Chapter 3

UNKNOWN POV

I didn’t really have much to do tonight. Alpha Valen was out of town.  He had meetings with surrounding packs. Something he decided to do before the yearly Alpha Gala, because this year our pack would be hosting. There were a few other packs near us and he was planning on spending at least two days with each pack, having meetings with their Alpha’s. Needing a day or so for travel, I would probably have the pack house to myself for the week. But, that also made me first in command, being his Beta. 

Alpha Valen and I have grown up together since birth, just like our father’s before us. We spent our childhood with one another, went all through school together, trained together, and both lived in the packhouse with our families for the majority of our lives. 

My father was Beta to his father and continuing the bloodline, I always knew I would follow my father. Though I consider Valen my best friend, now as his Beta, I would put my life on the line for him. But he can be insufferable at times. 

Obligated to become Alpha 3 years ago at the age of 18, when his father was killed, he was forced to immediately be more mature to be taken seriously. The future of the pack and the safety of his people were thrust upon him. With that, I sometimes feel he’s lost his way to joke and simply relax. I haven’t seen the man smile in 3 years. 

His father was a very strong Alpha and he knew he had serious shoes to fill. Others in command took his age for weakness, making him have to be extra firm.

 I was pledged in as his Beta right along with him, having lost my father at the very same time our Alpha was killed. 

I suffered too but the obligation of being Alpha made his time harder. I would always take my position seriously and put my pack first, but there’s always down time; Something Valen doesn’t seem to remember.

Typically on a Friday night things were quiet around the packhouse. Pack members that were off duty would usually drink by a bonfire. But, being the Beta, I was in charge in Valen’s absence and decided it best to stay on alert. 

We have had attacks in the past. 

Rogues. 

They were wolves unaffiliated with a pack. Cast out and banished because of heinous crimes. Wolves lived in groups so they would usually find each other to team up. But without a pack affiliation over time they grow mad. Their wolf side would grow more in control and they would become almost feral. Fueled by the most primitive desires, wanting only to feed and kill. 

Occasionally groups would attack packs looking for food and resources. 

It’s usually calm around here though. We are the largest pack on this coast and our allies in the surrounding packs only increased our numbers. No one would dare cross our Alpha or chance war with three packs at once. But we also have quite a name for ourselves. The Black Moon pack is known to have the fiercest warriors for a reason. We take our training very seriously, and begin at the age of 12. Alpha Alaren insisted on it, and Valen followed his Father’s orders, never wanting his people to suffer a loss like his own.

I had just showered, changed into sweats and collapsed on the sofa for the evening. I decided to mind link my Gamma, Gavin, and the patrol team to check in. I search for Gavin in my mind.

‘How’s it going, Gavin?’

His voice filled my head, ‘Funny you should ask.  Simon thought he smelled something in the woods, said it wasn’t moving fast, all he could pick up was a little blood, maybe an injured animal. Everyone is accounted for and the threat seems to be gone.’

I replied, ‘Ok, good to know. Increase patrol while the Alpha is gone. We’ve been a little relaxed anyway.’

‘Gotcha, I’ll pull some more men.’  Came his response.

He didn't mention the stench that rogues seem to leave behind, so I will take his word that things were safe.

Finally I could rest. I’m not sure how the Alpha does it. I picked up the remote and turned on the TV. I was just flipping through channels when I thought I heard a thump come from the porch. I lowered the volume quickly, sitting up to listen carefully.

Seems quiet.

I relaxed back on the sofa, kicking my feet up on the large mahogany coffee table. But just then I heard one light knock on the front door. I quickly glanced at the clock on the TV. 

10:22pm. Who the hell just shows up at the pack house this late? My men would just mindlink.

I stood up to walk towards the door, when I heard it again. The lightest knock, low on the door. I felt no danger nearby. The tiny knock seemed almost desperate. Grabbing the handle, I opened the door inward, and a delicate wrist fell into the house just at my feet. 

It took me a minute to realize what I was seeing in front of me. An unconscious she-wolf lay on the porch, and most definitely not from our pack. 

She was naked, as if maybe she had just shifted. Her body was riddled with cuts, and a large wound to her midsection. I could tell at one time there had been tons of them by the amount of blood that covered her body, but some were healing. Luckily werewolves heal incredibly fast, because she was obviously badly injured. 

Her legs were splattered with mud and dirt. There was dried blood and leaves in her deep brown hair, that was long, cascading down her body and covering her breasts. She was tall and lean. Her face had long black lashes, a dainty nose, and luscious pouty lips. I tried not to let my mind wander seeing this gorgeous woman lying at my feet.

I quickly scooped her up into my arms while mindlinking Gavin. Her body was cold and limp in my hands. 

‘Gavin! I found an unconscious and very injured she-wolf on the packhouse stairs. She is not from here. I want the entire patrol out now! Keep an eye on the borders, and send men to search the forest. Look for anyone else!’

I didn’t wait for a response and immediately mindlinked the pack doctor explaining there was a badly injured wolf at the packhouse and to come immediately.  Luckily he was home and not at the pack hospital tonight. 

I carried her limp body into the living room and laid her down on the large sectional, grabbing a throw to place over her. Her skin was ice cold and covered in both wet and dried flaking blood.

I could hear her heartbeat was faint but beating, and she was breathing softly. 

“Hello” “Hello” I yelled as I gently tapped her cheek.  But got no response. Not even a flinch.

Luckily I heard a car pull up the gravel driveway, and seconds later Dr. William ran right in through the open door.  

“Who is it? What happened?” He demanded, as he entered in a state of panic. Probably assuming it was someone he knew. 

“That’s the other problem. I’ve never seen her before.” I gestured to the young woman on the sofa. “She's not from here.”

Dr Williams' brows furrowed in confusion. A stranger making it onto packs grounds was not a normal occurrence.  but he tossed his bag on the floor and was next to her in an instant. He quickly checked her pulse. After routing through his bag, he took her blood pressure and listened to her heart while I explained how I just found her on the packhouse porch. I heard her knock, so she had only just passed out. He peeled back the throw and took note of her slowly healing cuts and all the dried blood.

“I can’t treat her here. This wound needs to be cleaned and bandaged. There is stray wood still inside the wound. I don't want it to heal on top of the splinters. I also think she needs fluids.” Dr. William said with urgency.

“I don’t want her in the pack hospital. I have no clue who she is or how she got here yet.”

He nodded in agreement. “We can bring her to my private practice. I have what I need there. Let’s get her to the car.”

The doc grabbed his bag and went out to get the car door. I gently picked the she-wolf back up keeping the blanket wrapped around her. My eyes lingered on her pouty lips. I could smell her scent so close to her, taking in a deep breath; I felt my wolf stir in my head. I carried her through the door, pulling it closed with my foot, and placed her in the backseat of the car. I jumped in the passenger seat and we took off. 

Luckily Dr. William’s house was only down the road towards town, and his small practice was attached to his home. 

As he parked the car, I heard back from Gavin.

‘There doesn’t seem to be anyone else out here. Borders are secure. There’s been no movement, and I smell nothing. We will obviously keep patrolling,”

‘Sounds good.’ I replied. ‘I’m at Dr. William’s while he treats the girl. She is still unconscious and will need to be kept under constant watch until we figure out who she is and what happened to her. Keep this quiet for now.’

We used his practice entrance on the side of his home. I carried her into Dr. William’s office.  

I laid the unconscious she-wolf down on the bed while he ran out to the hall closet. I couldn’t help but to take a minute to brush her dark hair from in front of her face. She looked peaceful almost as if she was just sleeping. And I felt a small smile form on my face.

The doc returned with a hospital gown, wheeling an IV poll, and bag of fluids. 

“Right now, I think she may be dehydrated. I’m going to start with some fluids, and we will go from there.”

“Sounds good. How can I help?” 

“First I’d like to get her in a gown and get her covered up. I’m going to start her IV and set up her monitors then I’ll clean her wound. I can’t stay here tonight; I’m on at the hospital first thing in the morning. So, you need to find someone to stay to keep her under observation and to keep the area secure.”  

Obviously that would be me. I can't

 Let anyone know about this just yet. Valen would not be happy.

Sliding the blood stained blanket down, I helped sit her up so we could get her dressed. My eyes wanted to gaze upon her beauty but I forced them on the doc as we dressed her. The doc slipped her gown on her front while I held her up. We didn’t mess with the ties and just laid her back and pulled her fresh covers up. Once the doc got her IV in and her fluids started, I assured him she would be under good care.

I brushed the hair back that had fallen in her face again. 

SMACK.

I pulled my hand back quickly, my head snapping toward dr William.

“Did you just smack my hand!?” A shocked voice came out of me.

“Quit being creepy!”

“I’m not being creepy. Her hair was on her face.” 

He raised his eyebrow at me as if to say ‘Really?’

I rolled my eyes. 

I would let that slide. I may be beta but Dr William was my elder and an old friend of my father. 

Thank the goddess he didn’t see me smell her. She was just so intriguing. 

I tried to give them privacy as Dr Willian cleaned her wound and carefully pulled the small shards of wood from her. I was so curious about her. She seemed so frail and delicate in her state. I wondered what she had been through; How this happened to her, and of course who she was. I felt drawn to her in a way and wanted to help her. 

Dr William finished bandging her side when he finally spoke again.

“Does Valen know about her?” I could see the seriousness in his pointed look.

“Not yet. I’m going to call him in the morning.” I knew the doc’s concern. Valen would never allow a stray on the territory. She doesn’t smell rogue but who knows where she’s from. I imagine Valen would have ordered to have her carried back to the border of our land and left in the woods. Typically I’d have to agree but there is something about her.

“Luca.” Dr William pulled me from my thoughts as my name left his mouth like a question.

“Dr William, I am currently in charge while Valen is gone.” I returned his stare. “I know you are only trying to help, But I will call Valen about our patient in the morning.”

He gave a sharp nod and then left for the night, and went around to his house to get some sleep.

 I made myself comfortable on the chase across the room. Sleep didn’t find me right away. I just watched her as she slept; she was beautiful even with the smudge of dirt across her forehead, even with dried blood and traces of mud that remained on her legs. She was perfect. 

How on earth did she get here? What the hell happened to her?  I watched her chest rise and fall with each breath; I could hear the IV slowly drip. The rhythm was rather soothing, and eventually I found my own sleep.