Thank you, Ania

The next day, they visited the hospital once again. Ivan and Everly approached the reception desk, and Everly immediately requested to speak with the doctor who had attended to her mother.

The receptionist, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes, nodded as she retrieved the doctor's schedule. "Dr. Patel is on duty today. I'll inform him that you're here to see him,"

Moments later, Dr. Patel emerged from the corridor and approached Everly and Ivan. "Miss Everly, Mr. Ivan, how can I help you today?" 

Everly glanced at Ivan before speaking. "Can we speak in a more private place," she said, her eyes locking with Dr. Patel's.

Dr. Patel nodded, leading them to his office where they could speak freely. As they settled into their seats, he began recounting the events leading up to Everly's mother's death.

"Your mother was just fine when I went to fix an IV bag for her to maintain her blood pressure," Dr. Patel explained, trying to recall all the details. 

The two listened. "Was there anything unusual about her condition?" Everly asked.

Dr. Patel shook his head. "No, she was in good health when I visited her. She was just a little dehydrated, but that isn't a life-threatening issue," he explained.

Ivan exchanged a glance with Everly, his brow furrowed. "Can I see the IV bag?" he asked.

Dr. Patel nodded. "Sure, the ward she was in has yet to be cleared out, so everything should still be there, so just follow me," 

Ivan nodded in agreement, and the three of them stood up from their seats. "Let's go then," he said, gesturing his hand towards the door.

They left the office and followed the doctor as they walked towards the ward her mother was in.

Everly and Ivan continued to exchange glances. "Why do you want to see the IV bag?" Everly asked.

Ivan hesitated before replying, "Just...curious about something."

Everly and Ivan were led into the ward where Everly's mother was, and the doctor spoke, "Some of her belongings are still here, so if you wish to take them with you, that's fine. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to attend to other patients." They both nodded at the doctor, and he left.

Everly approached the bed where her mother used to sleep, She reached out and picked up the scarf she had bought for her mother when she was first brought to the hospital. Tears welled up in her eyes as she clutched the fabric.

Meanwhile, Ivan went to investigate the IV bag. He carefully sniffed the bag. His eyes widened when he perceived a certain scent—a werewolf scent. He casually picked up the IV bag and stashed it in the pocket of his tuxedo. 

They left the hospital a few hours later. 

"I will be dropping you off at home. I have somewhere to be. If you need anything, just call me or tell Sergei."

Everly simply nodded, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. Her heart was filled with sadness, and her mind was consumed by thoughts of her mother's sudden death. But if there's one thing she knows, it's that she has to avenge her mother.

Ivan dropped her off at home before driving off to visit pack house, specifically to see his sister. As he entered, he was greeted by every werewolf that passed by. Not bothering to see his parents, he made his way to his sister's room and knocked on the door.

Ania's voice came from inside, "Who is it?"

"It's me, Ivan. Open up, Ania, it's urgent," Ivan replied, his tone serious.

The door clicked open, and Ania greeted him, "Ivan? What's with the sudden visit? Is everything okay?"

Ivan entered the room and shut the door behind him.

"I need your help," Ivan said before he brought out the IV bag he had taken earlier from the hospital and placed it on the table in front of them.

Ania wrinkled her nose in disgust at the sight of the IV bag on the table in front of her. "Oh my goodness gracious, there's absolutely no way I'm smelling that. Where'd you even get this from?"

Ivan sighed in desperation. "Please, Ania, this is important," he pleaded, looking down at Ania.

Ania smirked, knowing she had the upper hand. She extended her hand, waiting for Ivan to offer her something in return. Ivan, understanding her demand, sighed and placed his credit card in her outstretched hand.

Ania chuckled as she went to her closet and retrieved a glove, slipping it on before picking up the IV bag and sniffing it.

"Hmm…" Ania murmured as she continued to sniff the bag, her senses seeking the faintest of scents.

Ivan crossed his arms and watched her closely, waiting for the result.

She finally stopped, putting the IV bag back on the table. "Humans, your scent and another werewolf's scent, which I'm not really familiar with …"

Ivan furrowed his brow, his expression turning serious. "Good, I perceived it too, I just had to make sure I was right. I want you to track the scent for me, find where they are, and update me when you do," he instructed.

Ania shook her head firmly, crossing her arms over her chest, unwilling to comply with Ivan's request. "No, I'm busy,"

"Ania," Ivan said, "please, this is really important to me. Come on, do it for your big brother."

Ania sighed, knowing that she couldn't refuse, especially considering how close they both were and how Ivan was always there for her.

She reluctantly dropped the glove and sighed. "Fine, I'll try, but only because it's you. I most definitely wouldn't be doing this for anyone else, not even mom and dad."

"Thank you." Ivan concluded, satisfied that his sister had agreed to help. "Alright then, I'll be waiting," and with that, he left.

Upon arriving home, Ivan wasted no time and headed directly to their room. He opened the door and found Everly lying on the bed, covered fully in a large blanket, with only her tear-streaked face visible. It was clear that she had been crying, her eyes were swollen and red.

Ivan approached Everly and gently touched her shoulder, causing her to turn around to look at him. 

"Hey, are you still crying?" he asked softly, offering her a gentle smile in an attempt to comfort her.

Everly didn't know what to do, but the sight of Ivan's caring expression was enough to make her break down once again. She sat up and wordlessly wrapped her arms around him as tears streamed down her cheeks.