Cyndi had never been so glad to be home or for the fact she hadn’t embarrassed herself and thrown up all over the Alpha’s backseat. She’d jumped out quickly as soon as the vehicle had pulled to a stop, saying a quick, “Bye.” And rushing away before anyone had a chance to say anything.
Every light was on at home, their cabin lit up like the proverbial Christmas tree as she approached, the door opening before she got to it, Connie rushing out, her voice a high pitched squeal as she grabbed her in a tight hug. “Oh my gosh. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Or I will be once you let me breathe.” Cyndi wiggled free. “Can we go inside so I can sit down? I’d like an herbal tea to settle my stomach, it’s churning up a storm.”
“Of course, come on. Mom, can you—”
“I heard. I’m already making it.”
“Thank you.” Cyndi came into the warmth of her home, Abner standing white faced by the door and doing his best not to look worried.
“You sure you’re all right, honey?” he asked quietly.
“I’ll be fine. It was just such a shock. He was badly hurt but my training seemed to kick in and I went onto autopilot. Caitrìona said I saved his life so I guess I did something right.” Cyndi plopped down in one of the armchairs, not sure her legs would hold her up for much longer.
“Holy hell, look at your clothes. They’re covered in blood.” Connie’s eyes went wide as she stared at her.
“Yeah, there was a lot of that, he had so many wounds and I thought I was gonna lose him. That’s when Caitrìona showed up and we worked together on the worst injury so his Alpha could get him home. It was scary and afterwards I had to run to the bathroom ‘cause I threw up. Kinda embarrassed about that part,” Cyndi admitted as Selah brought her tea and a few crackers.
“Here you go, sweetie, this should settle your stomach, and I don’t blame you. I would’ve freaked out! I couldn’t have done what you did. Connie told us how you ran straight over, jumping over tables and pushing people out of the way. Jeez, you were a superhero, Cyndi.”
“That you were, Cyndi,” Abner agreed. “I’m so proud of you, a Healer as a daughter, so proud.”
Cyndi blushed, her heart swelling with pride at her adoptive father’s praise. “Tonight is the first time I’ve felt like I was an actual Healer. Before I’ve just felt like I was kinda playing at it. Ya know? I never realized how much had actually sunk in until I was faced with Jerry and his injuries and then I just reacted and started dealing with it.”
“Well, you looked so in control. I was standing watching you and I was like, ‘Hey, that’s my friend,’ to anyone that would listen. You were like some kind of Amazon woman the way you went over the bar so fast and then ordering everyone around. Damn girl, you were freaking awesome.” Connie sat on floor beside her. “But you look bushed. Are you sure you’re all right?”
Cyndi sipped her tea and sighed. “Not sure all right is the way I’d put it. I’m sure I’ll never forget tonight and I’m tired beyond words, but I’m more worried about what’s coming.”
“What do you mean?” Abner asked, sitting in the chair opposite and leaning forward.
“There were several other Alphas that arrived and they’ve agreed to band together and go out tomorrow to hunt the rogues down. I’m not sure what’s going to happen but I don’t think it’s going to be good.”
“A kill hunt you mean?” Abner queried.
Selah gasped as Connie’s head swung between her father and Cyndi before she asked, “What’s that?”
“It means they go out with the sole intention of killing any and all rogues they find. They won’t capture any, they will only kill,” Cyndi informed her.
“Really?” Connie looked to her father for confirmation.
“Yes.” Her dad nodded.
“Is that a bad thing?” Connie cocked an eyebrow. “Hey, I’m only asking. Look at what happened to the couple this evening. That was awful and it could’ve been any of us and well . . .”
She trailed off as her mom tutted and Cyndi shook her head and her father shrugged as he tried to answer. “There’s no cut and dry answer. Some say rogues can never be saved and all should be destroyed. Others say they can be redeemed and should be captured and given a chance. I’ve seen the damage rogues can do and I have my doubts as to whether they can be restored to a decent Wolf. But the fact is that the decision isn’t ours to make. Alphas make those hard choices and that’s what they are there for . . . so we don’t have to make those kind of decisions. Or live with them.”
“When I first heard them talk about it I was shocked. Disgusted. Then Blake told me a story . . . no, I won’t go into details. All I’ll say is it changed my perspective and the truth is . . . I’d kill to protect those I love. If a rogue threatened any of you, then yes, I would kill to protect you. Is this any different? I don’t think it is. They are roaming free and attacking at will, anyone, anywhere, and that means that any of us are a target. So, it’s up to the Alphas to decide what happens and I’ve made my peace with what they do tomorrow. Doesn’t mean I like it. All I care about is that the people I love are safe and I don’t have to deal with another person injured like I had to tonight . . . because that was horrific and it will stay with me for a very long time. Now, if you don’t mind. I’m going to go up and shower and, Connie, I’m gonna leave these clothes outside my door, could you put them in the trash for me, please? I don’t ever want to see them again.”
“Sure,” Connie whispered, everyone else apparently stunned by her speech as she rose, placing her tea and crackers on the side table and going upstairs.
A long hot shower, her favorite pajamas, and sliding into her bed felt so good. She felt safe and secure for the first time in hours, even if her mind kept playing the evening’s events on a loop in her head. She started to do some relaxing exercises that Caitrìona had taught her right at the beginning of her training. It took some time, but eventually she felt her body and mind slowing down and finally the images started to disappear from her brain. Her muscles loosened up, growing heavy and settling into her soft mattress as sleep started to pull her under.
Today was one day she couldn’t wait to see the back of, tomorrow was a new day and one she hoped would be a hell of a lot better than this nightmare one. One where she didn’t have to wash blood from her skin or puke her guts up in a bathroom stall . . . yes, that would be a plus and a step up from today . . . her lips tugged up in a ghost of a smile as she finally dropped over into a deep slumber.