The Healer

Chapter 12

Tori POV

I could feel myself getting more anxious and restless the closer we got to the territory. Victor tried to keep me engaged in conversation to ease my mind and it helped somewhat, but the nerves were still running wild. He asked me to tell him about myself. I talked about my love for gardening, cooking, music and theater and that I hold a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He seemed quite interested in that fact and said he would have to spar with me some time. I briefly talked about my mother and how she had passed from breast cancer two years ago and that my stepfather and Tammy were the only family I had left. He seemed unsettled by that admission but didn’t say any more about it.

“What’s he like?” I asked after several minutes of silence.

“He’s fair and honest” I frowned at that and shook my head.

“Victor, what kind of person is he? Does he have a mate? Any children?” I noticed he got nervous and shifted in his seat. He kept his eyes on the road as he answered quickly.

“He used to have a mate, but not now.”

“What happened to her?” I asked quietly as I had a feeling there was some tragedy in his life.

“That’s his story to tell. Here we are!” Victor responded too quickly and then changed the subject as we approached the gated entranced guarded by what I assume are warrior wolves. They nodded at Victor, and he continued through the gate.

We drove along a paved road as I stared in wonder at the beautiful scenery. Along with the thick covering of trees there were many small gardens filled with colorful flowers in reds, oranges, and yellows. The road itself was lined with smaller bushes blooming with soft pink and purple flowers. Beyond those, there was a quaint village filled with shops, café’s, ice cream parlors. I smiled at the few couples who walked hand in hand down the sidewalk and received a wave in return.

In the distance, I could see the main house come in to view and as we got closer, it’s sheer size became overwhelming. The place was enormous. It reminded me of a southern mansion like the one from Gone With the Wind, with pillars and a wing to the left and one to the right. A large marble fountain displaying two wolves howling at a full moon. The entire front and side yards were one huge garden of rose bushes and other colorful flowers. There was a cobblestone path that led to the front porch and one that led to the back of the house. Victor pulled into a parking area to the right of the main house.

“It’s beautiful!” He opened my door and took my hand to help me down from the truck. I looked all around me in awe at such a beautiful view and it had a comfortable feeling like home. A shiver ran down my spine as I stared across the yard towards the village. For a split second, I had a sense of déjà vu, but it quickly disappeared.

“What a beautiful garden you have. The roses are just lovely!” I said in awe as I noticed a few pack members watching us as we strolled along the path, still holding his hand.

“Yes, the Omegas take good care of the garden. We use the area as well for special occasions and cook outs.” Victor answered with a hint of pride in his voice.

I heard a gruff growling noise and turned to see several wolves running towards us. They were huge, at least to me they were. They ranged from dark brown to blonde fur and one of them had fiery red fur. I squeezed his hand tight and stepped behind him as the wolves neared. A moment later, they slowed to a quick trot and then bowed as they passed us. I’m guessing Victor said something in the mind link.

We arrived at the front door which he opened for me and I stepped inside. As I walked further into the house, I was greeted with an enormous marble foyer with several vases full of fresh flowers and expensive looking art on the walls. I studied each painting as I strolled through the hallway into the main great room. The main room had one wall of floor to ceiling windows that showcased the backyard, outlined with heavy dark blue draperies. The far wall had a massive fireplace and mantle that held many framed photographs. I turned back to the windows and noticed there were several children running around playing games.

“Can I get you anything?” Victor asked breaking my trance.

“No thank you, I’m fine.”

“Okay, Alpha will be here shortly.” I smiled at Victor and continued gazing at the children outside. As I watched a little girl about three- or four-years old play chase with a little boy maybe six or seven years old. She was adorable with her long blond curls bouncing as she ran from the boy. I noticed he had light green eyes and short brown hair that waved in the breeze. I could hear the giggling and laughter from the two as he finally caught her. He was very gentle with her. He took her hand as he led her back to the playground where they sat on the swings next to each other.

I felt a ping in my chest, a feeling of longing, or maybe sorrow as if I’m missing a part of me. I felt the sting behind my eyes that warned me of the impending tears about to fall. My mind began playing what I can only assume is a memory in fast forward. A little girl and boy running in the yard only it wasn’t the two I just saw outside. It felt like I was watching a memory of me playing with a boy. The little girl was definitely me, but who was the young boy with me? In the memory, I knew who he was and was happy to be with him. It felt safe, comfortable. He had dark hair down to his collar and his eyes; they were the brightest crystal blue I’ve ever seen. The most beautiful pair of blue eyes, I could stare in them all day. I was so close to remembering something. I couldn’t figure out what. I turned away from the window and looked up at Victor who was now standing a few feet behind me.

“Tori?” He slowly raised his hand and came towards me. I could feel my breathing increase and my hands started to shake.

“I know this place… “ I breathed out as my eyes landed on a concerned looking Victor. I was about to take his hand when I heard my name from behind.

“Tori… “ A deep voice speaks my name. I turned slowly to see the person who spoke and froze. I stared in confusion at the man as I tried to recall my memory. It hit me, this place, these feelings, the memories, this man before me... Oh my God! I know him!

“I know you…. “ I whispered as I saw spots in my eyes and the floor began spinning. I felt myself falling as I reached out for the couch but felt a warm pair of hands grabbing me before I hit. My eyes closed and I could faintly hear voices before my world went dark.

I felt a like I was floating on a cloud. It was so soft and warm, I didn’t want to wake up. I heard shuffling noises as I slowly peeled my eyes open. I noticed I was lying in a very large comfy bed with dark sheets and a white comforter. As I looked around the room, I saw wooden furniture, a leather couch on one side and a tv mounted on the wall. I heard two people whispering in the corner but my vision was still fuzzy so I couldn’t see who they were. I rolled my head to the side and groaned as the headache began pounding behind my eyes.

“Tori! Are you okay sweety?” I gave a small smile as I heard the familiar and comforting voice of my best friend. She brushed the hair out of my face as she looked down on me with a smile of relief.

“My head hurts. “ I croaked out as I tried to sit up. Two pairs of hands helped lift me up against the headboard and then a glass of water was held out for me to take.

“Have some water.” I took the glass and chugged it down in one gulp.

“Thank you” I turned to see Eric placing the glass on the nightstand as he watched me with concerned eyes. “What happened?” I asked looking between Tammy and Eric.

“You fainted.” Tammy responded as she sat next to me on the bed. She grabbed my hand and squeezed. “I think you just got overloaded with everything and your mind shut down.” I nodded in understanding.

“How long have I been out?”

Tammy glanced at her watch. “You been out for about two hours now” My eyebrows shot up as I stared at Tammy.

“What?” I exclaimed as I sat straight up. “Oh wow, I’m so embarrassed! What a great first impression of me! The Alpha must think terrible of me!” I covered my face with my hands and shook my head.

“Tori, sweety, it’s okay. Alpha ordered for you not to be disturbed so you could rest. He’ll be ready to talk when you are.” Then I remembered everything. The ride here with Victor, the gardens, the children playing, that voice…. That deep voice. I know that voice.

“Tori, do you remember what happened? Why you fainted?” Eric asked gently as he sat at the end of the bed.

I took a breath and thought back to what I was doing when I started feeling faint. Then it hit me. I was watching the children play outside and then I was watching my own memory of children playing. Of me playing games with another young boy. I saw those eyes, those beautiful blue eyes.

“I was watching some kids play chase outside. Then I heard someone say my name. Someone familiar, a voice I’ve heard before, I know that’s impossible, but it was familiar to me.”

I noticed Tammy and Eric give each other a look before Eric stood.

“I will go let the Alpha know you are awake and you’re ok.” He shot me a warm smile and kissed Tammy on the forehead before leaving the room.

I sighed deeply as I leaned back against the headboard. Looking around the room, I noticed it reminded me of a man’s room. Leather couches, a large screen tv with several gaming units on the shelf below. A bookshelf in the corner full of different sized books and some photos. The walls were light brown and the floor a polished wood under a large oriental rug. It was warm and cozy. The fireplace on the opposite wall was lit and gave off a soft amber glow while dancing flames crackled. There was a set of French doors to my left which I assumed led to a balcony, another door beyond that to the bathroom and then the closet next to that. All in all, it was a comfortable setting and put me at ease.

“Honey, are you okay? Did something frighten you?” Tammy asked breaking the silence.

“I’m okay. I was watching the children play outside and I got a strange feeling. A memory from my own childhood came to me. I was running in the grass playing tag with a young boy. He looked so familiar, but I can’t place him.” I pulled the covers back and swung my legs over the side. Tammy came up next to me and offered her hand.

“Let me help you, I don’t want you getting dizzy and falling over.” I smiled at her and took her hand. Standing up I felt a little wobbly, but it soon passed. I took a few steps and felt my balance returning.

“Thanks, I’m okay now.” I wondered over to the bookshelf where a few pictures were displayed. One was a picture of Victor standing next to what I assume were his parents, and another one with Victor standing next to several men that looked to be about his age. I stared at the picture, noticing Victor in the center, looking the same as now only a bit younger. His beautiful blue eyes were looking back at the photographer with a slight smile on his face. His brown hair hanging just above his shoulders and he was wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans. I stared at his eyes and got a funny feeling in my stomach. I started feeling lightheaded again. I know those eyes! Suddenly, my mind went to another memory, but in this memory, I could only see a face. The face was smiling at me, with bright blue eyes. They reminded me of a friend I once had when I was little. I couldn’t remember his name, only that I couldn’t pronounce it correctly, so I gave him a nickname instead. I reached out to grab the picture, but my clumsiness caused me to knock into the other picture and it fell over. I went to put it back, and noticed something stuck behind it. Reaching for the frame, I pulled on the paper that was behind the frame and looked at it.

I nearly fainted again right there. Oh my Gosh, it was my friend from long ago. Those bright blue eyes staring back at me. In the picture he was holding hands with a young girl with dark hair and violet eyes. Suddenly, I couldn’t catch my breath. I was staring at the picture with wide eyes.

Tori? You okay? What is it?” I heard Tammy call out as she walked over to me to see what I was looking at. “That looks like Victor. And the girl… looks like… “Tammy gasps as I felt tears come to my eyes. “That’s you, Tori” she said quietly as she put her hand on my shoulder. I felt the tears fall and I turn to look at her. As I did, the door to the room opened and I saw Victor step in and quickly scanned the room looking for me. I saw his eyes glance from the picture then up to me. His face softened and a guilty look crossed his face. I glanced back at the picture, then back to Victor.

“Tori… “ He began then stopped, not knowing what to say.

“I know you … “ Victor nodded as he slowly approached me.

“Yes Tori. You do”

“Whisper… “ I heard myself say the nickname from so long ago before darkness came.