Shadow Moon: Secrets

Introductions

Harry POV

                It was unusual for the high-ranking wolves to be on patrol. They usually left the warriors in control of that. But last night there had been reports of a rogue attack, taking out many cottages just outside of pack grounds. Between the Shadow Moon, and Silver Snow pack grounds.

                I had been jogging around the borders looking for any straggling rogues. To take out that many residences would have required planning. This was no ordinary rogue event. Most rogues kept to themselves, but there were a few gang types that banded together for whatever common cause. Collectives they called them. But not all rogues belonged to a collective. Not all wolves belonged to a pack either.

                I could have sworn I heard a child crying. I had bolted off in that direction, and that’s when I found her. The poor child was covered in scratches and bruises. She had started screaming the second she saw me. Begging for her mother. She thought I was going to hurt her.

                “I found a child that must belong to one of the wolves that were killed last night. “I mind-linked Alpha Nolan.

                “Does she smell rogue? Are you certain?” Alpha Nolan responded.

                “She smells like a pack wolf. Can’t be much older than 5 or 6, she’s going to need a doctor though. It looks like some of these cuts need stitches. “ I said quickly. “I need permission to bring her to the pack doctor. “

                “I’ll meet you at the packhouse hospital.” Alpha Nolan said curtly. I couldn’t get a read if he was irritated or just concerned.

                I continued to reassure the child she was safe, holding her tightly in my arms as I ran back to the pack house. It was closer than the pack hospital. Our pack was blessed, being the second largest. We had a small village that included schools, commercial businesses, and a hospital that were all wolf ran within the territory. With the increased rogue attacks, Alpha Nolan had added an east wing to the packhouse to house a smaller hospital there.

                Once we arrived at the packhouse, the child had quieted down and was weakly looking around. She seemed wary of all the people fawning over her as I walked into the reception area of the packhouse hospital. “Call Dr. Grace immediately. “ I commanded, not waiting to be directed to a room.

                I placed the child on the bed while we waited for the Alpha and Doctor to arrive. Folding my hands in each other as I watched her carefully, keeping my voice soft. “My name is Harry. What’s your name, sweetie?”

                She seemed hesitant curling herself into a tight little ball. Staring at me as though I might hurt her at any moment. It broke my heart to see her so scared. Then so soft that I wouldn’t have heard it without my wolf hearing she spoke. “Scarlett”.

                “Nice to meet you, Miss Scarlett. “ I spoke gently, and offered her my hand. It seemed silly, but I hoped she would settle down and feel safer. She was safe. I’d be sure of that.

                She didn’t get a chance to respond before the door burst open. I instinctively stood up in front of her. Alpha Nolan walked in with Dr. Grace, our elder pack doctor. “Alpha, let me introduce you to Scarlett. “I said, stepping to the side.

                Alpha Nolan offered the girl a smile. “I’m Nolan, the Alpha of Shadow Moon. This is my friend, Dr. Grace. Would you mind if she looked at your boo-boos?” It shouldn’t have shocked me to hear such a soft voice come from the Alpha. He had two young boys himself. But it took me back just a second anyway. The child like words almost making me want to laugh.

                Scarlett watched him curiously. Then she looked to me. I nodded in encouragement. “Dr. Grace just wants to help. “I reassured her. Pointing to the large cut across her arm. She held her hand over it for a moment before nodding herself.

                “Okay. “She said in the same soft voice as before. Letting her hand drop to her side as the doctor began to look her over. Dr. Grace must have mind linked the nurses to bring her supplies. She went to quick work to clean Scarlett up and evaluating the wound.

                “Alright Scarlett, this part will hurt for a moment. But I promise it’s only a moment and then you’ll feel all better, okay?” Dr. Grace spoke in a grandmotherly voice to the girl. Scarlett nodded at her. Dr. Grace gave her a slight shot, and a few moments later began to stitch the wound close.

                “There now. You did great!” Dr. Grace spoke cheerily and reached into her bag behind her pulling out and handing Scarlett a small stuffed wolf. “This is for being such a brave girl.” She spoke. Scarlett’s hazel green eyes went wide as she hugged the animal to her chest. Her tears finally slowing down and stopping.

                Turning to us, Dr. Grace indicated the hallway. Alpha Nolan smiled at Scarlett before stepping out with the doctor. I looked Scarlett over carefully. She seemed calmer now. “I’ll be back in just a moment, okay? Scarlett?”

                Scarlett nodded and snuggled back into her stuffed wolf. She was no longer curled in a defensive pose. At the very least she knew for right now she was safe. I followed the others out of the room. I couldn't do much for now, but at least she was safe here.