CHAPTER 5 NIKLAUS

I couldn't believe it when my son told me there was a survivor from one the massacres. To find out it was Ren made my heart break all the more. I almost wish she hadn't survived because of the gut wrenching pain she went through. Having lost my mate many years ago, I could only imagine the magnitude of the pain of losing one's entire pack, friends, and family in one night. I shook my head just thinking about it. I would protect her from any more pain and aid her in seeking revenge for those she lost. She used to be like a daughter to me, but her parents and I had a falling out of sorts and I lost touch. Now I would give anything to go back and make amends. If only could. Reminiscing on the past and thinking of how to help the poor girl, I drifted off to sleep.

      I was suddenly startled awake. I could hear the screams all the way in my room on the ground floor of the alpha house. Something was very wrong. The screams were filled with anguish, loss, and despair. I rushed to find the source of the pained wails. To my surprise, they came from the guest room where Ren was staying. The poor girl was screaming out in her sleep. One could easily guess what her nightmare was about. She was reliving the death of her pack, her friends, and family. That was the only explanation for the agony and emotion filled outcries. 

      I slowly rocked her back and forth doing my best to console her and get her to wake up from her nightmare. Slowly, she snapped out of her dream and sobbed uncontrollably into my shoulder. I wished I could take the pain from her, even just for a little while.

      She eventually calmed down and seemed to understand that she had been dreaming, but it only reminded her of all she had lost. She realized we were not alone and began to blush when she saw who had come to help. She quickly got up and picked the blanket up off the bed and wrapped it around herself. It was then that I realized she was wearing shorts and a t-shirt. What surprised me were the scars covering a large portion of her body. Why had Doctor Nash not told me of them and what happened to her for her to have so many?

      I looked toward the door to see who had joined us and locked eyes with my son, Conner and my second, Alec. Conner's eyes were covered in unshed tears, but his faced looked like murder. As he started to move towards Ren, I stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. Understanding that now was not the time to pry, his gaze softened and he slowly gained his composure.

      Conner was the first to break the uneasy silence. "Are you okay? Do you need anything?"

      Embarrassed and shaking Ren responded, "No, I'm okay now. Thank you for your concern. I apologize for the inconvenience. I didn't mean to wake you, any of you."

      "Dear girl," I said, "You are like family to us, you could never be an inconvenience. If you would like, I will talk with Doctor Nash in the morning and have him prescribe something to help you sleep."

      "That's not necessary, really. You have already done so much for me. I don't want to impose." She seemed panicked at the thought of being on any medication. Conner brought her a glass of water that Alec had gone to fetch and then took his leave. With a nod of my head Alec excused himself back to bed. As I started to leave the room, I addressed Ren. "I won't ask about them, but Conner is curious. He is protective of you and sees you as his sister. If you are ever ready to talk, we are here for you. Now, get some rest. We will be just downstairs if you need us." With that, I closed the door softly and walked back to my room to sleep myself. But after all that had transpired, I doubt any of us would get much sleep.