Healing Hearts

C H A P T E R | 9

Layla was sprinting in the hallways, and everyone was parting for her. Panic flooded her system as she got into the operation room, breathing heavenly.

Her eyes widen at the scene. The smell of the dead filling her nose as she started coughing, tears in her eyes. Layla could feel the breaking of bonds to the pack— now that she wasn't side by side with Marley. The pain made her grip her chest, seeing her family lying on white tables with a cloth over their bodies.

"Doctor Layla," Doctor Eliza quickly nodded her head, bringing Layla back. "Nothing we have been giving them is working," she updated, a deeply concern.

Layla swallowed, "What's the problem?"

She made it over to the young male adult, grimacing at the large gashes down his face and chest. His breathing was weak, but with the right medical treatment, he would survive.

"Will is going to be blind in his right eye due to a claw mark. He had several broken bones that his wolf had not had the strength to heal due to his condition," Doctor Eliza answered, bushing a fallen strand of hair away with the back of her hand.

Layla nodded her head, "If his wolf is not activating then treat him like a human to the best of your abilities." She looked around, taking glances at the others in the same position. She called over everyone, "Treat them like humans if their wolves are not healing themselves."

She turned back to the man before her, calming her jitters before operating on his body. Doctor Eliza assisted, stitching up the claw marks as Layla started to work on the heavier injuries.

Doctor Eliza sighed, before glancing at Layla, "Rumor has it that you found your mate."

Layla hummed, pulling away from the man for a moment. She put her equipment down, shaking her hands, "Yes." She nodded, smiling as she thought of the eighteen year old she-wolf. "She's adorable," Layla added, picking up what she recently put down.

The other doctor nodded her head, "There hasn't been a welcoming ceremony, right? I didn't think I'm old enough to forget things yet."

Layla giggled, "Marley was just able to leave the hospital yesterday, and she's in no condition to meet everyone." She nodded her head at her work, smiling in gratitude for the survival of her pack member.

"He's going to be in a coma," Layla spoke, "but he's alive."

Doctor Eliza nodded her head, "He should wake up as soon as his wolf comes back."

Both of the doctors watched as other nurses took him away, clearing the area. Doctor Eliza smiled, "I'm assuming Gabby must be with your mate."

Layla laughed, "Your assumptions are correct." She watched as the other pairs started to finish, and everyone in the room started to relax more as their work was done. The stressful medical part was over, but now, Layla needed to speak with the Alpha and Luna about their situation.

Doctor Eliza nodded her head, "I wouldn't be surprise if Gabby and Marley— was that her name?"

"Yes, Marley."

"I wouldn't be surprise if they ended up being best friends."

Layla smirked, "At least I wouldn't have to worry about them fighting for my attention or something." She looked down at her watch, taking a deep breath. She checked around the room, remembering she had to get reports from everyone.

Doctor Eliza noticed, and she winked at Layla, "I got the reports."

"Thank you," Layla mumbled, leaving the room. Although she had to go to the Alpha, it wouldn't hurt to grab Marley to help calm her nerves before meeting with Joey and Denice. She walked the hallway, having an idea where Marley and Gabby could be.

She heard their laughter before she entered into the Break Room. Layla gapped when she opened the door, "What happened in here?"

Gabby jumped off the table, looking startled before she pointed her finger at Marley, "It was her idea!"

Marley looked taken aback, "No, it wasn't!" She turned to Layla, sending a glare towards the nurse, "She was the one that suggested we do this!"

Gabby slapped her hand over her heart, pretending to be hurt, "How dare you throw me under the bus?"

The Head Doctor rolled her eyes, "It doesn't matter whose idea this is. Gabby, you are cleaning this up."

Gabby pouted, but she didn't complain.

Layla sighed, holding her hand out for Marley, "Come here, please, Marley."

Marley carefully went over to Layla, sensing her distressed. She was quickly pulled into an embrace, and she felt Layla sniff her hair as the doctor's body became less tense.

Layla kissed Marley's cheek before pulling away. She turned to Gabby, fulling her in, "I need to talk to Alpha Joey."

Gabby gave her a thumbs up, "Gotcha. Oh, are you staying at my place or your parents?"

Layla's eyes widen, "Oh Goddess, I forget to tell my parents about Marley."

Marley shrugged her shoulders, feeling a pain go through her chest, "It's ok. I haven't told my parents, yet."

Gabby snickered.

Layla kissed Marley's forehead. She whispered, "I'll tell them after I talk to the Alpha and Luna, ok?"

All Marley could do was nod her head.

"Well, Marley is always welcomed to stay with me."

Layla raised an eyebrow, "And I'm not?"

Gabby shook her head, "Of course not. Marley is my new best friend. She surpassed you by miles upon miles."

———— A U T H O R N O T E | 10 ————

Are you pumped up? Because I know I am. I feel like the ball is rolling faster than before. I can't wait to start writing the next chapters because I have a lot of big ideas for Marley and Layla— and the rest, but let's be honest, we are here for Layla and Marley.

Wait a second, we need a ship name. I'm going to leave that up to you guys because my mind in coming up with gibberish at the moment.

"Larley"

"Maryla"

"Mayla"

Like, are those even real words?

I low key like the middle and last one though, but that's just me.

QQ (#13): What is the best ship name for Layla and Marley?