The One He Claimed

Chapter 178: Telling Jocelyn

Sophie

When Hunter and I return, the pack is so excited to see us. I know that Hunter is worried about me, but the pack would never hurt me, not even accidentally. I can feel how protective they are of me and of our pup. Hunter would be able to as well if it weren’t for his concern for me and little Hunt.

So, I helped to calm him while letting the pack know how proud I am of them. I love how responsive they are to me, and I loved that Hunter followed my lead and sent waves of pride to the pack as well. They did a fantastic job of protecting our pack. No one died and anyone who was injured is already healed. I do need to get away from the packhouse though. The scent of the dead is making me feel nauseous.

So, I get Kinsley, and we head to the Survivor Center to check on Jocelyn. On the way, I let her know about what happened.

“I’m happy for Jake and Letti, but Sophie, why do we need a trial? Do the other Alphas think that Hunter is wrong?”

“No, they don’t, but Nikki had a good point. It’s a good opportunity for us as the Lunas and for Jake, as a new Alpha, to learn how to participate in a trial. If Lucas wins a pack, Kinsley, the two of you will become part of that trial process, too. Wouldn’t you rather start with a trial that you already feel confident you know how it’s going to go versus something that’s a really difficult decision?” I ask her.

“I guess. I just…Jocelyn’s been through enough. She shouldn’t have to suffer any more or spend the rest of her life looking over her shoulder and worrying about Zahn coming after her again,” she says.

“I agree. But the trial is the right way to go,” I say and explain to her the thought process of why Jocelyn and Zahn’s case is different from the others who were on the run.

“I guess,” she says, still not convinced.

When we arrive, I see that most of the survivors are out working in the garden. It looks like some of the new plants were trampled in the attack.

“You’d think those wolves were raised in a barn,” one of the survivors gripes as she looks over a small plant that doesn’t look like it’s going to make it. “All these carefully planted seedlings and they just trampled over them. Oh, hello Luna. Welcome home,” she says when she-notices me.

“Hello. It’s good to be home. How is everyone after the attack,” I ask, looking around at everyone, noticing that Jocelyn is absent.

“We’re good, Luna. We were all in the safe room. No one was injured. The pack warriors did an amazing job of keeping us safe,” another survivor says.

“And our Betas were excellent at running the pack while you were gone,” another says, smiling at Kinsley.

“Good, I’m glad to hear it. Not that I’m surprised. Lucas and Kinsley are born leaders,” I say, smiling at my Beta.

“Thank you,” Kinsley says humbly “Are you looking for Jocelyn?” the first woman asks me.

“Yes, do you where I can find her?”

“She’s at Sandy’s house. Dr. Caspian and Brooklyn arrived not too long ago and he wanted to look her over before surgery tomorrow.

“Thank you, I’ll go see them.”

Kinsley and I take a few moments to hug the pups, telling them how brave they were before we go to Sandy’s house.

When we arrive, we knock, and Sandy opens the door for us.

“Luna, Beta, please come in. We have a full house today,” she says, and I can hear Dr. Caspian talking to Jocelyn.

“Is that Sophie?” Jocelyn calls.

“It is I say, following the sound of her voice into the kitchen where she, Brooklyn, and Dr. Caspian are talking.

“Take my seat, Luna,” Sandy says to me.

“Oh, I couldn’t…”

“I’ll get another one.”

“And you take mine, Beta,” Dr. Caspian says, standing.

“Thank you, I’d argue, but my back seems to ache all the time as this little one gets bigger.”

Brooklyn smiles up at Dr. Caspian in a way I recognize. I lift my nose in the air and sniff.

‘Hedda?’

‘Yep, our doctor and nurse are going to have a pup of their own,’ she confirms.

“Congratulations,” I say, making Brooklyn look back at me.

“You and your sister have a great sense of smell,” Brooklyn. “She smelled our pup the same day we found out we were pregnant.”

“Alpha noses,” I say. I’m really happy for them. Brooklyn deserved to find happiness and Dr. Caspian looks like he’s about to burst from happiness and pride in his mate.

“I was just explaining to Jocelyn that I can’t be in the operating room this time. The scent of blood…” she cuts off as she covers her mouth quickly and gags.

“I understand. When we got back, I could bare stand being in the packhouse, the scent of blood is so strong. I don’t recommend that you go over there until the bodies are dealt with.”

She nods and I see Kinsley’s eyes go unfocused.

“It doesn’t bother you, Kinsley?” I ask her.

“The scent of blood, no. Eggs…keep them away from my nose or my eyes. Just the sight of them has me rushing for the nearest bathroom.”

Sandy chuckles as she brings in two more chairs. “I remember those days. Don’t miss them at all.”

When everyone is seated, I turn to Jocelyn. “I need to talk to you, but first, if you’re willing, do you want to update me and Kinsley on next steps for your surgery?”

She nods and looks at Dr. Caspian before turning back to me. “Dr. Caspian says that my left side looks really good. I showed him how I can walk, but with a hobble because now my left side is longer than my right. He’s going to fix that and hopefully, in another week or so, I’ll be ready to start on my left arm and torso,” she says.

“That’s great. I know you were interested in coming to the next pack to see how the competition is run. We’ve decided to wait until after Amelia has her pup, so your legs should be completely healed by then. Depending on how quickly we schedule it after that, you may even be healing from your left arm surgery too,” I tell her.

“That would be great, and I would love to do that, but…what’s going on with Zahn?”

I look around. “Are you comfortable with me discussing it with everyone in this room?” I ask.

“We can leave,” Brooklyn says.

Jocelyn smiles at her. “I’m pretty sure everyone in this room already knows everything that I’ve been through. I don’t have a lot secrets when you’ve seen the decimation of my body. I don’t mind if you stay,” she tells them.

“I’d like to stay. As your doctor, I’d like to know how your healing might be impacted and if Alpha Zahn is going to have any ability to contact you,” Dr. Caspian says.

I explain to Jocelyn about the trial, the reasons behind it, and that it would be to her benefit to attend and speak against Alpha Zahn.

“I’d have to speak?” she asks, the scent of her fear tainting the air.

“We’d be there, all of the Lunas. But you know Zahn is going to lie about what Hunter has done. This is a trial of peers, so it will be the Alphas and Lunas making the decision. Hunter and I won’t be on the board because he’ll obviously be part of the trial, and therefore, so will I.”

“Will you be able to stand with me?” she asks.

“I don’t actually know. It’s the first time Lunas have been involved with this process. But I’ll talk to the other Lunas. I think it makes sense and sets a good precedent for the future if the Luna who is either part of the trial or the Luna of the person on while trial has the option to stand with and support the person they speak.”

“It would be easier for me if you were there with me, Sophie,” she says.

“Then I’ll make it happen,” I say confidently. I’m sure Nikki will agree, and I’d assume Allison and the twins will too. Margot and Letti are the ones I’m not sure about.

“What about Alpha Zahn? What happens with him until the trial?” Dr. Caspian asks.

“He will remain in the cells until the trial date,” I say, and Jocelyn lets out a breath.

“So, I don’t have to worry about seeing him anymore?”

“Nope, not until the trial.”

When we finish, I hug Jocelyn and let her know that I’ll be back in the morning to get her, just like the last time.

“Thanks, Sophie,” she whispers to me.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

“Like I’ve always said, Jocelyn. I just want you to be happy and healthy.”

“I’m getting there, with the help of you and your pack, I’m truly getting there.”