Chapter 5 - Summers

“Hi there…” Reid said, waving awkwardly. I coughed and almost choked on my pasta. I mean, I did place an internal bet with myself that he was going to show up the instant he saw his dad's health improve, but I wasn't expecting him to be so fast in seeking me out. I walked vacw

“What are you doing there?” I asked. Obviously, I knew what he was doing here, but it wouldn't hurt to play along. I opened the door a little wider for him so he could step inside.

“Just another personal thank you for your help,” he said, sitting awkwardly on the couch across from me. I sat down and focused on my pasta.

“The medicine worked, Valerie,” he said with a smile. I hadn't mentioned this before, but I had given him a fake name during those few days I spent in his pack. Mentioning my full government name can make him remember the female alpha of a certain pack his father destroyed.

“I suppose that's a good thing, but it's not a permanent thing; you might have to find something constant for him,” I said, playing dumb.

“That is exactly why I am here.” I almost broke out in a grin. When Axel and I drafted out this plan, I knew the chances of it succeeding were slim, but it was the only thing we could think of that felt like a natural coincidence instead of the planned one.

“I came here to ask if you'd like to take the job of my dad's personal healer. I'll pay you any amount you request for…”

“I don't plan on being a personal healer to just one person. I wanna use my skills to help anyone I can. I might have to reject your offer.” I said, pushing away my empty plate as I wiped my mouth.  I was playing hard to get, and I hoped I was doing a perfect job at it.

“You can also work for anyone, too; it's not a problem. I just need you to come; you might be able to save my dad, Val, but you managed to take away most of his pain. I would do anything to see my dad get himself back.” It was time to play my cards carefully

“I'm sorry… I can't do it. I'll be putting myself in a vulnerable position. The life of your dad, the Alpha to one of the ruthless packs, will be in my hands, and if anything happens to him, I'll be responsible.”

“None of that would happen; I give you my word.” I leaned back as I pretended to think about it. I let out a sigh. Here goes nothing.

“I'll do it.” Reid leapt from his seat, and for a moment I thought he was going to hug me. He probably wanted to, but he controlled himself and sat down again.

“Thank you so much, Valerie. I swear on the moon goddess that you're not going to regret this.”

Definitely, I wouldn't be the one regretting it; he was going to. I had nothing to lose, but he had everything to lose, and I wasn't going to stop until I made sure I ruined him.

I told him I wanted to pack my bags, and he waited for me to go in. I walked into my room and fished out my phone. I sent a text to Axel immediately.

‘Reid came to seek me out again. The moon goddess knows how he managed to find me in such little time. I'll be going to his pack, and I might have to toss out this phone if there's a need for it. I'll call when necessary. Please do not call, and when I have any information to share, I'll let you know. Take care, uncle. I don't know when else I'll get the chance to contact you, but stay safe for my sake, ok?. Love ya!’

I clicked send and deleted the chat immediately. I glanced around my scanty room. I tossed a few denim shorts and trousers into my duffel bags, a few basic tops, before I finally walked to my table, where I kept the medicine I acquired from Axel.

I said a quick prayer to the moon goddess, even though I knew what I was doing was definitely something she's not going to approve of, but I didn't care; she should have kept my parents safe anyway.