Legend of the Shadow Wolf

Chapter Nine

I opened my eyes slowly and looked around groggily, the events from last night coming back to me. I sat up slowly and saw Damien still passed out on the couch in the corner. I don’t know what time it is but I know it’s the next day due to the light coming in through the blinds on the window. My bladder started to scream at me so I moved my legs to the side of the bed and tried to stand up. My legs were shaky and weak unable to hold my weight as I tried to take a step and I fell to the floor with a thud, waking Damien abruptly. He jumped to his feet and was at my side within seconds looking at me worried.

“Hey, are you ok? What are you doing out of bed?” He asked hastily, helping me back up to my feet. “I needed to use the bathroom and I tried to walk but fell. That’s never happened before.” I said thinking about it. “Well your body has exerted a lot of energy so it needs to regain it’s strength. You’ve been in bed the past day without moving so your legs aren’t use to the blood flow.” He tried to explain to me. It made sense, there hasn’t been a day that I wasn’t always on my feet minus the times I was sleeping.

He helps me walk to the bathroom, shutting the door to give me some privacy but not before reassuring me that he would just be outside if I need help. I relieved my bladder with a satisfying moan, I swear I would’ve burst if I held it any longer. I finished and stood, holding on to the rail and made my way to the mirror over the sink. I took in my appearance, surprised to see how pale I was, my hair was a disheveled mess but my eyes were brighter and everything else seemed normal. I don’t know exactly what I was looking for but I wasn’t expecting this. I half expected bruises to riddle my body from what had happened the other night.

I took this opportunity to take a quick shower, thankful that my shower supplies from home were placed in the bathroom already and a shower chair was placed in the shower already. I definitely didn’t trust myself not to slip until I regained my strength. After I was finished showering, I slipped the robe that was hanging from the door on and walked out. “You’re looking better, how are you feeling?” Damien asked, helping me back to bed. “I feel better, disappointed in how weak my legs are but you know how I am. They’ll be back to normal soon.” I said with a smile and Damien chuckled.

“Haha that’s too true. You are a stubborn one for sure. Mom brought some clothes for you yesterday for when you woke up so I’m going to give you some privacy to change and get the doctor. See if we can bust you out today, if you are up to it.” He said with a smile, handing me my clothes, kisses the top of my head and left the room. I start to get dressed, making sure I hold on to the bed so I don’t fall again. I’m thankful that Luna Calista had packed my slip on shoes instead of my converse. She must’ve known that I wouldn’t have the strength to deal with the laces when I woke up.

There was a knock on the door before it opened, revealing Doctor Ivan and Damien. “Good morning, Miss Layla. How are you feeling?” He asked as he came over to check my vitals. “I feel better, little weak in the legs but surprisingly good.” I answered truthfully. “Well with some light rest and walking, your legs should be back to full function in no time. You can go home today, if you feel well enough but I don’t see any reason to keep you here any longer.” He said with a warm smile. “Yes please, I desperately crave the comfort and softness of my own bed. No offense doc but these beds aren’t the most comfortable.” I said with an apologetic smile.

“It’s quite alright, I know how hard these beds are but they make sure for now. Do you have any questions for me before we get you ready to go?” He asks me patiently. “Oh yes, I do have one question, when will I be able to start training again?” I asked nervously. “I-I don’t know how to put this. I’m so sorry miss Layla, some of your nerves got damaged and I’m afraid you’ll never be able to train again.” He says somberly. I feel my heart wrench forward in my chest and my eyes start to water. I can’t believe this, my dreams are crushed right before my very eyes. I look up at the doctor, who is now grinning widely at me and I give him a confused look. How is this funny?!

“Haha you know you should really think about the next time you decide to jump out of the trees and scare the pants off someone. Never know what kind of payback they will have in store for you.” He says with a laugh. My eyes bulge out of my head and gasp as I look at Damien until the memory pops into my head. “Doctor Ivan! You’re a cruel old man.” I exclaimed, shaking my head fervently. I can’t believe he tricked me! “Haha forgive me my dear, but what is it you kids are saying these days? Payback is a b**ch? Haha you should be good to train when you feel like you are ready. Don’t over do it though and if anything changes, come back and we will check it out. I’ll leave you now and go draw up your discharge papers.” He says as he exits the room, still laughing.

“I cannot believe him, he is too smart for his own good.” I said to Damien with a chuckle. “Haha ya he definitely got you good. I wish you could’ve seen the look on your face,” Damien laughed, walking up to me with hand stretched out. “Ready to go? I’m sure you could a good walk.” I grabbed his hand firmly and nod, wrapping his other hand around my waist gently to help steady me as we made our way out the door. We started walking back to the pack house, making sure to keep a steady pace that wasn’t too fast or too slow. As weak as my legs were at the moment, it felt so good to walk and be outside.

The scent of rain evident in the air as the dark grey clouds hid the sun. The smell of fresh rain and the scent of the damp forest are my two absolute favorite smells. It’s like two aromas formed a thick blanket that wrapped around you softly, caressing and cleansing your soul. I smiled as I allowed my senses to be consumed by the outside air and talked to Damien about all that I missed while I was out of commission. He told me how worried everyone was and how his parents, my friends and even Brittany came by to check on me. The Brittany part surprised me, I didn’t think she liked me enough to seem worried but it touched a part of me that felt grateful and appreciative. I will have to thank her when I see her next.

We made some more small talk and he reminded me that we have two major events happening that I completely forgot about. Graduation and the ball. We graduate tonight and leave right after to go to the palace for the king and queens Full Moon Ball and I was no where near ready. We reached the pack house finally and Damien helped me up the stairs to my room, thankfully no one was around so I can keep my weakness to myself for a little longer. Suddenly I feel a stirring inside my head and a presence pushes through, causing me to stop abruptly, gasping.

Kali? Is that you? I asked hesitantly.

Yes Layla, it’s me she responds softly.

Oh thank goddess, I missed you so much. I am so glad you are ok! I said happily, tears brimming in my eyes.

I missed you too Lay. We have much to discuss but we both need to build our strength back up she replies, sounding drained.

Yes we do but for now you rest. We will talk more later.

Damien looks at me with worry and confusion then realization sets in and a light smile forms on his face. “Let me guess, Kali?” He asked. “Yes, she’s back but like me, she’s drained so I told her to rest. I’m so happy that I didn’t lose her, I felt so empty with her missing deep inside, I was so scared that she was taken from me.” I said happily and somber at the same time. I look at him and smile as a tease escapes down my cheek. He wipes it away gently and kisses my forehead as we continue up the stairs.

We make it to my room and he leaves to go find the alpha and luna to inform them that I’m home. I lay on my bed and decide to take a quick nap before it’s time to get ready for the graduation ceremony tonight. Thankfully it’s a dreamless sleep and my alarm goes off before I know it. I sit up and try to test the waters and stand up cautiously and slowly. My legs aren’t as weak as they were before but they were still a little shaky, so I slowly make my way to the bathroom for a quick shower. Damien must’ve linked one of the house omega’s because when I opened the shower, there’s a shower chair in the middle of the floor. I smile at the gesture and proceed to wash my body and hair, making sure everything is clean and taking full advantage of how the hot water relaxed every muscle in my body.

After showing, I quickly dried off and shakily made my way to the closet, searching for something nice to wear. I settle for a black tube dress with red roses going up one side and spaghetti straps, a pair of black flats and my favorite leather jacket. I did a light smokey eye with winged eyeliner and a rose red matte lipstick, brushed and fixed my hair so the curls were neat but relaxed. Once I was satisfied with my look, I grabbed my black clutch, slipping my phone inside and made my way toward the stairs.

I was surprised to see Damien waiting for me at the top, giving me a once over before smiling and looking up at my face. “You look breathtaking, Layla,” he said, extending his arm. I look him over as well and appreciate how good he looks, knowing his mate will be one lucky girl. He may be my adopted brother but I can appreciate how attractive he looks and know that he will make one special woman out there very happy. “You don’t look bad yourself, Dames.” I said smiling as I take his arm. “Ready to close this chapter of your life?” He asks as he hesitates walking down. “Beyond ready. Shall we?” I replied.

“We shall,” Damien chuckles as we descend the stairs to the front door. He walks me to his car, opening the door for me and helps me get into the passenger seat before walking around to the drivers seat. The drive to the school took about 10mins and we parked in the spots close to the gates as other cars started flooding in. Damien gets out and helps me out of my seat as three very familiar voices flood my ears, damn I missed their voices.

“LAYLA!!!” Scarlett, Taylor and Julie all yelled at the same time, running towards us and engulfing me in a suffocating but very much needed group hug. “Oh my goodness girl you about gave us a damn heart attack! How are you feeling? Did they treat you ok? What do you need?” Scarlett starts throwing up words out of her mouth, talking a million miles as if this was the last time she’d ever be able to speak again. I put my hand over her mouth, shutting her up and chuckle. “I am good, still a little weak, yes they treated me great and no, I have everything I need right now.” I answered, letting her mouth go and she breathed out a heavy breath of relief. She doesn’t show it, but she’s the worry wart in our group.

We all laugh and make our way to the empty field and take our assigned seats. Soon enough, the ceremony starts and we all cheer and clap for each student that is called to receive their diploma. I cheered for my friends and brother the most, of course but when Brittany is called not as many cheer for her or her mean friends. A twinge of pity hits my heart as I see the hurt flash in her eyes as she ascends the stairs to the stage. Without needing to think, I stand up tall and clap, whistle and yell “WAY TO GO BRITTANY!” as loud as I can, surprise etched across her face then a bright smile appears and she waves to me.

Finally, my name is called and I slowly get up, holding onto the back of the seats as I walk to the middle of the rows shakily. I stand tall and start to take a few steps, my legs still a bit weak and I stumble a bit. I think I’m going to fall, when suddenly I feel arms grab my waist gently. I’m surprised and look over to see Brittany behind me, holding me steady with a slight smile. “Let me help you,” she says gingerly. I smile and grab her hand, standing myself up straight and reply, “thank you, Brittany.” We make our way up to the stage and she lets me go briefly as I go to the front and accept my diploma. I look back at Brittany and extend my hand, she shyly accepts it and stands next to me.

I look back at the crowd and speak loudly for all to hear before anyone starts to speak. “My fellow pack mates and classmates, we did it! We survived high school, we all made it through this tough chapter in our lives. For some, it was amazing and for others it wasn’t the best. We all acted like children and treated those accordingly to what we’ve heard or perceived each other but now it’s time to grow up. It’s time to be equal and accept each other. It’s time to make friends with those that we thought we enemies, for those who live with darkness in their hearts can not live a happy life. Here is to the future, happiness and friendship!”

Everyone erupts in cheers and I give Brittany a big hug, happy that things are changing for the better. This will be a night for the books and I couldn’t be happier. We celebrate for the rest of the night before all going to bed late. Tomorrow, we head out early to the royal palace and I cannot be more excited.