so sorry for the late update all! I haven't had as much time to work on this as I would like. Thanks for all the love and reviews on the last chapter!
Anahi has been around a long time, but it's safe to say she worked under at least 8 alphas. She grew up in Ace's pack before he was born, then left when Keelie made her escape and found this one.
Thanks for all the suggestions about Creech and Lori's pups! I've got lots of ideas now! :) and I loved the name suggestions! Especially miracle! I love that!
Kenzi's childhood had a lot to do with her current decisions, especially her father.
That's ok. Sorry you had some frustration. I felt it was important to have a trial of sorts. It's definitely more interesting that way.
thank you! Glad you found it so interesting:) I made them all jewels because they are feminine and delicate, yet still tough. I thought it was appropriate for them to be women since they live in a male dominated society. So the men now must face justice from the women and show them respect.
we will eventually get back to Kenzi, but not next chapter.
Yes, the jewels only handle the difficult circumstances.
Thank you so much! That is high praise! I'm so glad you all enjoy the pairings as much as I do. What can I say? I'm a sucker for a good romance;)
It's definitely possible the sick rogue who fathered Creech was a descendant of Golden.
Finn hated Keelie at first, but he warmed up to her.
If Riker did become alpha he could've chosen Zayla, but that's highly unlikely.
Oooo! I like the theory about the jewels stories being behind the reasons for the taboos in their society! Seriously, you all come up with the best ideas! Keep sharing everyone! I love to hear them!
Enjoy lovelies! And thank you! :D
Riker walked beside Pierce as they went to see Nova. He hadn't been allowed to leave the alpha's side except for bedtime. Then he had to sleep outside the walls. Creech had been allowed inside though. They'd allowed him to stay in one of the empty huts.
He hesitated at the door to the healer's hut. He wanted to see Nova, but he wasn't looking forward to facing Brynn. Or Anahi.
When Pierce's hand touched his back to nudge him forward he jumped. The door opened and Brynn was standing there. She rested her hand on her hip and glared at him.
"Hello Brynn," said Pierce.
Her face softened a bit, "hello papa. Are you here to see Nova?"
"We are."
She eyed Riker again. "Ok. Grandmother is here right now. Come in though."
"Does she know him?" Pierce asked as they stepped inside.
She nodded.
"How?"
"I think she would need to tell you about that," said Anahi as she came up. She was holding some dishes in her hands. "It's quite the story." The healer's smile dropped when she saw Riker, "oh. Hello."
He kept his head down, "hi."
She set the plate and cup down on the table. An awkward silence filled the room. Tension was thick and heavy in the air.
Taja came in from the examination room. She was getting ready to go. She stopped when she saw Pierce and Riker. "You're here to see Nova too?"
"You know him mother?" Asked Pierce instead of answering her question.
She nodded.
"Go ahead and see him Riker," Pierce said. He could tell this conversation needed to be private.
The young male nodded and hurried to go see his friend.
Taja sighed, "he's your father."
He gaped at her, "you are sure?"
"Yes."
"I thought you said he had passed."
"I had assumed he was gone. But apparently," she smiled, "I was wrong. He wants to meet you." She added.
"I would like to meet him as well," he said softly.
Riker sat on the stool beside Nova's bed, his tail flicking. "Are you feeling better Nova?" He asked.
"A little. Anahi thinks I got overheated, and a little dehydrated." His hands were shaking as he held a cup with some water in his lap.
"You're going to be ok right?" He asked with worry.
A cough, "Anahi and Brynn are doing the best they can to help me recover." He touched the younger jackal's arm, "but if I don't, you'll be ok without me."
Riker stared at the elder's hand for a long time. "No I won't," his voice sounded choked, "you are all I have now, and if you leave," his eyes watered, "I'll be alone again."
"You will be ok. You'll survive. Because you're a fighter, and you won't be alone. Creech will be around, and you could always go back to see Dalia again."
"I guess."
"Or, you could try and make peace with your family. You have this rare opportunity now."
"They'll never forgive me. Especially Brynn."
Nova leaned back again, "you're probably right. She doesn't have to though, none of them do."
"I know."
He set his hand on his shoulder, "Riker, it will be ok."
Riker nodded, but he didn't quite believe it. But he would try. For Nova.
When Pierce entered the room, Nova was asleep.
Riker wiped his face when the alpha came in. He didn't want him to know he'd been crying.
"How is he?"
It took Riker a minute to realize he was talking to him. "Tired," he said finally. "I hope he gets better."
A nod. "And how are you?" He asked as he looked intently at his face.
He frowned, "like you care."
He raised a brow, "believe it or not Riker, I do not wish for you to suffer. No more than I wish for Brynn to suffer."
Riker didn't believe it. But he didn't say that. He didn't say anything.
"Riker?" Asked the alpha again, "how are you doing?"
"Papa," he started, "I mean alpha. I'm hungry, tired, and cold most of the time, but I'm happy." He touched his father's arm, "so thank you. Thank you for sending me out there."
He gave him a look of bewilderment. He was surprised. "You did not have to do such an awful thing in order to leave. You only had to ask, and you could have left with my blessing."
"I know that now." He swallowed, "I am sorry."
"I think you know who you should be apologizing to."
A nod.
It was then that Nova started to wake up. He shifted a bit and blinked sleepily.
Riker's tail wagged, "hi Nova. Feeling better?"
"A little." He struggled to prop himself up. Then he saw Pierce, "hello alpha."
He smiled, "hello." The elder took a brief moment to take his son in. His eyes looked tired, but they held a warmth and kindness behind them. He also noticed Pierce looked thinner than all the others he'd met. He touched his hand, "it is nice to finally meet you."
"Yes. It is. It seems we will have much catching up to do."
Nova was surprised at the way he talked. It was so different. Taja didn't speak that way, where would he have learned it? But he smiled, his scar making his mouth look bigger.
"Thank you for what you did for my mother." The alpha squeezed his hand gently, "and for me and my brother as well."
"You're welcome." A small pause, "your mother told me that your brother passed. Can I ask, was he happy?"
Pierce's ears folded back, "I hate to say that he was not. Even while we were pups he was bitter. But I still thank you. Because life would not have been the same without him."
"Why was he like that? Was it because of me? My absence?"
"Mother never spoke of you. Even when Lance asked she brushed him off. I suppose she felt if we did not know about you, we could not miss you." He sighed, "but Lance still missed you. He needed you."
Nova sighed softly, "I'm sorry I wasn't there."
"It was no fault of yours. You and mother struck a deal. I did not even realize how deeply he hurt over it until he was gone. Even mother did not realize."
"It's hard being a jackal sometimes." He coughed a bit.
"We will let you rest now."
Riker got up from his seat, "bye Nova, see you later."
"Alpha?" Haven asked as she approached, "can I talk to you?"
Pierce was cutting some logs into smaller pieces for firewood. Riker was nearby, so he could be supervised. He looked up, "of course. Is something the matter?"
She eyed the rogue suspiciously, "frankly, yes."
"How can I assist?"
"It's about these rogues, I worry about the safety of my daughter."
"I understand your concerns Haven, but I am keeping a very close eye on Riker, and the elder is very ill."
"But what about the other one? He doesn't have anything to do with their reasons for being here."
"He seems harmless enough, and he has been with Lori. She can handle things if need be."
"Lori seems to be too mild for fighting," she remarked.
"Nona taught her well, she can take care of herself."
Haven nodded, holding onto her arms. "But alpha, can you promise me she will be safe?"
"She will be fine Haven. I will make sure of it."
"Thank you."
It was then that Lori came up. Creech was with her. She smiled, "hi Haven, hi papa."
"Good evening Lori," Pierce smiled, "are you making dinner tonight?"
She nodded, "Creech is going to help too." She took his hand and gave it a squeeze.
"You trust him?" Haven asked. Not aggressively, but more worried.
"Why shouldn't I? He's done nothing wrong."
"That you know of. How can we be sure he isn't a danger? He's a rogue for a reason."
"Haven, that's not..."
"It's fine," Creech said. He drew his hand out of Lori's, tucking it close. A nervous tic. "She doesn't have to trust me. None of you do."
Lori's heart hurt for him. He looked so sad. She grabbed for his hand again, she wanted to comfort him. He seemed so lost.
He pulled away, withdrawing further into himself. He did that when he was upset. When things that triggered bad memories happened.
"I'm sorry," said Haven. "Lori's right, I shouldn't judge you. And I'm sorry for what you've been through," she added carefully.
He just nodded, not making eye contact.
She felt ashamed. She knew Cujo had not been welcoming to him. He'd judged him, and she realized that he was probably harmless. He'd just had a really rough life. "Well, I'll see you all later tonight," she said after a moment.
Lori grinned, "bye Haven, give Ivy a hug for me."
"I will."
Pierce and Riker left too. Now it was just Creech and Lori. "Sorry about all that," she said, "things are a little crazy around here sometimes. Everyone is a little overprotective. There was a tragedy a long time ago."
"It's ok. I'm used to it. Everyone is a little put off by me."
"Is it because of how you look?" She asked carefully.
He nodded.
"I'm really sorry." Her fingers brushed his arm, "you're a really good guy." She flashed him a grin, "I can tell."
The rogue's cheeks heated. He was still getting used to being around women. He'd never really encountered someone so caring. It was almost unnerving. But he liked it. "Thanks," he said softly.
"I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it. Come on," she took his arm, "you can help me lift the pot for the fire."
The rest of the evening, Creech found himself following Lori around, helping her. But he didn't mind. In fact, he didn't think his tail had ever wagged so much.
Lori smiled at him, almost flirtatiously. Then she held a spoon out to him, "tell me what you think."
He reached for the spoon.
"No, no," she scolded lightly with a grin, "let me."
His face flushed, but he allowed it.
She removed the spoon from his mouth. "How is it?"
He felt his heartbeat roaring in his ears. He found himself staring into her eyes as she looked at him expectantly. Without realizing it, he reached forward to brush her curtain cut bangs back. "It's good."
She giggled a bit. She liked the way his hands felt against her skin. They were rough and calloused. Probably because of his lifestyle. As the thought entered her mind, her heart sunk. Once Nova either recovered or passed, Creech would have to leave. She didn't want him to go. She took hold of his hand, keeping his touch there. She liked him. A lot. Maybe her father would let him stay. They could use some fresh blood here.
"I thought you weren't mates," Lance shouted as he and Zayne approached.
Lori released his hand and he stepped back.
Lance grinned up at the both of them, as if he was let in on some fabulous secret.
She gave him a scolding look. "You shouldn't tease."
He stuck his tongue out.
"Did you see Anahi about your teeth?" Zayne asked Creech.
"No."
"You should. She can help."
"I don't want to," he snarled.
Lori jumped. His rogue side came back out. But she guessed it was always a part of him.
Zayne flinched and Lance put his arm in front of his brother. "He's just trying to help you. Don't be a jerk."
Creech felt bad. They were just pups, they didn't know how much he'd been through. "I'm sorry. I just don't really want to be poked at. Nothing can be done to fix them anyway."
"You don't know that," said Lance, "have you ever been to see a healer before?"
"No."
The future alpha set his hands on his hips, "then you don't know she can't help." He pointed his finger out, scolding in the way he'd seen his mother do, "don't be rude to Zayne, he's my second."
A nod.
"And after dinner we're going to see Anahi." His voice was firm and final. Creech was not to argue.
"Anahi," Lance said as they entered the room, "are you busy?"
She stood, "never too busy for you sweetie. What can I do for you?"
"Would you look at Creech's teeth?" He pulled the rogue forward, "they're a little rough."
"Of course." She pulled out the rocking chair for him, "have a seat."
The rogue's tail curled and his claws flexed, but he obeyed.
Anahi noticed how his fur was bristling with anxiety. She touched his arm, "just relax."
He nodded, but his hands were gripping the armrests.
The healer got a few jars out. She opened one and placed it in front of his nose, "smell this. It will help you relax," she added at the apprehensive look he gave her.
He took the glass jar in his hand and inhaled deeply. It smelled nice. If only he'd had this when he was a pup and afraid of everything.
Anahi took the jar back after several minutes, "better?"
He nodded.
"Good." She set the jar on the table and closed it. "Now, think you can open your mouth for me?"
Maybe it was the herbs she'd given him, or maybe it was just how caring she was, but he felt he could trust her. He did as she asked.
Anahi muttered a few things to herself as she looked him over. She was concerned at how brittle they were. "Do you have trouble eating certain foods?" She asked.
He nodded.
"Did you have an accident? Or did you not take care of them?"
"I was born like this. Nova tried to help, but he didn't know what to do. They bled a lot when I was little."
It took a minute for her to process his words. He spoke slowly and slurred a little. "I see. Do they bleed now?"
"Occasionally."
She hummed a bit, then looked through her jars again. "What can you tell me about your parents?" She asked as she did so. "This could be genetic."
"Not much. My mother abandoned me when I was barely weaned." He was glad Lori and the boys had gone outside to give him privacy, he was ashamed of the fact that he wasn't good enough for her.
"What about your father?"
"I never knew him. I have a vague memory of my mother saying he was cruel."
"You remember things from birth?" Slight shock was in her voice.
"From before that actually."
Anahi frowned, brow furrowed in thought.
"Is that unusual?" He asked.
"Yes. I've never met anyone who remembers their entire life before." Heavy silence. Then she asked, "was your father abusive to her during her pregnancy? Do you know? That could've caused these problems for you."
"He was never around. I never heard his voice."
"Were you an unwanted child?" She asked. Her mind was connecting the dots of his story. "Is that why your mother left you? She didn't want you? Even from the beginning?"
Another nod. "She hated me."
"Creech," she said gently, "it seems to me that your mother was assaulted by your father, and you were the result. And that is why she hated you. When you were born with these defects, she just left you. It's just a theory, but it's highly probable."
He didn't say anything. He simply sat, quietly taking in her words.
"I'm sorry for everything you've been through." She touched his shoulder kindly. "It's been a lot hasn't it?" She asked as he wiped his face. It was obvious he was fighting tears. "None of it was your fault."
"I know. Nova told me that a lot."
"Do you believe that?"
"I don't know."
She frowned but didn't say anything more. He had a lot of baggage. Lori would have to deal with a lot if she decided to pursue him. "Do your teeth cause you pain?" She asked after a minute.
"Sometimes."
Anahi nodded, then started mixing something up for him.
Brynn came out of the examination room, she'd been taking care of Nova. He wasn't doing well. "Oh hello." She smiled softly at him, "are you here to see Nova?"
"I was taking a look at his mouth," Anahi said.
"Are you ok?" She looked worried.
"I'm fine. I've always had issues with my teeth."
"Oh. Well, Anahi will get you fixed up."
The healer finished her mixture and brought him the jar, "here. Put this paste on them every night before you sleep. It should help strengthen them and reduce the chance of pain and bleeding. I don't know if it will help with the color."
"Thank you," he mumbled. "Could I see Nova for a minute?"
"Of course," said Brynn, "I know he means a lot to you. But just so you know, he's not doing well. I think Riker should come see him soon." She said his name with distaste.
Creech swallowed, "how long?" His chest hurt. Even though Nova wasn't related to him by blood, he still felt he was his father. He didn't want to lose him.
"I would say till nightfall," Brynn said sadly. "The heatstroke was too much for him because of his age."
Creech pushed past her, hurrying to go see his father. "Nova!"
The elder gave him a weak smile, "Creech."
The younger rouge felt hot tears rolling down his face. Nova looked so frail. He'd never seen him show a second of weakness before, and now he was barely able to move. He hurried over to his side, "can I do something for you? Anything?"
Nova touched his wrist, "sit with me?"
He nodded, vision blurry through the tears. "You can't go Nova," he whimpered. His ears fell flat against his skull and he hiccuped. He felt like a little pup again. He'd said those same words when Nova left him at the cave so he could find some food and medicine for him. He'd been so sick, but he didn't want the elder to leave him. He was afraid he wouldn't come back.
"I'm sorry Creech," he coughed. "I don't want to leave you, but you won't be alone. These are good jackals in this pack. They'll help you."
He wiped his cheeks, "I know Lori will help. She's so nice to me."
"You like her don't you?"
A nod with a small hiccup. "A lot."
"I'm happy for you." Nova gave his hands a squeeze.
"I'm going to miss you Nova."
"You'll make it ok. You're tough. But Riker..." he swallowed, "would you help him cope? He'll need it."
"Do you want to see him?"
He nodded with a rattling breath.
"I'll get him," Anahi said from the doorway. She turned to Brynn, "you stay here. Try and keep Nova comfortable."
Brynn nodded. Anahi left, and she went to adjust Nova's blankets and pillow. She hated there was nothing more she could do for him. They had tried to help him get rehydrated and cooled off, but the desert heat had finally got to him. It was his age. It had finally caught up to him. At least he would die with the honor and respect he deserved.
Anahi came back with Riker. Pierce and Taja were with them too.
"Nova." Riker's voice was almost a whimper. He went over to his friend. "You can't leave me," he sniffled.
"I'm sorry Riker. I can't stay much longer. I can feel it."
Riker grabbed the blankets, "you can't go! You have to stay! With me!"
"I can't. I'm sorry."
"No! I'm sorry! I'm sorry for everything I did! I'm sorry for being such a jerk to my brothers and mother! I'm sorry for the way I treated Cujo! I'm sorry for what I did to Brynn! I'll make it right! I promise!" Tears streamed down his face, "just don't go!" He buried his face in Nova's lap, full on sobbing now. "Don't go. Please."
Nova touched his back, "I can't make that deal with you Riker, I would if I could. But be glad for the time we had together. I know I am. I'm glad I got to know you."
He nodded, but didn't lift his face.
Nova rubbed his back, and the room fell silent. Except for Riker's sobs. Slowly though, they quieted into heaving breaths.
Brynn knew she should be happy for Riker's pain, but she wasn't. Her chest hurt. Riker was losing someone important to him, and even though he was a horrible jackal, he was suffering. She didn't like seeing anyone in such anguish. She silently slipped from the room, feeling conflicted.
Anahi followed her, "Brynn? Are you ok?"
"Oh Anahi," she hugged her, "I don't know what to do. He deserves this, right?"
The healer knew she was taking about Riker. "Sweetie, you have such a big heart. But it's ok to care about yourself too. And what you went through, you have every right to be angry about it."
"I know." She wiped her face, "I guess just seeing him like that, makes him more of a real person instead of the monster I know him as."
"You're right. This job brings out the real side of everyone. Even hardened males. They become vulnerable in front of us, and it's hard for us to remember who they really are. What they really are." She touched her shoulders, "you can't put yourself in danger Brynn. The pack needs us. They need good healers."
"I know."
"If Riker does change, and apologizes, you don't have to forgive him."
"I know."
"I'm proud of you Brynn. In spite of everything, you've grown into a wonderful healer, and a mature young woman. I'm proud to call you my apprentice."
She beamed, "thanks Anahi."
