Chapter 4

Irene s POV “I could take it, even if it's bad news,” I said to the pack doctor, through the mindlink. He took a deep breath as he nodded his head. “Yes, I know. You have always been a strong willed she wolf. I have known you since you were a child,” he replied me, smiling assuringly. I swallowed, breathing heavily as I locked eyes with him. Was he trying to motivate me, to help me receive whatever news he had for me? “Irene? Are you done?” Dad’s worried voice echoed into his office as he knocked on the door. I nodded at the pack doctor and he opened up the door. Dad and Uncle Leen walked inside. “Is she fine? Is she going to be okay?” Dad questioned as he walked up to me and placed a supportive hand on my shoulder. Uncle Leen crossed one hand over his chest and the other covered his mouth. Both him and Dad were eager to hear the results and so was I. The pack doctor cleared his throat and said, “Irene’s wolf was badly wounded.” My breath hitched as I looked up at Dad, his face was as pale as mine. He feigned a smile and nodded at me. I knew he was just trying to be strong for me. But, what now? What if I never get healed again? The pack doctor continued, “Like I said, her wolf was wounded, but it was not dead. With the right treatments and proper training, they would both heal and re-establish their bond.” I gasped, covering my mouth as tears welled up in my eyes. Dad kissed my head, wrapping his arms around me. “That’s it, princess. You will be fine.” Dad sniffed as he kissed my head again. “When can she start her treatments?” Uncle Leen asked, his eyes shone with joy. “I would go prepare her medicines. It would take seven days to complete the healing process medically and after that she would train to strengthen her wolf again,” the doctor replied. “Thank you, doctor.” I said to him, smiling and he reciprocated. “I’ll escort you out,” Dad said to him. As they walked to the door, Dad faced Uncle Leen. “Take her to the pack house and let her get all the rest she needs, I will be coming back home early from work today.” Uncle Leen walked up to me, he had his hands crossed over his chest as he shrugged. “I am not surprised.” I furrowed my brows in confusion. “About what?” “About your test results. Have you forgotten the lineage you came from? You carry the Alpha blood inside your veins. You can take on the world, Irene.” “Not without you and Dad by my side.” My lips twitched as I stared back at Uncle with tears filled eyes. Though his eyes were filled with pride and happiness for me, I couldn’t help but cry. I left all this love and support to go stick with a man like Ryan– I won’t think about him anymore. I just have to focus on my healing. I jumped down from my chair and hugged Uncle Leen. *** *** *** It had been a week since I started my treatment. I felt stronger, the scars on my face had faded quite a lot and I didn’t need to wear a mask anymore. I sat in front of the mirror, running my hand over my face as I grinned. “I missed my pretty face.” I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. “I feel reborned.” Knock. Knock. I turned to the door. I could tell from that husky scent that it was Dad. “Come in, Pops.” The door slowly opened and I got up to meet Dad. He wore a bright smile when he saw me. I was glad that I could face him without that stupid mask covering half my face. “My pretty princess, how was your night?” I hugged him. “Great.” He nodded. “That’s good, I will be going to the warehouse. You could come over later.” I pulled back, licked my lips and scratched the back of my head. “Erm. Dad, I was thinking. Now that I am healed, I should start my training. For my wolf, you know,” I suggested, my voice a bit shaky. He pecked my forehead. “Sweetheart. You need to rest some more.” I frowned, rolling my eyes. I had been resting all week already. I shook my head, my shoulder slugged. “Dad… I just want to be myself again. I can’t wait to feel her.” I rubbed the back of my neck, paced the room for a while before I slumped on my bed. “I want to feel my wolf… pulsing in my veins again, Dad. I want to be me again.” Dad sighed, he sunk his hands in his pockets and he walked up to me. “You’ll be fine, child. Besides–” His eyes brightened up. “Cassie had been banging at the gates all morning looking for you. Are you prepared to see her?” My eyes lit. I hadn’t seen my best friend since I came back. I didn’t even tell her I was leaving. Uhh that was terrible. I want to make amends. “Yes, dad. Please let her in.” Dad ruffled my hair. “See you later, princess.” he kissed my head, muttering goodbye and the next minute he was out the door. “Ughh– Seeing her this way, only increased my taste for Alpha Ryan’s blood,” Uncle Leen growled softly outside my room as they walked away. Had he been out the door? “Irene is healing, that’s more important. We will know what to do with that punk later,” Dad replied calmly. I could sense the edginess in his tone, though. I huffed and fell back on my bed, staring at the ceiling. Soon, real soon I will reconnect fully with my wolf. I needed to do it, not just for myself. But for Dad and Uncle Leen– for everyone who loved me, like Cassie too. My room door burst open and Cassie was there at the door, looking chubbily cute as she had always been. She had her hair in two pig-tails. Tears lined her freckled face as she smiled at me. “Cassie.” I cheered and jumped off my bed. Cassie raced up to me, hugged me and knocked me to the ground. “Woah, Cassie.” “I didn’t think I would ever see you again, Irene.” She plastered kisses all over my face and then she paused looking at my neck. I had a little night dress on and my arms were bare. She could see the claw scratches on my body. She pulled me to her knees as she cupped her mouth, shaking her head. Tears flowing down her cheeks again, but this time it wasn’t tears of joy. “Irene. These marks– I can’t feel your wolf. I’m sorry. I’m so–” I rushed up to her, wiping her face as I hugged her. “Listen, Cassie. I am fine. I’m alive at least.” She hugged me back. “I–” “Shh now. I am healing. Cassie.” I pat her back slowly. My vision blurred with tears and I let them flow, my heart warming up as I took in Cassie’s flowery scent. I am glad that I am back. I am happy that all these years of being lost, hadn’t cost me my family and my best friend.