End of an Era: A Sons of Satrina Novel (The Sons of Satrina Book 4)

by Kristan Belle

  “And where would you go? Back to your mother and sister?”

  “I wouldn’t even if that was an option. I’ll think of something.”

  Kayleigh smiled. She liked this girl. Cala was sweet and shy and needed to find herself now that she was out from under her sisters intimidating presence. “You don’t have to do that. Of course you’re more than welcome to stay here. I know that he has a bit of a gruff exterior, but Kelton is eager to get to know you.”

  “He is kind of scary.” Cala whispered with a shy grin.

  Kayleigh laughed. “He’s a teddy bear when you get to know him. Just don’t ever tell him I told you that!”

  Cala laughed out loud, feeling relieved. She didn’t want to have to leave the academy, but she would have if Kayleigh hadn’t wanted her there. This had been Kayleigh’s home for a long time. If anyone had to go, it would have been Cala.

  Now that she was staying, it was the perfect opportunity to get to know everyone. Even herself. It was hard after living with Rhian, but she had a lot to learn about herself

  “You need to stay, anyway.” Kayleigh smiled, feeling very maternal towards the girl, which was a bit of a shock. “You have a baby brother to get to know.”

  They both looked down at baby Elias, Kayleigh smiling in a way that only a doting mother can.

  “I’ve always wanted a baby brother.” Cala beamed with the knowledge that she was officially being introduced into their family.

  Kayleigh stood up and wrapped the baby in a blanket. “Would you like to come and grab a hot chocolate with me? I promised Aisline that I’d let her have a cuddle with the baby.”

  “I’d like that.”

  “Come on, then.” Kayleigh smiled warmly, hoping that the presence of Ash would help draw Cala out of herself. It was worth a try, anyway.

  Kelton stepped away from the door quickly when he heard Kayleigh mention about leaving to get a hot chocolate. The last thing he wanted was to be caught eavesdropping.

  As he strode away, Kelton couldn’t help but smile to himself. In the midst of all this mess, something right and good was happening in his life. It was like all the pieces to the puzzle were falling into place.

  All he’d hoped for was that he and Kayleigh would have a long and happy life together. Now, that had changed. Not only did they have a beautiful son together, he had a daughter to get to know. It made his heart swell to know how hard Kayleigh was trying to get to know her, and that her help would make it easier for him. What would he ever do without her?

  Life held many surprises. Thankfully, they weren’t all bad.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Marion felt like tearing her hair out. Over the last few days, she’d had more trainees than ever coming in with some ailment or injury than ever before. After all that had happened lately, she thought they were due for a break, but there was no end in sight.

  She’d had to call in a couple of other medical staff to stay at the academy to help her out. That was unheard of. Usually, she could handle anything they threw at her, but lately? Things were getting out of hand.

  The warriors were training the kids harder than ever and that was resulting in more injuries. Half of them she wanted to tell them to man up and get back to work, but she treated every single person that came in, no matter how small and pathetic the injury was. It felt like she was constantly on her feet and didn’t have a moment to take a rest.

  She was lucky to have Marshall around. If it wasn’t for him, she wouldn’t have remembered to eat or drink. He’d been a Godsend, always looking out for her. Right now, he had gone off to make her a sandwich as she’d forgotten to eat yet again. Well, she hadn’t forgotten, she’d been too busy to stop for a minute. Now she was starting to feel it and as she sat down in the chair, Marion groaned. Her feet were throbbing.

  Marshall walked into her office, carrying a tray with sandwiches and tea.

  “Thank you so much, Marshall. What would I do without you?”

  “Starve.” He smiled at her warmly. Marshall loved to feel useful and being in the medical suite was keeping him more than busy.

  “Would you like to sit down and join me?” She offered.

  “No, no. That’s for you. I thought I would go and sit with the boy for a while.” Marshall was getting on extremely well with Trey. The boy loved to hear his stories of when he used to serve the leader of their race.

  “Sit down, Marshall. Trey is fine. Jackson’s in with him. Take a seat.” Marion insisted and Marshall couldn’t think of another argument. He sat down and they enjoyed a well-deserved rest.

  “How are you feeling, man?”

  Trey tried to shove himself up in the bed to look over at Jackson, groaning at the movement. He hated being confined to the bed but the doctor wouldn’t let him get up yet. “Like shit.”

  “You look like it, too.”

  “Thanks, bro.”

  He wasn’t kidding either. The bruises on his face were starting to fade, but almost every inch of Trey’s body was covered in yellowing bruises. He looked a total mess.

  “You have five minutes.” Doctor Phillippe said to them harshly as she poked her head into the room. Trey still had a long way to go before he was fully recovered and she didn’t want to cause him any undue stress. They’d gradually been reducing his pain meds and at the moment, the boy was on the bare minimum. He was going to start hurting soon and she didn’t want Jackson wearing him out.

  It wasn’t just the physical exertion she was concerned about. The boy was totally screwed up over the events that followed his actions. The domino effect had been catastrophic. She feared that it was going to be too much for her to handle and she wanted to bring in a friend of hers who specialised in psychological therapy. So far, the sessions had been going well and Trey was opening up. They didn’t want anything to derail from what they’d achieved so far.

  Stepping out of the room, Doctor Phillippe left the door open a crack. As much as she wanted to give the boys some space and privacy, she wanted to be ready to step in if the talk started to head in the wrong direction. She and Marshall were only a few steps away and even while they were eating, her mind was still on her patient.

  “Seriously though, dude, how are things going with you?” Jackson asked as he sat down in the chair next to Trey’s bed. He’d been worrying about Trey constantly and had tried to pop up to see him whenever he could. The attack had changed something in him and Jackson was afraid for him. Gone was the happy-go-lucky eternal optimist. He hoped that in time, those traits would return. That was what made Trey who he was. It was hard to see him like this.

  “This is all so messed up. I can’t complain about anything. People are dead because of me.”

  Doctor Phillippe was about to race back into the room, but she paused when she heard Jackson start to speak.

  “Because of you? You still think you’re to blame for everything that happened? I thought we were getting through to that thick head of yours.”

  “It is because of me. If I hadn’t fallen for Starr, no one would be hurt. They wouldn’t be dead.”

  “Don’t be so bloody stupid, Trey. We’ve talked about this.” Jackson scowled.

  “I’m not being stupid.”

  “Oh, for God’s sake. Are you really that arrogant? You think that all of this is on you?”

  “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Trey narrowed his eyes. He’d been talking to the shrink enough to know that the blame lay with him and that in order to move forward, he had to try and find a way to live with that.

  “It was the shifters that came here. They were the ones that killed Master Warrior Dixon. How can you say that’s on you?”

  “They were here because of me. Because I had been on their land uninvited.” He knew who was to blame. No one could dissuade him of that fact.

  Jackson laughed bitterly. “Who told you that?”

  Trey shrugged but stayed silent. He’d gone through it all over and over again with the therapist and she knew as well as he
did that they’d come to the academy for him.

  “Oh you are such a dumbass! They weren’t here for you! They’d come to take back Caleb and Rees.”

  “Huh?”

  “You really don’t listen to me, do you?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  Jackson rolled his eyes. “I’m not saying they weren’t riled up by you going on their land, but this isn’t on you. They came here to take back their own.” He paused for a moment to make sure Trey was really listening to him. “Are you going to blame Caleb and Rees? Are they supposed to be held responsible for Dixon’s death?”

  “Of course they’re not.”

  “Well, how is that any different? The way you’re thinking about things, they’re just as guilty as you. How fair is that?”

  “It’s not their fault.”

  “And it’s not yours.”

  “I’ve gone through all this with Doctor Lane. She’s helping me accept what happened.”

  “Well, she’s talking a load of shit.” Jackson sounded furious.

  Trey fell silent and Jackson let him think about it for a moment. He knew that Trey was messed up in the head and was eaten up by guilt, but he hadn’t really known the full extent of it until today. He thought it was some kind of survivor’s guilt, but it was more than that.

  The medical staff had told him repeatedly not to mention anything about the attack or what happened at the academy with Trey, but Jackson couldn’t ignore it. Ash had tried speaking to Trey about it, but none of them were getting through to him. It was a worry.

  Hearing the boys go quiet, Doctor Phillippe hung up the phone. She had demanded an immediate meeting with Sheila Lane, her therapist friend. It was actually lucky that it was going to take her a little way to make her way over to the academy as she needed some time to calm down. And she needed to speak to someone. This wasn’t right.

  How could that she do that to him? Who the hell did she think she was? Trey was little more than a child and she was willingly, and possibly encouraging, letting him accept the blame for the Master Warriors death.

  Marion felt sick. The sandwiches lay uneaten on the table and she looked over at Marshall. She hated to waste his hard work, but she couldn’t eat at a time like this. She had something she needed to do. Marion crossed to stand outside Trey’s door.

  When the silence continued in the boy’s room, she decided that visiting time was over. She didn’t want Trey any more stressed than he already was. Stepping into the room, she saw Trey staring off into space and Jackson watching him with a worried expression. “I think that’s enough for today. Trey needs to get some rest.”

  Trey didn’t even acknowledge her presence but Jackson nodded and stood up. “Can I come back again?” He hoped that the doctor wouldn’t ban him from visiting if she’d overheard their conversation. He was supposed to steer clear of talking about all that, but he couldn’t let Trey carry on thinking it was all his fault. That was all kinds of wrong.

  “Of course you can.” The doctor replied, watching Trey remain motionless and expressionless. “I’ll walk you out.”

  Carefully closing the door behind them, Doctor Phillippe knew that Jackson had something to say. “What is it, Jackson?”

  “Will he be okay?”

  “I’ll be trying my best. I always do.” Unfortunately her best wasn’t good enough at the moment. She’d clearly made a wrong move and now she had to do something to make it right. There wasn’t anything else she could say to him. It wasn’t like she could make him any promises and Jackson knew that. Especially now that she suspected his therapy wasn’t working in the way she had imagined. Jackson left her office after politely saying goodbye, leaving her with her jumbled thoughts.

  “How is the boy?” Marshall asked after Jackson left.

  He’d been a godsend to Marion, especially through this latest shit storm. Marshall lived to serve and as there was currently no official leader of their race, he was more than happy to serve the warriors and Master Warrior Kelton. The council had implied on numerous occasions that Kelton would be stepping into those large leadership shoes, but Marshall would have served him regardless. He would follow Kelton wherever he led.

  Marion sat down heavily in the chair. “I think I have made a huge mistake.”

  “Surely not.” Marshall wouldn’t hear a word said against the good doctor.

  “I’m afraid so, and I’m not sure what to do about it.”

  “Is there anything I can do to help you?” He asked, his face laced with concern.

  “No, no. This is my mess. I need to sort it. Thank you for the offer, though.” She ran a hand through her immaculately styled hair. “I do need to go and speak with Kelton, so could you keep an eye on Trey for me?”

  Marshall nodded. “Certainly. I’ll go in and sit with the boy now.”

  “Thank you.” She knew that Marshall was a reassuring presence for Trey, not saying much but he was always there if he needed him. “He won’t need any medication while I’m gone.” They were trying to wean him off the meds and she knew that Marshall hated seeing him in any kind of pain.

  “Don’t you worry. I’ll take good care of him.”

  “Thanks, Marshall. What would I do without you?” She squeezed his arm as she walked out of the office, smiling warmly. He was a good friend to have around.

  This was awful. Hell, it was an awful situation that had been made even worse.

  Moving through the mansion she headed straight for Kelton’s office. She wasn’t sure if he’d be in there or with the trainees, but she had to start somewhere.

  She breathed out a sigh of relief as she knocked on the door and heard him call out. Poking her head inside, she saw that he was busy with Master Warrior Verynai.

  “Marion, come on in.”

  “I’ve got a bit of a problem.”

  “So what’s new? It’s raining problems in this place lately.” Verynai quipped.

  Marion closed the door behind her and sat down in the spare chair next to him. “I have to fire the psychologist who’s been seeing Trey.”

  Kelton frowned. “The psychologist? Your friend? Why? What happened?” He didn’t need another headache.

  Marion ran a hand over her eyes. “She’s been filling his head with blame, making him think that this entire mess is all his fault.”

  Verynai shook his head. “What the hell? Why would she do that?”

  “I didn’t know what was happening.”

  “I’m not blaming you.” Verynai assured her. “But we all make shitty calls at some point in our lives. The point is that we get past it and move on. He’s not to blame for this! There are way too many factors at play here. No one single person can be singled out. Why would she do that?”

  “I agree.” Kelton nodded. “What the hell has she been playing at?”

  Marion shook her head sadly. She felt terrible about this, especially seeing as she had been the one to bring Sheila in. She was a friend and she trusted her, probably leaving her alone with Trey more because of that connection. What a mess. “I don’t know, but she’s on her way here so I’m about to find out.”

  “Do you want me to come with you to see her?” Verynai offered.

  “It’s okay. I’ve got this. I just wanted to let you know what was going on.” Marion stood up and straightened her skirt. “I’ll let you know if I find anything out.”

  “If you need me, you know where to find me.” Verynai said.

  “Thank you. I’ll let you know what happens.”

  “Thank you.” Kelton said.

  Marion walked out of the small office and sat on one of the comfortable sofas in the reception area. There was no point in going back up to the medical suite as she’d only have to turn straight around and come back down. She wanted to get this over and done with.

  It didn’t take very long for one of the warriors on security detail to inform her that the psychologist was on her way up the driveway. Security was tight and they’d been tracking her car ever
since she hit the lonely lanes that surrounded the area. Sheila must have set off as soon as she put the phone down.

  Moving to stand near the front door, she waited impatiently for Sheila to park up.

  “Marion?” Sheila lost her bright smile as soon as she stepped into the entryway. “Is everything okay? Is it Trey?”

  “If you would like to come with me, Sheila?” She didn’t have time for niceties. This was a serious business.

  “What’s going on?”

  “Follow me, please.” Marion turned without another word and headed towards one of their smaller conference rooms. She didn’t want to have this conversation up in her own office as she didn’t want this woman anywhere near Trey again.

  Closing the door behind them, Marion took a seat at the large oval table and motioned for Sheila to sit down. Normally, politeness would win over and she would make sure the woman was comfortable and offer her refreshments, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it.

  “What’s all this about? Are you okay?” Sheila asked, looking very concerned.

  “Please sit down.”

  “Is something wrong?” Sheila asked nervously.

  “What have you been saying to Trey?” There was no point in beating around the bush. They weren’t going to be able to sit and chat about the weather. If she had been acting unprofessionally, Marion had a lot of work to do to try and put things right. In all honesty, she didn’t know where she was going to start with Trey. This was the first port of call, to find out what had been said.

  Sheila looked a little taken aback. “We’ve been trying to talk through his feelings, just like you asked me to do.”

  “And how have you been doing that?” Marion prodded.

  “As I always do. This was why you asked me to help him. You know how I work.” Sheila looked offended. She had an impeccable work record, which was why Marion had brought her in.

  “What have you been talking about? The feelings of guilt? And blame?”

  Sheila nodded. “Of course. In a situation like this, it’s often difficult for the patient to process. We talked about what he needed and we’ve been working through it at his own pace. I’m sorry if you don’t think we’ve been going as fast as you would like, but these things take time and it would do more harm than good to rush him.”