The Last Female Alphas

THE FRIENDLY PACK 2

Ray POV:

“Ray, this is Doctor Ethan. He’s a panther. He joined us a few years back and handles the clinic. You can talk to him regarding anything that bothers you. He will help you. He is our pack's resident psychologist. He has a master’s in psychology. He is a very well-trained doctor.” Now I am more baffled, they have a doctor who’s a psychologist staying with them, and he’s a panther. What is this place? I just smile and nod at him as the girl is still holding onto me for her dear life. Blaze just gives me a small smile and squeezes the girl’s hand.

“Ray, I don’t know if you remember me. My name is Azalea and that’s my mate, Scott. And this is our little princess, Raylene.” I am just shocked; she named her baby after me. It can’t be true, can it?

“She is beautiful, Azalea. I do remember you; I just don’t know how you are alive. I am sorry, I mean I saw you almost die that day and then you disappeared. I thought they killed you, but I am happy you are alive and well.” Scott growls at that, but I don’t think he is growling at me. At least I hope he is not growling at me. I am so flustered.

“Umm… Blaze and Roy saved me that day after Nicholas dragged you away. I am so sorry. I couldn’t help you later. The beating you took to help me was brutal. I will forever be grateful to you.” She explains with tears. Scott and Blaze both look guilty about that. They helped her. Why are they guilty?

“Don’t be sorry. I am happy you are alive and well. You have such a beautiful daughter. The beating was worth it if you are happy now. You can bring her to me if I stay here. I will keep her company if you want some alone time with your mate.” I told her, smiling widely at her.

“You are not going anywhere till you recover, Ray.” Blaze says almost too low for me to hear. If we were not shifters I wouldn’t have heard it. He looks so sad saying it. I gave him a nod, smiling at him. Ethan goes all doctor on me after our little moment is over. This guy surely has other things to do, other than taking care of me. He examines my bruises, but nothing needs new bandages or medication for now.

“You need to recover properly, Ray. Please come by the clinic so we can check you out fully. I didn’t get to see you yesterday when you guys came in, so you still have a pending health checkup which needs to be done as soon as possible. You need a lot of rest and plenty of food. Before you go wandering about or do anything else, come see me. Am I clear?” he asks. So, I mock saluted him and nodded.

“Aye aye Captain.” Laughter broke out all around me after my response. It’s so easy to laugh here. After we controlled ourselves and stopped giggling like five-year-olds, we said goodbyes, going towards another big colorful cottage. It’s bigger than any other cottage I have seen so far. It has squash growing on the roof. A lot of vegetables and flowers surround the cottage. It’s painted in light blue with black rectangles everywhere. They are all decorated with chalk drawings, which seem to be created by children. Beautiful red door shutters and a lot of hanging planters with a wide variety of flowers and herbs, such as thyme, sage, parsley, marigolds, zinnia, and penstemons. It’s so vibrant and inviting. I just stand there taking it all in when Blaze squeezes my hand.

“That’s our community hall and kindergarten. It’s easier for everyone to cook in the community kitchen if they can look after their kids as well. So, we built them both together a few years back when we had some toddlers born here. Most mothers work here in the community kitchen or garden but others who work other jobs leave their kids in here too.” He stops mumbling something incoherently and continues.

“It also helps with post-birth anxiety. It is harder for parents to part with their kids. Here they can look after them and be connected.” He is still explaining when a small girl runs towards us like a cannonball screaming on top of her voice.

“Blaze! Blaze, did you get me a candy? Mom doesn’t let me eat those.” He actually pulls a candy out of his pocket and gives it to the girl. Where did he get that from? I look at him, as he is the most intriguing person I have ever met, so kind, generous, and caring. And above anything, so unlike his family members.

“Eat before your mom sees you. Or we both would get into trouble. You know we both will get scolded if she finds out I gave you candy again”. Blaze says conceitedly, as if this is a big secret.

“You shouldn’t give candies to little kids, Blaze. Her tiny teeth will get germs.” An older woman says, smiling down at us. She doesn’t look angry even after the harsh words. The little girl pouts at me, looking pitiful.

“It’s actually dried sugared cherry,” Blaze whispers in my ear, sensing my inner turmoil. That does things to my insides. I can feel myself blushing at his actions. He is blushing too.

“We should go in. You must be hungry. Don’t worry, Zoe doesn’t make anchovie omelets like me. Her food is divine, if I say so myself.” He says, hiding his emotions. He put the little girl down, who at some point climbed him like a tree.

“Aria”, a woman yells, running up to us. She carries the baby away, little Aria winks at Blaze before going to the kindergarten room. Oh, she is trouble.