Chapter 19
POV Joann
I was relieved the meeting was over, although what Miss Evens had said was unsettling. I was nervous for Eric; I know what Aiden was thinking but have admit I was not ready for Eric to volunteer to go speak with Alpha Donte. Once the announcement was made, we couldn’t say anything, couldn’t make it look like we doubted the decision in any way.
Hopeful that visiting the girl would make me feel better about today’s events I headed straight there. Finding Candice in the small office at the front listening to music as she went over paperwork.
The Isaacs being here made me indescribably happy. Candice is proof that not all humans will run in fear at the knowledge of our existence. I am fully aware that we can’t just make our presence known to the world, but I firmly believe we are not higher beings meant to rule humans. Nor do we have to hide away because they cannot handle knowing what else is out there.
Candice greeted me with a smile.
“How’s our little patient doing?” I asked.
She led me to one of the rooms, I was relieved to find we no longer had to keep her in the operating room.
“Getting stronger by the hour. She felt like eating on her own today. Only jello for breakfast this morning but she ate about half her lunch.” She told me as we made our way down the hall.
“That’s all?” I asked. She is so skinny. I expected her to eat more.
“She’s still getting fluids, but her stomach can’t handle too much just yet.” Candice reassured me.
The door to her room was half open, Candice gently knocked on the door frame. “Thea, you have a visitor, it’s Luna Joann.” She announced as she opened the door.
I’m not sure what I was expecting but when Candice opened the door this was not it. Her skin porcelain white and light blonde hair made her big blue eyes stand out. She looked nothing like the little lump of mud Eric had found.
She tried to sit up. “Luna.” She said bowing her head.
Candice quickly rushed over to help her.
“There’s no need for that.” I said. Pulling a chair up beside her bed. “Do you mind if I sit?”
“Not at all Luna, please do.” She replied.
“Has Candice talked to you about what happened?” I asked
Candice quickly replied. “No Luna I was waiting for you or the Alpha.”
The girl looked puzzled. “Why does she call you Luna when she’s not wolf?” She asked.
“Candice is just as much a part of this pack as anyone. When her and Brent became mates, she became one of us and we are lucky to have them here.” I told her.
She seemed to think for a minute before accepting my answer.
“I have some questions for you if you’re feeling up to it?” I asked.
Choosing my words carefully as I didn’t want her to have to relive what happened. “You traveled here with your family?”
“Yes.” She replied simply, looking down at her hands. They were folded in her lap, and she was twisting one of her fingers with the other hand.
“Why did your father bring you here?”
“Mom heard that Alpha Aiden and you had broken the blood betrothal and hoped you could help us.”
“One more for now ok.” I said. I could see she was becoming increasingly more uncomfortable. “If you traveled all this way to find us, why did you hide in the cave? Why not come down to the gates and request entry?”
“They’re here.” She whispered.
“Who’s here?”
She whispered something else so quite I couldn’t hear it. Looking over at Candice, she just shrugged, she hadn’t heard it either.
“What dear?”
Leaning over to get as close as she could without falling off the bed she whispered in my ear. “There are Lycans here.”
I didn’t mean to, but I couldn’t stop myself. I just started laughing. “No one has seen a Lycan for over two hundred years, we thought they were extinct.” I gained control of myself seeing the serious look on her face. “What makes you think that?” I finally asked.
“Dad could smell them from the boarder. At least two and their scent fresh. Dad didn’t know if they were patrolling the border or inside so he wouldn’t risk bringing us in here. We found a cave to hide in until they went away but they didn’t. I can’t smell them, so I didn’t dare try once my family died. I’m sorry Luna, I didn’t know what to do.” She began crying.
“Oh honey, you have nothing to be sorry for.” I put my hand under her chin and moved her face, so she was looking at me. “I’m so sorry we didn’t find you sooner but you’re safe now. I promise.”
Looking into those innocent big eyes I knew there was nothing I wouldn’t do to protect her.
Her family had died bringing her to us hopeful that we could help them. I would not let their deaths be for nothing.
Just then my heart filled with anguish, a twisting pain moved through me, and Grace let out a blood curdling howl. Aidens sadness amplifying my own as we felt Darien’s tether to the pack snap. Feeling his final heartbeats before an emptiness where his life once was.
Scenarios filled my head. Maybe a car crash or Darien had be hurt somehow.
Panic set in seconds after, Darien had died of that I had no doubts but how. I checked the time to see that the meeting had been over for five hours. They should have arrived at the Blue Lagoon territory by now. I waited in silence for anything from Eric. Hoping and praying that his life wouldn’t be next.
