A Chosen Daughter

Chapter 30*E

Marie's eyes twitch beneath her closed lids, as her mind fills with routes and check points, the settlement and numbers, scents and faces. She opens her eyes slowly meeting Leah's eyes questioningly, Leah smiles slightly and nods. With a single quick nod, Marie turns and runs off into the woods.

Leah stands picking up the items, with confident steps she approaches the missing women's relatives. "Where's she going?" Chris asks nodding in the direction Marie went. "Thank you so much for these" Leah addresses the relatives "They were a tremendous help! Because of you, your relatives will be safely home within the hour." She smiles gentle at them, as their eyes fill with tears, hope and gratitude. "They are ok, but they will need to be seen by the doctors first, probably be kept in hospital for at least a couple of days due to their ordeal. Don't overwhelm them with visitors and ensure who ever visits they are 200% comfortable with! They're going to need you to be strong for them and lend them some of that strength! They're going to need to know you will be there no matter what, no judgement, just full support!" The relatives nod.

Leah turns scanning the crowd "doctors and nurses anywhere here?" Six people step forward, Leah frowns seeing the two males "Are the women acquainted with you?" She asks them
"To an extent" the male nurse answers "I was in the same year as Helen and Lauren; wasn't friends that hung out a lot with each other but, we knew each other. I've crossed paths with Macey but don't really know her to talk to. Zara on the other hand I'm friends with, we trained together for our nursing degrees!" Leah nods and looks at the doctor
"Same to an extent. I know their faces and names same as they know mine, but other than appointments.." he shakes his head.
"They will most likely be skittish with you. If it's only slightly keep your distance, always be with a female colleague but keep yourself visible to them. It will help them readjust. Most especially seeing other females relaxed with you. Obviously if they're not .... keep away! When they're ready they'll face it." The men nod.

Leah turns her attention to the female doctor and nurses. "They're not going to have drank much these last four days and eaten less most likely. Many serve contusions and lacerations. " All the medical staff nod "At this point reaching day four the most damage will be psychological! Do you have anyone trained or know someone you can get advice from?"
"I've the basics" the doctor answers
"I'm currently studying it" answers one of the nurses.
"There will also be maybe 6 other females I'll be bringing out of there, their injuries will be extensive and they will have been ... abused .." Leah hesitates looking to see if they understand, they indicate they do.

A growl sounds out. "You will not be bringing other fe.." Alpha Stephen's voice calls out. Leah's lips curl in disgust as she starts to turn towards him.
"The 6 females are more than welcome here!" Chris growls out cutting his father off "They will be safe here and will receive all the help we can provide" he continues to inform Leah while glaring at his father "They will be welcome to stay for as long as they wish to! I will personally notify their packs and families that we have found them and they are safe. It should go without saying, but..." he gives his father a disdainful look ".. Their families will be welcome to visit here to see them. Once they're cleared for travel if they wish to I'll provide an escort back, if they would rather stay I will gladly initiate them into my pack!" He finishes with a hard look in his eyes daring his father to challenge him.

Leah notes that the packs loyalty and alliance lies with Chris not his father the one currently titled Alpha. The pride the members look at Chris with, the respect and general way they respond and react to him, Leah suspects she knows the true standing and situation within the Eclipse pack, but it will take time and she will have to pay attention to confirm her suspicions. Which arises another question in Leah's mind once again, what kind of man and Alpha is Alpha Stephens?