He remains silent as he tucks his head deep into my neck, his body rattles hard as his ability to maintain his composure disappears. “I know you’re terrified, Cole. You have every right to be. Your faith is fleeting and your ability to trust is even less which makes this a whole lot harder but I promise you, we are going to do everything we can to help you.” I whisper as I gently lay my head upon his, holding him as Lilly pets the top of his head.“Keep your movements slow and gentle, Patrick. I know it’s been a while since you helped us with Ciara.” “Honestly Dr. Pierce. I don’t think I’ve worked with a prospect as physically injured as Cole coming in. Ciara was rough but that was more mental than physical. Despite being the alpha’s daughter, all he managed to do was make her mean. That’s why I took the lead over Demetri. He saw that she desperately needed help just like Cole does but she was also the complete opposite.”I feel Patrick attempting to pull Cole’s leg away from his a
(Patrick’s POV) “If you don’t mind, I’d like to tell you about myself. I know this is explaining my bias the long way but I’m hoping giving you a story instead of an explanation will help you to relax with my assistance in finishing what needs to be done for your leg.” I test his receptivity as I walk back over to the bed.“Twenty years ago, before Demetri became alpha, I was a part of the prospect program. I packed my bag and headed fifteen hours north to a small town in Maine near the Canadian border. The alpha, beta and their families met the bus as it pulled up. The beta’s daughter, Mandy was there and I fell off the bus. Literally face first into the dirt.” I chuckle as I remember the fond memories of meeting my mate. Something about the sound allows Cole to relax, giving me the ability to lift his leg and slide his over worn sock off his foot. “Everyone was so excited that Mandy had found her mate that I never participated in the program. Alpha Mathias called Alpha Brian and
“A week later, as we laid together in bed, she told me to pack the three of us for the trip to Crimson Dawn. She wanted to leave Friday, which was only two days away. She was tired of her dad and alpha holding her back from the care she needed. Something was wrong and everyone was calling her crazy instead of trying to figure out the issue. That night she woke up screaming in pain covered in blood. I ran her down to the wing but they didn’t know what was going on so they transferred her to the main hospital. They knew immediately that she had a complete placental abruption and rushed her into emergency surgery. They both passed away before they could get our pup out.” I pause to regroup my emotions. Even ten years later it’s difficult to talk about. I’m surprised to feel how relaxed Cole is listening to me so I carry on as I do have a point to make. “They say when your fated mate dies that you physically feel as if half of you were ripped away. Unlike the rumor that you feel pain e
“Many times while I was at Blue Haven I heard alpha Mathias tell a wolf who wanted to move into their mate’s pack that once they leave they can never return. Said the same to Parker and I before we left. I guess this part of my story has more purpose than I initially intended even though it’s filler for explaining why I’m biased.” “That’s okay.” I’m surprised when he whispers a response when I take a break. “We have more things we can relate to than you think.” “It does seem like it.” I respond thoughtfully.“The next day Parker and I explored the grounds and kept busy until the afternoon rolled around. I ended up stumbling upon Demetri sitting in his office surrounded by piles of papers. If he hadn’t said something I would have completely missed him sitting behind them. Parker was quite shy going into the alpha’s office. He acted like he didn’t want to go in but he also refused to leave my side. It was the first time that it seemed he was afraid of the alpha. It made me wonder how
(Demetri’s POV)“Now that Dominic is here, I’m going to start from the beginning as most of you here have never heard of what I feel is the most appropriate action for Cole’s run with us. When a prospect signs the application agreeing to a run there is a list of terms that they are agreeing to. Every pack’s list of terms are slightly different but mainly, it’s a recognition that all information collected by the alpha and his team are reported back to the council. Each pack is allowed to determine what information is important for the council and other packs to know about the prospects and only those involved in the prospect program has access to the file. Alpha’s have the ability to change what kind of run a prospect is on as long as it takes place no more than a week after the intake physical. There are three types of runs; standard, semi-off book, and completely off book. The council doesn’t like to have prospects on anything outside of the standard run but the other two options a
“There are a few things that will not change with the off book run. If I have to admit you to general then I have to alert the council. What they will do, I’m not certain of. The second thing is theft, assault, and rape. I am strict and unforgiving of those things, it doesn’t matter your circumstances.”I can feel him nod against my chest. His breathing stops suddenly and his body goes rigid as he struggles to cope with getting his leg treated. “I’m sorry Cole but I have to use the salve to pull the silver and infection out of the wound.” Angela tries to soothe him but I can tell that he needs a break from the pain. “Angela” “I know he needs a break and he will get it as soon as I get this all the way around. I’m not going to start wrapping him immediately.” He’s shaking from having grabbed my shirt and holding it tightly balled into his fists. “Breathe Cole, you’ve got to breathe.” I try to soothe as I hold him gently. “It’s okay to express the pain you’re in. You need to brea
He whimpers slightly as he feels the loss of my heat. “It’s okay, Cole.” I whisper, motioning Damian over with Madilyn. “Lay her right up against him.” Damian nods slightly as I stand from the bed.Angela holds his arm as Damian lays Madilyn on her side, her back against his chest. He reacts immediately to her warmth and scent. Angela follows his movements as he leans into her, wrapping his arm around her as he curls his body, whimpering quietly as his movements irritate his leg. I watch calmly as he settles around her. I sigh heavily knowing that I have to deal with Lucas next. “No one speaks until I’m finished. This is something that is normally dealt with in private but considering my own outburst when Dominic walked in, everyone in the room is now aware of the trouble Lucas is in.” The room is tense as I turn towards Lucas, who has taken a seat in the chair by the door. “The situation you have created is extremely dangerous, Lucas, and you are incredibly naive not to be able
I hang my head, taking several deep breaths before making eye contact. I knew Lucas had gone crazy with having sex but to rape an eleven year old? What the hell has gotten into him?“You forced her?” I finally find my voice after looking deep into his eyes for several minutes. “No! I would never…” “Doesn’t sound that way to me.” My voice is surprisingly calm compared to what it should be. “They wanted it. All of them.” Lucas is starting to panic as the reality of what he’s been doing finally sets in. “Based on how disrespectful that conversation was I have a hard time believing that you didn’t speak to her that way when she got scared and changed her mind. A coerced agreement is still rape.” “No! I swear I wouldn’t have if she didn’t want it!” “Cut the shit Lucas! She’s an eleven year old delta and you’re a sixteen year old alpha. Age alone makes it statutory rape. Why do you think I took the time to go through council law, pack law and my own personal rules when it comes to ha
The very breath I breathe is knocked right out of me as he has never commanded me to do anything. Even his father has made a strangled growl in response to his statement. “Even though you are an alpha, I am commanding you to come back.” His tone has softened but the seriousness in his voice has not. “I will return or I will die trying.” I somehow manage to whisper. Luna steps up next as Alpha Damian steps back wrapping her arm around me as Madilyn grabs my neck. I can feel Madilyn trying to wrap herself around me. Luna loosens her hold as I timidly take the young pup into my arms. “No! Don’t leave!” She starts off yelling. “You don’t deserve your daddy. He hurts you when you’re a good wolf. Please stay. My daddy can be your daddy. I promise I’ll share him.” She barely makes it through the last two sentences before breaking down crying. I hold her tightly as I look at luna’s face, her cheeks wet with tears. “I’m sorry.” Is all I can manage to whisper as she takes the little one
(Cole’s POV)It’s a shock to say the least to see Lucas come out to the porch let alone to see what appears to be a forced apology from him. I have a hard time believing what he has to say. I have never heard of Wolfington Academy and the only hint he gave was that he would go away. Not something I would ever want to happen to a newly shifted teen but I certainly wouldn’t want him to continue being a danger to the preshifts either. It’s been easy enough the last few months for me to avoid interacting with him even though I have sincerely missed the twins. These last two months, while they have been terribly hard and mentally painful for me, have also been the best for showing me the support I will have when I’m not myself. Alpha and luna both have gone out of their way to help me through my own decision to return. Every night luna and the twins would come to my room after dinner with a plate of food wrapped in cling wrap and several drinks. They would put the food and drinks in the
He finally lifts his head and stands from the stairs, walking slowly towards me. Suddenly his pace picks up and has taken on a more aggressive look. I start moving to intercept him as he’s headed straight towards Cole. ‘Stop me. Please dad, I don’t want to hurt him.’ His call for help is real, he genuinely fears hurting Cole. I step quickly into his path, silently wrapping my arms around him. One around his waist, the other under his arm allowing me to curl around and place my hand on the back of his neck. He freezes in place and stifles a yelp as I hold him close. I’m struggling to put together what these new symptoms mean. “Lay your head. I need you to relax so I can submit your wolf without causing you pain.” I whisper in his ear as I guide his head down. He whimpers quietly as I massage his neck looking for the best pressure point. “I need you to talk, Luke. To anyone. I don’t care if you confide in your brother, your mother, any of the doctors or nurses in the wing, tell
I wrap my hands around his, sliding my fingers gently between his hands and hair. He surprises me with how easily he gives up his stimming. “Stand up son.” I keep my voice gentle and reassuring, waiting for him to respond. He fights me briefly as he stands, trying hard to get out of my hold. “No, Cole. Accept the contact.” I persist as I refuse to let him run from me. Surprisingly, it seems he wants to run towards the van picking him up, not back into the house. “Stay with me a moment son. Allow me to calm you.” He relents to my desire, slowly giving me the calm I know he needs to make a rational decision. “I know you heard the conversation. I need to know your thoughts.” “Dad sent him.” He whispers, his voice fearful. “I know. Your dad requested the change but the council honored it so the plan remains the same. You have pack members at White Ridge which gives your father no excuses for picking you up.” He nods against my shoulder before slowly pushing himself away.
“Come.” I state as I gently pull him up and into me. He whimpers and fights briefly before taking hold of me tightly. We simply stand in silence, waiting for the trauma of leaving to subside. I wait for him to push away first, following his lead for when he’s ready to start out towards the front door. “Would you like some Ativan? It won’t take effect until you're well on your way north so it won’t alter your ability to decide to stay or go but it will make the trip easier to handle.” “Please.” Is all he manages to whisper against my neck before he pushes himself up to stand on his own. “Stay.” I whisper just as quietly as I step away from him into the attached bathroom, opening the cabinet and pulling out the low dose Ativan that I keep there. I return in front of him cupping his chin in my hands, lifting his head so he’s looking straight instead of the floor. He whimpers subtly as he pulls away but I don’t allow him to leave me. “Easy there, son.” I whisper as I use my thumbs
His eyes are wide with my explanation but he slowly removes his shirt as I’ve requested. “Put it on my desk.” I keep my calm helping him along when he appears lost. “Please.” He pleads helplessly. “It’s okay.” I try to comfort him. “No sir. It’s not okay. I’m not okay.” “I know. That’s why I’m doing this. Don’t step away.”I instruct as I close the distance between us. He accepts my embrace as I pull him into me again. There’s one test that I’ve never done with him as I’ve respected his sensitivity towards his back being touched but today I’m using that sensitivity to break him down in the hopes that he’ll be better able to handle leaving. It could also lead him into a complete breakdown requiring me to place him on a mental health hold but I’m taking my chances. “What are you going to do to me?” He asks as he struggles to lay his head on my shoulder.“I’m going to touch your back.” I explain as I guide his head down and pet the back of his head. “Please, sir. You don’t know h
It’s as we sit in silence that his frantic sobs finally quiet and are slowly replaced by the steady rhythm of his slightly wheezed snore. He hasn’t slept or ate right in the last two months and his condition shows it easily as he’s nearly back to the same weight he was when he got here despite our efforts to counteract his depression by upping his medication. I close my eyes and lay my cheek against his head as I listen to everything around me. I reassigned everyone that normally helps in the pack house to other tasks, closed the med wing with the exception of emergencies and canceled all the meetings that were scheduled today. I knew today would be tough but nothing could have prepared me for the brutal reality of this young man choosing to leave. The pack house is eerily quiet as if the house has been swallowed whole in preparation for the sadness, the sheer trauma of his departure. I have no idea how long I’ve been sitting with him when the shuffle of my mate’s feet starts down t
Friday July 20th; 8am(Cole’s POV) It’s been a month since my meeting with alpha discussing my options for getting out of the hell I call home. I was allowed to take the hard splint off for good two weeks ago but that hasn’t kept me out of the med wing. I’ve been in a steady slide into severe depression and I’ve had to seek the comfort of both alpha and Dr. Pierce when my feelings have become too extreme for me to handle alone. My mood swings have been so wild that I’ve gotten extremely nasty with Jessa. I so much as begged alpha to send her on a trip with Alpha Damian until today because I knew how badly I was hurting her. I didn’t mean to hurt her and I know I’m going to pay dearly for my lack of control when I return. Sleep is scarce at best and eating is nearly impossible. I can’t begin to describe how many times I have screamed myself awake, fighting alpha’s hold around me just to break down and cry in his arms. The anticipation of returning after six months of relative peace
“This is also the reason why we don’t want you to wait for the committee to remove you. The information that your father has access to without much digging on the process says if you make it to the final step in the investigation ten members of the council will move into your pack and you will be simultaneously moved out. The move is permanent no matter if you go to trial or not as the council members that move in are not simply investigating you.” I stop my gentle rub just under the hem of Jessa’s shirt and cock my head slightly as this was where Dr. Pierce had essentially stopped when breaking down the process.“So what are they doing when the committee starts their nine month investigation?” “What they’ve done for ten years now is remove the wolf being investigated to a temporary sanctuary pack within an hour’s drive of the regional committee’s headquarters. The pack has constant contact with the committee and as soon as any feral behaviors are seen the wolf is placed in the pack