Legend of the Shadow Wolf

Chapter Seven

Damien

I woke up early the next morning, feeling tired from tossing and turning last night. Fang and I couldn’t sleep knowing Layla was still in the hospital and didn’t wake up yet. I groggily got out of bed and walked sluggishly to the bathroom, hoping a shower will help wake me up. I stood under the water and just replayed the events of last night in my head. What could’ve done that? Some invisible force created that barrier and caused her all that pain. I just hope she wakes up soon.

I got out and dried off, dressing in some loose fit jeans and grey T-shirt then walked out of my room to my dad’s office. He usually in the office in the mornings, taking care of pack business and paperwork. I approached the door and knocked a couple times, patiently and anxiously waiting until I heard him say come in. I opened the door and he looked up from his papers and looked me in the eyes. He looked like a mess, bags under his eyes from lack of sleep and his hair was disheveled.

“Hey bud, how are you feeling?” He asked as I took a seat in the couch that sat against the wall next to his desk. “I would feel a lot better if Layla was awake and we knew what happened. What did you talk to the doctor about last night? You looked like you knew something.” I asked hastily, trying to figure out why he responded the way he did when the doctor mentioned Layla’s darkened veins.

“Son, what do you know of the legends of our past?” He asks me, taking me aback. Legends? I sit there racking my brain trying to remember what I have been told growing up. “Only legends I know are of the ones you told me about growing up. What does this have to do with Layla?” I snapped a little, unintentionally. I shut my mouth and looked away, feeling bad for snapping. It’s not his fault this happened, whatever it is that happened to her. He’s worried, just as much as I am and confused.

“I’m sorry dad, I didn’t mean to snap at you. I’m just frustrated and worried.” I apologized, looking at my father sincerely. “It’s ok son, I understand. The reason I asked is because there’s a particular legend my father told me about a long time ago that dates all the back to the very first war. I don’t know all that the legend entails as most of it has been lost for many years and those that knew it, have long forgot the details. I asked the doctor about it because the darkening of the veins and what you described triggered a memory of some details with this legend but I’m not one hundred percent sure if it’s the right one or not.” Alpha responded with a distant look in his eyes as he thinks back.

“What legend are you thinking of?” I asked curiously. He looks at me for a moment, almost hesitant in answering. “They call it the legend of the Shadow Wolf, an ancient and powerful essence in a way, that use to once be a living creature. They say this creature was the most powerful and deadliest being known kill anyone and anything it wanted just for the thrill of it.” My father started to explain, looking out the window that sits in the wall on the side of his desk. “A lot of details were lost but I heard that the creature was finally killed but it’s soul still wanders the earth, hiding in the deepest, darkest shadows waiting to become flesh and blood again. My father told me that during the last rogue war that took place shortly after you were born, the king felt something take root in our world. He said couldn’t place what it was or what it meant so they didn’t think anything of it.” I sit there, listening intently and think about what he just told me before speaking up. “So you think this Shadow Wolf has something to do with what happened to Layla?” I asked inquisitively, trying to understand and hoping it’s not that.

“I’m not for sure what the connection is, from what I understand, if the Shadow Wolf ever comes back fully, we are all in big trouble. For now, don’t tell anyone, not even Layla. I don’t want to cause a panic if we are wrong ok?” He said. “Ok that sounds like a good idea to me. Hey dad, would it be ok if I skip school for the rest of the day? I want to go sit with Layla, see if she wakes up.” I asked, not wanting to sit through boring classes and leaving her alone. “Sure I don’t see why not, it’s the last day before graduation and I’m sure she would want to see you if she wakes up. Just keep me updated and let me know if anything changes.” Alpha said, going back to his paperwork. “Thank you and I will.” I said before bounding out the door, closing it behind me and make my way out of the pack house.

I didn’t want to waste any time so I just ran all the way to the pack hospital. I went straight to Layla’s room, ignoring everyone as I pass by. Not trying to be rude or anything, Layla is just more important to me right now. I open the door to her room and find the doctor standing next to her, checking her vitals. “Hey doc, any changes?” I ask, taking a seat on the other side of the bed. “Good morning future alpha, not too much. Her heart rate has slowed back down to normal and her veins have returned to normal color. Everything seems back to normal, now we are just waiting for her to wake up. I believe her wolf put her in a self induced coma to protect her from any further damage.” Doctor Ivan explains.

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding and look back at Layla. “When do you think she will wake up?” I asked, worriedly. “I’m not sure, that’s entirely up to her wolf. Could be a few more days or a few months. Hopefully sooner instead of later. I will give you some time alone, call me if something changes.” He says before leaving the room. I scoot closer to the bed and grab her hand, thankful that her temperature is back to normal. I feel a pang of sadness and pain shoot through me as I look at her, brushing my hand through her hair in a soothing matter, more for me though.

“Lay, if you can hear me, wake up please. Come back to me, you might not think it’s true but I need you. You are my rock, you keep me sane and you always brought out the best of me. You made me laugh more than anyone else and you make our family whole. Come back to us, please.” I sobbed softly, lowering my head and allow the tears to fall. I don’t know how long I was sitting in the chair for, I must’ve fallen asleep hunched over the bed because my back aches when I sat up.

I looked at the clock and it was almost 6 o’clock in the evening but she still hasn’t woken up. I turned and looked towards the door as the doctor came in, looking up to make eye contact with me. “Good evening future alpha, I came to check her vitals for the night. Has she made any movement at all?” He asked softly, making his way to the other side of her bed. I shook my head no and the doctor gave me a worried look. “Why don’t you go get something to eat and shower, you can come back and stay with her tonight if you would like.” Doctor Ivan suggested.

“Thank you doc,” I said, turning to kiss Layla on the forehead, “I’ll be back soon.” I left the hospital and went back to the pack house. Before heading to my room, I stopped back off at my father’s office to update him. “Hey dad,” I said walking in. He held his finger up for a moment as he finished his phone call. “Uh huh, thank you so much, Alpha Theo. I’ll be in touch.” He hung up the phone and looked at me with a slight smile. “Hey Damien, what’s up? How is our girl doing?” I took a seat next to the desk, “she’s good physically, her temperature and heart rate are back to normal and her veins aren’t black anymore. She still hasn’t moved or woken up yet.” I said grimly.

“Doctor Ivan said I could stay with her tonight so I’m going to go shower and eat before heading back. What did Alpha Theo want?” I added in before getting up to leave. “Ok just mindlink me if anything happens. I called him and told him what you told us about what happened in the forest and also told him what the doctor said about Layla’s condition, hoping he would have an idea of what it could’ve been, but like me he doesn’t know much more than I do. He said he would do some digging and see if he can find anything more.” Alpha said, leaning back in his chair. “Ok well hopefully Layla will wake soon and we can get her view on what happened. I’m going to go, I’ll keep you updated.” I said after a few moments and bound out of the door to my room.

I took a quick shower and changed into some black sweats and a t-shirt then headed down to the kitchen. I entered the kitchen and found my mom talking to the chef, Marcella, and helping her cook. My mom loves to cook, it’s like her therapy. Every time she was mad at dad or stressed out over her duties, we’d always find her in the kitchen making a new recipe or baking some sort of sweets. I’m surprised none of us have gotten fat from all her cooking. She is the best mom and luna, she’s very kind, considerate and treated everyone with respect even though she didn’t have to. She was an omega in another pack when she met my dad and they say it was love at first sight.

My father doesn’t care about titles, he believes your character and heart is what makes you but it could also be what breaks you if you don’t find a good balance. I looked up to them and I know Layla does too, they were the epitome of how matters are suppose to be. My mother turned around and greeted me with a warm smile. “There’s my boy, I haven’t seen you all day. Were you with Layla today?” She asked, putting a bowl of her famous beef stew in front of me as I sat down at the kitchen island. “Ya i was, I have to be there when she wakes up. She needs me.” I said softly as I move the pieces of food around in the bowl, not feeling very hungry.

“I know hunny, you love her more than just a little sister. You have since the day your father brought her home and I know your hurting not being able to help her now. But you need to eat so you have your strength, you know Layla won’t like a hungry weak noodle laying on her once she wakes up.” My mother laughs teasingly. She was right though, like always but how she knew my true feelings is beyond me. Can she read minds? I chuckled and shook my head as I started eating. Once I was finished, I cleaned my bowl and spoon before putting them on the drying rack.

My mother believes that if we have time to duty extra dishes, we have time to wash them as well. The kitchen staff do enough that we could at least be mindful and help out when we can. After I finish, I give my mom a kiss on the cheek and head back to the hospital. It is now about 8pm and I get a mindlink midway through my walk.

Hey Damien! Where you at?!

Caleb?! I’m headed to the pack hospital. When did you guys get back?

About a half hour ago. Just finished showering and-

PRINCE DAMIIIIIIEEEEEENNNN! Where fore art thou?! Jesse interrupts Caleb, obnoxiously.

Dammit Jesse! Do you have to be so damn loud? Caleb scolds and I just shook my head.

Oh I’m sorry, buttercup, didn’t mean to damage your poor little brain Jesse teased Caleb, laughing.

Anyways, why are you going to the pack hospital, Damien? Caleb asked, ignoring Jesse.

There’s a lot to explain but I’m going to check on Layla. But it’s really good to hear from you guys. It’s been a rough two weeks without your chaos I added jokingly. It’s really good to have them back, them two and Layla always knew how to have a good time and anyone that wasn’t having fun were instantly going in. Their energy was super contagious and childish half the time. I finally made it to the hospital when the doctor walked over to me as soon as I walked into the doors. “Oh young alpha, good you’re here, I was just getting ready to call you. I have news, she’s awake.” He said calmly, leading me to Layla’s room.