Chapter Fourteen: A Calming Influence 

Caspian

To my relief, I heard the distant honk of the car as Richard drove into the compound. My eyes perked up in anticipation of William's arrival. The car pulled to a halt, and I could hear William's conversation over the phone. 

Asher had set the table, and the rich, sumptuous aroma of the dish he had prepared still lingered in the air. William arrived just in time for dinner, as the food was simmering. Asher and I walked out to welcome him inside.

William was an old friend of mine. We had met in Viagra Hills before his affluent parents sent him abroad to pursue his lifelong aspiration of becoming a medical doctor. Our friendship had developed rapidly during our childhood, but it was cut short by his abrupt departure. However, we had reconnected five years ago at a business luncheon I had been invited to, which hosted accomplished professionals from various backgrounds. Since then, we had rekindled our long-lost connection. Although our schedules didn't permit us to spend as much time together as we had when we were younger, we remained close friends, true to each other.

"Ragnar!" William exclaimed as he stepped out of the car, Richard closing the door behind him.

 I stepped forward, and we exchanged brief, hearty hugs, patting each other's backs. "It's been a while, Grande," I replied. "It's good to see you again."

"It's good to see you too," William said, withdrawing from our embrace to greet Asher as well. 

"My brother, Asher," I introduced. 

William shook hands with Asher. "It's been a while, lad. You've grown taller now."

Asher chuckled. "Was I ever a dwarf?" 

William deadpanned, "You were the shortest."

 I might have laughed at his joke if I hadn't been so preoccupied with Kaida's situation. Asher stood at 5'11", still shorter than Kai or me, a dynamic that hadn't changed since childhood. However, his physique had matured with age, and his once lanky, slender frame was now more toned and defined from his workouts.

"Where's Kai?" William asked, glancing at the entrance.

 "He's not around," Asher replied. 

"Still causing trouble?" William inquired as we led him inside. 

"Cut him some slack, Will. He's a grown man now, not a child anymore," I remarked.

As we walked in, William took in the house, nodding in appreciation. "Impressive, just as I had anticipated." He sniffed the air, inhaling deeply. "Men after my own heart. Is that what I think it is?" 

Asher replied, "Crispy fried chicken tenders, roasted veggies, garlic mashed potatoes, and fresh salad."

William's eyes lit up at the array of dishes Asher had prepared for dinner.

Richard appeared behind us, carrying William's suitcase.

 "Take it to the guest room in the west wing," I instructed. Richard nodded and left to fulfill the task. "There's a great view of the scenery and the night sky," I explained to William, "which is why I chose this room for you."

"I'm satisfied with whatever room you choose," William said. "I should take a shower first and join you for dinner later." 

"Suit yourself," I replied, accompanying William to his room while Asher headed to the dining room. After depositing William's belongings, Richard left the house.

William appeared a few minutes later, looking refreshed and dressed in more casual attire. We settled around the dinner table and began to eat. William ate enthusiastically, clearly famished from his trip. Asher and I picked at our meals, while I waited for the right moment to broach the more urgent matter that required William's attention.

As William finished his meal, he stifled a yawn and dabbed at the corners of his mouth with his napkin. "That was a wonderful meal, Asher. Thank you." 

Asher smiled tightly. "I'm pleased it's to your satisfaction."

"Now, will you tell me what's going on with both of you?" William inquired, setting his napkin down.

 "Perhaps we should discuss this after you're well-rested," I suggested, ignoring the sharp look Asher cast in my direction.

William shook his head. "Whatever it is must be significant," he remarked, gesturing to our barely touched meals. "Spill it, boys. What have you done this time?"

 I huffed indignantly at his term, feeling a bit annoyed that he still used his seniority to tease us. Despite being five years my senior, William wasn't from an alpha lineage, and he often played on his age difference despite knowing the respect we deserved as alpha pack members.

Civilization seemed to be unraveling, and I couldn't help but nostalgically reminisce about the order and respect that once defined bygone eras, as regaled by my late grandfather's stories. However, my friendship with William allowed me to overlook his occasional disregard for propriety. Besides, I was currently an alpha without its pack, except my brothers. The memory sliced through me, a reminder of the brutal past I had experienced, the actions I couldn't take back but would forever haunt me.

William's teasing snapped me back to reality. "My apologies, Alpha," he said with a mischievous grin, bowing in mock obeisance. His disdain for tradition had only intensified since his time abroad, which he claimed had brought him enlightenment. At the moment, though, I needed his help and couldn't lecture him on decorum.

"What's going on?" William asked, his tone turning serious.

 I hesitated, unsure how to reveal Kaida's condition without divulging too much. "There's been a fight between one of my employees and his wife. She was badly injured, nearly choked to death by the time I intervened. I've treated her physical wounds, but she's not regaining consciousness. What do you think is hindering her recovery?"

William's expression turned thoughtful as he rubbed his chin. "I need to examine her to make a proper diagnosis. Where is she?"

 I stood up, trying to maintain a composed demeanor, and led him to Kaida's room.

"Why didn't you take her to the hospital?" William inquired upon seeing Kaida. 

Asher and I exchanged a glance before I responded, "This is a small town. A complicated one at that. We have... particular circumstances here."

William's eyes narrowed slightly. "You've managed to cultivate a rather... interesting reputation among the locals since your arrival. Typical of you, I'd say."

 I ignored his jab. "Please, examine her and tell us what's wrong. I trust you can help her without the hospital's involvement."

William began checking Kaida's vitals. "What about her husband?" he asked.

 "He's being dealt with," I replied smoothly, without elaborating further."

William nodded in approval, continuing his examination. He nudged her jaw open to check her tongue and then moved to her skull to check for any bleeding, procedures I had already undertaken prior to his arrival. Nonetheless, I held my tongue, allowing him to conduct his assessment. 

"How long has she been unconscious?" William inquired, his gaze fixed on me.

 "Twelve hours have elapsed since she lost consciousness," I replied, consulting my wristwatch.

William nodded thoughtfully, his hands resting on his hips. "And how long has her husband been subjecting her to maltreatment?" he asked.

 "I became aware of the situation today," I responded.

 William's eyes lingered on Kaida's condition before he observed, "There are no visible signs of physical abuse on her body. Perhaps the evidence lies in more discreet areas." The subtle implication of his suggestion was not lost on me.

"It's unnecessary to pursue that line of inquiry," I said through gritted teeth, suppressing a low growl at the hint of his proposal. "Finding a solution to her current state is our utmost priority."

 William nodded understandingly, exhaling softly. "Very well. Her condition appears stable to me."

"But she's not regaining consciousness?" Asher interjected, his brow furrowed in concern. 

William turned to Asher. "The timing of her awakening is uncertain. When she feels ready, she will awaken. However, it's possible that she's experiencing a state of psychological trauma, triggered by intense fear during the abuse. A calming ambiance might help to evoke a sense of serenity and encourage her to regain consciousness."

"What course of action should we take?" I asked.

 "Let's begin with incense," William suggested. "If there's no improvement, we can explore alternative options." He prescribed a blend of lavender, frankincense, sandalwood, and ylang-ylang, explaining that these fragrances were known for their calming properties and ability to reduce anxiety and stress.

Asher and I procured the necessary ingredients, and William prepared the incense according to the required process. By the time he finished, he appeared fatigued, yawning occasionally. 

"What's the next step?" Asher inquired as we observed the aroma diffuser dispersing the fragrance throughout the room.

"Now, we wait and observe, hoping for a positive response," William replied, his exhaustion evident in his heavy yawn.