna, you know. We even put together a plan for after you pass." Nik said casually.
"A plan?" Maksim asked. He knew he would pass within a few weeks but had they already been thinking of his funeral?
"Yeah. It's not fool proof yet, but I was thinking Anna would move in with me and then-"
"Anna's going to move in with you?" Maksim couldn't believe this. This is what they were planning?
"Yeah, I mean it's only natural for the Alpha and Luna to live together. I already started remodeling my bedroom. I think I'll paint the walls that green color she likes. I hate it, but I know it would make her happy."
"Wait. Wait. Your room? and you implied that you are the alpha." Maksim was so confused but he got the jist of what Nik was trying to say.
"Well, Im the beta right now, but when you pass, your power is going to transfer to me."
Maksim, of course was aware of the transfer of power. He just hadn't given it much thought. If Maksim was to have a son, the power would transfer to him, but since he didn't, the alpha blood line would continue with Nik.
"And as far as the room thing... You must have figured it out by now." Nik answered slyly.
"I'm not following." Maksim dead panned.
"Look, Maksim. Anna is a wonderful girl and I feel like we have something. Of course, neither one of us have acted on it, out of respect for you. Anna really does love you and she is your mate. But when you're gone and she has had time to grieve, I'm sure that we will explore what we have."
"You can't be serious."
***
Anna waited patiently in the exam room where Nik left her.
All he said was that he had a plan to get her into the room and then he left. She just hoped he wasn't causing too much trouble wherever he was.
Suddenly, Nik pushed the door open with a giant smirk on his face. "God, I should have been an actor." He spoke to himself.
"Nik?"
"Yes, Lover?"
"What?" Anna said, scrunching her nose up at his choice of endearment.
"Nothing."
"Any luck?" Anna asked nervously.
"Tons, sweetheart. You can go see Maksim whenever you want."
"How did you-"
"You don't want to know." Nik replied with a smirk.
Anna didn't care how he made this happen. All that mattered was that she was able to go see her mate and maybe even save his life.