The Healer

Chapter 46

Tori POV

I sat on one side of the bed while Teaghan sat on the other. Both of us stared at my father, willing him to open his eyes. The heart monitor played its rhythmic tone as the respirator hummed with each measured breath. I watched his chest rise and fall gently. This mountain of a man who looked like he could take on a grizzly bear one-handed, was now lying here in a hospital bed fighting for his life. All because of the jealousy of one woman who wanted nothing more than the power and prestige that came with being with an Alpha. She did not love him. She may care somewhat for him but definitely not love. She saw her chance slipping away when she learned that Rick was spending his time with another lady. Corinne’s simple mind thought if she couldn’t have him, no one could. She ultimately did more damage than she planned to. As I pondered the reasons why Corinne would have done this, it struck me. Would she really kill the man she wanted? I could see her making life miserable for Teaghan, but to get rid of Rick? That’s a bit of a stretch. There has to be more to this than just jealousy on her part. I will need to speak with her soon.

“Hi dad. There are some people who believe that the unconscious mind can’t hear conversations, but I believe they can. I hope you can hear me now and know that you are going to be just fine. She can’t hurt you anymore. We’ll all be here for you when you wake up. I can’t wait for you to announce your mating with Teaghan. We’ll have a big reception with lots of food and dancing. I’m glad you decided to find someone to be with, so you aren’t alone. Glad you have moved on. I like Teaghan. She is a wonderful person and she’ll make a great Luna. I will start planning the party just as soon as you wake up and say so. But I need you to wake up dad, please!” I grabbed hold of his hand and closed my eyes. My heart was hurting, and I could feel the tears falling. A gentle hand touched my shoulder and I smiled. Tammy was always there for me just as I am for her. I smiled over my shoulder at her then closed my eyes again.

I felt Mystic perk up and jump forward.

“What is it, Mystic?” She slowly stepped up and peered through my mind at my father’s healing bond. Though very slight and fragile, it was still there. Walking along the tether, she came up to Apache. He was sitting there staring back at us with a sad pleading look on his face. Mystic bowed her head before going closer.

“Alpha Apache! What is it?” I cried out.

“Victoria, my beautiful pup! I am so glad to see you. I am so sorry, but there is nothing I can do to help Merrick. There was too much silver and wolfsbane. Until it is removed, I cannot heal him. I cannot even speak with him.” Mystic rubbed her nose against her father-spirit as she let out soft whines. I noticed Mystic was circling Apache and slowly the dark clouds appeared behind her. She inspected each cloud carefully before choosing one on the end. It was rather large and almost completely black. I saw the tether glow and that was my cue. I focused my healing energy on that tether connected to Apache and to Rick. There was shock, pain and intense pressure that fought against us. I pushed my energy in with everything I had, but it was still overpowering me.

“Tammy!” Immediately, she grabbed my hands and squeezed without saying a word. The tether was glowing brighter and getting slightly thicker, but still not enough. I felt another pair of hands on mine and knew who it was. Teaghan had come around to help. I’m not sure she understands what she is doing, but the selfless soul that she is, would give all she had to help another in need. This one being her potential mate and Alpha.

“Push your life energy through your hands and into mine Teaghan. Think of the love you have for Rick and how strong your heart is when you are with him.” I saw the bond explode with light and everything went so bright, I couldn’t see for a few minutes. Next thing I saw was Apache standing tall and proud with two she-wolves beside him. I recognized Mystic and the other must be Teaghan’s wolf, a tawny color with beautiful, bright green eyes. Both she-wolves nudged their heads against Apache’s side. He leaned down rubbed foreheads with Mystic and gave a small lick to her cheek, with grateful and loving eyes. Mystic turned and trotted back to my side. Teaghan’s wolf continues to rub her head against Apache, who licks her face and rubs his body on hers.

I smiled at them as they continued with their bonding and turned to leave.

“Tori!” I glance over my shoulder to see Apache walking up to me. “I may be a stubborn old soul but thank you, my pup. We are so very proud of you! I believe I can heal him from here.” He bowed his head to me, and I bowed in return.

I felt Tammy release her grip on me as well as Teaghan. I opened my eyes to see Tammy smiling with tears in her eyes, Teaghan was staring with a confused look on her face.

“What…was….that?” She asked.

“That is how a healer heals.” Teaghan nods her head and chuckles.

“That was amazing! You’ll have to explain it to me, but incredible!” She was a little out of breath as she sat back down in the chair beside the bed. Grabbing his hand once again and kissing it. “You’re gonna be just fine, Alpha.”

“You have a beautiful wolf, Teaghan. What is her name?”

“Laney” She starts laughing. I look at her, in question. “Laney is strutting herself around my head while swishing her tail. Such a drama queen! We both thank you.” I chuckled along with her.

“Who is that?” I hear Victor say behind us and I turn to look at him. Eric is standing next to him with a very uncomfortable look on his face.

“Luna Daria Black. Alpha Ronin Black’s mother.” My eyes go wide as do Victor’s.

“What is she doing here?” I asked as I stood beside Victor. He takes hold of my waist and pulls me to him.

“She asked to speak with the Alpha. Since Rick is indisposed at the moment, Victor covers for him in his absence.” I look up at Victor and his eyes are shut as he shakes his head.

“Come on Victor, how bad can it be? You have no beef with her right?”

“No, we don’t. She is the mother of the Alpha you are to heal.”

“Maybe she wants to meet me first?” I shrugged.

“She came with no guards or escort.” Victor snaps his head up at Eric. I look between the two of them and sense something amiss.

“What? Is she not allowed to do that?” Eric shakes his head.

“No. It means she is here in secrecy. She does not want anyone to know from her pack.” Victor retorts cautiously. His brow furrowed in thought.

“Really? Well, this just got interesting.” I said clapping my hands and rubbing them together. Victor grinned at me while Eric gave a shocked expression. “Let’s go find out! Where is she?”

“I have her waiting in the conference room. Guarded.” I nod. I see Eric glance over to Tammy and Rick.

“How is the Alpha doing?” I give him a big smile.

“I believe Mystic, Tammy, Laney and I have cured the Alpha of silver and wolfsbane. Or at least enough so that Apache could begin his healing.” Victor and Eric looked right at me with their jaws dropped.

“Are you serious?” Eric asked incredulously and I nodded.

“He still has a ways to go but, he should be out of the woods and now on the mend.” Eric walked over to Tammy and wrapped her up in his arms and kissed her gently. Victor pulled me to his chest and squeezed tightly.

“You are amazing, baby! Thank you!” He dropped a soft kiss to my forehead.

“There is no need to thank me! We all miss him and need him.” I could tell that Victor was relieved at the news. He was extremely worried for his Alpha and friend but kept it hidden from everyone. Except me. I could feel his anguish at something happening to his Alpha. There was a bit of guilt mixed in there as well. I’ll have to talk to him about that at another time. Right now, we need to go meet this Luna and find out what she wants.

“Come on, let’s not keep the Luna waiting.” He nods and we leave the room after waving goodbye to the others.