Chapter 7
Zachary’s POV
The sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows over the sprawling lands of our pack territory. From my office window, I could see the bustling activity of my pack members, training, laughing, living. They had come a long way in these past four years. We had come a long way.
As the Alpha of one of the largest packs in the south, I took immense pride in the strength and unity we had achieved.
Our borders are secure, no rogue would dare to challenge us and our pack is thriving. Yet, despite all the accomplishments, there was a hollow space in my heart that no amount of power and fortune could fill.
Every day, the regret gnawed at me. Pushing Amara away that tragic night four years ago had been the biggest mistake of my life. The image of her hurt and confusion haunted my dreams.
I thought I was protecting my pack, but all I did was protect myself from the fear of the unknown.
Michelle had gone on her world tour as she planned, still touring somewhere in Asia.
Somehow her world tour dream before settling as Luna is working best for me.
I managed to pull four years without mating.
Despite the time and distance, she hadn’t found her mate and I feared she never would. She was still hung up on the feeling that I had chosen her as my Luna, which she heard me say in front of Amara.
The pack elders were relentless, constantly pressing me about when I would mark Michelle. They believed it was the best option for the pack’s future, since I haven’t found my mate. The truth was far more complicated and the thought of marking Michelle filled me with dread.
My mother, always a romantic at heart, wanted me to find my true mate. She was not happy with the arrangement with Michelle and neither were Mason and Sam. They all wanted me to find the happiness of having a true mate, but only Mason knew the full truth about Amara.
Adding to my burdens was the pressing issue of our chief pack doctor, Smith. He had been in a coma for the past year following a severe accident.
His absence had made a significant impact on our pack’s healthcare. We desperately need a talented pack doctor who could not only handle the day-to-day medical needs of our members but also possess the skills to heal Dr. Smith.
The pack elders, my beta, gamma and I gathered in the meeting room to discuss our next steps. Surprisingly my mother was also joined since the pack elders requested her presence.
“Everyone” I began, trying to keep my frustration in check, “We need to prioritise finding a skilled doctor for our pack. Without Dr. Smith, we are vulnerable”
Elder Marcus, the most vocal of the elders, nodded. “We agree with you, Alpha Zachary. Dr.Smith was an old friend of mine. He was in charge of pack hospital since your father, our late Alpha appointed him as chief pack doctor. We have to find suitable candidates to fill in his role”
I was surprised with his words, we both usually never agree on anything.
He continues his speech again, ” There’s one more pressing issue that needs your utmost attention.
You are turning currently 29, still haven’t found your mate.
You need to think about the future of the pack’s leadership.
We as pack elders suggest you to go for chosen mate.
And we all think Michelle is a strong candidate for Luna”
“Yeah, Sure. Over my dead body. I’m not taking any random she-wolf as my mate. I need my mate, my Amara. If your coward ass can’t do that then I’ll die as a lone wolf” Aiden growled at me.
I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to remain calm. “Michelle is still touring Asia. We can’t make any decisions until she returns. When she returns I will take the necessary actions. Till then let’s focus on more important matters at hand”
I continued, “We desperately need a doctor. There are a lot of injured pack members and pregnant she-wolves who need help, the nurses are taking care of them in the absence of our doctor. But we can’t fully rely on it”
My mother, always the pillar of my strength spoke up. “Zachary is right. We need to focus on the immediate needs of the pack. The future will take care of itself”
Mason, my loyal friend added, “We’ve already made contact with many neighbouring packs, most of them refused since no one has medical staff to spare. A few doctors refused since they can’t leave their mates and join here full time”
He continued, “Now we only have 2 packs left, Blue Moon and Mountain Ridge pack. Both the packs are known for their medical expertise. They have agreed to meet with us. We might have to carefully negotiate with them to get what we absolutely need.
I’m thinking if we can visit Blue Moon pack first since, it’s closer than Mountain Ridge pack. Plus Alpha Greg Davis is a reasonable man” He further added.
I nodded, grateful for Mason’s support. “Then it’s settled. We will pursue this lead and find the doctor we need. I myself go to Blue moon pack along with Mason to speak with Alpha Davis. We will leave tomorrow morning. Gamma Sam will be incharge of the pack duties in my absence”. Sam winked at me.
Finding a doctor was a gamble, but we had no other choice. We needed someone who could step into the role and make an immediate improvement. We have medical students in our pack, but they are still under study. They need someone to teach them in place of Dr.Smith.
As the meeting adjourned, I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. Somehow, I had to make things right. For the pack, for myself and perhaps, one day for my future Luna. But first, we needed that doctor. With renewed determination, I prepared my mind to reach out to the pack that could help us.
Little did I know, fate had plans to bring my past crashing into my present, forcing me to confront everything I had tried to forget.
----
Amara’s POV
I’m standing near a beautiful lake, surrounded by lush green forest. I have never seen this place in my life. Its a full moon, the moonlight is making everything so surreal.
I felt I was not alone there. Some guy is standing next to me, he moved closer and took my hand in his. I felt the tingles.
“I’m a fool. I was so blind with my own self doubts I never felt how much I crave for you, for us. Please forgive me Amara. Give me a chance to make everything right” he says pleadingly. Who is this ? His face is unclear.
I know this feeling, this touch, this voice. Suddenly I could see his face. Zach.
I woke up jolting. “That can’t be true. I hate him. This is not real”. Eva is also startled and pacing in my head.
I got up and rushed to bathroom. “What a great start for the day?” I said to my reflection in mirror. I got ready and came down for breakfast.
Everyone around is hustling, my beautiful mother is barking orders with little haste and little anxity. It’s my nephew’s 1st birthday celebration. So goes the chaos.
We have been planning for this day from a month now. I’m super excited for this. I took the day off today for this, Ethan will be handling all my patients for today he will join the party in the evening.
“Hi mom, please take a deep breath first” I gave my mom a back hug.
She smiled and nodded.
I had breakfast and helped my mom and Rebecca with the decorations, food preparations and of course with the cake. It was all looking wonderful. It was half past 5. We went to our rooms to get ready for the main event.
I took my time and got a much needed bubble bath. I did very light base makeup plus winged eye-line, pinkish nude lipstick and left my waves fall down my back. Looking myself in the mirror, I wonder how my looks have changed over the years. I look more feminine now.
I went to the backyard where the party was actually happening. The place was bustling with family members, friends and pack members. I could see kids of our pack are roaming near game zones, pastry and ice cream stalls.
It was Rebecca’s idea to keep these stalls separate than regular food stalls so that the little people can enjoy and indulge freely.
I quickly joined my family near the stage, where everyone was giving their undivided attention to Colin.
He was looking like cute doll.
“You look beautiful Love” My dad complimented.
“Thanks dad” I blushed.
“True sis, thanks to Colin we can see you in something other than hospital scrubs” William pinched my cheek.
“Haha, very funny” I rolled my eyes.
Ethan also joined in time. Once everyone gathered Colin cut the cake and we all cheered for our little munchkin’s health and happiness. Then everyone got busy with food and chit chats.
I was talking with Ethan regarding his day at the pack hospital, suddenly I hear my dad mind linking me. “I have something to discuss with you and Ethan, come to my office now” he cut the link.
“His voice sounded serious” I told Ethan. “I’m sure it’s related to some pack matter” he said in a calming tone.
Soon we reached dad’s office. We knocked on the door. “Come in” dad’s voice boomed.
We entered his office. He was sitting on his chair and uncle Henry was sitting in his usual place. He gave us a little smile.
“What is it dad?” I asked hurriedly.
My dad signalled us to take seats and started “We are expecting important guests from our neighbouring pack. Alpha Gray and
his beta Mason will be here tomorrow morning. Due to their pack doctor’s illness, they are struggling with their pack’s medical needs. From the past few months their beta has been in touch with us regarding this matter”
“Oh, sad to hear about their doctor. Dr.Smith is one of the best in our field” Ethan replied.
“So they are asking us to send a pack doctor there, to help them with both pack hospital and treatment for Dr.Smith. Most of the other packs have already refused to help due to different reasons.
But it’s a kind thing to help someone in need and we both feel it would be great if we send both of you there” dad says with his hands on his forehead.
Ethan and me certainly shocked with his statement, but we know it’s the best they can do since all other doctors at our pack hospital are already mated so, they can’t stay away for long time.
“Alpha Gray is a good man, a great alpha. He took his pack’s responsibility at very young age and protected his people from all the possible threats. He is our ally since a long time. We can’t say no to him in such a critical moment” uncle Henry chimed in.
“I will go there, it’s my duty as a doctor to help people in need” I said with confidence.
“Even I will go. Anyway I can’t stay here without my best friend” Ethan said jokingly.
“That’s like my kids. I’m proud of you both. Now go and take rest. Tomorrow Alpha Gray and Beta Mason will arrive to our house and you guys have to meet them” my dad dismissed us with a proud smile.
We left dad’s office. Ethan turned towards me, “So, we can finally explore other places. We get to meet and help different people. It will be a great adventure” enthusiasm laced in his eyes.
“Sure, why not” I said with a yawn. “Good night dumbass”
“Good night, funny bones” Ethan exclaimed.
I was ready for this next stage of my life, still I slept with an uncertainty in my mind.