The Beta's Justice

Chapter 5

Nova's POV

It was so cold. Darkness filled every inch of the space I stood in. I couldn't feel Ski anymore. Where did she go? No matter how many times I called for her, she wouldn't respond. "SKI!" I screamed again, hoping she was just playing, but when only silence was the response, I felt as though the world was caving in on me. I need her. I can't do this alone. Alone... have I always been alone? I rubbed my face, trying to remember.

Standing up, I peered around, trying to see something, anything. However, it was pointless. There was nothing to be seen. It was darkness. I didn't even know if I was standing on something solid or merely floating. Turning around and around, there was nothing. Nothing to be seen. Nothing to be heard. Nothing to be smelled. There had to be something. If I am awake, then I must be alive. However, I was beginning to question that fact. How long have I mean like this? Hours, days, months? I had no way of knowing. I wish I did.

As I began to walk, hoping I would find something in all this dark nothingness, I felt as though I were forgetting something. Or many things. Ski, she is my wolf. There have to be other wolves in my life, but who? Someone. I'm forgetting someone important. The more I tried to force myself to remember, the more my head hurt. Important. They are important. Who are they? Why can't I remember? I tried to push past the pain. Pain. I must be alive. If not, I would feel no pain. Other than that, there must be others in my life. I can't be alone. Parents, I must have parents. Who are they? Where are they? Do they know where I am?

Then I heard it, a voice. No, voices. Finally, I could hear something. Someone was explaining how they went into an office. The office belonged to a wolf named Ryker. Then he did something to the man speaking. He was apologizing to someone. He hurt someone and he was sorry. Very sorry. Who did he hurt and who was he apologizing to? Why is his voice familiar? Who is he? Is he important to me? If he is, then wouldn't I know who he is? Wouldn't I know his name? The voices felt as though they were coming from a radio. Static would take over now and then, making it impossible to hear. Other times, the voices were loud, too loud.

They were trying to discuss something or someone. "Nova," the name wafted into the darkness. That name. It was familiar. Was that my name? The man saying my name, his voice sent shivers down my spine. I need to find him. Something told me that he would be able to explain what is going on and where I am. I could feel it. Slowly, I pushed myself up, at least I think I got up. Then I started walking forward. Eventually, I have to find someone or something if I walk far enough. At least, that's what I hoped.

"I'm not dead," I muttered again and again. I have to trust that I'm still alive. It's okay if I can't remember anything right now.

"Nova, I'm here," I heard his voice. He felt so close. Why couldn't I see him? His voice sounded as though it were coming from beside me, but everywhere I looked I was met by darkness.

"Where are you? Who are you?" I called out, but he didn't respond. Could he not hear me? Could I only hear him?

Leon's POV

She moved, it was slight, but she moved. I placed my hand on the glass where she was. I wanted to hold her hand. We learned long ago that many wolves heal faster when their mates make physical contact. However, if she came out of that box, death would be inevitable. The doctor said as much and Ben agreed with his analysis. For now, I have tried to remain sane by staying as close as possible. I pulled my chair slightly closer, trying to bridge the gap between us. If only I could hold her... if only I had been the one to take the hit. She never should have been there. It should have been me. I felt something wet roll down my cheeks. Reaching up, I wiped away tears that were falling without permission.

"Alpha, they've returned!" a warrior came running into the room, panting.

Quickly, I straightened up, startled by his sudden appearance. I had been so wrapped up in my thoughts, I must not have heard him coming. "When did they return?" I asked, unable to take my gaze away from Nova.

"Only moments ago," he responded.

"And were they successful?" I couldn't peel my eyes off Nova. She seemed to be in pain. I wanted to stop it. I wanted to hold her. But hope, there was now real hope. I knew they would return, but I didn't believe they would be successful.

"Yes, although they did have a mishap..." the warrior started.

This caused me to pull my eyes from her to give the warrior my full attention. "What happened?" I nearly growled at him, startling him. Hope was flickering, almost gone.

"We lost a few of the pups on the way," he quickly stated.

"The twins, were they successful?" I was agitated now. He wasn't explaining things fast enough. I needed to know about the status of the twins. I would worry about the pups Ryker had experimented on later. Nova took priority for me.

"Yes, they were. The materials are being moved into a secure location as we speak. The twins informed us that they would be ready as soon as possible," he blurted out as much information as possible.

"I want you to go and aid the twins. I expect updates every thirty minutes. You can link me rather than rushing here every time," I instructed him as I turned my attention back to my Nova.

"Alpha..." his voice trailed off. I could hear his fear.

"Yes," I responded, my tone even. I need him to finish and leave. These past few days, I didn't have the people skills needed to be the Alpha of this pack.

"You're block was up. Please take it down so I can link you," he was quiet in his request, understandably.

I nodded. "Right, of course."

I could feel him bow and then I heard him as his footsteps echoed down the hallway. Nova and I were alone. Ben and June had been dropping by every few hours. After I explained to Ben what had happened to me as a pup, he was more understanding and dare I say kinder. I placed my hand on the glass box again, trying to pretend I was holding her hand. I missed her. We never really had many moments together and now she was in that box. I wanted more moments with her. I wanted to make many memories with her. I want more for her. She deserved more, so much more.

"Alpha, they have said it will take a few hours at the minimum for them to concoct the potion along with another hour or so to prepare the spell," the warrior linked me his update.

"Soon," I whispered to Nova. "Soon, you'll be back and I'll do so much better. I promise." I quickly wiped the tears from my eyes.

The door opened again. I could feel someone standing in the doorway. It was irritating. "Speak," I ordered. I could smell him. It was Hunter.

"Harsh tone," he responded as he came around to sit next to me. I could see him in my periphery. He had a smile laid across his lips. He was looking so much better. Rose needed him and he her. Right now I envy them.

"Sorry," I grunted. I should be kinder to him. He was taking on many of the Alpha tasks along with his own. "I'm a little on edge."

"Understandably," he nodded. "I heard the twins are back with most of the pups. Everything appears to be going according to the plan. I'm sure by tonight, tomorrow morning at the latest, Nova will be able to come out of that box." He placed his hand on my shoulder, trying to reassure me.

"Thanks," I wasn't the most talkative at the moment. Ben had taken up all the energy I had to communicate with someone today.

"Everything at the packhouse is running smoothly. I've got the office cleared out of my father's things. The Alpha office has been cleaned as well. Luckily, most of the documents that have passed over the desk I can take care of," he informed me.

"You could have linked your report," I mumbled, feeling exhausted. I had heard of mates being separated for months, even years. How they did it? Nova's right in front of me and I was struggling.

"I could have, but I thought you could use a friend," he smiled at me.

I nodded, unsure of how to respond. "I've also scheduled your father's day in court," he continued to give his report.

"I see. When?"

"After Nova is well. I don't want to pull you away from Nova." His voice was sad. I could hear the stress in his voice. He was tired, too.

We sat for some time in silence until he was linked by someone. "Duty calls," he huffed as he stood.

"Hunter, I'll take over soon," I promised.

"I know, but for now, focus on your mate," he patted me on the back.

"How are you okay now?" It was only a day or so ago since he had been revived.

He smiled. "Mates are amazing," he gave me a goofy grin as he left the room.

Hours passed and, like clockwork, the warrior updated me. His report was naturally the same for the first little while as the twins prepared. However, as the hours dragged on, he was able to tell me that they were nearing completion. I was assured that by nightfall all would be prepared. Then they would come to perform what I hoped would be a miracle.

Finally, the twins sent word that they had finished and would be joining me shortly. I waited impatiently for them to arrive. Slowly, I grew more irritated the longer they took to arrive. Then I heard them coming down the hallway toward Nova's room.

"Alpha, the twins have arrived," the warrior announced as the twins strode in carrying what I assumed was the potion.

"Get to work," I ordered, trying to keep my tone even. I wanted them to work faster.

The twins both looked over at me, glaring as they set down the potion on a stand next to Nova's glass box. "If you would be nicer, we would work faster," hissed Caden.

"How dare you speak to the Alpha with such disrespect," growled the warrior as he took a few steps toward Caden.

"Stand down," I commanded. "If they bring her back, then their tone will more than be forgiven." It was true, I would willingly look past this disrespect if it was a price I needed to pay in order to get Nova back. If they continued after Nova was well, that would be a different story.

The warrior appeared displeased with my order. However, he listened and pulled back to the door. "Caden and Aiden, what do you need?" I asked, hoping to help the process along.

The twins looked at one another before responding to me. "Clear the room. We need space," Aiden informed me. His tone was much more respectful than his brother's was.

"I won't be leaving," I spoke, my eyes trained on Nova. "Everyone else, clear out."

The twins appeared worried that I would be remaining in the room. "This would be easier without people in the room," Aiden told me, appearing worried about my reaction, whereas Caden rolled his eyes as he started placing things around the room.

"If I remain, will it interfere with the spell?" If he said yes, then I would leave. However, if not, I wanted to remain.

Aiden peered over at Caden. It was as though he needed to consult with him before answering me. "Sorry, Alpha Leon, it would really be better for you to exit the room. We've never tried a spell this complicated, especially one that involves a potion." He sounded genuinely apologetic.

"I understand," I said with a sigh as I pushed myself off the chair and walked out of the room to stand in the hallway with the others.

As the door closed behind me, I was met by Ben and June in the hallway. They both appeared nervous as they stood holding hands. I envied them at this moment. It must be nice to have someone to lean on in a time like this.

Nova's POV

"Soon..." a word echoed around me. Who was talking? Why was his voice so familiar? Who was he to me?