Stronger As One

Onyx

The cold of the chain rest against my wrist as I finally emerged from my room a few days since I was discharged. The Luna dropped off food on occasion for me so I didn't have to leave the room. Today I was going to visit the young pup I harmed. He was still in the clinic but was set to be released in a day or so. I was told from the Luna that his parents didn't fault me and understood I was new to pack life. 

I still felt it was all my doing. I should have known better.

The walk through the pack house was extremely difficult. I could smell Jason's scent through the air, it still clung to the space even though he passed through here hours ago. 

I pushed away the ill feelings and sped up to the backdoor. I slowly opened the door and let the cold air waft over me. Chills ran up my spine at the winter air. My wolf was more at attention now that we saw the snow covering the landscape. 

Being locked inside so much has me itching to run through this snow. My wolf was pacing around

Lets go speak the pup and then we can go for a run. It would do use good to let out some energy. 

My wolf barked a response before silencing and sitting in the back of my mind. I took the chance to head out and begin walking to the clinic. 

The life outside was just beginning to wake. It was the weekend I believe and it seems many pack members decided to sleep in. There were a few exceptions with some parents already outside with their young pups playing or the occasional small group of wolves heading out for a run. Most didn't pay any mind to me. Thankfully, the news of what happened wasn't a piece of gossip that was shared, but at the same time, I wish I had someone to share whats happened with. Someone I could trust.. Juliet

Last I heard of her, she was in the process of being transferred here and joining. I haven't heard much more than that and I decided not to bug the Alpha about it.

The view of the clinic slowly grew until I was standing in front of its doors. I pushed them open and greeted the receptionist. 

" Good to see you up and well. Onyx, is in the third room down the hall. You can go ahead," She gave me a soft smile before going back to working on paperwork. I simply nodded before I headed to the room. My nerves spiked and I suddenly felt very guilty for my actions. A young pup lay beyond this door, one who lost days of his life while being confined to a white room. 

I did this. 

How could I have done something like this? This wolf did not deserve it. If I didn't hurt him I would never have... 

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I'm here for this wolf. Not to feel sorry for myself. I need fix what I've caused and make amends. I carefully knocked on the door, and carefully opened it when a voice said 'Come in'.

The room was filled with the soft hum of a TV and the chatter of two adults and the occasionally light voice. The talking ceased when I shut the door. 

Lying on the bed with bandages and a small stuff bear was the young pup Onyx. His jet black hair fit the name, and his skin was a bronze color. His parent both sat on the couch in the room. The mother rose from the couch and walked over toward me, putting a hand on my shoulder. 

" I trust you. We will give you a few minutes. Thank you for what you're doing.. I will be honest. Part of me wants to be angry with you.. but I am so thankful my baby is still here." She gave me a soft smile before walking to the door, with her husband following behind. I looked over to the pup and saw him smiling at me.

He patted the empty space on his bed, I listened and walked over before sitting down with him. 

What do I say? I'm sorry? I'm sorry for attacking you and nearly killing you? 

I don't know what to do. The silence was painful and I had no words coming to me. This was something I should have better prepared for. Before I could think more on it, he spoke

" I know you're the reason why I'm here." His voice was soft, and was filled with a warmth that I lacked. " My mom and I had a talk about everything. I never listened to her when she told me to not bother wolves I don't know. Its never caused any problems before so I kept doing it.. but now I learned my lesson. "

He shouldn't have learned this way..

My voice came to me and I finally spoke " It was no way you should have learned. I don't have words to express my feelings and nothing I say will ever make what I did right, but I hope I can gain your trust and I can do what I can to ensure your safety and growth here." His small hand wrapped around my harm and tugged. I turned toward him just as he moved forward and wrapped his arms around me. 

I felt stunned.

I gently returned the favor and held the small child. The silence was now a soft comfort as we both began the work toward repairing the damage done. 

I pulled back and looked at him before rising up. " How bout once you get out of here we will go for a run? I know a clearing that's perfect for playing in the snow." I grinned

The boys eyes lit up and mirrored my smile. " That would be awesome!!"

" Ill keep in touch with your parents, okay? For now work on getting better and I will see you soon. " I paused " Thank you. I will do whatever I can to help you."

He didn't respond but his eyes told me enough. I left the room feeling a bit lighter and exchanged words with his parents. Both were thankful for what I was doing, and worked to assure me they trust me. I offered that when we spent time together they are always allowed to be there. 

Leaving the clinic was a relief and I felt slightly repaired. 

Time for a run?! My wolf asked, he was no longer sitting calmly.

I think that's a great idea! 

My hand brushed across the bracelet on my arm and I loosened the chain. I walked off toward trees before allowing myself to shift. I've been out of commission for awhile without going to wolf form and I greatly missed the feeling. My instincts felt much more primal and I longed to hunt or roll in the snow. Shaking out the change I glanced down to see my bracelet hidden in my fur.. aside from the angel peeking out slightly. 

I sent a quick link to the Alpha regarding my activities before we bounded off further into the forest. The cool snow beneath our feet was an oddly warm welcome. The crisp air filling our lungs and energizing use further. We pressed on and dodged trees and jumped over fallen logs. 

We let out a loud howl as we came to our favorite clearing. Our eyes scanned the area to ensure we were alone. 

I froze. 

A familiar scent flowed before me, mixed with other scents. I heard the sound of running wolves and the occasional howl. A large black wolf broke through the trees, followed by dark grey wolves and dark brown. Jason skidded to a stop, his eyes meeting with mine. 

My heart began racing and I found myself struggling to breath. His eyes brought back unwanted memories and feelings that now were invading my body. I backed up slightly, staring back at his sad eyes. 

Regaining feeling, I quickly spun around and ran back to the house. 

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Hey team, I entered this in the watty awards. I've never done it before so I thought Id give it the ol' college try! Anyways! Here's the next chapter. It is now starting to diverge a bit from the original story I wrote, if you remember Tim from there, he is now technically Onyx but with a bit of a different story. 

Have a beautiful day/night!

-LL