Healing

*June*

Morgan danced hard on the *Dance Dance Revolution* mat in the hospital room. “I whooped your ass!” she shouted, laughing at Sterling. Smiling, she sat beside him. “You would have totally had the best comeback for that.”

Though she was still completely heartbroken, she was trying her hardest. She trained diligently with Elijah, spent time with the pack, and slowly regained their trust. She still couldn’t look at her Sailor Moon merchandise or get to the end of Animal Farm before breaking down, but she was with her twins like she’d promised, and she would be there until the end.

She looked from Jordan to Sterling. “Please don’t be mad at me. I just couldn’t go. Walking the stage without you cheering me on didn’t feel right.” She sighed. “I know it’s selfish, but I’m so angry and I can’t stop being angry. You fucking left me. You looked me in the face and said you wouldn’t, and you did, and I’m having such a hard time forgiving you for that. But I’m here, and I’m going to try every day. Just give me some time.”

She took out her phone and showed her screen to them. “Can you believe I was magna cum laude? I know you would be so proud.” She wiped her tears away quickly. “Anyway, I just wanted to tell you I’ll be gone for a few weeks.” She laughed. “And Sterling, don’t give me shit for leaving. I’ll be back. I need to check out something I heard about in California. There are some wolves that were displaced from their homes and really want to join Dark Moon.”

She turned to Jordan. “I know, I know. It’s not wise to go alone. Don’t worry, Alexus is in California and Klaus, George, Terrence, and Annie have agreed to go with me.” She laughed again. “Let’s just hope Terrence and Annie can keep focused. They said something about allegedly setting a new record. You know, they’ve really been stepping in and helping a lot. Do you know what pack they’re from? I know Klaus is from Dark Moon, but Elijah said nobody knows about Terrence, George, and Annie, but that they aren’t rogues. Klaus won’t even tell me, and you know Rachel and I can get anything out of him.” She fiddled with her fingers. “I wish I could ask you because I know you’d know. You’re the smartest person I’ve ever met. You’d know the answer and I know you would tell me because you want me to be as smart as you.”

She turned to Sterling. “Just like I know you’d help me ask them repeatedly, even if it meant you getting kicked into a tree. You’d do it because you’re the bravest person I’ve ever met, and I know you want me to be as brave as you.” Sighing, she stood. “Don’t miss me too much, you two. That would break my heart.” Her bottom lip trembled. Leaning down, she kissed Jordan. “I love you. Thank you for helping me finally grow up.” Walking over, she kissed Sterling. “Hey? I love you, okay? Thank you for bringing so much laughter and joy to me. Thank you both for my new family. It means more to me than you’ll ever know. This isn’t goodbye, it’s just a see ya later. I promise.” Morgan raced from the room, unable to hold her tears anymore. As the door shut behind her, Jordan and Sterling’s fingers twitched.

*****

*A few weeks later- California*

Morgan held Alexus tightly in her arms. “Hey now, stop crying. You know you can visit any time.”

“Sorry, I’m being so emotional,” Alexus said.

“Girl please. You’ve always been emotional. You remember when you broke Joey’s nose for slapping your ass?”

“Rachel decked him too.”

“Eh, he also tried shoving his hands down her pants. He deserved more than a broken jaw and nose.” The two sisters smiled softly at one another. As much as Morgan loved Rachel’s company during this time, Alexus was like a breath of fresh air. Though she was also grieving for Sterling and Jordan, she wasn’t a part of the pack. It allowed Morgan to grieve with someone in a way that didn’t feel so heavy. Grabbing her bags, Morgan paused. “You could always come live with me, if you wanted,” she said.

“What?”

“Rachel and I are so proud of you, Lexy. I know it was a struggle to go back to school after taking time off, but you did it, and you’re kicking ass, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. You could always finish online.”

“You really wouldn’t mind? I wouldn’t be a burden? You have so much going on.”

“Stop Lexy. You are not a burden. I’d love to have you at Dark Moon. They already love you and consider you family.” She rolled her eyes. “They didn’t even love me and Rachel that much when we first came, and I know you loved it there.”

“I did, but what about my stuff?”

“We’ll take care of it.”

“Okay! I’ll come in a couple of weeks,” Alexus said as she hugged her briefly again.

“Perfect. Now I have to go. Everybody’s waiting for me in the car.”

Morgan’s mission had been successful. She’d met a mother and her two little girls, who wanted nothing more than to return with her and become Dark Moon members. They were kind, appreciative, and she loved that the mother had the courage to reach out and ask for help. She also found peace, knowing she would soon be reunited with her sisters.

After a long ride and an even longer flight, Morgan walked up the step to an unfamiliar house to meet Rachel. She was beyond tired, but Rachel said two pack members needed her immediately. “This is an interesting house,” she mumbled as she gazed at it. From the outside, it looked like two enormous houses put together with a long corridor connecting them. “Whoever lives here must really like their space.” Climbing the steps, she knocked, but there was no answer. She rolled her eyes. “Please don’t tell me I came all this way for nothing.”

Knocking again, Morgan’s eyes widened as the door opened. Her senses heightened. She shifted into her wolf and trudged inside. Standing in the middle of the corridor, she looked from left to right. “Hello? Rachel?” Silence followed, and she growled. “I done said hello, Rachel?! Is anyone here? I’m tired, hungry, and cranky as hell! Somebody better say something goddammit or when I find you, I’m gonna bite you!” The sound of a laugh sent chills up her spine. The smell of leather hit her nose, and his burly voice almost made her faint.

“I’m not particularly against that, Ms. Pierce,” Jordan said, smiling at her.