Second Chanced

Chapter 2

Two years had passed since that magical night by the lake, and Odin and Dawn's relationship had only grown stronger. They continued to date, their connection deepening with each passing day. The lake had become a special place for them, where they shared countless moments of laughter and love.

One sunny day, Odin decided to surprise Dawn. He arrived at her doorstep with a warm smile and a picnic basket in hand. He had planned an entire day at their beloved lake, a day just for the two of them.

Dawn had intended to follow her grandmother to the infirmary where they worked as healers. Her family had always generated the best healers in the pack. With her mother dead, she felt the responsibility to carry the family's legacy. Her grandmother was still better and obviously more experienced than her. But she was getting weak. Her face, once filled with wisdom and warmth, now bore the marks of time and struggle.

“You don’t have to go to the infirmary today,” grandma Carla said.

“If anybody shouldn’t go to work, it should be you, Grandma,” Dawn said, confused about why her grandmother wanted to go to work alone.

“You need a break. I haven't seen you with Odin in days. When is he going to declare you his mate, by the way?”

Dawn blushed at the sudden question. She had been wondering herself. It had been two years since they started dating. Even though they weren't fated mates, she still loved him very much. She wondered if it was hesitation that stopped him.

She shook her head, shaking off the doubt with it. She was sure he was going to bring it up soon; she could feel it.

Carla shook her head with a smile and walked out the door. “That infirmary is my life; you go enjoy yours.” She shut the door, making a soft laugh as she walked away from the house.

A few minutes had gone by. Dawn decided to go to the infirmary anyway. She felt she understood her grandmother's intentions, but they might have a lot of work today. Then, she heard a knock on the door. Dawn opened the door to find Odin standing there, and her face lit up with excitement. "Odin, what's all this?"

Odin extended his hand to her. "It's a surprise, my love. I thought we could spend the entire day at the lake."

Dawn smiled hesitantly. “But what about our responsibilities?” She fiddled with her fingers, tempted to just abandon the day's work and join Odin. “You have to help the team today in building those new houses, remember? And I have to stay on standby in case anyone needs healing.”

“I told them you would be taking a day off,” Odin smiled mischievously. “I also called your grandmother and informed her you would be busy today and wouldn't be coming to the infirmary.”

Dawn laughed. “No wonder she was acting weird today.”

Odin laughed too. “Even though you are the best healer around, I'm sure they can manage without you for a day. And me too.” He adjusted his shirt and stretched out his hand, asking again. “So, would you like to go out and have fun with me?”

Dawn took his hand, her smile filled with warmth. "I'd love that, Odin."

They drove to the lake in Dawn's car, which she had bought for herself after saving up and receiving generous contributions from her grandma and Odin. The drive to the lake was filled with laughter. As they arrived, Odin set up a cozy picnic spot on the shore, complete with blankets, food, and a bottle of their favorite wine.

Throughout the day, they enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. They swam in the cool, clear waters, their laughter ringing out as they splashed each other. They ate a delicious picnic lunch, and Odin even brought a guitar, playing sweet melodies while Dawn sang along.

The day was coming to an end. Odin and Dawn sat on the shore, their fingers entwined. This lake had witnessed their love story from the very beginning, and this day felt very similar to the first. Dawn's love for Odin hadn't swayed even one day since then.

Dawn rested her head on Odin's shoulder, looking out at the water. "Thank you for this, Odin. It's been a perfect day."

Odin pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. "I couldn't have asked for a better two years, Dawn. You've brought so much happiness into my life." Dawn rested her head on Odin.

It was a view they had seen countless times, but the view was the last thing on their minds; they thought more of the warmth they felt holding each other.

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Odin and Dawn had just arrived back only to see the entire pack in restless commotion. The pack was abuzz with urgency and worry. News of the Alpha's sudden illness had spread like wildfire, and everyone went about restlessly. Odin and Dawn rushed to the pack's infirmary, where Odin's father, the Alpha, lay unconscious.

“What do you mean he’s ill?!” Odin asked Jasper, his personal guard and assistant, the man who followed his dad everywhere. Onlookers watched them chatter in front of the infirmary.

“I’m sorry, Odin,” he fidgeted. “Alpha Derik,” he paused. “He just fell and went unconscious.” He paused, taking note of all the people around, even Dawn. “I think we should talk in private.”

“Let me see my father first,” Odin dismissed Jasper with urgency, rushing into the building.

As they entered the infirmary, the atmosphere was heavy with worry. Pack members whispered in hushed tones, casting nervous glances at the bed where the Alpha lay. Odin wore a heartbreaking expression as he approached his father's bedside. Dawn stood beside him, her hand gently resting on his shoulder, offering silent support.

Odin's father looked frail and pale, a stark contrast to the powerful figure he had always been. The once-booming voice of the Alpha was now reduced to a mere whisper, a testament to the severity of his illness. Odin reached out and took his father's limp hand, his eyes filled with different emotions.

"Father," Odin murmured, his voice trembling. "I'm here."

Dawn watched the scene, knowing how much Odin loved and respected his father.

Dawn turned to Jasper. "Where is the Luna?" she asked about Odin's mom.

“She’s fine,” he said. “But she passed out from crying.”

“What?”

Odin said, squeezing his father's hands. He looked visibly shaken.

Dawn's heart ached watching Odin. “Let me try and heal him,” Dawn said, placing a hand on his shoulder. “It will take a lot from me, but my powers might be able to help.”

“Yes,” Odin said, grabbing her by both hands. “Please help him.”

Dawn nodded.

“Don’t,” Jasper said from the door, his gaze toward the ground hesitantly. “Dawn.” He managed to make eye contact. “You know the only person with more skills than you in healing is your grandmother.”

“Yes?” Dawn asked, feeling uneasy with his tone. “What are you trying to say, that my grandmother should do it instead of me?” She asked, feeling a bit agitated. “No, she has been really weak lately. Just leave her alone.”

“Well,” Jasper didn't know how to say it. “She already did.”

Dawn paused, still trying to understand what he was saying. Her eyes widened. “Where is my grandma?!” She stood up, drawing Odin's attention. He could also sense the negative air.

“She pushed herself too hard,” Jasper said with sadness. “She was insistent on saving the alpha.”

Dawn covered her mouth. “Where is she?”

“She’s barely holding on,” Jasper cleared his throat. “I think you need to see her now before-” He paused, unable to say it.

Dawn’s already watery eyes filled up. Drops of tears ran across her face as she zoomed out of the room. She turned back at the door. “Which room!” She lightly screamed.

Jasper pointed at the room just opposite them. Dawn rushed into the room to see her grandmother in an even worse state than the alpha. She screamed, losing the strength she was using to hold back the tears. It came rushing down her face, and Odin came in, hugging and comforting her.

“I’m sorry,” He said, his large stature swallowing hers in an embrace. She dug her fingers into his broad back, and he continued to comfort her despite the pain and the aching in his own heart. “I’m sorry.”

The soft glow of a single bedside lamp cast a gentle light over her grandmother on the bed. She murmured something.

Dawn rushed to her, sitting just beside her on the bed. Odin stood nearby, trying his best to support her.