CHAPTER 008

CHAPTER 008

Emily's POV

A large white building stood before me as I drove up the driveway of Emily's Pack House home for almost one year, so I knew its inner workings well.

As soon as I set foot off the truck, a youngish blond guard approached quickly. I estimated that he looked about nineteen.

"Good morning, Parker!" the man replied, embracing and bowing. King Xavier awaits your arrival!"

I nodded and gave him the truck keys.

"Parker, "he asked. Confused by my response, I replied that it was me, and his gaze meant astonishment.

"I'll be running back in wolf form," I replied, smiling as Willow wanted to stretch her legs.

The guard nodded and opened my black truck's driver door; he appeared quite pleased about being given such an honorary position in my black fleet.

"Don't scratch her," I cautioned before running up the stairs to warn.

As expected, Xavier waited patiently in the gardens as I descended the steps toward him. He beamed a pleasant smile when he saw me come closer.

"Wilkommen back, dear!" He exclaimed with joyous greeting. His arms extended wide as I passed them, and he welcomed me home with open arms.

I didn't hesitate to accept his embrace and ran straight into his arms embracing him back with open arms.

Mila's uncle Xavier has become like a second father figure for me. All three of Xavier's male pups have accepted me into their fold as family.

At first, it wasn't easy; I distrusted any male wolf nearby. However, Xavier quickly found ways to break through my guard and earn my trust.

"So?" inquired the gigantic wolf with bright green eyes that sparkled with delight upon seeing me. Then he asked, "And how has everything gone?" "How has your day been going?" he continued questioningly.

"I would say very well," I responded, taking an envelope from my pocket and giving it to him.

My mission was to visit all four corners of the kingdom to gain insight into each pack's status, specifically finances, training schedules, and member presence within. Additionally, this trip aimed to uncover any instances where pack members had fallen victim to attacks from criminal elements.

Rogue attacks were on the rise, and pack members went missing; we needed to determine who was behind this and why they required such predatory creatures in large numbers.

After 45 packs were completed, including my Opal Pack order, it was time for a break. Eight more had to be finished before my break was up!

Mila had given me an idea for getting around having to show my face there: by sending Jax in my place. I sighed as Mila suggested this plan of attack for dealing with my social anxiety: sending Jax there instead.

"Have we already reached that number?" asked Xavier as he ran his hand through his gray, short locks.

Xavier was amazed that I had visited so many packs quickly. He turned, headed toward a garden table under trees, and sat down.

The huge wolf was awkward initially, but he eventually squeezed his long legs inside my seat, coming closer and lower than me.

He placed his papers on the table, folded his arms, and looked directly at me.

"What?" I was confused when suddenly, "I have to remove you from this assignment," was announced with conviction by an officer in our group. I asked why, to which they responded:

"Wait? What? Why?" My eyebrows kneaded tightly as my heart leaped, excited at meeting everyone - each pack welcomed and accepted me without question or hassle.

I quickly responded when Xavier asked me to sit, following his unspoken instructions.

"What's happening, Xavier?" I queried.

No formalities were performed between members, though I would call out his title when elders or pack members were around.

Even when Xavier tried to give me one, I declined his offer and resisted.

My initial aim was simply to be known as Parker, using my mother's maiden name to conceal who I really was.

Mila accepted her Royal Delta title from her father. He officially surrendered it, seemingly glad that Mila could continue their bloodline under this title.

"I have received extremely pertinent information regarding these attacks," he noted and required them to pursue leads provided to him.

"Where?" I inquired. He informed me it would likely be near Opal Pack headquarters; so my chances of bumping into Alexander increased significantly.

"When am I leaving?" After returning home, I inquired about spending quality time with my son, Lex.

"Give him three days," the manager replied as I gazed upon Lex. "Lex asked me if we could give you time off so he can spend it with his mom; he misses you too.

My heart softly beat: Lex had been absent, yet still came into my thoughts constantly.

Every night, I called him but could sense in his voice that that wasn't enough: he needed me there.

"One week," I answered as I extended my hand towards him to take.

Xavier lifted an eyebrow, winking at me sardonically. He knew once my mind had made up its mind on something it could be difficult for me to change it later.

"Xavier," I told him. "After being on the road for nearly three months now, it is necessary for me to spend quality time with Lex."

Xavier just stared back, unwavering in his gaze before rising from his chair and taking my hand in both hands.

As soon as he said "Deal," I knew this deal would be far too easy to close.

"But?" I asked. There were certain caveats attached to our agreement.

He stated, "By Friday of this week," he wanted an account of all your visits to his packs on his table.

"I can live with that," I replied, shaking his hand.

If only Xavier had known I had already put together the report, giving him access to it would only require printing it and handing it off to him.

"Very well," I replied, taking several steps back and shifting into Willow, my wolf form.

"She is still spectacular," Xavier replied when I had relocated myself fully. After gently rubbing Willow's ears, he went in search of the entrance of the pack house.

Willow took control and headed home quickly. My mind wandered back to that heartbreaking night when Lex and Willow graced my life simultaneously.

As we prepared for the Blood Moon festival, I lost my balance and tumbled to the floor, collapsing.

At first I thought all was well with me until I attempted to stand. At that moment, I experienced excruciating pain that sent shockwaves through my body; in anguish, I yelled out in terror.

Mila was first to help; her eyes widening from shock. As I struggled to stand, Mila tried helping me up but then stopped, lifting just enough so that I could see.

My pup was at risk, so my life depended on fast action by my three brothers, Xavier, his three sons, and eventually even an on-call physician to rescue me quickly from bleeding out in my bed and carry me safely off. They lifted and took me with care before transporting me directly to an infirmary ward without incident.

My spine shuddered with fear as I remembered hearing my horrific shrieks reverberate through the corridors and escape me in terror.

Concerned pack members accompanied us, trying their best to offer assistance.

"So much blood," someone whispered.

"If she makes it..." one remarked.

"Poor pup,"

When I returned to consciousness, a strong disinfectant smell hit my senses, signaling that I was at an infirmary.

As I searched for someone to explain what was going on, my nose scrunched up. I desperately hoped someone could explain what had transpired.

My attire had changed, and it appeared I was lying on an operating table.

"I attempted to call out but instead let out an excruciating cry of anguish from within me.

My eyes teared up, and I began sobbing in agony - never have I felt such intense discomfort before!

When I heard the door open, a cold hand came quickly toward mine - shaking with excitement!

Mila asked Em in an anxious voice, clearly distressed. Mila believed she must know something was amiss with "The pup..." "Emm," Mila replied quietly, sounding slightly distressed by Mila's statement. She seemed confused at what had occurred but eventually knew all too soon what had transpired between Mila and Em. "...The pup..." Mila seemed unaware of what had taken place until Em told them so.

She suddenly fell silent as she attempted to find the words to describe what was transpiring. "The doctor..." was the last thing on her mind as I left for work that day.

Mila was quickly brought out of her thoughts as the sound of breaking bones filled the quiet infirmary, filling Mila with pain as her own body heated up rapidly. A painful scream escaped my lips before my body heated further up further still.

Does someone put hot oil onto my back, arms, and legs, burning as the feeling spread from my back through my arms to my legs to force my head back?

As I battled against my excruciating pain, praying that it would soon pass was only enough relief that made sense to stay strong and persevere through.

It was quite the opposite of what I yearned for. The pain was more intense! 

"Oh no!" I exclaimed alarmed as my hands suddenly changed into claw-like structures.

What happened next was considered unprecedented in werewolf culture. It was as though the world was falling apart. Things were falling apart and the center can't hold!