Chapter 5

Scarlet

A supreme healer. That’s what everyone calls me. I don’t know why I ended up as one, but I didn’t want to disappoint Elder Ira and Dante. It has been five years since I came here to Alaska, and all I did was study and train how to fight. Now, I am a full-fledged doctor, not just for humans but specifically for our kind. As a healer among healers, the danger will keep following me, so everyone in the academy ensured that I could defend myself, hence the intense combat training and Jonas.

Aside from being my best buddy, Jonas is also my assistant. I am not allowed to go anywhere without him. “Scarlet, Dr. Coron wants to talk to you,” he said as he entered my office. With a furrowed brow, I look at him curiously. I don’t remember doing something that may a nger the old doctor. “Just get up from your seat and see him.” I did what I had been told and went to the next building.

“You ask for me,” I said upon entering Dr. Coron’s clinic after I knocked.

“Come here, dear, and have a seat.” I walked closer and sat on a vacant chair in front of him. He looked at me, and I started to wonder what he really needed from me.

“You can talk to me comfortably as always, Dr. Coron.” He seemed to be uneasy, so I had to encourage him.

“Elder Ira called,” he started before he heaved a deep breath. “He wants you to return to Canada.”

“Is it time?” I asked, and he nodded. Then, fear engulfed me. I know that I did my best in my studies and even my training in combat and healing, but I still don’t feel confident about it.

“Don’t be scared. You’ve been diligent with your training, and everyone here sees how capable and independent you are now. As much as we want you here, we must let you go. Our kind needs you more than humans do.”

Dr. Coron is a healer and has been a doctor for over 30 years. He devoted his life to treating humans, but he was always there whenever a wolf came for help. W. Hospital and Academe is a private hospital for humans in Alaska. It was founded by wolf elders who used it as a front in training and teaching healers to avoid suspicions. “Believe me, dear, you are ready to face your fate.” I smiled at him, nodding. He boosted my confidence, so I had to meet his expectations. No. Let me rephrase that: I had to live up to their expectations.

After three days, Jonas and I traveled back to the Forest Pack in Canada and were welcomed by the pack’s beta, Roger. “Welcome back,” he greeted Jonas and me with a wide smile.

“It’s nice to be back, beta!” Jonas replied happily. Roger took my bags and guided us to the waiting car, driven by one of the pack’s warriors.

As we traveled, I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic. I looked outside the window, and the memories of my family and friends flooded my mind. They made me feel outcasted and unwanted. A fang of pain cut deep in my heart, so I closed my eyes and meditated. I shouldn’t feel this way; I am a healer and should keep myself away from hatred and anger. I have to if I don’t want my ability to weaken. It’s not that I hold grudges against them; I just couldn’t help but feel that way. Thanks to the beta family, especially the twins, I still enjoy my life.

“Welcome back,” Dante said, smiling. He was standing on the porch with Elder Ira and his gamma beside him. We hugged each other after I got closer.

“Hello, Scarlet,” Elder Ira said when I turned to look at him.

“Hello, Elder Ira.” The old man smiled at me, and I was about to hug him, too, when he suddenly froze. His eyes became red before they dilated.

“Crimson Pack..” he said before his eyes returned to normal.

“Elder Ira,” Dante said as he held the old man by his shoulders.

“I’m fine,” he replied and looked at me. "Dear, you must return to the Crimson Pack and coordinate with their alpha. As we speak, he’s the strongest and most powerful alpha in the region, and you both need each other.”

As I stood there, the words reverberated through my mind, each syllable a stark reminder of the painful past I had tried so desperately to leave behind. My father's rejection had been a cold, cutting wound that had never truly healed, leaving a scar I carried like an unseen brand. The pack members turned their back on me, casting me out into a world I was ill-prepared to face alone. I balled my fist as I felt pain, sadness, and fear after hearing the pack’s name. Why the Crimson Pack of all places?

“Why not let her rest first, Elder Ira?” Dante chimed in. He knew how much I didn’t want to go back there because I often told him that.

Elder Ira nodded and looked at me, concerned, “I’m sorry about this, dear. I want you to stay in this pack and become our Luna, but that’s not what the moon goddess wants for us.”

“I understand, Elder Ira,” I replied, smiling bitterly. “Let’s go and talk about the details tomorrow. Jonas and I are really tired, and we want to rest.”

“Okay, dear.” The old man took my hand and guided me inside the pack house, followed by the others.

“Alpha Dante,” Jonas said, making us stop walking as we reached the living room. “Scarlet just finished a nine-hour operation in Alaska before we took our flight; she needs a rest right now.”

“Then I am going to send her to her room,” Alpha Dante replied before looking at me. “Let’s go?” I nodded my head and took his hand. We looked at everyone and smiled before we continued walking our way upstairs.

It has been over twenty minutes since we entered my bedroom, and we haven't said anything to each other. I was sitting on my bed while he was standing, leaning on the closed door. It felt awkward, so I decided to break the silence. “Don’t worry about me; I’ll be fine,” I said in a low voice with my head down.

Dante sighed and said, I thought you're not going to talk. You’re stronger than you think, Scarlet. I’m sure you’ll be able to face them.” He sounded confident, so I looked up to him and smiled.

“With a heavy heart and a mind swirling with uncertainty, I am prepared for the journey back to the place I had once called home,” I told him. “I may not know what awaited me—whether I would find acceptance or face rejection once more. But I also know I had to face them, confront the pain and the past, and find out for myself if there was any place for me in the world I had left behind.”

“That’s my girl,” he said before he approached me and joined me on my bed. He caressed my cheeks, making me feel his warmth. This man had been my anchor, even if we often saw each other personally. He made sure to talk to me every day through a video call. He even visited me in Alaska whenever he had time and if it was safe for him to leave the pack for days.

Because of that, we formally got into an intimate relationship two years ago. I gave myself to him on my 21st birthday when he surprised me in the hospital. But even if it was like that, we never tried to mark each other. He wants us to do that after we settle everything that’s about to happen and the peace in our world is assured. We agreed to let each other go if, by chance, we find our mates and be happy for each other. But I know better. And I admire him for his understanding.

I didn’t know that I would be able to give myself to him when I was actually waiting for my mate. But Dante is different and just like him, I hoped that he was also my mate, but until now, I haven’t found mine. I also know about the conversation he had with Elder Ira before I went to Alaska as well as the conversation he had with Dr. Coron. That’s why I admire him even more. He’s not selfish and always thinks about others. Can anyone blame me for giving myself to him?

Both naked, we slept together after we indulged ourselves with each other the whole night. I don’t think I can leave him because he already holds a special place in my heart. Or maybe the one who was already holding it.

But that’s what I thought because I didn’t know the surprise that would welcome me when I returned to the Crimson Pack.