The Healer

Chapter 17

Tori POV

“I believe we need to talk about you going to another territory.” I fell back in my chair as I glanced at Victor, who tried his hardest not to chuckle out loud.

“Well… “ I gave my father a sheepish grin and dropped my head back to stare at the ceiling.

“Well…?” My father repeated as he sat at his desk staring at me with that expectant look father’s have when they are waiting for your answer, but they already know what it is.

“Explain please, Tori.” He said in a softer tone. Realizing that it wouldn’t be a good idea to jump right into the strict fatherly mode just yet. Our first hurdle as a family, I wonder what he’ll do.

“I will be visiting a pack to help the future Alpha recover from his injuries so he can lead his pack.” I know I am making it sound so much simpler than it really is. In reality, I have no idea what to expect, but I can’t in all honesty, turn down Dr. MacDonald after he has done so much for me and my mother. I see Rick with a look of indignation covering his face.

“Please, Tori, elaborate.” He sat back with his hands folded in his lap. I took a deep breath and told him what I knew about it.

“As far as I understand, the Alpha was severely burned in a fire. It’s unknown to me if he still has his wolf or if it’s just dormant from his human consciousness to heal him physically. I’ll be working with him mentally and emotionally. I can help physically, but if his wolf is healing him from the inside, I don’t want to interrupt his progress. He is having difficulties mentally having to deal with the fire, losing his father in the fire, and becoming Alpha to a large pack. Now that I think about it, it’s actually a good idea that Tammy will be coming with me as my assistant. She can help with the objective interviews. Especially if he focuses on me, Tammy can observe any subconscious tics or behavioral traits he isn’t aware he is doing.” After my explanation, I look at Rick and find he and Victor are staring at me like I have two heads. One blink, two blinks. I raise my eyebrows at him in question.

“I have no idea what you just said” Rick answers as he stares blankly at me.

“Tammy can pick up behaviors that are or aren’t normal for a healing wolf while he is focused on me and our conversation.” Finally, he and Victor nod.

“I knew Alpha Damon. He was a bit of a hardass, but a good and fair Alpha. He was extremely dedicated to his pack, and his only child, Ronin. Ronin showed promise growing up to be a smart and honest Alpha like his father. Somewhere through the years, he seemed to have fallen off the path and started doing his own thing. I’m no saint myself, but I never abused my power as Alpha by bullying my pack. I hear he is quite taken with the ladies. With Alpha Damon gone, his brother Colton is leading the pack until Ronin recovers and takes over. I fear his attitude and arrogance will lead them down a troubled path that can only end in destruction.” Rick offered what little information he had on the pack. They were not allies, but they weren’t exactly enemies either. Occasionally, they would cross paths at the annual harvest ball or the coming of age ball in the spring held at different pack locations every year.

“My job is just to evaluate and rehabilitate any residual injuries or any mental restrictions.”

“Tori, I’m not comfortable with you being in a pack that I don’t have access to. I know we just found each other and have rekindled our family bond, but if something goes wrong, or you become a target, I can’t go in there and help you.”

“Well, we are going to have to negotiate some conditions to me being there won’t we.” I stated matter-of-factly as I sat up straight. Looking Rick straight in the eye, almost as I was challenging him and told him what I thought. “I will not change my mind. I will be going to the Hidden Falls Pack and help this young man recover well enough to lead his pack.” I stared at Rick and then at Victor. Both had a look of frustration as if they wanted to argue but can’t. Victor bows his head in defeat, and Rick sits up straight and c***s his head at me.

“How long will you be there?”

“I won’t know until I complete my initial evaluation and come up with a treatment plan.”

“When do you leave?”

“I don’t know. I need to call Dr, MacDonald first and he will coordinate with Alpha Colton the best time to arrive. Although that will be tricky.”

“How so?” Victor takes the empty seat beside me.

“Well, if I arrive and they announce it to the pack, then everyone is on their best behavior. If I show up and watch them without them being told, I get them in their natural habitat. They will be themselves because they don’t know they are being watched.” Rick nods his head in understanding. Victor still seems confused. “I want to see how he acts normally without the knowledge of me being there. It’s more of a visceral behavior. More real. I need to know how he is doing for real before I step in and do my thing. “

“And what would Tammy be doing?” Rick asked folding his hands on the desk.

“During my sessions with the Alpha, she would monitor him unseen from a different room. She can watch for signs of deception, or healing. Things I can’t look for without being noticed. Some behavioral tics, or movements I don’t see. My main goal is to make sure he is healed mentally. Whether he leads a pack or not is not my concern. Healing him physically is easy. Healing the mind takes time and a lot of sensitive work,” Rick nods his head in understanding. I glance at Victor, and he is watching me.

“Ok, We’ll call Dr. MacDonald and let him know you will be coming and find out when.”

“Thank you, Alpha,” I said bowing slightly with an excited grin.

“Tori, I told you not to call me that.” I just shrugged my shoulders and smiled.

“Fine, thank you Rick” He gave a sad smile for me using his name, but it’s better than nothing.

“I don’t trust him.” Victor finally says.

“Who?” I ask.

“Ronin. His reputation is not the best. Even before the fire, he wasn’t the nicest, and he has a reputation with the female population. As an Alpha, he probably would be worse.” Rick nodded his agreement.

“I agree, but unfortunately, it’s not our call. He is the heir to the pack and hopefully his uncle will be able to guide him in the right direction. Until then, Colton is in control, and I don’t think he’ll pass that off until he feels Ronin is ready.”

“That’s probably causing a lot of anger and resentment in the family. Not to mention the loss of Alpha Damon. If Colton is stand in Alpha, I’m guessing the Luna is not fairing well either, having lost her mate and almost her only son.” Victor responded knowingly.

“I think that’s why the doc wants you to come in and work with Ronin. He knows of your healing abilities. “I turn to look at Rick with confusion on my face.

“What do you mean?” He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. Letting it out slowly he looks at me with eyes of concern.

“Having these healing abilities can be a gift or a curse. It’s my fault that you were never taught what they are and how to use them. Of course, you know you can touch someone and heal physical wounds.” I nod and wait patiently for him to continue.

“Well, the ability goes deeper than that. My grandmother explained it once to me. You can also look into their minds and see what the root of the problem is. Meaning, just by touching someone, you can learn what troubles the mind.” He holds out his hand for me to take. He nods his head towards his hand, and I reach for it with some hesitation. Grabbing his hand, he holds it gently.

“Now clear your mind of everything and concentrate on my hand. Feel the warmth, the strength, and the energy coming from me. Follow that to my mind and tell me what you see.” I close my eyes and concentrate on his hand. I feel his grip is strong but not overwhelming or painful. The warmth radiates off into mine and I can slowly feel this energy wrapping around my hand and slowly creep up my arm. It kind of tingles, but its not painful. I think about my father sitting beside me and what he is thinking. Suddenly, I see a flash of light and a man standing there before me. All around him are clouds swirling in different directions. Some are white others are blue and some are dark almost black. I concentrate on the dark clouds and see images forming. In one cloud I see my father and mother standing in the bedroom arguing. I can’t hear them, but I can tell my mother is angry and my father is trying to calm her. In her hand, she holds an empty liquor bottle, and she is waving it in front of his face. In another cloud, I see my father in his office standing at his desk with a woman sitting in front of him. I see her face and it’s not my mother. He places his hands on her legs and is pushing them apart as he steps between them. I quickly shake my head and look away, not wanting to see what they were about to do. I have an idea and I’m guessing my mother found out about it as well. I look to another cloud and see my father again in his office, sitting at his desk with a bottle and a glass before him. His hand grips the glass and he is staring at something across the room. He downs the liquid in the glass and puts it back on the desk. He stands and walks around the desk towards the couch. I see off to the side a naked woman lying on the couch. He approaches her runs his hands up her long legs towards her center. I notice movement to my left and see that the office door has opened, and my mother is standing there with her hands covering her mouth and tears rolling down her face. As my father lays on top of the woman, my mother runs out of the room leaving the door open. I force myself to stare at the open door knowing what is happening on the other side of the room. A few moments later, I see my father run to the open door and peer into the hallway. I can see him yelling something and shaking his head. He quickly wears his clothing and runs down the hall towards his bedroom. Inside, he looks around, but nobody is there. He looks into the closet to find most of the clothing is gone. He runs across the hall to my room and finds it empty as well. I see him drop to his knees and his mouth is wide open as if he’s crying out. He drops his head to the floor, and I see tears falling.

I just witnessed my father on the day my mother took me and left the pack. The last time he saw either of us until a few days ago. He never saw my mother, his mate, ever again. I see the dark cloud of depression and guilt surrounding him, weighing on him for what he has done. Because of his actions, he lost his mate and only child. The guilt weighed heavily on him through the years and turned him into a ruthless and cold Alpha that would strike fear into anyone that crossed him.

I opened my eyes and blinked away my tears as I noticed a look of painful recollection on my father’s face. He tried to pull his hand away, but I held on. He snapped his eyes up to me and looked on with confusion.

“You don’t need a lifetime of punishment for a few mistakes.” He gripped tighter and I saw one lone tear fall down his face as he shook his head.

“That mistake cost me my mate and my pup.” I placed my other hand on his grip and squeezed.

“I’m here now. We can start over and move forward with a new life.” He opened his eyes with a smile and a look of hope. He let go of my hand and stood up to walk around the desk. I raised from my seat and he captured me in a warm hug. I squeezed with all my might. I finally have my father here with me. Oh how I wished and hoped this day would come. I look up at him and he stares back at me. Both of us smiling. He raises his hand to wipe the tears from my face.

At that moment, his office door opens, and a short skinny girl dressed in a short skirt and tank top, way too small for her size, casually walk in.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know the Alpha had company” The young lady exclaimed as she looked at the both of us embracing each other. Apparently, she did not like what she saw and narrowed her eyes and glared at me. Crossing her arms over her chest, she scoffed before sending a sneer my way.

“What do you want Corinne.” Rick said as Victor walked to stand next to her.

“I came to see if you needed anything.” She emphasized the word anything as she sent a flirtatious grin towards the Alpha. She glanced at Victor with a wink before looking back at me. I could feel the waves of jealousy radiating from her.

“Next time knock before you walk into my office.” He shot back at her. She huffed and dropped her arms.

“Who are you?” She questioned me as she looked me up and down. Placing her hands on her hips as if she had authority. I dropped my arms from around my father and turned to face her.

“That is none of your business. You are interrupting us, please leave.” I answered as she huffed and stomped her foot clenching her fists at her sides.

“Who are you to talk to me that way!” Before she could take a step in my direction, Victor grabbed her arm and led her back to the door. “Let go of me Victor!”

“It’s Beta to you!” He said as he pushed her through the doorway.

“Go Corinne. I will speak with you later.” He said through gritted teeth. As Victor shut the door, I heard Rick sigh and leaned against his desk.

“Friend of yours?” I ask still staring at the door. He rubbed his face with his hands and shook his head.

“Not exactly” He ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. “Her name is Corinne and she’s an omega servant in the pack house. Stay away from her. She’ll only cause you trouble.” I raised my eyebrows at that and smirked.

“Ah, a jealous she-wolf. Gotchya.” Victor chuckled and came up beside me. My dad grinned but nodded.

“Yeah, she’s a… “ I put my hands up and shook my head.

“I don’t wanna know. None of my business.”

“Alpha, the others are waiting for you to light the bonfire.” Victor reminded him as he checked his watch.

“Right. I guess we should go. Remember, Tori is a visiting friend.”

“Yes Alpha” Victor bowed and looked down at me. I smiled back and wrapped my hand around his arm and tugged.

“Will you be my escort Beta Victor?” I shyly asked looking up through my lashes at him. I could see a faint tint of blush on his cheeks.

“It would be my honor, Miss Tori.” He flashed me a beautiful smile. My stomach fluttered with a million butterflies and my heart raced. He was very handsome as he stood tall and proud as he placed his other hand on his arm and lead me out the door. I heard my father chuckle as he fell in step behind us.