The Healer

Chapter 38

Merrick POV

It’s been a while now since Tori healed the warrior. After her amazing abilities brought him back, he was taken to the hospital. I watched as Victor practically dragged her back to my office. If I didn’t know he was scared at what he’d seen, I would have ripped his head off for treating her so harshly. I didn’t need to say anything anyway, for she gave him an earful, and I couldn’t help smiling to myself.

After explaining to her what happened, Tori didn’t take it well and passed out. My heart was in pieces, having to explain it all to her. I know she didn’t ask for this ability, but she will learn how to use it properly. I had Victor take her back to her room and sit with her until she woke up. It’s been quite an eventful day for her, so I expect her to be out for most of the day.

Sitting alone in my office, my mind is all over the place. I am scared for Tori. Hopefully, no one understood what happened with Ryder, but I know a few of the older wolves saw it and now know what she can do. Hopefully, they will keep it to themselves, but just in case, I will speak with them about their silence on the matter.

I poured myself a whiskey and attempted to calm my racing mind. I realize what kind of danger Tori is in and my mind, and my heart won’t accept anything happening to her. The bigger problem is not my mind. It’s my wolf. Apache is an old soul, and he knows exactly what happened. Although he is very proud of Tori and her abilities, he knows she will be a wanted wolf, and the chance of her being taken and used for her ability is very high.

‘I will kill anyone who even tries to hurt my pup!’

‘I know, my friend; I feel the same way. We will just have to double her protection. Victor is with her right now, so she is safe for the time being. I need to release some of this tension and anger.’ I heard Apache chuckle before receding into the back of my mind.

‘Have fun’ He never sticks around for this. He would rather have his mate, but let me have my fun when I need it. I chuckle with him and think about who I want in my room tonight.

Of course, I could always have one of my favorites, Corinne. She is open-minded and lets me do what I want to her. I know she thinks she is the only one I allow into my bed, but she is not. I have several women warm my bed, but she is unaware of that. She is hoping I make her my Luna. Unfortunately, that is not going to happen. I had my Luna, and with my poor choices, I lost her. Unless I find a woman who completes me even somewhat, I will not take another Luna. Sara will always hold a piece of my heart, for she was my fated mate, and I will always love her. I recently have been thinking of taking a chosen mate so that when I retire and hand down my title and pack, I can retire with a partner and not be alone. I know Corinne does not like Tori, but I think most of that has to do with Tori being close to me. Corinne does not know, as no one knows yet, that Tori is my daughter, but Corrine thinks I am bedding her. As much as I want to scream it to everyone in my pack that Tori is my daughter, I must keep it quiet. That alone is a reason not to take Corinne as my mate. I have my eye on one member, another one of my favorites that keeps me company, who has lost her mate as well to a rogue attack seven years ago. She is a warrior in the pack and a high-ranking one at that. A woman who has taken to Tori, not knowing who she is, and has become friendly with her. I noticed them talking and laughing at the bonfire, and it warmed my heart. She is kind, friendly, and cares for her fellow members of the pack. Doing what she can to help others, giving herself a sense of purpose and need. I see her play with the pups, help those shifting for the first time, and during training, correcting, and guiding those learning how to fight. In her mind, others come before her, and nothing is more important than the pack, her family, those she loves even in her loss, she took care of others. The more I think about it, the more I smile. The more comfortable I am with the thought of her permanently beside me in my bed and in my life. Even Apache has no fight against me on it. He knows this woman and respects her for her warrior abilities and general views and aspect of life. She has had a rough life since childhood but emerged on top with her head held high and kind words for those in need. The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of it. I will need to speak with her about it first, but it feels like a good decision.

I continue my path to my bedroom, and along the way, I mind link Teaghan and ask her if she would like to spend the evening with me. I received a link back almost immediately that she would love to and would be there in twenty minutes. I told her I was looking forward to it and shut the link. I can feel my heart flutter just a bit, and it makes me smile. I enter my large living quarters and shut the door. I am looking around to make sure everything is clean and neat; I head off to the bathroom to shower and get ready for my visitor. I finish and dry off as I am walking to my dresser to put on my clothes, I hear my phone ding alerting me to a text message. After I wear my sweatpants, I grab my phone and check my messages.

‘Good evening, Alpha. Would you like some company tonight?’ I received a text from Corinne. Not exactly who I was hoping for. She will be angry when I tell her no, but I have made my decision, and she will no longer be needed.

‘No Corinne. I am busy. I will speak with you tomorrow.’ I put my phone down and stepped away only to hear another text alert. Sighing, I grabbed it again and read the new message.

‘But Alpha, I need you tonight! I miss you!’ Shaking my head, I am starting to get irritated.

‘I said no. I will speak with you tomorrow! I will not say it again! Good night, Corinne.’ I put my phone down again and walked out to the kitchen. I pull out a bottle of wine and grab two glasses, and place them on the coffee table next to the couch. I straighten the pillows, fold the blanket neatly, and lay it across the back of the couch. As I am thinking of what else I need, I hear a knock at the door and grin to myself. I can’t believe I am nervous but excited for her to be here. Taking a deep breath, I step to the door and turn the handle, and slowly open the door.

“I’m glad you could….” I started but cut myself off when I see who is there. My smile is gone, and my anger comes out. “What are you doing here, Corinne?” I all but yell at her.

“Alpha, I needed to see you! Why are you pushing me away?” I notice her face change emotions and her blank stare through the door opening. I glance behind me and see what she is looking at. On the table is a bottle of wine and two glasses. I turned back to her and saw her eyes glistening.

“You need to go. I will speak with you tomorrow!”

“You lied to me! Do you have someone else keeping you company?” She yelled at me, causing Apache to awaken. He didn’t necessarily dislike her, but he never really cared for her either.

“I do not have to answer to you! Do you think you are the only one!? You have no business being here, leave now, or I will punish you!” I step back and close the door not so quietly. Pacing the floor, I take deep breaths to calm myself. A few minutes later, there is a knock at the door, and with a huff, I answer it. Just as I was about to yell again, thinking it was Corinne, I saw Teaghan standing there with a bright smile on her lovely face. I blink and force a smile as I greet her.

“Teaghan, I’m glad you came. Please come in.” I grabbed her hand and gently guided her inside and closed the door. Her bright smile fades a bit as she looks at me with concern.

“Alpha? Are you alright?” She squeezed my hand and rubbed my arm with her other hand. There is so much concern for me. “What can I do for you? Do you need anything?” I take hold of her other hand and give her a small smile as I stand there and look at her beautiful face. A small heart-shaped face with a small straight nose, pouty lips, and bright emerald green eyes. Her blond hair flows in waves down her back and ends just above her bottom. She is wearing a figure hugging dark green body dress that shows off her sensual curves and a low dipping neckline that reveals just enough cleavage to be respectful but making me want to see more. Her long, muscular, but extremely sexy legs tanned just enough from being in the sun. Even in her black stiletto heels, I towered over her by at least eight inches.

“Teaghan sweetheart, I’m glad you came. It’s so nice to see you.” She ran her hand up and down my arm as she smiled again at me. So beautiful.

“Alpha..”

“Please, It’s just Rick to you.” She widened her eyes in shock but caught herself and nodded.

“Rick… you seem a little upset and stressed. Are you okay” I wrap my arms around her and pull her to me. Her arms reached up, and snaked them behind my neck to run her fingers through my hair.

“I’m fine now. Just some issue with a pack member, but no worries. I’ll deal with them tomorrow. Tonight, my attention is on us.” She smiled brightly at me as I said ‘us’.

I guided her to the couch and asked her to sit. Her smile was warm and inviting. I sat next to her, still holding her hands and staring into her beautiful eyes. I could imagine waking up to those eyes every morning and going to sleep dreaming of them every night. I brought my hand up and ran it through her soft, silky hair as she tilted her head and moaned softly at my actions.

“Alpha… that feels nice” She closed her eyes and seemed to enjoy it.

“Teaghan…”

“Hmm?” She hummed without opening her eyes.

“Stay with me”

“Of course, my Alpha”

“No, I mean, stay with me. For good.” Her eyes shot open, and she stared at me in confusion.

“What do you mean?” I could hear her heartbeat increase, and her hand started to tremble slightly.

Smiling, I grabbed her face with both my hands and locked eyes with her.

“Teaghan….” I sighed and leaned into her. Our foreheads touching. Her hands now gripped my forearms in anticipation. “… Will you be my mate?” I closed my eyes and waited for her answer. I hope she would say yes but prepared for the rejection.

I felt her move slightly. She removed her hands from my arms and pulled away from my hands. I dropped my head, ready for the barrage of rejections and insults. I was not prepared for what happened next. I was suddenly pushed back against the couch, and before I could voice anything, she straddled me and grabbed my face in her hands. My eyes were wide, and my heart was racing.

“Of course, my Alpha” she smiled gently, and her eyes were glistening with tears. Before I could ask, her soft lips were on mine. Touching, tasting, nibbling my lower lip, I opened for her to slide her tongue in and dance with mine. She tasted absolutely divine! I wanted more, so much more.

Without further ado, I lifted her up and took off for the bedroom. We were grabbing at clothing and tearing them off each other. Our lips barely disconnected during our rampage of disrobing. I slid my hands up and down her curvy soft skin as she grabbed my shoulders and continued her attack on my mouth. When we separated for air, I gently laid her down and hovered above her. Trailing kisses down her jaw and across her neck to her shoulder, hesitating at the spot where I will mark her. I heard her sharp intake of breath as I nipped at the skin.

“Yes Alpha, mark me!" I smiled at her and extended my canines. Just as I was about to sink my teeth into her neck, there was pounding on my door. I closed my eyes briefly and sighed heavily and angrily. I stood and put on my pants.

“Do not move, I will be right back!” I leaned down and kissed her softly.

I reached the door and swung it open.

“What the hell do you want!?” I yelled before I knew who was even there. I looked down to see a distraught and crying Corinne. That’s not what caught my full attention, though. It was the knife in her hand. A silver knife.

“Corinne? What are you doing?” She stepped forward, and I took one step back.

“You. Are. Mine!”

Before I knew it, she had plunged the knife into my chest, and I fell to the floor, gasping and coughing. I mind linked Victor just before the darkness took over.