unbroken (unexpected series)

Chapter 36

"Elders," she nodded, serious faced, "As not to diminish our supplies, I advise the government to move forward with changes, suggesting that they begin with a rounded number – deciding to use two hundred participants in their 'clinical trials'" she said with a bit of humor knowing that this was by no means above ethical boards. "I have used one hundred less – than the humans – and we are disappointed to say that we have no successful changes Elders with just the serum," her posture stiff, my eyes widened. Impossible.

 Elders to my left and right concerned with this news as well, "Are you stating that you had no successful changes with any of our serums?" Elder Vera – a were-cat – asked, her particular shifter species being at it's lowest in populations. "Actually Elders there is more," Treznor interrupted, but Zima continued, "Treznor attended the opening of the hotel where the white wolf lived, there he was able to sneak away with three blood bags, after delivering them to me I saved one Elders, however I used two splitting them equally between five of those infected," a small proud smile on Treznor told me that she was successful, "While ninety of our infected have not shown progress – the five given the blood have had successful changes."

My eyes went to Treznor, "As I sent in messages this past three weeks we do not believe that the white wolf is dead, that or the serum is not functional..."

Without acknowledging the other Elders, I barked an answer at the group, "Logan will lead you to the white wolf if she is alive." I left the room, my blood boiling; we had been unsuccessful in our attack. Entering my office I heard the approach of the other Elders, the only others to know of our pending attack on the Gabriel and Chelsea. Without having inside help from an Elder – prior knowledge – they would not have been able to out smart our scheme, I eyed each of my fellow Elders, which one betrayed us?

Chelsea POV

Damaged. I don't know how many ways that different humans had tried to label me as that – broken. Irreversibly damaged nor would I be able to succeed to anything – all that decided before I was nine years old. Kayla's age – granted our circumstances were wildly different – but she had a purpose, one greater than she could probably imagine.

I didn't want to think it, or even consider the fact that she had been too greatly hurt to do more than survive – not be someone that could help anyone else. But, with my own history, I couldn't bring myself to think of her that way, put her down before I even gave her a fighting chance. Because that was what she needed among so many other things, she needed people in her corner.

Yes she had family there but there was something about having someone outside of that, someone that would cheer you on when you needed it, or even the person that just sat with you silently when you needed that. I looked at Ben watching her shyly with wide impressed eyes, looking away when he noticed me with my eyes on him. I didn't know what to do, I knew I was no picnic mate but Gabriel loved me regardless of my problems, could Ben be that for Kayla? He was so young and while I saw the way he loved Oakley, would he want to even be Kayla's friend? I shook my head, stepping back leaving him, Ava, the twins and Kayla on the floor in the small clearing. Heading to the porch, Rainy came out surprised to see me. why does she have so many scars on her face? Her lip? Even on her hands... Ben noted but didn't ask Kayla.

Her small smile dropped, her eyes darkened underneath, a sign of sleepless night, something I was acutely aware of, "How are you?" I asked her stupidly, "Sorry that's a stupid question; I just – I wanted to come see how you were doing? I had meant to come sooner you know – Logan explained that we're cousins and all but then-"

Her eyes widened the faster I spoke, "I'm okay... one day at a time, no tantrums or breakdowns yet today," she smiled brilliantly – and I could understand why – at such a minor thing.  Her eyes focusing behind me, widening, the boy... hope Kayla is okay... looks just like her... She thought eyeing Ava and myself. I bit my lip.