A Long And Dreary Autumn {Complete}

29. Valentino

The destruction of the fight between Dillon and Torak

There should be an air of excitement as we make our way back to the Pack Lands with all the little ones in tow. Instead there is a dark cloud hanging over us, making it feel like a funeral progression.

Thomas and Toby don't stray far away from me as they wanted to walk with me instead of staying with Trevor. Their friends do play around a little and dance in front of mine and their mother's paws, but Thomas and Toby barely sniff the ground or chase after a butterfly when it passes.

[I am so sorry Val.] Father's voice sound wiped out and slightly strained. I know he blames himself for getting Trevor hurt and put the other children in danger. [I swear I will make it up to you!] This is the umpteenth time he has said that.

[And how are you going to do that father? How are you going to make sure Trevor will not feel the pain of having his skin burned by the electric net? How are you going to make up for the anxiety and fear they felt when the hunters came? How?] I know it is a low blow and all but, I just don't know what else to say. Kabir isn't making it any easier to walk back to the Pack Lands as he forces sadistic and bloody images on the fore front of my mind about what he would do to those human hunters.

I pause as I enter the Pack Lands once more and am met with the whole Pack and several high ranking people with the Eastern, Western and Southern Packs. My own Pack members don't startle as they see Kabir, it's the Eastern, Western and Southern Pack members that startle but bow to me none the less.

[What are they doing here?] Kee questions as I feel his anxiety spike and his tightens his hold on my scruff.

[I don't know and at the moment I don't care.] I am too tired to understand their hidden motives for being here while Trevor needs medical help. [Where is that doctor?] Just as I finish that thought, one of the medical staff darts forward, only to still a few feet away after my warning growl in his direction. I recognise him as one of the male nurses that was there when the boys were born.

With some reluctance, I nudge Thomas and Toby forward so he can check them thoroughly. He is quick and efficient as he finishes checking them both within ten minutes, he looks hesitantly at Kee. Unsure if we are letting him anywhere near Trevor.

[Kee?] I know he doesn't want to let go of Trevor and I am sure he doesn't need to let go of Trevor for the nurse to check on him. Thomas and Toby twirl around his ankles as he lightly lands on his feet beside me and makes his way forward. I shadow his every step.

There is a snap of plastic gloves as the nurse very gently prods the places where the electric wire of the net singed Trevor's skin. His hands are removed in a blink of an eye when Trevor lets out a pain filled whine as he touches his spine and ribs. After rummaging in a black leather bag that appeared at his feet, he gently applies a thick layer of soothing cream on all the spots of singed fur and burned skin. He hands Kee the rest of the tube without a word as Trevor relaxes as the cream takes effect.

He bows to the both of us "Should you need more, please don't hesitate to contact any of the staff. Now if you will excuse me, I need to see to Dillan and his some of his team. Your Father will be seen to by the doctor himself in the hospital wing." With another quick bow the nurse rushes off in the direction of the woods on our Western boundary.

"Your Highness," The delegates from the other Pack Lands have recovered from seeing me in my animal form. "We respond to your call. We will stand with you." They all bow before murmuring should there be anything I or my family might need; I should feel free to call on them.