Chapter 5

Damian

A few hours earlier,

I stared in shock at the frail figure of what had been my age, robust father. His eyes that were alive and blue were nose sunken and dark, his skin; silky and smoothless, was now pale and blue-like. No one needed to tell me that he was nearing death's door.

“Is there literally nothing we can do about this?” I craned my neck to look at the pack's physician.

The man's voice came in trembling cadences and he hung his head. “I apologize, my Lord, but there is nothing.”

I squeezed my father's hand in mine and he winced.

“Easy on him, my Lord.” The physician rushed to my father's side and gently pushed me away. “Hie Majesty needs to save his strength!”

“Just what on earth is wrong with him?!” I flipped the chair beside the bed.

“We do not know, Alpha Damien. We only hope to the Moon Goddess that a cure is found quickly.”

I grabbed the man's shoulder and forced him to look at me. “Then I suggest you find one! I don't care what method is being used! Witchcraft? Demons? Find something and save the Alpha King!”

Mother gasped in shock as she entered the bedchamber. From her expression on her face, she had heard me ranting.

She yelled. “Witchcraft? You want the physician to use witchcraft on your father, have you gone senile?!”

“What haven't we tried, mother!” What!” She froze. Before she could speak, I continued. “I would do whatever it takes to save my father, with or without your approval.”

I grabbed my coat from the chair on the floor and turned to leave.

“Sire.” The physician called out and I halted my steps.

“Yes?”

The man began. “There is a rumor…”

Mother interrupted him with a loud “No!”

“Speak!” I ordered the physician. He looked between mother and I as though wondering who to listen to.

“Speak now if you want to live!” I yelled again.

“There's a rumour about a legendary healer in the North. They say her powers are so extraordinary that they can heal any kind of disease.” He bowed his head.

“Where is this healer?”

The man trembled. “The SilverMoon pack.”

“Alpha Kaiden…” the name sounded like a curse on my lips.  Of course, it would be him. His pack had been thriving nonstop for the past few months. Their soldiers seemed literally unbeatable in battle and their borders were under lock and key. Of course, he'd be the one to have that healer in his kingdom.

“How do we contact him, Sire? It's just a rumor?” The physician said,

“I have a way.” I stroke my chin.

“Son, what if this is just a rumour?” Mother held my arm.

“An entire land cannot just flourish in 3 months! Not without the magical elements in the background and that is what is happening in the Silvermoon pack,” I pushed her arm away. “Alpha Kaiden will not deny this claim. Every pack knows of the rumour.”

“But… she tried to speak but I silenced her.

“We will send a town crier to spread the news of his coming to the town and have a messenger deliver the message to Kaiden. He will help us.” I walked to where father laid on his bed and took his hand. “Father, help is coming. Cousin Kaiden will come with help and you'll be fine again.”

A short, wheezing breath came as his reply and I nodded my head.

“Let's not waste any time. Time is not exactly on our side!”

I had the messenger deliver the message to Kaiden and like the softie he was, he agreed to help us. Why wouldn't he? The Bloodmoon pack and the Silvermoon pack are sworn brotherlands. My father and he were best of friends and always helped each other. He wouldn't want to turn his back on that.

The day of Kaiden's arrival, we waited outside to receive them.

I stood next to mom and watched quietly as the black leather carriage rolled in and halted to a stop.

The coachman quickly leapt off the seat and went to open the door.

I noticed a smother fidgeting beside me. “I wonder what this healer looks like.”

“Calm down, mother-in-law. She will be a normal healer.” Freya said, patting her hand gently.

I looked away from them. I refuse to believe that this “legendary” healer is an ordinary woman. The rumours in the werewolf kingdom were particular about the titles they bestowed to people and this was not meant to scare people. This was the real deal. This healer won't be ordinary at all.

Kaiden climbed down the carriage and he turned, extending his hand.

Mother gasped. “There she is.”

A white gloved hand took Kaiden's hand and he helped her down.

The herald announced in a loud voice. “Presenting Alpha King Kaiden Kaiden of the Silvermoon pack and his healer…”

“I didn't get your name, ma'am.” he whispered.

Kaiden cleared his throat. “The identity of my healer is not necessary.”

“Aye,” the herald nodded. “Presenting our royal guests — Alpha King Kaiden and the legendary healer of the Silvermoon pack!”

I watched in awe as the woman clothed in white from head to toe walked side by side with Kaiden. I was immediately mesmerized by her, despite not seeing her face. Even my wolf found her attractive.

The wind tugged at her head piece and she touched it gently while her free hand went to clutch Kaiden's. To my surprise, he linked their fingers and they walked hand in hand to greet us.

What were they holding hands?!

“Welcome to the BloodMoon pack, Your Majesty.” Beta Jasper spoke first.

Mother left Freya's hands and went to hug Kaiden. He was her favourite when he was a kid. “Oh, Kaiden. You're all grown up.”

Kaiden smiled. “I am. It's been a while, aunty.” He returned her hug and pulled away quickly. Then he gave me a nod.

“Nice to meet you, Kaiden,” I offered a hand and he shook it firmly, the grip nearly breaking my hand.

I noticed the healer shift uncomfortably and I bowed to her. “My lady.”

“I'm fine, thank you.” she said, refusing my handshake.

That's off-putting but I wasn't upset at all. The kind tone of her voice sent ripples of tingling feelings I had never felt before. Just who was she?

“Shall we?” I noticed tightened his grip in her hand and that infuriated me. Were they together?

“Yes,” Mom said, turning to the healer with misty eyes. “I’m glad the legendary healer is here. Thank you for coming to our rescue.”

The healer gave her a brief nod. “I will do all I can to help your husband, ma'am.”

I felt a light nudge from Freya. This was my cue.

“This way, please,” I said. “You both must be tired from your journey.”

“Thank you.” Kaiden said, walking past me with his hand still around the healer's.

“Aww. Are they a couple?” Freya came to link arms with me.

Slowly, the healer whipped around to look at me. I couldn't see her through the veil but I knew she was looking at me. It wasn't her alluring curves or features that attracted me to her. It was much more than that. In that moment, I felt something tug at my heartstrings. This woman was my mate.