Medic and the Wolf

Guardian

“ Well what is it?” I started to yell. I am feeling anxious about what she has to say.

“ I will, but you have to promise to hold your temper and listen to everything first.”

I nodded and motioned for her to continue.

“ I am not 100 % certain yet because one more thing has to happen for me to be so. But I believe she is a guardian.” She is staring me right in the eye. She continues, “ A Guardian is from the ancients. They used to roam on earth freely many, many generations ago. There used to be plenty of them. They protected the wolves from each other and from other kinds such as vampires and witches until they started dying off. A mysterious virus came and everyone started to die. Not just wolves, mind you, but every magical and supernatural creacher. Nothing helped, no medicine or magic, it seemed nothing could stop it. Everyone just kept dying. Then it came down to only five guardians were left. Four males and one female. The female Madaline had the idea that they all should split up and go as far as they can away from each other in hopes it would stop the virus. She thought it was them the Guardians brought it somehow, like it was the moon goddess way bringing them home. The others thought she was wrong and how could she think that? They refused to leave, they didn’t want to leave their beloved wolves.They thought they were the only ones able to protect them.

Eventually, they started to get sick as well. Madaline was scared she would be next and still wanted to leave, but didn't want to create a panic. So she left in the middle of the night on a full moon. She was the only one willing to sacrifice her own feelings for her wolves. When it was discovered she was gone, the wolves looked for her, not knowing where she had gone, but they were not able to find her.

Some cursed her for leaving, others hoped she did the right thing. No one knew for sure until the next full moon. By then, the virus had all but disappeared. No more people getting sick or dying, everyone was shocked, especially the ones who cursed her. They gather to celebrate on the night of the full moon and give thanks to the moon goddess. When the moon was at its highest point in the sky, a big flash of light appeared. When their eyes were able to see, the most beautiful lady was standing there. She had long black hair, white as snow skin and piercing blue eyes. She says she is the moon goddess and she came down because many have cursed Madeline. Madeline sacrificed for them. All they could do was curse her instead of thanking her.

Because she knows not everyone did such a thing, then their bloodline will be safe. The Moon goddess then informs all the ones that cured Madeline that another virus will come when the Guardian returns and their blood lines will suffer for their ignorance.

Now I know you're wondering how does this pertain to Kate. There are signs and they are the virus. The guardian will also be drawn to certain areas such as the North Trail, the South Gate, the land of the High Water hotel and the Whitmore Mansion. Since she has found three of those areas and not the fourth, I can not be 100%. “

We just sat there in silence staring at each other. I am dumbfounded and don't know what to think. Troy, on the other hand, his wheels are turning. I can see it.

“ How do we not know about this story?” he asks.

“ It has been lost through the generations. Wolves stopped telling the story in fear it would bring it to pass, but it was written down and I’m sure it is in the ancient texts”, the witch explains.

“ Then how do you know about it?”

“ It may be lost for you wolves, but not for us witches.”

“OK, so why were the other wolves attracted and acting that way? And why arent we as affected as others are?”

“ It’s not just wolves who will be attracted to her. Every supernatural being will be as well. Right now she is, in a neutral plane, even tho Guardians were made for wolves. There is a small window where they can be swayed by others and she is in that window. You are not meant to be affected. Jake is her mate, so he won't be and you, Troy, is meant to be her protector. You have to be able to think clearly.”

“ Why is she so tortured if she meant to be this?” I asked in a small pained voice.

The witch has to think about this; she doesn't say anything for a while. “ Did she come here on her own or was she forced in some way?”

I have to think back to my conversation with her Chief. She needed a break, so I signed her up and told her to go. Gave her no choice about it.’ I remember her Chief saying. I shook my head. “ No, she was made to come, her Chief thought it would be a good idea for her to get out of the city.”

The witch sighs “ then we have your answer. By being here, it has started awakening her gifts but her mind is not ready for them. She is lost in her darkest memories. This part you're not going to like… She NEEDS to go back to the city. “

“WHAT?” I roared, cutting her off. I pound the table with my fists and look the witch in the eye. “ SHE IS NOT LEAVING ME” I screamed. Troy jumps up and stands between the witch and myself. He Mind links me to tell me to calm down. We have to hear the witch out for Kate’s sake.

The witch puts a soft hand over mine, keeping eye contact. “ I know she is your mate but this is what's best for her right now. She was not meant to be here at this time. She will find her way back. She will stay lost in her mind if she doesn't return to the city. Have faith in your mate and the moon goddess. She will return.”

I sank back down into my chair. I ran my hands through my hair and over my face, sighing deeply. “ I know it's the best for her and I’m willing to do it. But I’m worried about my wolf. She doesn't feel the mate pull but I do. We can't be without our mates for long periods of time. What if he becomes out of control?”

She has sorrow and pity in her eyes. “ You have to hold on for however long it takes. She will return to you and the pack.”

With that said, we devise a plan to take Kate back to the city to her family. The witch puts a protection spell on her similar to the one on the house. Troy contacts the team and advises them we will be moving. I go into the bedroom to Kate, she looked so small on the big bed curled up in a ball. I lifted her up and took her into the bathroom to wash her and myself. The witch gives us some old clothes to wear, at least they don't smell like the others did. When everyone is ready, we make our way up north to the city.

It’s a long journey, we stop for gas and food along the way. My wolf refuses to let her go. He wants to hold her for as long as he can. I have to keep telling him it’s the best for her so she will come back to us. It pains him as well to see her like this, so he understands even though he doesn't like it. Kate becomes less hot and seems to rest easier the closer we get to the city.

I decided to take her straight home. We were about an hour out when Kate finally woke up. She is curled in my lap with her head nuzzled on my chest. I feel her shift in my lap, then hear someone clear their throat. I looked down and saw her sparkling blue eyes looking up at me.

“ Hi” I say.

“ Hi back” she stretches and looks around. “ What is happening? Where are we? Why am I in your lap?” she asks with confusion and I can hear the panic starting to set in.

“ Shhh it’s OK” I coo, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “ We are taking you back home, you became ill after the flood. You’ll be fine but I thought you would recover better at home.” Telling her half truths.

She lifts herself to the seat next to me, looking down at her hands. “ So why was I in your lap again?”

“ You seemed more comfortable.” all she does is nob looking out the window. She is quiet for a while, taking in her surroundings.

“ How far are we?”

“ 20 minutes away, ma’am.” The driver states.

“ What about my things and car?” I heard her ask. I looked over at her to see she was staring at me waiting for an answer.

“ I have your bag in the trunk”, Troy cuts in. She nods and keeps staring at me. I can't tell what she is feeling, she has no emotion on her face and her eyes are just pools of deep blue.

“ I will have your car sent to you. It may take a few days or so.” She seems satisfied with that and continues to look out the window.

When we arrive at her house, all three trucks pull into her driveway up to the front of the house. A young man comes out of the house and stands at the top of the steps. He has a hard expression on his face when I step out of the truck, watching every move I make. I turned and helped Kate out. As soon as he sees her, he runs to her and picks her up.

“ MA are you OK? I’ve been so worried. Where have you been?”

Ma??? Troy and I look at each other confused and the rest of the guys do the same thing. But we don't say anything, just let them have this moment. The boy's face turned from hard to worry and relief.

“Yes, yes I’m fine.” she coos as she strokes his hair. He puts her down, pulls back and inspects her, making sure she really is fine. “ What got you so worked up?” She asks him.

“ Steve called the other day asking if I had heard from you. No one was able to get a hold of you. I tried calling you as well, just thinking you were ignoring his and the station's calls. I knew you would never do that to me, but then you didn’t answer. I didn’t know if anything happened to you.”

“ I’m going to have to talk to Steve about this,” Kate grumbled. “ Yes, everything is fine, I am fine. Let’s get inside. They were about to turn and go up the stairs when he stopped her.

“Ma, do you want to tell me who these people are?” he says in a light, almost amused tone.

She looks back following his gaze and sees us all standing there. When she realizes she forgot about us, her cheeks turn a rose color with a blush from embarrassment. Kate introduces us to her son and invites us all in. We walk up to the front door, Kate turns and sees the team getting back in their trucks to leave.

“ Where are they going?”

“Oh they are going to check into a hotel for the night and get us all rooms.” I tell her. A panic sets in her.

“ NO stop them! Have them come in as well. It’s not safe you all will stay here.”

The team hears her before they get in and stop in their tracks. They are now looking at me and I'm looking at her. “Are you sure we don't want to impose?” I tell her.

“I’m sure we have plenty of room. It’s safer here.” with that she turns and goes into the house. I motioned for the guys to follow and we went in as well.

I walked into the living room and looked around. It’s very nice and big. The house doesn't look as big from the outside. The wall color is a cool, calm color with pitchers on the wall. There is a couch and oversized chair that looks like it can seat two and arm chairs in a few corners. It’s an open floor plan and I can see through to the dining room and the kitchen. I don't see any stairs that would lead to the upper floor. Kate is in the kitchen with her son talking and laughing while they both move around in sync with each other. We don't know what to do and don't want to be rude, so we all just stood in the living room waiting for her to come out.

Kate and her son came out with trays of food, coffee and tea and set the dining room table with the food, drinks and plates, silverware and napkins. They see us just standing there and her son had a confused look on his face. Kate giggles and invites us to the table and to make ourselves at home. Her home is our home. We all sit around a huge round wooden table. It’s big enough for 15 people or 20 people if you squeeze. Everyone is talking and laughing. Kate is sitting to my right, her son next to her and Troy to my left, then the rest of the guys. I can't help but watch her tell her son all about the different training we did. Listening to her voice being excited and light, her hands moving with the stories. I’m seeing her in a new light. She was not this way in training. It’s great to see. Her son must be used to it since he dodges her hands a few times with a smile on his face and it reaches his eyes. You can tell he really loves her and is happy that she is home.

“So ma.. Did you finally go shopping and get yourself a new dress?” I heard him ask her. She looks a bit confused and he points to what she is wearing.

“ My sister gave her that for the ride home” I interjected. Kate gave me a small smile. Her son eyes me and nods.

After a while, Kate and her son start to clean up, taking everything into the kitchen. The team mingles in the living room and Troy and I go into the kitchen.

“ If it’s OK with you, Kate, we can clean up so you can rest.” She tries to refuse, but with some encouragement from her son, she agrees.

“I’ll set up the rooms up stairs for everyone, then take a shower. I’ll be back when everything is done.” She walked to the door in the corner. It looks like a pantry door. She opens it and there is a staircase inside.

“We had the stairs moved and hidden when the virus hit.” her son explains. “ The city has become dangerous since then.”

Troy and I do the dishes while he cleans the rest of the dining room and wipes down the table. As we are finishing up, he sits at the kitchen table with a bottle of whisky and three glasses. He motions for us to join.

“ I’m sorry, but I don't have enough for all the guys in the other room. I hope that's OK but you look like you really need it.”

“Oh yes, that's fine. They wouldn't be drinking if you had anyway. They will be taking rotations on security throughout the night.” I assured him. “ Yes, I can use a glass. Thank you and thank you for your hospitality as well. You're as kind as your mother.”

He eyes me again and his facial features become hard. He pours us a glass and takes a sip. He leans in assessing me. “ I’m not as kind as my mother, she is too kind at times and all she gets in return is hurt. I know you have feelings for her. I can see it. I’m warning you now. If you do anything to hurt her, I will show you the not-so nice side of me. And I enjoy letting that side out to play protecting my own.” His voice was very hard and he got a glint in his eye when he said the last part. Troy gulped, looking from me to him, not knowing what to do.

I lean in and match him “ I would not expect anything less. I do care for Kate but I would never do anything to hurt her, not on purpose. I would gladly give my life to protect her.”

We hold eye contact for another minute, he huffs and leans back. “We will see about that. Only time will tell.” We sit in silence sipping on our whisky and Troy looks less stressed. Kate comes down; she looks fresh with her hair damp in a french braid, wearing shorts and a tank top.

She stops next to her son, kisses him on the head and says “ You're sleeping upstairs tonight. I don't want you downstairs with only one way in and out.” He opens his mouth to protest but she gives him a warning look. He only nods and keeps his mouth shut. Troy scoffs at how quickly he agrees.

“ You just wait and see how you act when you see her mad.” he retorts to Troy. Kate lets loose a light laugh and takes his glass and drinks what's left.

“ It’s late and time for everyone to bed down for the night. I have a feeling it’s going to be a bad night”, she says.

It was dusk outside, still early, but we didn’t miss how her son tensed up at what she said. We are new to the city, so we follow her lead. Kate and her son start to shut up the windows around the house with wood shutters that are barred shut. The team sees the actions and becomes on high alert, not understanding what's happening but ready for anything. Kate gets to the front door and slides bolts closed that are placed around the door, making all points strong.

She begins to tell us our rooms are ready and for everyone to go upstairs. I informed her a few men would keep watch down there. She disagrees and insists on no one to be down here.

“ I trusted you in the South, now you have to trust me in the North. They can keep watch in the hallway upstairs but no one will be down here tonight.” She is very firm with her shoulders squared.

Seeing her determination in her eyes, remembering what the witch said about having faith in my mate, I gave in. We file up the stairs as I pass her son and he scoffs “ what did I say you don't want to see her mad.” he pats me on the shoulder.

Kate is assigned rooms, I reach the top of the stairs and see tons of family pitchers hanging on the walls. I stop and see one of Kate and two small kids, a boy and a girl in it. They all look very happy with big smiles and eyes twinkling. “That’s me and my sister,” her son says. I moved down to another one. It had Kate and an older woman in it. Kate is looking at the woman with such love and Kate is glowing. “ That's my grandma, taken not long before.” He stops and I look over to him “ not long before?” I question. He took a deep breath “ Not long before she passed away from the virus. Ma doesn't like talking about it. Don't bring it up. She will if and when she is ready.” I noted the sorrow in his voice and agreed.

Kate calls me, taking my attention away from the pitchers. I move to her and see another staircase leading to a third floor.

“ You and Troy will stay here” as she motioned to a door. “ My room is next door, so if you need anything, just let me know. The bathroom is there for anyone who would like to freshen up. As I said, your men can patrol this hall but everyone has to be quiet and make no sound. If they can not do that, then they have to stay in their rooms.”

“ Why can't we make any noise?” I asked her.

“ Noise attracts the renegades. They are the ones who rob and kill the weak. Did you not notice the outside looks rundown? That is to fool them into thinking this is a boarded-up empty house. I have a feeling it’s going to get bad tonight, but if we all stay silent then they will pass.”

“ And if they don't? We are trapped up here with no way out.”

A smirk forms on her face “ yee of little faith, there is a way out” and with that she leaves me in the hall. I gave orders to the men and retreated to my room.