Healing Hearts

C H A P T E R | 39

Marley, Joey, Hannah, Cecilia, and her mate were in the Alpha's office. As much as they wanted to catch up on personal affairs, they need to set their focus on saving their family.

"What packs are here to help us?" Cecilia asked, staring at her son. She couldn't believe she missed two years of his life.

Joey answered, "Most of the packs you would expect, mom. None of our allies have changed."

Hannah nodded her head, "Although, word has reach Europe, and they are starting to piece together things from their history. I wouldn't be surprised if we get more allies and enemies over there."

"The Beta of the rogue pack is in the dungeons, and I know I can get information out of him," Marley spoke.

Cecilia's mate, Stephen, nodded his head, "You seem to know more about the rogue pack than anyone else."

Marley smiled, happy that her uncle gave her his support. "I'm assuming since Jasmine escaped that we won't be able to have the element of surprise."

Cecilia nodded her head, "We must move quickly. We need all Alpha's, Luna's, Beta's, and Head's on the same page. Joey, how fast can we get everyone together?"

Joey thought for a moment, "Every single high ranking member?" His mom nodded her head. "Around an hour. We didn't even have everyone for the last meeting. We drafted a plan then, but it wouldn't be detailed enough to launch an attack."

Alpha Stephen nodded his head, "Start rounding them up then. Hannah, if you please, help him."

Hannah nodded her head, "Of course."

The two of them left, quickly.

Cecilia turned to her mate, "I think you should address the pack. I need to speak with Marley about something."

Stephen kissed his mate's check, "Alright. Don't do anything dumb though, love."

She waited till the door was closed before she turned to Marley.

"If your asking me to sit out," Marley began, "I don't want to hear it."

"I have a plan," Cecilia whispered, debating if she should even tell the eighteen year old. "I don't like this plan, but you do know that territory the best, and if I go, they would know something is up."

Marley nodded her head, "Ok, what is it?"

"We are going to make a plan with the rest of the group, but I'm going to make sure you're not in any of the attack groups," Cecilia started, hating her idea more and more, but she had faith and trust in Marley's abilities. "I can't let our plan mess with theirs."

Marley nodded her head, "Am I going in by myself?"

"Not exactly." The Luna sat back in her chair. "Do you remember where they are keeping everyone?"

Marley nodded her head, "Yeah, they are separated across our territory, but I know where they are at."

"I want you to plan a rescue mission — but only for the wolves they are using to blackmail the other ones," Cecilia explained. "I believe they will be more focused on the ones that can heal."

Marley thought for a moment, "It would make sense, but if something happened, I wouldn't be able to heal and fight at the same time. Plus, those who don't have their power yet are young."

"Very true," Cecilia agreed. "You will be bringing a task force. I won't be able to go with you since I will be needed here. Hannah is a Luna and will have duties to attend to."

Marley grimaced, "Actually, her mate is having an affair, so she might be free."

Anger washed across Cecilia's face, "Something we can all deal with later; however, if she is free, then she can come with you. You two can be healers while the other wolves will protect you and those kids."

Marley nodded her head, having a little more faith in the plan.

"Marley," her aunt whispered, "how many are dead?"

"They killed a lot during the invasion, and they killed some during the experiments with wolfsbane, but those who survived that should still be alive. I'm assuming they have killed some kids to really prove their point, but I don't know what has happened since I left." Marley's voiced cracked. She hoped that they weren't going to be too late.

"I guess our own precaution set us up for failure," the Luna sighed, rubbing her hands over her face as she started to cry. "I shouldn't pushed harder for them to open up to the world; they could have had support when they attacked."

Marley shook her head, "It's not your fault. It took me forever to tell this pack the truth. You don't know if that would have lead to more attacks or more help."

"I know. It just gets me thinking of how the Moon Goddess was when our pack went into hiding, her faithful supporters abandoning the rest of her children," she voiced, shaking her head. "What if we shared our powers and our stories? Everyone would be more faithful to her and their mates."

Marley smiled softly, "I guess that we will figure that out when this is over. It's time to start a new phase."

"How is my brother?" Cecilia asked, changing the topic. After all, there was no clear ending to this war. She didn't want to think what would happened if they failed.

"He as good as he can be. He fights for the pack, and he takes most of the beatings," Marley whispered, thinking about the last time she saw her father. He was bleeding, coughing up blood onto the floor. He was separated from his mate to weaken him, but her mother would whisper to him, telling him how much she loves him.

"What about your mom?"

"She's doing her best; it's hard for everyone, but everyone is supportive."

Cecilia nodded her head, deciding to be done with questions. She wanted to know more about how her family is, but she also didn't want to push Marley to tell her if it was too painful.

"I'll get a group of wolves together," Cecilia slowly got up. "Remember this stays between us."

Marley nodded her head, knowing what she had to do.

———— A U T H O R N O T E | 40 ————

Ok, hear me out. I know this is moving away from the fluff, but war makes everything complicated. Plus, Marley and Layla are going to have disagreements. They aren't the same person.

QQ(#46): What do you think of Cecilia's plan?