After about an hour of small talk in the room, Gabby forced Layla to leave. The Doctor sighed, giving her mate a small smile.

Marley gave her a smile back before frowning at her mate's backside. "Why does she have to leave?"

"Well, it's about time you get some rest," Gabby laughed, coming over to the side of Marley's bed. "Is there anything you need before I go?"

The younger woman's fingers started to play with the other as Marley nervously thought if anything she needed. "Will... will Layla come back tomorrow?" Gabby nodded her head.

"I also believe with the Alpha and Luna." Seeing Marley's panic face, Gabby explained, "Well, you are Layla's mate, the Alpha and Luna needs to meet you to allow you to come into this pack." Gabby checked the equipment around the bed before coming to face Marley again. "Anything else?"

Marley shook her head, snuggling into her bed to go to sleep.

Layla walked out of the hospital, heading towards the Pack House to speak with the Alpha. She was beyond nervous, especially since the Denice's mate did not particularly enjoy her company or anything else about her.

"Layla?" The Luna asked when she walked out of her mate's office. "Everything ok?"

Layla gave her a nod, going to a doctor mode. "Everything is alright, Luna."

Denice frowned, "How's your mate doing?"

The Doctor smiled. She was happy that her mate was ok, and she was on the quick recovery path. It was no doubt because their pack had the best medical equipment for any types of ranked werewolves, not to mention being around your mate allows her wolf to be stronger and heal herself faster.

"She doing good. I feel like she should be able to leave the hospital in a couple of days."

The Luna shook her head, smiling. "Is that from a doctor's perspective or a mate's?" She joked, making Layla laugh.

"From a doctor's point; you know I take my work very seriously." The Doctor smiled, hinting at something lost long ago.

"That's good," the Luna commented, hugging her old best friend. Layla was quiet surprised when the Luna hugged her, but she wrapped her arms around her, remembering all those memories they had while going up together. "I'm happy for you."

Layla was flashed back to her younger years, remembering how close they were. She missed the feeling of having her best friend, but she pushed it aside. Life brought different challenges, and sometimes those challenges push people away and bring others together.

"Thanks. Is your mate busy?"

The Luna shook her head, "No, he's just doing some paper work." She related the Doctor, motioning to the door. "Need a buddy?" She asked, making the Doctor shake her head.

"No. This is something I have to do," Layla answered vocally. She gave the Luna another small smile before walking past her, but not without nodding her head in respect.

She knew the Alpha was listening to their conversation, and she knew he was waiting for her to knock on the door. When her fist hit the wooden door, she quickly heard his deep voice telling her to come in.

"Doctor Layla," he crossed his hands over the table, pointy staring at her. "What can I do for you?"

Layla enter into the room, her head bowing low. She quickly sat in the chair, opposite of the Alpha. "It's about my mate, Marley."

The Alpha nodded his head, pushing some papers away from his eye so he can focus. "I'm guess this is about accepting her into the pack."

Layla nodded her head.

"Well, of course, we are going to welcome her with open arms," he quickly took all of Layla's doubts away. The Alpha was an Alpha for a reason, and he wasn't going to hold grudges against people of his lack. "The only problem that will arise is the fact that we believe that she is being hunted down."

Layla bared her teeth at the thought of that wolf she fought coming back — or even more like him. She shook her head, trying to regain control of her upset wolf. "I apologize," she answered when she did, but the Alpha only waved her off.

"It's alright. I understand the feeling," he spoke, hinting at the wound Layla gave to him when they were fighting over Denice. He paused, "How is Marley doing?"

"Marley is fine," Layla answered, smiling. "She's recovering fast, faster than most people."

The Alpha nodded his head again.

The conversation felt strain as they sat their longer, an elephant in the room with them. It felt like they were talking about the weather than dealing with what was really on their minds.

"How have things with you and Denice been doing?" Layla asked, making the Alpha trying to figure out the motive out of the question. "I'm just trying to fill the silence."

The Alpha sighed, nodding his head. "We're doing great. I," he started, looking at the Pack Doctor, "I was going to ask her idea of having kids."

Layla nodded her head. If she hadn't meet her mate, she would be getting upset, for her heart would still be in the Luna's hands. Her mate made her open her eyes, allowing to see the Denice will only to a friend — nothing more.

"That's good! I remembered Denice always loved kids, so I think you're going to get the answer you were looking for."

Layla found it nice talking about her old friend like a friend. The idea of helping her romantic partner set things up and finding out the questions before they even happened was enjoyable. She couldn't believe she missed all of that because she was chasing her and fighting with the Alpha.

"Do you know the best way to ask?" He continued, making Layla think for a moment before she answered.

"Do I?" She laughed, brushing her hair back. "Here's what you do."

GOALS COMPLETED

• 100 overall reads
• Added to four reading lists

GOALS NEEDED (ONLY TWO):

• 150 overall reads
• Added to eight reading list — four more
•  Five votes
•  Two comments made by two different people