Legend Has It Book II ~ Complete

“If you’re going through Hell, keep going,” Winston Churchill The King’s lengthy recovery from his injuries was a humbling reminder to many that Life was short. In the wolf shifting realms, however, recovery meant something different—findingetaking something lost or stolen—not necessarily healing, though it would be an easy stretch to say the King had lost his health. In recorded history, the longest healing time for a wolf shifter, aka werewolf, was under ten days. King Phoenix, who somehow survived a combination of Dark, Ancient Magic and heavy poisoning from silver and wolfsbane, was nearing the six week mark in healing and had a team of seven healthcare providers. Six hired by the Queen and one who volunteered. Life continued on, however. Throughout the Universe, farmers farmed, builders built, teachers taught. The sun rose each day, the moon rose each night. Other Legends played out. This did not lessen the importance of Life for the King and Queen or their loved ones. Love was the essence of Life. DR. LOCKWOOD The former Luna, Stella, requested the presence of the Recovery Team at dinner this evening and I was included. In fact, she requested I personally arrive early. A young wolf by the name of Zack arrived at my door to escort me. As we passed by the kitchen, I heard, “Good evening, Dr. Lockwood. Are your accommodations suitable?” I turned and locked eyes with the lovely Kitchen Manager. “Ah, yes, Mrs.?” “Esther. No need for formalities.” “Please, just Al, then, Esther.” I extended my hand. “And yes, my suite is perfect and so have been my meals.” She shook my hand and beamed. “You do not have to take your meals alone in your room. You are welcome in the kitchen anytime.” Was she flirting with me? Or simply one of those who believed in the power of a fine meal? “I appreciate the offer. I do believe the kitchen is the heart and soul of any building.” I wasn’t sure where that sentiment came from, but I now believed it to be true. “There’s Stella,” Zack alerted me. “Until next time, Esther.” I do believe she blushed a bit. Introductions were made with Phoenix’s mother and we were seated. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with me on such short notice.” Stella was apologetic. “It is my pleasure. I was worried about being accepted here,” I admitted. “Why is that? Does our reputation precede us?” “Oh, no. It’s just that some find my lack of Gifts laughable.” “Al, do not let the shallowness of others undermine you. If everything I’ve read about you is true, you possess the ability to help people accept their flaws and cope with things they shouldn’t have to cope with. There is power in that.” “Aye, there is. For those willing to acknowledge and embrace the things they cannot change.” “I believe there are things my son and daughter-in-law are struggling to ‘acknowledge and embrace.’ Which is why I wanted to meet with you. My husband may be a little more reluctant, but he’s a good man and I am usually able to reason with him.” “I understand his reluctance. To those who have not studied, understanding things one cannot see is difficult. Many believed some of the greatest students of psychology, such as Sigmund Freud, were quacks. Only recently has technology been able to measure parts of the brain and give some credence to what began as theories.” “Would you be willing to meet with me a couple of times a week? I won’t pry into private information, but who better to help with understanding a person than his own mother?” Stella’s offer was incredible. She could provide insight into her son’s childhood. I gladly accepted. There was also always more healing involved than just the patient’s. One by one, the King’s Recovery Team that included Healers William and Natalie, Nurse Darla, Trainer Phuong and the doctors, Wilson and Kirk, joined us. I listened intently throughout the evening. I learned that the King’s Gamma and other warriors missed their training sessions with their longtime friend. They hadn’t wanted to intrude, but duties had also kept them away. None quite knew how to accept the fact that they were connected to the most high profile medical case in recent History. The former Alpha, Khane, who wasn’t able to join us, was included in this group. I thought perhaps Stella purposely scheduled this dinner for a night he was preoccupied. Wolf shifters were not accustomed to dealing with illness, so I volunteered my ears and Wisdom to help them all cope. “I will send for some books I believe will help,” I promised. Before I retired to my room, Stella insisted I be on the payroll. “That’s not necessary,” I insisted. “I’m already being gifted with the basic, but most important, needs of food and shelter.” “Well if any needs arise, please notify me immediately.” I studied Stella a moment. “I do have one question, perhaps you will humor me with an answer.” “Ask away!” “Is Esther mated?” A wide grin spread across the former Luna’s face. “Widowed. Nearly ten years.” {~>*•**•*<~} GENEVIEVE My part-time assistant, Phoenix’s almost 17 y/o sibling, Phoebe, had one flaw—she was boy crazy. Today, she was heartbroken because her latest boyfriend had found his mate. “He wasn’t rude to you, was he?” I demanded. “No. And that’s mostly why I’m feeling sorry for myself. He was firm, but gentle. How can I not respect that?” She sniffled. “How can I date again before I get my wolf and risk putting someone else’s heart through this?” I put my arm around the girl to comfort her. “I didn’t date at all before I met your brother. I was jet setting around earth and taking Ninja classes,” I offered. “I think I turned out ok.” I shrugged. “Will you train me?” She asked. “I can show you some things, but my hands are pretty full.” Phoebe’s face fell. “I’m sorry. I know. I shouldn’t have asked.” “I’ll tell you what. I’ll see if I can find a trainer. I know the Guard Unit wanted some training, too. You could help me out by typing an ad. Don’t worry about getting all the terms right. Just double space the paragraphs, like you did for the Halloween invites, so I can write in edits.” Phoebe wrapped her arms around me in a squealing hug. “Thanks, sis!” I met Phoenix’s gaze over Phoebe’s head and mouthed, “I’ll tell you later.”