The Heart Of The Alpha

5 - Why did this happen?

Kelly

It was just awful seeing Emery so afraid and screaming in terror inside that van. Alpha Drew asked for me because he thought I could help. But I couldn’t calm her, no matter what I did. If Drew couldn’t get through to her, I had no hope.

I didn’t know what to do because it seemed like Emery didn’t know where she was or who we were. Plus, she no longer had her hearing aid. No wonder she was frightened; she couldn’t hear any of us.

My sister was born deaf, but she could hear a little with the help of a hearing aid. Mind-linking with Emery was always much easier because she didn’t have to rely on aids or anyone else to speak for her.

I tried using sign language and even mind-linking Emery. However, it seemed that she couldn’t understand anything. Perhaps her Wolf had blocked the mind link, or maybe she was in shock; I just didn't know. But it seemed as though her Wolf was also blocked.

Emery screamed even louder when I touched her. I couldn’t help crying because she was petrified, and I had to wonder what terrible things were done to my sister to make it so.

When Emery continued to scream, that’s why Drew put Emery to sleep to save her from causing herself an injury. The man had just healed her wounds, but that didn’t mean she could hurt herself all over again. I then asked Drew to let me take Emery upstairs to her room and let me tend to her. I didn’t think she could take much more upset, so Drew agreed.

When I brought my sister into the packhouse, I took her to one of the spare bedrooms. Of course, Drew would want Emery in his room, but I thought this would help her realize where she was – a room she slept in once upon a time.

Emery slept for an hour before waking up, startled and upright on the bed. I shushed her and kept talking to her calmly. Eventually, she settled down, allowing me to take her hand and lead her to the bathroom.

I helped her shower the filth from her body, which took some time. Emery was filthy as if she hadn’t bathed in weeks. Emery signed and asked me to leave the room while she shaved her intimate area, legs, and armpits.

My sister always was proud of her body and appearance. Now, she looks like a skeleton with skin; she’s so thin.

I left the room for ten minutes while changing my wet clothes. I was practically soaking from helping my sister shower.

When I returned, I had no choice but to cut Emery’s hair. I piled it with conditioner and combed it out as much as I could, but it was matted halfway down, and nothing I did got the knots out. I guess that happened from lying down for so long.

Emery cried to herself as I quickly cut her hair just below her shoulders. She has always had long hair down past her backside; she loved it, and it was so beautiful.

I explained that it would grow back, but my sister didn’t seem to hear me through the mind link. If she did, she didn’t say anything.

While Emery scrubbed her teeth, which thankfully hadn’t rotted, and that told me she hadn’t been locked away as long as I feared, she got dressed in clean pajamas that I laid out for her. I cleaned the bathroom, and when I returned to the bedroom, Emery was sitting on the edge of the bed with her head hanging down.

I had sent my mate to collect one of Emery’s spare hearing aids, which she had left here once after visiting with Drew. Emery watched me with tears in her eyes as I slipped it into her ear and turned it on. She winced when I spoke, and I got the feeling it’s been many months since she heard noise.

I asked Emery if she’d like food, but she shook her head. I asked her if she wanted to lie down, but she didn’t answer me; she just crawled into the bed and lay down, closing her eyes.

I told her I would be right back, but she ignored me again. As soon as the bedroom door was closed, I clasped my hand over my mouth to ward off the sob trying to escape me.

Who would do this to my baby sister?

I don’t understand what Emery did to deserve all she’s been through. My sister is the sweetest person I have ever known, and she didn’t deserve this.

I drag myself downstairs. Alpha Drew wants to talk to the pack. I would have thought Drew would want to be with Emery. But he hasn’t so much as asked about her through the pack-link.

I know Drew was angry with Emery for a long time, thinking she’d left him. But he must know that she needs him.

How could he not?

My sister was in a terrible state when she arrived here. I can’t believe Drew wouldn’t want to go to her and make sure she’s okay.

Emery is going to need her mate, whether Drew wants it or not. I won’t let him abandon my sister when she needs him the most.

“How is she?” Liam asks as I walk into the living room.

“Not good,” I answer, walking into my mate’s arms. Austin is everything to me, and I need him badly right now. “I helped Emery bathe, but I had to cut her hair. She was so upset.”

“Oh, baby,” Austin kissed my head.

“I want to see her,”

“She’s asleep, Liam. Let’s get this thing with Drew over, and I’ll take you to see Emery tomorrow.”

Liam reluctantly nods his head.

I pray to the Moon Goddess Selene that Emery comes through this and Drew doesn’t abandon her. Emery needs us all, and if it’s the last thing I do, I'll make sure we’re there for her.

No matter what.

Alpha Drew calls everyone through the pack link to meet him on the training field. We make our way there and listen to our Alpha as he speaks.

“Crimson Moon Pack, I’ll make this short because it’s already been a long enough day. As you know, I’ve been searching for my mate for a year and a half now.”

There is much muttering around the field. None other than those who were with Alpha Drew and a few people at the packhouse when they arrived home believe that Emery has been found.

“Today, I brought my mate home!”

Cheers and howls erupt from the pack. Excitement and joy are suddenly overwhelming. Emery has friends here, and there isn’t a person who doesn’t love her. She’s that kind of girl.

“Your Luna will need some time to recover from what she’s been through. However, I will tell you I want you all to be on your guard. Whoever took my mate is still out there, so be on your guard at all times.

“Please be understanding if you don't see your Luna or hear from her in a few days. Luna Emery needs time to rest and get her strength back. I know many of you love my mate; after all, she is one of you, but try not to crowd her; she will come to you when she’s ready.

“Now, I won’t keep you any longer, I need to get back to my mate. Mind what I have said, and if you see anything out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to call me or Beta Jai. You’re dismissed!”

I close my eyes and lean my head on my mate’s shoulder. Austin wraps his arm around me and kisses my head.

I have a feeling that things aren’t as over as we believed.

I just hope Drew can keep Emery safe.

I hope. . .