Saving Maximus

LEILA

“Sure thing, Mom,” I responded, my voice flat with boredom. I was busy gathering my medical textbooks, filled with information on werewolf anatomy and human medicine, and stuffing them into my backpack.

“Don’t forget to come home on time tomorrow!” Mom reminded me for the third time today. This was her fifth call.

I was on the brink of becoming a pack doctor, having spent years studying at werewolf medical school. In just a few weeks, I’d have my degree.

Once I had that, I’d be expected to return home and officially take on the role of pack doctor.

Pack doctors were a rare breed. Not many had the patience or the drive to learn medicine, which made us a precious commodity.

My return home was also about reassuring my alpha that, after all his years of support, I wasn’t planning on abandoning them.

“Sweetie, I’m so proud of you. You’re about to become a pack doctor.” Mom’s voice wavered, and I knew she was on the brink of tears.

“Mom, don’t cry. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be home tomorrow,” I quickly reassured her. If she started crying, it would be a long time before I could get her off the phone, and her tears always made me feel guilty.

I slung my backpack over my shoulder and left the expansive library.

I gave a nod and a wave to Mrs. Larson, the college librarian, before heading out to my black motorcycle parked in the school lot.

I prefer a bike—it’s easier to navigate.

“Mom, I’ve got to go. I’ll call you when I get there. I’m going home to pack and finish some assignments. Talk to you soon.”

“Alright,” Mom muttered, clearly disappointed that our conversation was ending so soon.

“I love you, Mom. See you tomorrow,” I said.

“Love you too, sweetheart. Drive safe.”

Some people can’t stand silence, but I find it soothing.

After hours of working on assignments in bed, my eyelids were heavy and sore from fighting off sleep.

I rubbed my eyes a few times before finally giving in and letting sleep take over.

In my dream, I was sitting on a rock by a lake when I heard a faint rustling behind me.

I spun around to see who was there, but my werewolf vision wasn’t as sharp in my dream. Or maybe I just wasn’t seeing what I wanted to see. I squinted, but all I could make out was a tall, dark figure.

“Who’s there? Show yourself,” I demanded.

The figure slowly vanished, but a light appeared in its place. I tilted my head, debating whether to touch it or not. But it radiated a warmth that was too inviting to resist.

I reached out and touched it, and a tingling sensation spread from my fingertips. I gasped, pulling my hand back before reaching out again. The electric current pulsed at my fingertips.

“What is this?” I whispered.

As if in response to my question, the light faded away, leaving me feeling alone and longing for its return. I whimpered softly, taking in my surroundings.

The man and the light were both gone. What was happening?

I was jolted awake by the annoying beep of my cell phone alarm.

I growled as I reached to turn it off, but my phone wouldn’t let me snooze it without unlocking it first.

“I’m awake!” I yelled at it, then turned it off.

I checked the time—I had exactly an hour to get ready and hit the road.

I quickly showered and dressed in dark denim jeans, black leather boots, a loose dark gray T-shirt, and my black leather jacket. I left my damp hair to air-dry on the drive home.

I grabbed my keys and duffle bag on my way out the door.

I descended the spiral staircase and headed out to the parking lot where my bike was parked.

I secured my duffle bag behind me with strings, then hopped on my bike, started it up, and pulled out of the driveway.

After several hours of driving, I reached the dirt road that led to my pack. I turned onto it and drove for another half hour before pulling up in front of the pack house.

People stopped to stare as I turned off my bike and dismounted. I didn’t recognize anyone—I’d been away for so long.

They probably thought I was a rogue, judging by the curious looks they were giving me.

The front door of the pack house swung open and Mom came running out.

“Mom.” I smiled and met her halfway, hugging her tightly.

“Sweetheart, you’re finally home,” she kissed my cheek and then cupped my face. “You’ve changed so much.”

I didn’t think I had. My hair was still black and wavy. I’d grown a few inches. Sure, I was curvier now, but I didn’t think I’d changed that much.

“I have?” I asked.

“Yes, you’ve grown into a beautiful woman,” she said, her eyes welling up with tears. I sighed and pulled her back into my arms.

The pack members began to gather around us as they realized I wasn’t a rogue, but my mom’s daughter.

“Terri, is this your daughter?” An older man I recognized approached my mom.

“Yes, this is Leila. Remember her? She used to steal candies from your pocket when she was little,” Mom said, smiling brightly.

I remembered him now. His name was Albert. He always had candies in his pocket for me. He looked at me quietly before breaking into a smile.

“Little Leila,” he said softly, walking over to me.

“Albert,” I grinned and hugged him, slipping my hand into his shirt pocket for a piece of candy. He laughed at my attempt.

“You haven’t changed a bit,” he joked.

“And neither have you, Albert,” I chuckled, finally managing to snag a lollipop. Albert was like the uncle I never had, always showering me with sweets and affection.

“Where’s Dad?” I asked, scanning the room.

“He’s out of town with the alpha for a meeting with another pack. They’ll be back tomorrow,” she explained. “He wanted to be here for you today, but pack business had to come first. He’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay, I’m starving. Did you guys whip up anything to eat? I haven’t had a decent home-cooked meal in ages,” I laughed as my mom led me into the pack house.