The Healer

Chapter 11

Victor POV

I stepped out of my truck and slowly walked up to the front door. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the doorbell and waited. I could hear her footsteps coming towards me. As the door opened, I could smell her sweet scent of lavender and birch. It swirled around my head, giving me an almost euphoric feeling. Tori was dressed in a light yellow dress with black buttons. She looked beautiful. Wearing a shy smile, she greeted me.

“Hello Beta Victor” I winced internally, hating that she uses my title even though I’ve asked her to call me by my name. Maybe she’s not comfortable around me yet, but that’s okay. I’m a patient man, I’ll wait for her.

“Hello Tori, you look very nice” She gave a shy smile and dropped her eyes. I could see the blush spread across her face and neck. I let out a small cough to hide my chuckle.

“Shall we? Alpha is awaiting your arrival.” I step aside so she can close and lock her door. I opened the truck door for her and waited for her to secure her seat belt, then shut the door. Jogging around to the driver’s side, I slid in and buckled myself. We headed off towards the pack. I could feel the air shift slightly as Tori was becoming nervous, but I was trying to hide it.

“You have nothing to be anxious about. The Alpha is looking forward to meeting you.” I feel her eyes staring at me. “Tammy has …. spoken very highly about you. Told the Alpha all about you.”

I could feel her anxiety skyrocket. I kept talking to her to try to calm her down. She went on ranting about the Alpha knowing what she was, and he’ll throw her in the dungeons because she was a rogue. I felt like she was going to have an anxiety attack at any moment. I quickly pull off to the side of the road and slam it in park. Turning to her, I grab her face in both my hands and make her look at me.

“Tori, he’s not putting you in the dungeon. He wants to meet you, talk to you. He won’t hurt you.” I take her face into my hands so that we were eye to eye. “Trust me, nobody will ever hurt you” We sat still, just staring into each other’s eyes in a comfortable silence. I felt her breathing go back to normal and her mind calming. I rub my thumbs across her cheeks before returning them to the steering wheel and hear what sounded like…. Purring?

“And it’s just Victor” I said quietly as I pulled back onto the road and continued to the pack. The ride was quiet as Tori watched out the window at the forest. She seemed lost in her thoughts. I guess I would be too if I was being brought to a strange place to speak with the Alpha. But then again, this isn’t a strange place to her. This was her home before he mother took her away. Fear and nervousness took over my mind as I wondered how she’d react to coming back here. How much of this place does she remember? If she does remember, are they happy memories.

“Tori? Tori? Are you okay?” She turned her head after a moment.

“To be honest, I’m a little nervous. Okay, I’m terrified. I have no idea what to expect.” She shakes her head, taking a deep, calming breath. “Will he care that I’m human? Will he let me join your pack?” I take her hand gently in mine and rub my thumb across her knuckles. I tell her I understand everything she’s feeling and thinking. I can see the brave front she tries to display, but I can still sense some fear. I try getting her to talk about herself. Mainly so I can learn more about her and what she’s been doing these last seventeen years. She starts telling me about her favorite hobbies of gardening and cooking. She has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and how Tammy helped her through the worst event in her life. She tells me about her mother passing from breast cancer, and all she has now is her stepfather. I could feel her stroking my hand mindlessly, trying to ease her own discomfort at the subject. Although they were not really close, this was her mother who tried hard to give her a good life and with what little I know about Tori, her mother and stepfather did a good job of raising her right. There was a moment of silence before I heard her take a breath.

“What’s he like?”

“He’s fair and honest.”

“Victor what kind of person is he? Does he have a mate or children?” My heart started racing, and my nerves went wild. I had no idea how to answer her without lying to her. Alpha Rick stated he wanted to be the one to explain everything to her. I sat there trying to think of the easiest way out of this conversation. Just then, I saw the gate up to the territory ahead.

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

“What happened to her?”

“That’s his story to tell. Here we are.” I pulled up to the gate, and the guards bowed before waving me through. I drove slowly up the road so Tori could take in the sights of the forest, the small village that surrounds the main house, and I saw her smile at a few members as we passed by. I pull into the parking area beside the main house and cut the engine.

“It’s beautiful!” She exclaimed as I smiled at her and went around to open her door. I held out my hand as she grabbed it to step out. “What a beautiful garden you have. The roses are lovely!” I noticed how she admired the rose garden. A few pack members curiously watched her as we admired the garden.

“Yes, the omegas take good care of the garden. We use the area as well for special occasions and cookouts." I was very proud of our omegas; they do a wonderful job caring for the gardens and the landscaping. We treat each pack member with respect no matter what their rank is. We all have a job to do to keep the pack running smoothly and safely. As we headed for the front porch, I saw several wolves running through the grounds towards us. I felt Tori squeeze my hand tighter and tense up as she stepped behind me. She stared wide-eyed at the wolves as they neared us.

‘Easy guys, you’re scaring our guests.’ I mind linked the young wolves.

‘Sorry Beta, we’re late for training!’ One of them answered.

‘Leave earlier next time.’ A chorus of ‘Yes Beta’ came through the link as they slowed to a trot and bowed as they passed us.

I led Tori up into the house and closed the door behind us. She walked slowly into the foyer, admiring all the decorations and furnishings. Taking extra interest in the paintings on the wall, looking at each one as she walked by. She stood gazing out the huge windows that showcase the backyard of the house. There were several children running around playing games.

“Tori, can I get you anything?”

“No thank you, I’m fine.”

“Okay, the Alpha will be here shortly.” She smiled in response and continued gazing out the window. I came up behind Tori watching her. She seemed to be in a trance as she studied the children outside. It seemed like a moment of realization came over her face as she had put both hands on the window and stared outside. It almost looked like she was remembering something. Her breathing increased, and her eyes became misty. She suddenly turned towards me with a look of confusion and understanding.

“Tori?” I took a step towards her and reached out my hand. I wasn’t sure what was happening, but she looked a little pale, and her hands started to shake. Her eyes were darting all over the place as if she were watching a movie play out in her mind.

“I know this place… “ She breathed out as she slowly lifted her gaze to me.

“Tori” I heard a deep gruff voice from behind us, I knew it was the Alpha, but Tori shifted her eyes towards the voice and stared at the man staring intently back at her. Alpha stayed still, not wanting to scare her off, but Tori still had a look of confusion on her face.

“I know you…” Tori went to grab for the couch but missed as her eyes closed and she dropped to the floor. I jumped forward and caught her just in time before she hit her head. I held her in my arms close to my body. It felt so right, so warm, so natural.

I picked her up as gently as I could and brought her over to the couch. I laid her down and brushed the hair out of her face. The Alpha came up behind me and knelt next to Tori.

“I guess it all came back to her. Maybe it was too much.” He said softly as he put a hand on her head and softly rubbed it. A look of concern covered his features.

“She was quite nervous on the way here, but it was more about being sent to the dungeon for being human, or you not letting her join the pack.” Without turning to look at his Beta, he answered without hesitation.

“Of course, she’s joining the pack. She’s my daughter.” Victor smiled to himself and nodded.

“I can take her up to a guest room if you like.” Alpha, still enamored with his daughter, nodded.

“We’ll let her rest, and when she’s ready, I’ll explain everything.” He stood up and took one last glance at his daughter before turning to Victor. “She’s not human” I raised my brows questioningly at Alpha.

“Alpha? What do you mean?”

“She’s not full human. Her other half is something else.”

“Not wolf?” Victor asked.

“Not exactly. Get her settled and meet me in my office, and I’ll explain.”

Just as he turned to leave, the front door came open, and Eric and Tammy came running in.

“Where is she? She here?” Tammy asked anxiously as she looked around. I pointed to the couch and a sleeping Tori. “What happened?”

“Not sure, she was watching the children play outside, and then Alpha came in. Maybe she does remember.”

“She passed out” I nodded. “She does that when she gets overwhelmed with new things.”

“Alpha would like a guest room for her to rest in until she wakes up. He will explain everything to her at that time. Nobody is to know who or what she is.” Eric and Tammy nodded.

I picked her up again and went down the hallway to the right, close to the Alpha’s room. Knowing him, he’d want her as close as possible at all times. Just as we passed the entrance to the kitchen, I heard the whiney voice that irritated me to no end.

“Hey Victor. What are you doing?” I stopped only long enough to give a curt answer and leave.

“I am taking the Alpha’s special guest to her room.”

“Special guest? Who is she? What makes her so special?” She demanded with a look of disgust on her face.

“Yes, Alpha’s guest. You are to leave her be or answer to the Alpha” She huffed in a jealous show of contempt. I continued to the room and heard Eric and Tammy follow. Corinne stayed in the kitchen but watched as we disappeared down the hall and around the corner.

Tammy opened the door next to the Alpha’s room, and I carried her to the large king-size bed. I waited for Tammy to draw down the covers and placed her on the clean white sheets. I slid off her boots and pulled the covers up, and gazed upon her angelic face.

“Tammy please stay with her. I need to speak with the Alpha. Do not let anyone near her.”

“Yes Beta” She grabbed a chair and slid it over to the bedside. Eric gave a quick kiss to Tammy’s forehead and then followed me out of the room and down the hallway to Alpha’s office. I knocked twice and waited.

“Come” I entered the office with Eric behind me. Taking the seats in front of the large desk, we sat patiently until Alpha was ready to speak. He stood by the bay windows behind the desk.

“How is she?” He asked without turning around.

“She is still sleeping. Tammy is sitting with her.” He nodded slowly before turning around. He had a defeated look on his face. Earlier, when he saw Tori for the first time, he actually had a small smile across his normally statuesque face. He was so happy to have her here, finally after all these years he could sit with her and talk with her. Get to know his flesh and blood, make amends, and start over. He fears that this was too much, and he’ll lose her. He almost looked defeated, but he shook his head and sat down.

“She looks just like her mother” Alpha stated after several minutes of silence. “Just as beautiful too.” He stared at his hands deep in thought. “Could this be a mistake? Bringing her here?” Raising his head to look between Eric and myself.

“My mate tells me she spoke about finding her real father quite a bit. She was scared that you wouldn’t want to see her. Reject her and never have anything to do with her.” Of course, this angered the Alpha, but how was Tori to know he felt the opposite.

“I would never reject her! I never wanted them to leave in the first place!” Eric and I knew there was only one reason why a mate would take the drastic measures of leaving and breaking a bond. Betrayal. But neither one of us was going to bring that up.

“Well, she’s here now. Talk to her. Listen to her as well.” Eric offered hesitantly. Alpha tilted his head at Eric and gave a small smile.

“Yes, I will”

“Alpha, you mentioned something about her not being a wolf?” I asked.

“Yes, well that’s a bit more complicated. She gets the gene from my side. Unfortunately, because her mother was human, she did not get the full effect.”

“What full effect?” I asked cautiously, sitting on the edge of my seat.

“She’s a nurse, right?” I nod. “It’s in her blood, literally, to be a healer. For many generations, the females on my mother’s side were all healers. They all had a Genesis wolf. One of the most powerful healing wolves there is. They could bring a wolf back from the brink of death to a hundred percent in minutes. They were very rare and highly coveted by packs all over the world. My mother was one of the last Genesis wolves in the country. Only two others I know of, but they are in hiding. They can be used for evil intentions. Not only can they bring back from death, but they can also take life just as quickly. It is very useful in a war and extremely dangerous in the wrong hands. “

I sat back in my seat and let the information sink in. I do remember reading about Genesis wolves back in grade school, but most just think they were only myths or legends. Stories of heroism passed on by surviving packs. I never knew they still existed. Having a Genesis wolf would be very advantageous to the pack during times of rogue wars and hunter infestations. I know Tori would do everything in her power to heal the wounded, but if her wolf is a Genesis, then there may be others out there looking for her and wanting to take her for themselves and their own selfish and greedy intentions. I will not let that happen! I will not let anyone take her! I will guard her with my life! I have come to care deeply for her over the last few days, my inner senses tell me that I belong with her even though I don’t feel a mating bond, my wolf as well filled with a strong purpose to protect her.

One thought does cross my mind, Tori keeps referring to herself as human with a wolf essence. I’ve never seen her shift or talk about her wolf. Does she have a wolf?

“Alpha, Tori speaks of herself as human. She never spoke about having a wolf or shifting. Does this mean she has the ability of healing without the wolf?”

“There has never been a human in my mother’s bloodline. My mate was the first human to enter our gene pool. Because Tori’s mother was human, it altered the outcome. Tori seems to have all the capabilities of a Genesis wolf but does not and can not shift into the form of one. I will need to speak with her to find out if there is a wolf or just the abilities.”

“Tammy has told me that she notices Tori at work lifting patients into beds that she shouldn’t be able to lift. I’m guessing she has at least the strength of a wolf. Hopefully, she will be willing to talk about it with us when she wakes up.”

“That is if she still wants to stay. I hope I have the chance to explain things to her.”

“Tori is a smart one and does not jump to conclusions. She examines all the evidence first and then makes her decision. But I will tell you this, she holds no punches. She tells you like it is, and if you don’t like it too bad. She’s not one to change who she is for anyone.” Eric stated as he stood from his chair. “Alpha, may I be excused? I would like to go check on my mate and Tori.”

“Yes Eric, thank you.” Eric nods and leaves the room in search of his mate.

“I think if we give her some time, she’ll come around. Especially if you’re willing to give it.” I offered as I watched Rick sigh heavily and run his hand through his hair a few times in frustration.

“I will give her all the time she needs. But no one can know who she is to me or what she is. I do not want her to be alone at any time. Stay with her Victor. Guard her with your life.”

“I have no intentions of allowing any harm to come to her. She was my friend once; I hope we can become that again.” I stand from my chair and bow to Rick. “Excuse me, Alpha, I will go check on…. Your daughter.” I give a small smile, and he returns with a larger one.

“Thank you, Victor.” I leave the office and head down the hall to Tori.