Healing Hearts

C H A P T E R | 4

Layla's arms were wrapped around Marley's torso as her young mate slept peacefully in her arms. The Doctor wasted no time in pressing her body against Marley's as Marley automatically snuggled deeper into Layla's chest. The small fragments of what Layla could understand from Marley's heartbreaking story was simple enough.

A small pack went to war with rogues— alone and defeated. Typically, weaker and smaller packs form some sort of alliances, through mates and weapons arrangement, but it seems that Marley's pack was old fashioned enough that they started to lean more on isolation than partnership.

Layla wondered why.

The Doctor frowned before kissing Marley's hairline. Inside her head, Layla could hear Gabby along with Alpha Joey and Luna Denice telling her that she was needed. Annoyance flickered across her face as she detangled herself.

Marley started to whimper from the loss of contact, and Layla hated herself for leaving. She closed the door completely shut, looking around the empty hallway for any threats. When Layla was satisfied, she headed towards the Meeting Room, which was back towards the Pack House. Luckily for her, the Pack Hospital was close to her destination, and she quickly traveled the distance in little to no time.

Layla quickly found Gabby in the crowd. The Nurse winked, "How was your alone time with your mate?" Gabby's eyebrows quickly wiggled, making the Doctor gently shove her away.

Layla smirked, the feeling of happiness blossoming in her chest, "We talked and she slept in my arms."

"Naughty, naughty, already sleeping together," Gabby teased, "it hasn't even been twenty four hours since you meet and Marley is injured."

Layla rolled her eyes, "Stop acting like a child, Gabby." She bumped shoulders with her before moving closer to the stage where the Alpha and Luna started to make their way towards— after speaking with their Beta and Beta Female. Gabby followed behind, her eyes staring at Luna Denice, waiting to hear what she has to say.

Alpha Joey turned towards his pack, their conversations silencing as they all turned to give him their undivided attention. "As many of you probably heard, we did have a rogue sighting," he started, his gaze flickering around the pack members. "The rogue sighing did leave us with an injured, young female from a smaller pack," Joey continued, feeling the presence of Denice standing beside him.

"The unknown female didn't seem to be dangerous, but the amount of rogues circling us says otherwise," Alpha Joey added, sending Layla a pity look. Despite his want for Layla to be happy, he needed to think about the safety of the pack. The crowd started to rumble, their voices rising over each other. Joey raised his hand, and everything slowly calmed down. "Now, the female wolf is eighteen years old, and she is mates with Doctor Layla," Joey explained, and Layla stood taller, ready to defend her mate.

Denice glanced around the room, "We believe that a group of rogues has taken over a small pack in the area." She quickly gripped Joey's hand, her heart rate slowly picking up on the idea of the rogues continuing to grow stronger and stronger. "We have been contacting packs, and we are preparing for war," the Luna added.

"What is to become of the young she-wolf?" A woman called out, one everyone recognized to be Denice's younger sister. Jasmine crossed her arms, raising her eyebrow at her older sister and Alpha.

Layla frowned at her. She bared her teeth as she spoke, "Obviously, she is a guest at the pack."

Jasmine snarled, "As she puts us in danger? I don't think so."

"The rogues are coming after all of us," Gabby spoke to back up her friend, narrowing her eyes. The attention of the pack stayed focused on the three, waiting for a fight to break out. "She's a victim, Jasmine. What are we supposed to do? Throw her to the streets?"

"Enough!" Alpha Joey commanded, his voice shaking the floor. "The she-wolf will remind here in a safe and protected environment," he spoke, looking directly at Jasmine. He turned back to the rest of the pack, "Today, we start preparing for war. I want all my Heads to meet in my office immediately for preparations. Please, stay away from the woods and keep together in groups."

"I'll keep an eye on Marley," Gabby whispered to Layla, knowing as the Head Doctor, Layla would need to be present at the meeting— especially since some members thought they were going to war because of the unknown she-wolf.

Layla nodded her head, "Thank you. If there is anything, please don't hesitate to contact me."

"She's in safe hands."

Layla gave her friend a smile before she followed the Alpha and Luna out. The Alpha's office was located in the same building, and the walk was dead silent. The Alpha kept his head high, and Denice pressed closer in his side for support. Jasmine, as one of the Head Trainers, was glaring at the floor as she walked. Layla was glancing behind her, ready to run towards Marley if she needed to do so.

Jasmine gazed snapped towards Layla, and she pressed her lips together.

The Alpha entered into the office first, taking his seat behind his desk as everyone else started to roll in. Denice took her place beside him, her forearms resting against the table. Layla stayed close to the door, watching everyone else circle around the desk.

"We shouldn't have to go to war because of a single rogue. If we can save the lives of our pack, then I say we give her up," Jasmine was first to speak, her eyes snapping between the Alpha and the Head Doctor.

Luke, the Head Guard, bowed his head to the Alpha before speaking. He was one of the older Heads in the room, and it seemed that his wisdom was well-needed. "Alpha," he started, "if I may, I am more concerned over the fact we were not aware of a rogue take over."

Joey nodded his head in agreement, "The other packs we contacted were not aware of this either."

Jefferson, the second Head Trainer, winced, "These rogues must be more advance than what we have seen before." He turned his head towards Layla before looking back at the Alpha, "I believe we should all be presence when we speak to Layla's mate about the specific details of what happened."

———— A U T H O R  N O T E | 5 ————

Wow, another new version chapter done. I hope you enjoyed the new chapters. I certainly am digging this new version much more than the old one. I hope you guys agree.

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