A Pack To Call Home

We waited for Aveline for three days, hoping she returns soon. Our deadline is falling closer. On the morning of the fourth day, Aveline walked to the cabin with another wolf, a male. She and the male sit on the couch as he explains everything.

“My name is Blake. I met Aveline a few years ago while on a run. I knew immediately she was my mate. I waited for her and begged her to complete the mating bond I knew was there, but she refused. Always saying how she must protect her family. Four days ago, she came to me saying she was ready to complete the bond. I asked her what changed, and she said nothing, she was still protecting her family. Then she told me what happened and the significance of Aurora. I will come with you and my brother, alfa of our pack has agreed that Aurora shall always have a place amongst our pack if she desires it.”

“That’s what you were doing? Combining packs?”

“If Aurora flees later in the future, she will have a home to come to. A pack, a family.”

“You did this for me?”

“I’d do anything for you, little wolf.”

“Josh told me who I am and my significance. Don’t be angry with him. I’m glad he told me.”

“Me too, little wolf. It’s almost time to go.”

We said goodbye to the home I grew up in and never looked back.

A week later we were getting off the train in Romania. Josh smiled a bit and lifted me into his arms.

“It’s exactly how I remember it.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Hopefully, you’ll like it, little wolf.”

“I hope so too.”

An hour later, we saw a settlement and walked through the gates. Every head turned and stared at us. I felt Josh’s grip tighten on me. The tension that hung in the air was so thick, you could choke on it. Just as I thought we would be pounced on, Markus appeared in front of us.

“Welcome home. I hope your journey was well.”

“A smooth train ride.”

“Good. I don’t believe I know this one?”

“This is Blake, my mate.”

“Rubio pack?’

“Yes.”

He gave a curt nod and turned to me. Josh didn’t put me down but held on tighter. Markus took a step toward me and Josh bared his teeth. Markus took the step back, knowing full well what Josh’s warning was. Markus led us to a cabin meant for just us. It was much like our old one, just without mother and father. After we got settled, we were invited to a feast in our honor to welcome us home. At the table, Aveline and I sat between Josh and Blake. As the meal progressed, a boy at the end kept staring at me. His eyes chilled me to the bone; I couldn’t escape the menacing look in them. I finally grabbed Josh’s hand and he felt the tremor run through me as the boy stared again. In my heart, I knew who he was before Josh spoke his name.

“He’s the one chilling you?”

“Yes. He is staring at me like I’m prey to be hunted and destroyed. Who is he?”

“Do really want to know?”

“Yes.”

“That is Rafe. Markus’ son and your intended.”

“No, please no.”

“It’s ok. I see there is no mating attraction for you. I told you I would protect you.”

After that night, anytime Rafe saw me, it was like raw lust and hunger for me in his eyes. It still chilled me, still does today. But now that I am thirteen, I have grown used to this look. Aveline and Blake were expecting their first child and decided it was going to be a boy. Josh and I hugged her, knowing that is what she hoped for Blake. After that, we discussed what I would look like in wolf form if I made the transition. We were still unsure due to my father being an Ascendant. We all assumed I would have a thick chocolate-colored coat and deep brown eyes that matched my human hair and eyes; little did we know I would be far from it.

It was said that I would make the transformation at sixteen; eighteen at the latest. Once again, we were wrong. Only a couple of weeks later, I woke up from a deep sleep feeling like my skin was on fire and that every bone was trying to come out of me. I felt the wolf inside clawing to get out and to run. It was happening and happening too soon. I screamed for Josh and was as surprised as Aveline and Blake at what was happening. Blake ran to the pack elder and medicine woman. They hated it, but they also had to call for Markus. They did not know what to do. The minute Joan saw me, she sent everyone out. Everyone was amazed by what they saw. I thought it was transformation early, but I came to find out that as I shifted, my hair began to turn white, started at the tips and working up to my roots, and my eyes turned a crystal blue. I came to learn that I was the first white wolf born in the past five generations. The elder helped me shift and came out sometime later with me on four paws. Once outside the cabin, the rest of the pack shifted to run with me my first time. Josh stayed right by my side. I awoke the next morning in my bed to learn everything and saw gifts lined up outside. Anywhere I went afterward, people showed me nothing but respect. Markus saw me as more, even more than before. I knew I was still nothing but a prize for his son. Rafe looked at me with pure lust and need, but it no longer chilled me. Life would be different now, little did I know it would soon change forever.