The Healer

Chapter Six: Survivors

There was something hanging in the air, unspoken and unheard. The night was still and quiet. The moon was large and bright. Unwavering trees were casting shadows and with it, tangible fear.

Athena was on duty, having just relieved her sister an hour before. The report she received was that the day had been mostly uneventful. A wandering human was allowed entrance and ensured protection. That was the highlight of the day, a rare event as humans were nearly extinct and a protected species by unwritten law.

What a night. Athena thought, sniffing openly into the air. Her heightened senses were picking up almost nothing. She did not like it at all. It made her uneasy.

A shiver ran down her spine. She wasn't scared of what was coming because she knew something was coming. She could feel it. She'd been raised by a single mother around dozens of boys who hadn't taken it easy on her. She'd learned the hard way how to do things, how to survive and how to fight. But Athena never liked the unknown. All she knew in this moment was that something was coming. But what? Wasn't that the question of the night?

Athena took another look around before moving on. She pranced easily between trees, over rocks and roots. Even in wolf form, she was graceful and sure-footed. She was born to patrol these borders.

Just as she was about to jump over a small stream, the tiniest hint of a disturbance met her ears. Turning back to the way she came, she lifted her head high, inhaled deep through her nose and pricked her ears. She could hear them, the thundering of dozens of paws hitting the earth. She could hear branches snapping, leaves crunching beneath them, the earth shaking beneath her paws.

All of you to me now!

Separately, she reached out for Alpha Zane sending as much urgency through the link as she could muster. Possible breech. South Entrance. Area 4. At least a dozen incoming.

She could feel that she captured his attention and although he sent nothing back she knew he was on his way.

A rush of adrenaline pushed Athena forward. She barred her teeth, a low growl escaping from her lips as she moved plainly into view. Other Omegas were on the way. She could sense them close by. Her heart was racing in her chest and although she wasn't scared, she couldn't help feeling unsure. What if this is the rogue pack?

The thundering sounds grew louder. Athena could see their darkened silhouettes in the distance, running forward in the clearing ahead of her. She could see at least 15 wolves, carrying something on their backs - people? The wind picked up, a mixture of scents hitting her all at once.

And then she realized: if it were the rogue pack surely their attack would be more strategic than this. They wouldn't just bum rush the largest pack in the north. Besides, she could see little people - children. She could smell them all. There was a small group of them and they all stunk with fear and blood. The stench was so potent, so metallic it rose the hair on the back of Athena's neck.

Everyone move into view and sit on your haunches. Athena commanded. There was a short hesitation, Omegas who were unsure. It sent a flash of fury through her.

Do as she says and do it now. Zane's voice was loud and dominant, linking with every Omega in the field. They obeyed as one with no hesitation. Athena felt a surge of pride. There were few Alphas who sided with a female Omega when she gave a command, but Zane was not like any of them. He lead with dominance, yes, but not against his people. He led with them.

The wolves slowed down when they got close. Athena could hear the wailing of their babies, the occasional cry from an older child and the adults whispering reassuringly back to them. The wolf in the front was large and grey, bloody. He was breathing heavy, but he got down in submission and all the others behind him did the same.

Athena looked to Zane, unsure of how to proceed. She couldn't help thinking of the young woman who had recently found their pack. What was her name? Asa! Had she come from the same place these wolves did?

She watched Alpha Zane shift, standing before them with his wild hair blowing in the wind. Before he could speak, a women holding a crying toddler stepped around the bloody wolf who was still kneeling. "Please, Alpha." She begged, eyes cast low, tears streaming down her dirty face. "We humbly request refuge."

Zane's expression was carefully blank, but Athena could feel the emotion welling up inside him. He had carelessly left their mind link open. Empathy. Shame. Anger. Before she could explore his emotions further, he slammed their link closed, not even throwing her a glance before stepping forward. Athena knew she should feel ashamed that she had pried, but she didn't.

Zane nodded at the woman in reassurance. "Rise," He said evenly, waiting.

The wolf who was kneeling before him shifted and rose. He was an older man, athletic in build, but blood was oozing from multiple areas on his body. Athena turned her head to try to get the scent out of her nose, but it was all over the field.

The man looked Zane in his eyes and in an even voice said, "We were attacked. Our Alpha was slaughtered." He paused for a moment to take in a few deep breaths. "We come from just south of here, maybe ten miles. Our pack was newly formed. There were less than fifty of us. Mostly women and children."

"We don't know what happened to the others. We were in a larger group, but we got separated..." The same woman from before spoke again, pulling the toddler in her arms closer as if to draw comfort as well as give it.

Athena was shaking with anger. These were innocent wolves, innocent children living their lives. It hurt to breathe in, her heart was racing too fast.

"I, Zane, welcome you to the Northern Pack. I offer you my protection as Alpha." The words came easily, Athena could tell. They were the words of official welcome to anyone who came in search of protection from danger.

Athena watched Zane's face. Only a twitch in the corner of his mouth indicated his anger. She knew without a doubt, she would be in a council meeting in half an hour's time.

"I am sorry for the things you have been through. You are more than welcome to stay as long as you wish, to stay for good if it comes to that. I want all of you to be seen in our hospital before we do anything else. I promise you all now that I will let no harm come to you as long as you are within my borders. Athena," Zane turned to her, every bit a commanding Alpha. "I want double the amount of patrols on these borders. Wake your sister. There is much to discuss."

Athena watched Zane's face transform. He smiled reassuringly at them all, offering to carry one of the children and led them all away. She was dumbfounded. She'd never seen this side of her Alpha before. He was reserved. He kept to himself most times. Ryker and Elvira were the only ones who really knew him. What big heart was hidden behind that cold exterior?

Athena turned back to the remnants of the lost pack. As Athena looked out over the group of them, her heart felt constricted, her throat suddenly tight. Children were clutching hands, fur, whatever they could hold on to, faces matted with blood, some crying and others vacant and unseeing. Those in wolf form were walking slowly, heads down. Towards the back of the group there seemed to be injuries more severe. It was likely they had placed their strongest fighters at the rear to protect the weak and that many had paid the price.

Turning away, ashamed of her staring, Athena turned her attention to her Omegas. Resolve hardening her heart. This was going to be a long night...