Alpha's Healer, page 1
ALPHA’S HEALER
BOOK 1
S. ALEXANDER
Copyright © 2022 by S. Alexander
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
CONTENTS
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Also by S. Alexander
CHAPTER 1
Alyssa
* * *
Here I am... Jacksonville, Oregon. It's been three months already since my parents and little sister died in that stupid car crash. My family were rogues, castaway from their pack when my wolf failed to come. I left everything behind, my memories, my past... my life. All I have left is this backpack and the moon-shaped amulet my mother gave me when I was a little girl. I'm twenty years old and I'm still waiting for my wolf. But it seems like she never comes. And now here I stand, at the gate of the Blackwood mansion. That's the family that accepted me into their pack when none other would. I'll help around the house and stuff. Thanks uncle Mike... I owe you big time for putting a good word for me.
I approach the gates when a guy shows up with two dogs on leashes "Hey there" He says as he stops next to me "You must be the new kid?" He asks smiling "Yeah." I answer him not knowing what else to say. "I'm Alyssa Bailey. Mr. Blackwood is expecting me." He tells me his name before opening the gates letting us enter the property. The place looks huge. We walk through the garden and I can't believe how beautiful everything is. Flowers everywhere, trees, bushes, even small streams running down the hillsides.
We reach the main door to the mansion and I ring the bell, my stomach churning. I feel nervous but excited at the same time. What will they think about me? Will I fit in or should I run away back home where everyone knows who I really am? I take a deep breath and step forward knocking once more. The door opens and I see the man standing in front of me. He looks familiar somehow, but I can't remember why.
"Hi!" The man smiles warmly showing off his perfect white teeth "Come inside. You're expected." He steps aside allowing me to pass. Once again I follow him feeling self-conscious because of all eyes following me. The house is huge. I guess the only way to describe it is elegant. Everything is clean, neat, organized. There are paintings hanging on the walls, statues, vases, candles. I stop for a moment staring at them. They look expensive.
"Who the hell are you?" A young man shouts angrily coming out of nowhere. I jump startled by his sudden outburst. I turn towards him and find myself looking straight into face. His green eyes seem angry and hurt. "Excuse me?" I ask confused. Why does he sound so hostile?
He takes a step closer to me narrowing his eyes menacingly "Are you deaf or something? Didn't your mother teach you manners? How dare you just barge in without asking! Do you know who I am?!" He yells raising his voice. Everyone starts whispering loudly while others start walking away leaving us alone in the middle of the room.
"I'm sorry... I didn't mean to barge in. I was let inside. Alpha Trey Blackwood is expecting me. I'm Alyssa Bailey," I tell him trying to keep my calm. "Well, if you don't know who I am then I suggest you get lost right now or I'll rip your head off," He growls stepping forward threateningly.
"Should I know you?" I reply taking a step backwards.
"Of course you should..." He smirks arrogantly "Trey Blackwood, alpha of the largest pack in this area... the Blackwood Pack"
"Oh... So... who are you then? Are you related to him?" I question him wondering what kind of relationship he has with Trey.
"Yes... I'm Adam Blackwood, his son... the future Alpha." He snarls glaring at me.
"The future... Alpha... huh..." I mumble looking at him thinking maybe I shouldn't have said that. Now he might attack me just to prove a point or worse...
"Don't worry; we won't kill you." He chuckles "But I'd love to rip your throat open." He grins evilly making me shiver.
"Okay... Adam Blackwood... nice meeting you... I guess," I mutter turning around toward the guy who let me in. "Can I see Alpha Trey?"
"Follow me," the man says.
I nod and follow him until we reach the top floor of the house. He leads me into an office where I meet another man sitting behind a large desk reading papers. When he sees me, his eyebrows rise in surprise before he stands up and walks over to greet me.
"Hello, I'm Trey Blackwood, welcome to our home." He extends his hand and I shake it nervously. "It's very good to finally meet you. I've heard many things about you from Mike. Please sit down. Have some coffee, relax, and enjoy yourself." He gestures toward a chair opposite his.
I smile politely and take a seat. "Thank you."
"I'm sorry about your parents," he says after a few moments of silence between us.
"They died in a car accident three months ago," I explain.
"I'm sorry to hear that. But I understand how hard it must be for you," Trey replies sympathetically. "How old are you?" He asks curiously.
"Twenty years," I answer.
"My son is just two years older. You'll meet him soon," Trey explains.
How can I tell Alpha Trey that I've already met his son, Adam, and I think he's the biggest jerk I've ever met? No matter how much I try not to judge people based on their first impressions, Adam had made sure I couldn't help but hate him.
I glance around the office seeing pictures of Adam as a child playing baseball and other sports. There is also a picture of Adam when he graduated high school. In one photo, he looks like a typical jock. Another shows him wearing a black tuxedo with a bow tie. I can't deny he looks hot.
"What do you want with my father?" Adam suddenly interrupts us startling me. I almost jumped out of my skin at the sound of his voice.
Trey sighs exasperatedly. "Adam, please go downstairs and wait for me there."
"I'm sorry, Alyssa," the Alpha says looking straight into my eyes. "My son can be a little rude sometimes."
"It's okay," I say shaking my head.
"Alice!" Mr. Blackwood shout from the door. A woman in her thirties appears. She is beautiful with long blonde hair tied back in a ponytail. Her blue eyes sparkle and she smiles warmly at me.
"Welcome Alyssa. We're so glad you could join us today," Alice greets me kindly.
"Alice will show you to you room. Alice works for us too. Your job is to help her in the kitchen and whatever else she needs help with," Alpha Trey informs me.
"Sure thing." I smile nodding my head.
"If you need anything, please ask either of them. They'll come to find me if they can't help you." He tells me smiling.
"Thanks," I reply feeling nervous all over again.
"Come along now," Alice chirps leading me through a corridor and opening a wooden door revealing a small bedroom. It was neat and tidy with white walls and a plain bed with a floral patterned comforter. The curtains match the sheets while the carpet underneath my feet feels soft.
"This way," she says ushering me inside.
"Do you know how to cook?" Alice questions me.
"No... not really." I laugh nervously.
"Well, I hope you don't mind doing dishes every day because that's basically what your job entails. Oh! And laundry," Alice adds quickly.
"Oh... well, yeah I guess that makes sense."
"Just remember to keep this place clean and tidy. If you have any problems, just knock on my door or call me. Okay?" Alice says smiling brightly.
"Yes. Thank you." I smile gratefully.
"Good luck," Alice says giving me a hug before leaving, closing the door behind her.
I walk slowly around the room trying to get used to everything. I look out of the window overlooking the forest. My stomach growls reminding me I haven't eaten since breakfast yesterday morning. I sigh, thinking of my life until now. How did I end up here? What am I supposed to do next?
CHAPTER 2
Alyssa
* * *
The sun is setting in the horizon casting an orange glow across the sky. I stare at the clouds moving lazily above the trees watching them turn pinkish red then fade away as night falls. I stretch my arms over my head yawning loudly. I stand stretching my legs and back getting ready for bed. Suddenly, the door opens making me jump startled by its suddenness.
"Hey, Alyssa!" Adam yells coming towards me. "You forgot something."
He hands me a bag containing my clothes and shoes.
"Thanks," I mumble taking it from him.
"Don't forget to wash my things tomorrow," he reminds me still standing in the doorway.
"Okay..." I respond turning to leave.
"Wait," he calls stopping me mid-step.
"Yeah?" I question suspiciously.
"Can we talk?" He asks quietly.
"Talk about what?" I retort frowning.
"About why you are here." He states flatly. He looks angry.
I shrug my shoulders. "Because your dad, Alpha Trey gave me a job."
His jaw clenches. "That's not good enough." He turns walking past me heading down the hallway.
"Why isn't it?" I yell after him. He's annoying and I hate him already, but I can't help noticing how attractive he is. His muscular body is toned from working out regularly. His broad chest and narrow waist make me wonder if he has abs under those tight fitting clothes he's wearing tonight.
"Look, Alyssa," he stops in front of me forcing me to stop too. "Alpha Trey said he needed someone who had experience dealing with humans and other people. Someone who would fit in and be able to handle themselves. I don't think you're it."
I scoff at his words. "What's wrong with me being here? Why does everyone always seem to dislike me?" I huff angrily.
"Because no one likes a liar, Alyssa." He replies coldly. "And I don't like liars."
"Then maybe you should try trusting me first," I snap.
Adam shakes his head, looking annoyed. "Fine, I trust you," he spits out sarcastically. He walks away again disappearing into the darkness. I'm left alone wondering what he meant by that last comment. Did he mean he trusts me to stay silent? Or is there more to it than that? I shake my head.
My thoughts are interrupted when a loud banging comes from the kitchen followed shortly afterwards by another.
"Dammit," I grumble irritated hearing the noise. I hurry downstairs finding Adam leaning against the counter glaring at me.
"Can you please keep it down. I'm trying to sleep," I say raising my voice so he will hear me.
"Sorry... my house, my rules," he mutters.
I roll my eyes, deciding to ignore him. I head back to my room and crawl into bed. It takes only a few minutes to fall asleep. The sound of heavy footsteps jolts me awake. I sit bolt upright gasping. My heart races and I feel sick to my stomach. Something doesn't feel right. I glance through the open curtains seeing the moonlight shining brightly outside illuminating the yard. There's nothing to worry about. Just some animal roaming around in the woods probably looking for food.
I lie back down trying to relax, but my racing heartbeat continues causing my breathing to become shallow. I close my eyes concentrating on controlling my breathing. I need to calm myself down. Everything is okay. I peek through the curtains once more and I see Adam running towards the forest that borders the property. He runs off into the distance quickly disappearing from view.
"Oh fuck," I gasp feeling panic rising inside me.
There's a knock on my bedroom door. "Are you okay?" Alice asks her concern evident in her tone. She must have heard me screaming.
"No, I'm fine," I reply shaking my head. "Just a nightmare."
She smiles reassuringly before leaving closing the door behind herself. "Go to sleep. You need to get up early tomorrow."
"Yes, ma'am," I chuckle rolling onto my side. I shut my eyes letting my mind drift back to where I was just seconds ago.
Adam is chasing after a dark figure running deep into the forest. As I watch him disappear from sight, I begin to scream as well. I jump out of bed throwing my covers aside. I rush to the window and look outside. The night sky is clear and filled with stars. There's no sign of anyone or anything. But something tells me that this wasn't a dream.
The pounding on my door startles me. "Alyssa, are you okay?" Alice asks concerned. "You screamed again."
"I know," I sigh. "I'm really sorry... I... I thought I heard something."
Alice nods understanding. "Do you want to go check it out? Maybe you'll find whatever scared you."
"I'm good, thanks." I turn heading back to my bed.
"Okay. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Alice," I whisper. I lay back down thinking of all the things that could be lurking out there. Other packs, rogues? Suddenly, being a pack member doesn't sound so appealing. If they found me out here, then what happens next? I shiver remembering the way Adam looked at me earlier. What did he mean by 'trust'? What will they say when they find out I don't have my wolf. How long until I change anyway? Will I even survive? I can already tell that I'm going to be an outcast. I won't belong anywhere because I'm not like them.
I take a deep breath trying to quell the fear threatening to overwhelm me. This isn't real. None of this is happening. It's all a dream.
The next day, Alice comes to wake me up.
"Wakey, Wakey!" she sings loudly opening my bedroom door.
"Gah! Go away," I mumble pulling the blanket over my face burying my head beneath it. "Please don't make me leave my nice warm bed."
"It's time to get up now," Alice says sitting beside me rubbing my shoulders.
"But whyyy?!" I whine turning to glare at her.
"Because we've got work to do. Come help me in the kitchen. We have to get breakfast ready for the Blackwoods."
"Fine," I groan reluctantly getting out of bed. I walk into the bathroom brushing my teeth and washing my hands. After I finish, I pull on some jeans and a t-shirt before joining Alice in the kitchen.
We both put together omelets using eggs, cheese, bacon, tomatoes, onions, peppers, mushrooms and green chilies. While cooking I try to think of how I would react if someone told me they didn't have their wolf anymore. I wouldn't believe it either. Not everyone has one. Some people choose not to.
"Hey Alyssa," Alice calls out making me pause mid chop.
"Yeah?" I ask glancing over my shoulder wondering what she wants.
"Why aren't you wearing your uniform today?"
"Uniform? Why?"
"Well, since you're a new member of the working staff, you should wear the same clothes as us."
"Oh, right," I laugh nervously taking another bite of food.
"What's wrong?" Alice asks looking at me curiously.
"Nothing," I reply. "Sorry."
"Don't worry about it," Alice laughs. "Come sit down." She hands me a cup of steaming coffee. "Don't worry! You'll be fine. Alpha Trey Blackwood is a good man. You'll be safe in the Blackwood pack."
"Where's my breakfast?" Adam shouts as he enters the kitchen. He takes his seat at the table across from me. His hair is damp and combed neatly back. He looks gorgeous. I can feel myself blushing as I stare at him.
"Here," Alice says handing him a plate. "Enjoy your meal, Adam."
"Thank you," he replies smiling politely.
He eats quickly, pushing his empty plate away and standing up. "Thanks for breakfast ladies."
"No problem," Alice answers before walking off towards the front room. I don't say a word to him. I just keep staring at the floor avoiding eye contact with him. Once he leaves I grab my coffee cup and drink it down fast. My throat burns from the hot liquid but it feels refreshing too.
"He seems nice to you," I say to Alice once she returns.
"Yes, he does. I was worried at first, especially after seeing you two fight last night. But he's actually very sweet."
"I don't think he likes me very much," I murmur shaking my head.
"Aww, come on now. That's not true. And besides, who cares if he doesn't like you? There are plenty of guys around here.You'll find your mate."
"I don't want any other mate," I protest.
"That's because you haven't met the right one yet. Don't let anyone else influence how you see yourself or others."
"Did you wash my things?" Adam asks suddenly appearing behind me. I jump startled by his sudden appearance.
"Your stuff?" I whisper looking at him confused.
"My clothes," he clarifies.
"Ahh..." I nod slowly. "Well... not really."
"You're useless," he huffs.
CHAPTER 3
