Forest Pack Community Book One (COMPLETED)

forest pack community book 1 chapter 2

As she drove up to a set of gates, two large men stopped her. “Who are you and what is your business here?” they asked menacingly. “I…I…” she stammered. “I am here because of Felicia Winters and her parents. I’m looking for any family. They were in a crash, and her parents were killed at the scene. We’ve had her in the hospital healing while we looked for her family. It wasn’t until she was healed enough to tell us about her town, Forestville, and Timber Hood school.

The big man said wait right here. He then turned his back and mind-linked his leader, the Alpha. “Alpha, there is a woman here about Felicia Winters. The Beta’s niece.”

“Finally, after a month, she’s been found. Mick and Joy will be so happy that she’s been found. We will need to see about her parents’ bodies so that we can give them a proper burial and funeral. Let her in and give her directions to the pack house.”

“Yes, Alpha.” When he had turned back around, he said, “Once through the gates, take this road straight till you get to the last left and take that road till you see a huge house. Our leader will meet you there.”

“Thank you.” And on she drove, taking the directions she was given. A couple of minutes later, she arrived at the house. And there stood an imposing man and a woman who was regal, beautiful, and kind-looking. As she approached the pair, they also walked towards her.

“Hello and Welcome to Forestville. I am Ben Conall, and this is my wife, Lissa. I was told you had information on Felicia Winters. We’ve been looking for her and her parents for a month now.”

Mary finally said, “My name is Mary West, and I’m sorry to inform you, but Mr. and Mrs. Winters died in a crash a month ago and have been in our morgue since the crash. It happened 25 miles from here. She’s been in our hospital since.” It wasn’t till yesterday that she was well enough to tell us about her past. She was very traumatized at the time, and we didn’t want to ask till she had healed both mentally and physically.” She’s still emotionally lost and traumatized, but she’s doing better than she was. Two women named Nancy and Ruth have been sitting with her day and night while we looked for her family. No one wanted her to go into the system at such a tender age. Please tell me she has family here?”

“She does. She has an aunt and uncle. We also see her as family. She is well-loved and missed terribly.”

“Oh, thank the Lord!” Mary exclaimed. “Everyone will be so happy! She has really dug herself into all our hearts. The few times she smiled were the sweetest moments. We’ve been putting off discharging her till we found her home. Now that we have, how do we…” Mary trailed off.

Ben replied, “If you give us an hour, we can get a couple of vehicles together. One to carry us and her aunt and uncle, and one to carry her parents back.” If you come in and wait, we can get you something to drink while you wait. Even something to eat if you so wish.”

“Thank you for your hospitality. Coffee would be great.” Answered Mary.

Lissa spoke up at that point, “If you’ll follow me, I’ll get you set up with coffee and maybe some treats. Our cook makes the most delicious sweets. How does a slice of apple pie sound? It’s her specialty.”

“Thank you, that sounds lovely.” Mary said appreciatively.

Once Lissa had taken care of Mary, she left to get the people who were needed and to tell Mick and Joy. She mind-linked their lead warrior and said I need 2 of your best warriors in my office now.” All she heard was yes Luna. She then mind-linked Mick and Joy, “Mick, Joy, I have news about Felicia. Please come to my office.” Lastly, she mind-linked Ben, “Ben, I am getting two warriors, Mick, and Joy, to meet at my office and tell them what is going on and what we are doing. You, my love, handle the vehicles so that we can go as soon as possible.”

Ben replied, “Thanks, babe, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Probably get lost.” She chuckled. By the time she got to her office, all four were waiting for her. “Alpha is busy getting the appropriate vehicles that we will need. Please come in.”

Once everyone was seated, she began. “Thank you for coming so quickly. Felicia has been found along with her parents. Unfortunately, they were in a crash. Her parents died in the crash, and she survived. She’s been taken care of in a hospital by kind humans who did not want to put her into a harsh environment. We will be taking two vehicles. One to carry myself, Alpha, Mick, Joy, and eventually Felicia. The other vehicle will hold the two warriors and her parents. Warriors, go get the coffins we use to carry our dead in so that they can be transported back. You are their honor guard.”

As they stood up, they both bowed and said in unison, “We are honored, Luna.” And left the room.

took so long for her to heal or where her wolf is. Maybe she is hurting herself from the loss of Felicia’s parents’ wolves. We won’t know till we see her. We are leaving within the hour. Please get ready and meet out front. We do plan on being back by this evening.”

“Luna, I have a question.” Said Joy. “Do you know if her parents suffered?” Mick quietly squeezed her hand, grateful to her for asking the question he could not utter.

“No Joy, I do not believe so. As Mary, who is the social worker, said, they died at the scene. Which makes me believe they did not live long after being hit.”

Mick then let out a long, painful, grief-filled howl as words escaped him, and this is all he could think of doing now. His wolf howled with him in pain.

Forty minutes later, they were all ready to go. With Mary in the lead, Ben driving a black SUV with tinted windows, and the warriors bringing up the rear with coffins in the back of a black suburban. It took them a few minutes to reach the crash site. Instinctively, the people in the black SUV knew that this was the spot. As they continued, everyone was quiet and lost in their own thoughts. Mick and Joy are holding hands in comfort and support. Mary, on the other hand, was calling the hospital to let them know that she was on her way with Felicia’s family and people to take her parents’ bodies and to prepare everything. So that things would go smoothly.

After about 50 more miles of driving, they reached the hospital. They all pulled up to the main entrance. When Mary got out, she told the men in the suburban where to go to pick up the bodies. While she took Ben, Lissa, Mick, and Joy in to see Felicia. Ben would be signing for the bodies as was required by law, up by Felicia’s room. As Felicia’s discharge papers would also have to be signed. It was decided he would just sign it all so that Mick would not have to worry and could just focus on his reunion with his niece.

As they arrived, Ruth was standing at the desk waiting while Nancy was in the room with Felicia. Ruth talked to them first.

“Hello, my name is Ruth, I’m the children’s counselor here at the hospital, and the one who told Felicia. Nurse Nancy and I were with her day and night. Each of us took turns so that Felicia felt safe and comfortable. Nancy was there when she woke up. We found out she likes wolves, so we bought her this white wolf that she named Wolfie. It seems to comfort and soothe her when she gets worried or scared at times. Or wakes up from nightmares. I’m not sure if Mary told you, but she was awake during the whole crash. I want to make you aware that she wakes up screaming. I don’t say this to scare you or to make you sad. But so, you’ll know what to expect. Would you like to see her now?”

Four people took a breath to steady themselves after hearing what Ruth had just said. When Joy spoke up with teary eyes. “I want to thank you for sitting with her all this time. I think I can speak for all of us when I say we are eternally grateful to you.”

Ben spoke up and said, “If you would like to come visit her, you may. You and Nancy are always welcome in Forestville. I will leave our address and phone numbers so that you may keep in touch if you so wish.”

Touched, Ruth said, “Thank you, that means a lot to us. Felicia has become like family to us. Or at least we love her just as much. This way.” As they walked down the hall, the four did a group mind link, and Mick said a white wolf! This must mean somewhere deep, she knows what she is! Her wolf must be sleeping and eventually come back. She must have taken some of the pain for Felicia.”

“I agree,” said Ben and Lissa together. Just as they finished their mind-link, they arrived at the door. There were balloons all over the room. Showing how loved she was even here. Mary was correct when she said that Felicia had wiggled her way into everyone’s hearts in the month she had been there.

Once they were all in the room, they fanned out on one side. At the end of the bed. Being sure not to surround her so that she didn’t get scared. Felicia looked at them wide-eyed. She spoke to Ruth while staring at the people in front of her. Ruth, who are they? One of them kind of looks like my daddy!”

Mick just smiled and thought, “What a smart little girl.’ Ruth responded, “These people are your family.” As she pointed to each person, she introduced them. Your Aunt Joy and Uncle Mick. These two are close like family, much like Nancy and I are. Their names are Ben and Lissa.”

Ben smiled and said, “You can call us aunt and uncle, too, if you want. Your uncle and I are like brothers.”

Mick choked out, “Felicia, honey, we’re here to take you home with us to live. I’m your mommy’s brother. Your dad, Uncle Ben, and I grew up together and were best friends.

“What about my mommy and daddy?” Felicia asked tentatively.

“What do you mean, sweetheart?” asked Nancy.

“Well, I know they died. But I never got to say goodbye. Can I see them before we leave?”

“Oh, honey!” Joy said, going to her side. “They told us they are in a special room in the hospital that keeps them safe. We brought special boxes to bring them back in, so we can all say goodbye and have a special little party for them. Ok?”

“Ok. I believe that’s a good idea. Can we go now? I want to go home.” Felicia said quietly.

“Of course we can, sweetheart,” Lissa said with a smile. Then Ben went out and signed all the paperwork while they got her a new dress from the clothes they kept for those who needed them.

By the time she was dressed and ready, Ben had all the paperwork signed and ready to go. He mind-linked the warriors and told them to meet them out front. The plan was to let the suburban go first, following, while giving the couple more importance. Thanking the goddess that the family had come home. But also asking that she help Felicia and Azella to heal and reunite soon. All four of them knew that without your wolf, you were only half a person. Your wolf completed you.

When they got to the gate, the street to the pack house was lined with werewolves and warriors. The Gamma was on one side of the open gate, and the Delta was on the other side of the gate, standing at attention. Everyone else in Forestville was lined up down the street. Marking the path to the pack house. As the cars entered and passed the people, everyone bowed their heads in respect.

Felicia asked in awe, “Why are they doing that?”

Lissa turned in her seat and said, “They are showing respect to your mommy and daddy. They, too, were very loved. They are also welcoming you home again. Felicia, everyone missed you.”

“Even the mean kids?” Felicia asked.

Joy was shocked and asked, “What mean kids, honey?”

“There are always mean kids. Some of the other kids in the hospital used to tease me about screaming at night. Calling me mean names like Terror Kid, or they’d scream NO Noo, in my face and start laughing.”

Mick said he had anger in his eyes and had to fight his wolf back and said, “Felicia, sweetheart, that is not your fault. I hope you understand that. They are mean and cruel and don’t know your story or what you’ve been through. No one has the right to laugh or call you cruel names. Your momma was the sweetest woman I knew, and I’m not saying that just because she was my big sister. Everyone felt her kind heart, no matter who they were. Your dad kept getting jealous when any male would thank her for whatever she had helped them with, no matter how small. She likes to help everyone.”

Ben cut in, “Yes, your mom was seriously thinking about studying to become the pack doctor. She had only said something to my dad and me, because she hadn’t decided yet.”

“Really?”

“Yes, she had a sense of when and what might be wrong. It was like an extra sense. Like a sixth sense, besides her wolf sense.”

“Does that mean I have a wolf too?”

The adults all glanced at each other. Joy spoke first. “You do, honey, but she’s asleep. Mourning for your parents just like you are.”

“I think I heard her before the blackness came,” Felicia said quietly. This time, everyone looked at her. “What do you mean, Felicia?” asked Lissa.

Felicia answered, “Well, before the blackness came, I heard a voice say, ‘You will be ok.’ I thought I was hearing things and wasn’t sure what was going on. I just knew my parents were being bounced around, going back and forth and side to side. We were all screaming. Someone kept saying no, no. no. But the other voice, the one in my head, disappeared. She hasn’t been back.” Felicia looked down in her lap after she was done speaking, because this was the first time she had even talked about that night.

Joy's mind linked to the other adults. ‘Azella did speak to her. I don’t think she’s gone. But the blackness? I think she may have blacked out. I wonder how much of being a wolf she remembers?’ ‘We will find out together and help her. Don’t worry, as Azella said, she will be ok.’

Joy put an arm around Felicia and said to her, “Thank you for telling us that, Felicia. That was very brave of you, my dear. Aunt Lissa and I will help you in any way we can. I have a couple of ideas that may help bring you some peace. But we don’t have to worry about that till after the special ceremony for your parents, and we say our goodbyes.”

“Goodbyes?” Felicia asked. By this time, they had pulled up to the pack house, and everyone was waiting for them to get out. “Yes. But it will be beautiful and peaceful. You’ll see. Your parents were important in the pack. They were from a Beta family. Your mom was just as smart and strong as your Uncle Mick. But Uncle Ben chose him because they were close friends. Your mom’s interests were in healing and helping people. Many thought she would be the next Luna. But when Uncle Ben turned nineteen, and Aunt Lissa had turned 18, they found out they were each other’s true mates. Your mom knew that he wasn’t her mate. As she was older than him. But your dad came along with another Alpha, and that’s when they found each other. So, he stayed and pledged to this pack to be with his mate. They loved each other so much that everyone could see it.” Joy finished.

Ben quietly said, “They are waiting on us. We should get out. Are you ready, Felicia? If you’re not, that’s ok too. You have been very, very brave through all of this. Plus, we are all right here with you. You are not alone.”

Felicia took a deep breath and looked around. Everyone was standing with their heads bowed, waiting until they heard the doors open. Knowing that there was a little girl who might be scared and overwhelmed. But because she was her parents’ daughter, she had an inner strength no one knew was there. As she let out the breath she didn’t know she was holding, she said, “Yes. I am. I want to walk in front of my parents and lead them home. It’s my job as their daughter. I want to try and be strong for them.”

Mick smiled with pride and tears in his eyes and said, “Can your Aunt Joy and I walk on either side of you? We are their family too. So, let’s do this together. We can all be strong. Family leans on family.” Felicia nodded firmly.

Ben and Lissa smiled warmly. Ben said, even though we are the Alpha and Luna of the pack. We will walk behind the coffins. Warriors will carry your parents into the pack house for the evening. Then put them in a special room so that they can wait till the special ceremony is planned and ready. Ok?”

Again, Felicia nodded. “Can I help with the ceremony?” Joy nodded, and Felicia gave a little smile. At that, the five got out of the SUV. As they walked up the stairs with the Winters leading and the Alpha and Luna following, heads lifted. Felicia nodded, and the warriors opened the back of the Suburban, and one by one, her parents were lifted out. Six warriors per casket. Felicia, Joy, and Mick then rejoined hands and let them into the pack house. With Ben and Lissa following behind, heads bowed in respect.

Once everyone was inside, they placed her parents on cloth-covered tables that had the pack symbol on the cloth. And flowers at the corners. It was all incredibly beautiful. Someone came and handed Lissa a crown of pink roses, which she then placed on Felicia’s head, saying, “Welcome home, we are sorry for your loss, but we promise to love and take care of you until your one true mate comes and finds you. We will always be by your side.”

Felicia sensed this was important. So, she curtsied like some distant memory that had come forward and said, “Thank you, my Luna, for all you have done for my parents and me.” Once she was standing again. Lissa looked at Mick and Joy. Mick and Joy Winters, do you accept Felicia as your own, taking over her upbringing and helping her to learn what her place can be in this pack? Loving her as her parents would?”

Mick replied, “My Luna, we will love her and bring her up, teaching her the ways of the pack. Helping her realize her dreams, whatever they may be. But we will not take her parents’ place. I will always be her uncle, as I could never take her dad’s place. But I will love her like she is my own.”

It was Joy’s turn to promise. “My Luna, I, too, will always be her aunt. I could never take her mother’s place. But I will love her as my own, teach her all the things her mother would want her to know. Be there for her through the tears and the smiles.”

Ben stepped forward to stand next to his Luna and wife. “Then it is settled. She will move in with you. Tomorrow we will get her things from her old home and move them into her new one. We will figure out logistics later, as now is not the time.” Mick smiled gratefully at his old friend. At that time everyone dispersed, milling around talking about memories that they had of the couple.