The Healer

Chapter 19

Tori POV

I sat there opposite Rick, holding his hand as he bowed down trying to hide the tears in his eyes. For many years I have struggled with the thought of who and where my real father was. Wondering if he missed me or was he even looking for me. I asked my mother a few times about him, and got nothing but anger and attitude from her, but no answers. If I wanted to find him and know him, I was on my own. After many years of my internal battle against curiosity and fear, curiosity won and I started actively looking for him. I knew where I was born and lived for the first four years of my life. So that is where my search began. Of course, it’s not easy looking for an Alpha werewolf without spilling the secret to the humans. Not as easy as it sounds. I all but gave up when I graduated high school and chose nursing as my career. First year at school, I was sharing a dorm room with an overactive, extremely spunky girl with long brown hair and sharp hazel eyes. She was very pretty and had the attitude of not giving a damn what others thought of her. It took us the first year to learn boundaries and personality quirks, but after much work, we did it. Passing our first year of college, we became friends. More than that, we became sisters, and she helped me on my mission of finding my father.

Now that I’m here, sitting across from him, holding his hand, and having seen his transgressions from long ago, I can’t blame him for the unstable relationship between he and my mother. She was a handful and difficult to live with, but she tried her best to raise me right and to make sure I had a good life and good morals. But that was a long time ago. People change, and here I see my father doing just that. I could feel the tremendous guilt he carried along with the embarrassment of his actions against my mother, as well as the heartbreaking pain of losing me for near two decades. The pain of not seeing me grow up from learning to walk, to riding my first bike. Getting my drivers license to my high school graduation. My heart breaks with him, for I may have done all those things, I wished my father was there to see them as well. I have something for him that may ease the pain a bit, but I’ll tell him about that later.

Finally, Rick stood up from his desk and walked around to face me. I was standing there letting the tears flow as did he. Suddenly, he wrapped his arms around me and held tight. Instantly, I put my arms around him too and we stood there enjoying the warmth and love surrounding us in our own little bubble. I felt the love he had for me even being separated for so long, it was always there. Stronger now that we are together, and we can build on it. I could feel our souls connecting and wrapping our tendrils of life so that they never part again. We are whole, we are complete now that we are together again.

I heard Victor behind me, almost forgetting he was there, he was stepping towards the door when suddenly it banged open and a short, blond-haired green eyed young lady came strutting into the office. She quickly halted her steps once she noticed the Alpha and I in an embrace. I slowly turned to face her, annoyed for her interruption of my moment with my father. The air around us stunk of her jealousy and rage at what she was witnessing.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know the Alpha had company.” Each word she uttered was covered in disdain and contempt. Not sorry at all for the interruption. I took in her attire of a very short mini skirt and tank top that was so small, a toddler could wear it. A little too skinny I thought, which made her look probably a lot younger than she really was.

“What do you want Corinne?” Rick asked obviously annoyed himself as Victor stepped up beside her.

“I came to see if you needed anything.” With emphases on the word anything, I almost gagged right there, and the flirty grin she was attempting looked more like she was chewing on a lemon. I saw her glance at Victor and gave him a wink. Immediately, I felt like ripping her eyes from her head for even looking at him. I also felt a low growl in my chest. Whoa! I’ve never growled before, and I have no right to be angry at her over Victor. I have no claim to him, but I’m pretty sure she doesn’t either. The way I’ve seen him treat her; he’d rather be stung by vampire wasps than even touch her.

“Next time knock before you walk into my office.” Rick shot back at Corinne causing her to huff a pouty face and drop her arms at her sides with fists clenching.

“Who are you?” She questioned me with a condescending tone as she eyed me up and down placing her hands on her hips as if she had authority. I let go of my father and turned to face her head on.

“That is none of your business. You are interrupting us, please leave!” I growled through gritted teeth. As much as I would love to grab her hair and throw her out of the room, I am not a member of the pack. I can’t disrespect the Alpha by attacking one of his pack members even if she is being a bitchy t**t. Luckily, Victor was fed up with her as well and grabbed her himself and lead her out of the room.

“Let go of me Victor!” She struggled to free her arm.

“It’s Beta to you!” He yelled as he pushed her out of the office and slammed the door. I stared at the door as I heard Rick sigh and lean against his desk.

“Friend of yours?” I asked turning with a cheeky grin.

“Not exactly” He ran his hand through his hair and rubbed his face.

As Rick was about to explain who the young lady was, I got an uncomfortable feeling and ended the conversation right there. Instead, I asked Victor to escort me out to the garden where the rest of the pack was waiting for the Alpha to light the bonfire to start the party. I noticed Rick made his way over to the young lady and pulled her aside I’m guessing to correct her attitude. Victor asked me if I wanted a drink and went off to get them. I stared off in thought as I gazed at the fire in front of me. I made out little figures dancing across the plumes of smoke filtering through the air. I took a moment to think about the direction of my life and what’s happened in the last twenty four hours. I can say that it has gone in a wonderful direction. I finally found my father and are rebuilding our family bond. I’m looking forward to a future including a new family unit, including the entire pack. I looked for Victor at the drink table and saw him talking with Corinne. She had her arm linked with his and whispering in his ear. I found myself walking up behind them when she looked over his shoulder and winked at me as she spoke to Victor. I know she was only trying to make me jealous but I wasn’t going to bite.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Victor growled to Corinne.

“Is that my iced tea? Thank you, I’ll just take it over here.” I reached out and took the bottle from his hand and turned to walk back to watch the bonfire. I heard him yell something to Corinne and walk away.

I noticed he had come up beside me and I could tell he was a little nervous.

“Does the Alpha do this often?” I asked after a few moments of silence. I didn’t mention Corinne or what just happened. I know she was doing it just to be a b***h, but I can’t say it didn’t sting a little. I mean, she does know him better than I do. Had they been together before? Are they still together and he’s just too embarrassed to say anything to me? Figures, just my luck to bomb out on a guy before it even gets started. Oh well, I won’t be here long anyway since I’ll be leaving and from the feel of it, I won’t be coming back.

“Not in a long time. The Alpha has something to celebrate now that he’s found you.” He said smiling at me.

“Oh, yeah me” I said less than enthusiastically. “Excuse me, I’m going to go speak with Alpha.” I took off up the path towards the house to find my father. I could hear Victor sigh and curse under his breath. Whatever, I don’t need to know.

I walked into the large living area and looked around. Several pack members were standing around talking, laughing, and drinking. They all seemed very happy. Some would glance at me and nod a greeting; others just ignored me. I didn’t see my father so I headed for his office so I could at least call Dr. McDonald and let him know I’d like to see him in the morning to discuss my temporary position.

He agreed to meeting with me first thing in the morning in his office and was very grateful that I accepted the request. I hung up and sat there quiet for a moment. Staring off into nothing, I felt the tears rolling down my cheeks. What the hell! He’s not even mine! We just reunited a couple days ago and I’m already swooning over him. I’m sure he’s popular with the ladies of the pack and I’m just a nuisance that came out of nowhere. Maybe Corinne was something from his past, just a pastime or a quick fling. Either way, I’m the intruder here not her. I think it’s time to go before I cause anymore annoying interruptions.

I heard the door open, and a presence cautiously stepped.

“Tori?” His voice was timid and sad. “I’m sorry Tori, I didn’t know that she would…“ I stand up abruptly and walk around the desk.

“You don’t need to explain. It’s none of my business.” I whisk past Victor and briskly walk back to the main hallway.

“Tori! It’s not like that!” He follows me to the hallway and grabs my arm as I’m about to step into the foyer where others are chatting away oblivious to our presence. “Tori, it’s all a misunderstanding.” I keep my head down and pull my arm away from his hold. I could feel the sting behind my eyes telling me they are about to fall and in turn make a fool of myself.

“You don’t have to explain, really.” I swallowed the lump in my throat and kept the tears at bay. “I thought that we were….” I was suddenly cut off as we heard screaming from the garden. Spinning around to look out the back door, I saw the most horrific sight ever. “Holy sh*t!” I yelled. A pack member was engulfed in flames and running around the house towards the front. I immediately took off to the pack member, calling for them to stop and drop but they weren’t listening. I caught up with him and trip him so he would go down. I then jumped on top of him to put the flames out and began rolling them on the ground. Once the flames were out, I gently eased them on their backside. He didn’t look any older than maybe ten years old. Poor thing was frightened as he could be. I began cooing to him to calm him down as I explained what I was doing.

“Hey there my friend, my name is Tori. Can you tell me your name?” His eyes landed on mine and he stilled for a moment before answering.

“I’m Tyler” I started pulling off some of the burned material from his arm and chest.

“Hey there Tyler. I’m not going to hurt you, but hold still for me while I try to get this burned shirt off you, can you do that for me?” I smiled down at him and stayed patient for him to answer.

“Yes ma’am. It hurts! It hurts!”

“I know baby, we’re going to take good care of you. Okay?” I kept peeling back piece after piece of material. Some were easy, others were burned right into the skin. I left those alone, the doctor should remove those as I don’t want to do anymore damage. I hummed a soft tune just loud enough for Tyler and I to hear it. I felt that some of the shirt was still too hot and burning, so I looked up and saw Victor yelling towards the crowd of people that has now gathered. I grabbed the water bottle out of his hand and took the cap off. I gently poured little streams of water on his arm and shoulder. I tried not to grimace as I noticed the steam coming off as I did.

“You’re okay Tyler, just slow your breathing down for me. okay?” He closed his eyes and nodded.

I gently pulled his lids open and checked his pupils. I checked his nose, mouth, and ears. I watched his chest rise and fall, his breathing was erratic, but he was calming just a bit. I grabbed his other hand and checked his pulse. Of course, it was way too fast, but once he gets some pain meds in him, he’ll be better. I heard the Alpha come marching up the hill and roared out to the crowd. I heard him ask what happened, but I was too concentrated on Tyler to listen to their response.

A moment later, I saw Rick kneel next to Tyler’s head and grab his good hand.

“Hello There Tyler. Tori here is gonna take care of you until we can get you to the hospital, ok?”

“Yes Alpha” Tyler answered breathlessly, trying to appear stoic for his Alpha.

“None of that now, you just concentrate on your breathing, ok?” Rick was smiling at the young boy as he nodded.

“Tori?” He whispered to me, a slight tone pf panic in his voice.

“Alpha, we need to get him to your hospital, quickly!” I continued to peel away burnt clothing from his charred skin.

The medical team are on their way now.” I could see in the corner of my eye, that Victor had knelt beside me and leaned in to whisper.

“Tori, can you try to heal him?” Rick’s eyes snapped up to mine as he waited for a response.

I looked down at Tyler, then at Rick and then back to Victor. I just shook my head uncertainly.

“I’ve never used my healing outside of the hospital.” My hands were slightly shaking now. “… and I didn’t have an audience.”

“Tori, honey, you can try if you want to. The medical team is on their way here.” Rick said encouragingly. I took a deep breath and then sighed slowly. I closed my eyes and the Alpha and Beta stepped back.

I could feel a sense of warmth radiate through my entire body. My senses heightened drastically, and I could feel the boy’s life rhythm. Every living being vibrates at a specific tone and sound wave. It’s easier to heal someone if I match that rhythm and sound wave. Since Tyler was still young, I was able to find his wave which was way too fast and slow it down to match mine. It may cause him some discomfort at first, but his body will adjust and allow my rhythm to heal his body. As all the other times I used my ability, I could feel my wolf come to the surface and take over, but not push me out. I knelt there watching my body move under her power and not my own. There was a surge of energy coming through my soul and passing through my mind into Tyler’s. Somehow this surge was greater than any other time. I felt more power, more strength in this healing than ever before. What was this? I had no idea what was going on, only that I felt like I was going to pass out. So much power and intense heat, I could only sit back and let my wolf take over. She knew what she was doing and took control.

“It’s okay Tori. I can feel the energy coming from our mate.”

“Mystic? You can talk? Wait, what mate?”

“Of course, I can. But right now, I need to heal this boy before its too late. He’s not doing so good. He has burned both his lungs.”

“The med team are on their way. What mate?” She refused to answer me.

“They need to get here now!” I had hold of Tyler’s hand and the other hand was hovering over his chest. I could see the slight yellow glow covering his body as I squeezed his hand harder. My face was flush, and my body was burning up.

“I cannot hold on much longer, where are they?!” I screamed out to no one in particular. I felt my hand start to burn and looked down to see that most of his chest and arm were changing back to normal skin. I started to feel pain travel up my arm and into my head. By now, my head was pounding something fierce, and I was breathing way too fast. It almost felt like I was taking on his pain.

In the distance, I could hear people calling for the Alpha and then he stood. I concentrated on healing Tyler. His mind had opened up to me and I was able to see the events that led us here. Just as they had said, he tripped into the fire. His fear was overwhelming me and it was difficult maintaining the healing current. I felt a hand on my shoulder and someone talking into my ear.

“Tori, they are here, you can let go now. He’s stable enough to get to the hospital.” I took a deep breath and pushed all my strength and courage into Tyler so he could let go of his fear and know that he is safe. He will be fine now. I closed my eyes and lifted my hand from his chest. Slowly, I could feel the air of the cool night rushing past me with the slight hint of grilling meat. I fell backwards away from him only to be caught by strong arms that wrapped around me and gave me warmth and support.

“Tyler! You’re going to be okay. They will take you to the hospital now and I’ll see you later.” I managed to choke out to him as they carried him away on a stretcher and loaded him into the back of a waiting ambulance.

As I watched the ambulance pull away, I let the tears fall down my face. I then felt an arm wrap around my shoulders and gently squeeze. I closed my eyes and held in my sobs. I watched until I couldn’t see the ambulance anymore. I suddenly got an uncomfortable feeling. I lifted my head and slowly glanced over my shoulder. I was shocked at what I saw. Turning completely around, Victor had grabbed my hand and pulled me behind him.

It looked like the entire pack was surrounding me, and they didn’t look too happy.

“What is the meaning of this?” Victor demanded as he scanned his eyes over the crowd.

They were all looking at me with fear or disdain in their eyes. I kept my posture relaxed and nonthreatening, but they were all still on alert. Some had ushered their pups back into the house and others were holding onto their mates in protection.

“What did she do to him?” One lady asked with judgement on her face.

“Yeah, what kind of magic is this?” Another yelled out.

“She’s a witch!” Another yelled menacingly.

“We don’t want her kind here!” I frantically looked around for an escape, but we were surrounded. Some of them looked like they wanted to attack us, and I have nowhere to run.