A Months Ago

Malachi was sitting at his desk in the study poring over the endless work laid in front of him when a sudden pain shot through his heart. The pain had left him shaken and out of breath. His head was spinning as if someone was trying to tear it off.

Gritting his teeth against the pain he called for his Beta through a mind link before darkness envelope him.

As he awoke his head was pounding and a feeling of emptiness gripped his heart so tight he could not catch his breath. Tears streamed down his cheeks and Balthazar was howling deep in the crevices of his brain. It was a howel of loss and longing.

He couldn't breath couldn't think, couldn't feel his mate’s link. His eyes landed on his Beta who sat in a chair next to him. Malachi griped the man so hard he visibly winced.

"Cid where is Mara?" his words bearly a whisper.

"She left yesterday morning to visit her parents. Don't you remember?" worry creases the man's face.

Yesterday? Had he been out for a full day?

Malachi was in the process of trying to put his thoughts in order when two pairs of footsteps approached his door and with a loud bang, the door flew open.  Two pairs of small red puffy eyes stared back at him. They both rushed him throwing their small arms around his neck as he burst into tears.

"Daddy are you alright?" they cried in unison.

 The twins held on as their father tried to soothe them, failing quite miserably. However, his hands were still shaking as he stroked his daughter's hair. His son had already let go and was wiping his tears off his chubby cheeks.

"Daddy is alright.” he tried to reassure his little one's once more as he continues to stroke his daughter's hair and squeezed his son’s tiny hand. Both children finally calmed after several minutes of cuddling and reassuring. His daughter still curled up in his lap while his son sad by his side snuggle into the crook of his free arm.

Another set of hurried footsteps approached moments later, the omega in charge of his pups rushed in. Still breathless and flushed she bowed her head in submission and apologized profusely for having been unable to keep the children away while he reiterated. 

He assured her that it was quite alright and he was glad to have them. Once the children had been coaxed out of the room with the promise of treats and a trip outside they eagerly scurried away kissing their father on the cheek as they went.

Cid had sat throughout the ordeal with an amused smirk plastered on his face. Malachi did not find it at all amusing and growled at the other alpha getting a small chuckle in response. 

The two had been friends since they were still in their diapers, the bond between them was strong so was their trust in one another. The smirk left his face as quickly as it appeared replaced with a concerned frown.

"Are you sure you are okay?"

Malachi shook his head he trusted his friend and knew better than to fake how he was feeling. 

Cid nodded and sent for then pack healer, she couldn't find anything physically wrong with him and assured him she would do a thorough search of her record and get back to him as soon as she can.

Earlier he had decided to leave his stifling room and had left. Malachi had managed to make it that far before the dizziness overtook him once more. He decided to get his Beta to bring his work into the packed hall. Balthazar was whimpering and howling throughout the day. Neither of them had voiced the words that they were both dreading. 

It was evening before he knew it. He had drowned himself in work desperate to keep his mind busy for fear of what's to come. They haven't gotten any news from his packmates who had escorted his wife to visit her parents. It was a two-day trip there and back a bit faster if they used their wolves.

The anxiety was eating him up as he waited for any signs of his pack members return or a message detail their delay. But none came and they have yet to still return. 

The food that had been left for him had stayed untouched already cold and unappetizing. Not that he could eat even if he wanted to with his stomach in knots. 

Without warning his Delta Gray rushes in full panic was written all over his face. His mouth worked but no sound came out. 

"Come....hurry the clinic!" he managed as he raced back towards the door looking back to make sure he followed. 

Malachi didn't have to be told twice he was up and racing passed his Delta heading straight for the healers. He didn't stop even when people called out a greeting, hen skidded around a group of children playing, slamming hard into the giant oak in the middle of the courtyard between the packhouse and the Clinic, a few doors down. He shook it off not even acknowledge the fact he had split his forehead on the tree.

As he reached the house he slammed its door open so hard it fell off its hinge crashing against the wall and splitting in half. His heart had lodged itself in his throat as he walked down the hall. He could hear some voices coming from the closest room to the door.

Malachi’s whole body trembled and he couldn't catch his breath as he entered the room. The room went silent as he entered their heads bent not uttering a single sound.

On the bed was a form covered by a sheet, slowly everyone eased passed him leaving him alone in the room. His Beta and Delta waiting outside the door keeping everyone out while making sure their Alpha had the support they knew he would need.

With shaky hands, Malachi drew back the sheet. His knees buckled as the image of his wife laying on the bed burned into his memory. Three long gashes started.at her ears and crossed across her throat. Sobs escaped his lips as he knelt on the ground. Long after he could no longer feel his legs, Malachi got up placed a kiss on his bead wife's forehead, and covered her back up.

His friends still stood at the door neither saying a word allowed him time to process his grief.