The Healer

Chapter 21

Tori POV

“Oh Victor. I don’t know what to say. I never knew that’s what he thought. My mother always told me that he thought I was just a brat who was always in the way. And that he wanted me gone.” I heard a rumble behind me and spun around to find my father standing behind me with black eyes and the most evil look on his face.

“What did you just say?” I quickly stood, startled by the sharpness of his, Victor even stood and lowered his head at the Alpha.

“Rick, please calm down. I... “

“Merrick is not here” he said, and I felt my heart race in fear at the sound of his voice.

“Alpha Apache… please listen to Tori…“ Victor quietly stated with his head still bowed.

“Victoria. My pup” He took a step closer and put his hand on my face to caress my cheek. “It has been a long time.” I smiled up at my father’s wolf. I remember Apache was an old soul that was strict and rough around the edges, not quite a people person but he was honest and fair. And he loved me very much.

“It has. I’m happy to see you again.” I choked out as tears started to fall again.

“No tears, why are you sad?” He wiped away my tears before he wrapped me in a warm hug.

“I am not sad. I am very happy that we are together again. I missed you and my father.” He placed a kiss on my head and leaned back to look at me.

“I will never let you go again. You are my pup; I am here for you always.” A few more tears fell, and I gave him my biggest smile, so elated that he really did want me. I hate to think it, but I was really starting to get angry with my mother for telling me so many lies.

“Please, sit with us and eat.” I step back and grab his hand and pull him towards the table.

“Please” Victor says pointing to the bench next to Tori. Rick takes a seat and looks at Tori. He closes his eyes and shakes his head.

“Alpha?” He opens his eyes and smiles.

“Sorry, Apache just wanted to see you with his own eyes. He is very happy that you’re here, Tori. He was devastated when you left and spent most of his time quiet and silent. Only feelings of rage and sadness filled his heart. Until now.” He took my hand again and smiled sadly.

“I am here now, and it was wonderful to speak with Apache again, and I am very excited to be welcomed into your pack. Although, I would like to meet the warriors that went looking for me as well. I’m sure I would remember the ones I tormented as a child.” Grinning I turned to my food and took another bite of my burger.

“Well, most of them have retired and moved away with their mates. There are two left that stayed. Do you remember Garrett and Kyle?” I almost jumped out of my seat at the mention of Kyle.

“Kyle is here?!” Rick nodded his head. “Oh, my Goddess, I can’t believe he’s still here! He used to have tea parties with me, until he found out I used toilet water as my tea.” Victor spewed his water out of his mouth when he heard that. A full-hearted laugh came from them both that caused others to look their way in amusement. The Alpha laughing so loud and full, was a rare sight and filled them with joy.

“Are you serious?” Rick asked in between belts of laughter. I chuckled along with them as I nodded.

“It was the only water I could reach! He was not happy when he found out.”

“How did he find out?” Victor asked breathlessly from laughing.

“Well, we were sitting in the playroom at my table with our cups of tea when one of the kitchen omegas came in looking for him. She watched us for a moment, then noticed he was actually drinking the water. She tried to hide her amusement when he asked why she was laughing, she answered with, ‘What do you think she is using as tea?’ He said water and she answered yeah, but from where? You don’t think she can reach any of the sinks, do you?” Another round of belly laughter floated through the air. “He dropped the cup and ran out of the room. I found him later washing his mouth out with rubbing alcohol!”

“No wonder he was in the hospital for a few days! He wouldn’t tell me what happened!” Victor roared out as he coughed to catch his breath.

“I wonder how he’s doing, is he here?”

“He should be here somewhere, let me find him.” Rick’s eyes glazed over as he mind linked Kyle. A moment later, his eyes went back to their vibrant violet.

“He’s out front, I told him to join us.” We continued eating our food chatting away as we waited for Kyle to appear. About ten minutes later, Victor looked over my shoulder and raised his hand.

“Here he comes.” Alpha turned and watched his warrior approach. He stood up and motioned for me to do the same.

“Alpha, you called?” He said bowing.

“Kyle, I would like you to meet someone.” He faced me and put out his hand to shake.

“Hello, I’m Kyle.”

“Kyle, this is Tori….“ A confused look came over him as the shock of recognition covered his face. “… my daughter.” Rick finished quietly as Kyle’s eyes widened.

“Tori?!” I gave him a huge smile and nodded excitedly.

“Oh Goddess! It is you!” He lunged forward and grabbed me and swung me around. I couldn’t help but laugh at his excitement.

“Tori! I can’t believe it’s you!” He said in disbelief. He squeezed her once more before releasing her and taking a seat.

“It’s so good to see you again Kyle, how have you been?” He looked at her with a smile before slowly morphing into a frown.

“I am better now that I see you here. My respect always Alpha, but it has been sad and sullen around here for many years.” He said carefully in front of Rick.

“It’s okay, I understand Kyle.” Rick offered.

For the next hour, we sat there and reminisced about my childhood while here and the events that took place. I was sad and felt so guilty about the effects of leaving did to everyone, especially those close to me. Having enough of negative flashbacks, I told them about my childhood with my mother. Things I did in school, my best subjects, my sports, and other activities. Rick was impressed and proud of the fact that I am a black belt in Tae Kwon Doe and challenged me to a spar. I happily agreed and Victor second that challenge. Kyle stayed out of it, claiming I would fight unfairly and would douse him with toilet water to win, earning another round of belly laughs from the Alpha and Beta.

Many of the curious pack members ventured close in hoping to talk with me. Rick suggested I walk around and meet some of them. I agreed willingly and Victor offered to escort me. Rick said he had somethings to tend to and wanted to talk to me and Victor in his office after the party. He even invited Kyle to breakfast in the morning along with his mate, Abby.

Victor and I walked around the grounds as he pointed out different buildings, where the training grounds were, how to get to the hospital, grocery mart, and other notable places. We stopped and talked to many pack mates along the way. Most were very accepting and friendly. A few were still weary of my abilities but remained polite and respectful. Victor explained how daily life worked, what was expected of each member and how they ran the pack. I was very impressed by the efficiency with which they handled everything. It was like a small self-contained village. A select few would venture into the nearby city if something was needed that they couldn’t provide.

“So, Victor… “ I said after a few minutes of silence. He glanced at me as we lazily walked the path on the outskirts of the main property. “Did you ever find your mate?” I asked softly. He got quiet for a moment then stopped. With a defeated look on his face, he closed his eyes and answered.

“I did about five years ago.” I stood quiet with my hands folded in front of me, patiently waiting for him to continue. “She rejected me on the spot.” I seems that is all he wants to say on the matter. Maybe in time, he will open up and tell me the story.

“Oh Victor, I’m so sorry to hear that!” I grabbed his hand rubbed his knuckles.

“I didn’t even get to know her name. It was clear that she didn’t want anything to do with me.” I frowned at this and squeezed his hand again.

“Maybe the Goddess has a better plan in mind for you with a second chance.” I lightly smiled.

It’s probably a good thing anyway.” He shrugged.

“What? Why?” I questioned.

“I’m not that great around females. I sort of stumble on my words or say the wrong thing. Most of the time I just clam up and stare off into space. They teased me in high school because of it.” His head was down, and I could sense embarrassment and shame in his voice.

“Wait, didn’t you have a girlfriend in high school?” He shook his head. “No? Really? I’m shocked!” I heard him scoff at my words. “So, everyone gets tongue tied now and then. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. You’re talking just fine with me, see?” I leaned over and wiggled my eyebrows at him and was rewarded with a warm chuckle.

“This is different, you’re easy to be with.” I’m not sure if that’s good or bad.

“What do you mean? Be careful, you just called me easy!” Again, he chuckled. As we walked through a wooded path, he held branches to the side for me and he stopped at the trees edge. In front of us was a large meadow with yellow and blue wildflowers, a large oak tree in the center and a stream flowing to the left of us. It was rather beautiful and peaceful listening to the birds’ chirp and the occasion bee buzzing by.

“Victor, wow this is beautiful! I don’t remember this being here.” He continued to walk over to the oak tree with me in tow. He leaned against the tree and gazed upon me.

“You are easy to talk to. You don’t judge or make fun of others. You have a pure heart and put others before yourself. Every man’s dream”

“I’m hardly a dream Victor. An afterthought maybe, but a dream? Come on” I was getting uncomfortable with his compliments. Not sure where he was going with all this, but I knew he was trying to say something.

“Sure, you are” I gave him a deadpan look.

“No…I’m not. Remember Jonas? That asshat who couldn’t even tell me he found his mate?” A look of realization came on his face, and he closed his eyes and shook his head.

“Ah yes, the arrogant little misfit. Yes, I remember him. You were too good for him anyway.” I went to pull my hand away to sit down when he grabbed tighter.

“Tori” I looked up at him and tilted my head. He was looking everywhere but at me. He’s nervous about something and wants to tell me. He’s afraid to.

“It’s okay Victor, you can tell me.” I stand directly in front of him about an inch away. He looks at me as I see a blush form on his face. Just by that alone, I think he’s afraid of my reaction to what he has to say. Knowing how close we were as kids, he should now I would never push him away.

“Victor?” I put both my hands on either side of his face and make him look at me. “I’m here, with you” he slowly blinks as if giving himself time to gain the courage. Courage for what? I have no idea what that could be. What does he want to say that could be so bad?

“Tori..” He grabs both my hands and tentatively looks me in the eye. “I’ve always thought that we would be mates.” My eyes shot open, and my mouth is gaping. He tilts his head as he brings my hands up to his mouth and lightly kisses them. “I was hoping you’d be my mate?”

What did he just say?