FAMILY ADVICE

ALICIA

When I get home it's already late in the evening and everyone is worried about my lateness. I never stay out late and my routine is well known. Besides, I have duties assigned to me and I am expected to play my part. I find Benjamin watching TV with David. Melissa is in the kitchen.

“Hi guys. Sorry I am late.” I say as I walk towards them. Melissa hears my voice and joins us, very happy to see me.

“Hey dear.” She speaks. “I was almost about to call you. Dinner is ready. Come help me in serving.”

She pulls me into the kitchen and we start with preparations. The sweet aroma of the food reminds me that I am starving.

“I know you are eager to find out where I spent the day.” I break the silence at the dining table. I have now silenced my hunger pangs and I feel like talking. What I have gone through is not something I can keep away from my family anyway.

“Yes please. I'll be only too glad to hear that. You see, earlier today the Beta and Gamma found me at work and asked me about you. They were looking for those who didn't attend the party. I told them to look for you at school.” Benjamin says and I am a bit shocked.

“How did they know about me” I ask him. Every one is now curious.

“This pack is very thorough. They have information on everyone. They had your picture and when they showed it to me I had no alternative but to tell them where to find you. I work for the pack and I know about their efficiency. I am sure they found you. Just tell us what happened next.” He says. His praise for the pack borders on flattery.

“Well, they did find me. Now I know why they made a beeline to where I was seated in the restaurant. They asked me, no, ordered me to accompany them to the pack house to see the Alpha.” Everyone has stopped eating and they are paying all the attention on me. I narrate to them about my meeting with the Alpha and what happened next.

“My sister. I'm so happy for you. Go back there and accept him as your mate already.” Melissa is almost screaming.

“You should have accepted him instantly. There is absolutely nothing much to think about.” David adds.

Benjamin quickly follows suit and the calmness in his voice shows the seriousness of his advice. “This pack has been so kind to us Alicia and you can bear me witness. We lived in the woods together as rogues. This pack took us in, made us it's members and gave us this house. David and I have jobs here and we are forever grateful. Look, we are even better off than we were at our former pack.” He pauses for a moment so as to stress something. “If indeed you are the mate to the Alpha, I urge you to go back there as soon as possible and accept him. This mate bond between the two of you will be a very strong boost to our family, a bond between us and the entire pack.” He concludes.

“Do it now Alicia. Just go back there and do it.” Melissa says.

“There is only one problem and I don't know how to go about it.” I say.

“What?” David and Melissa say in unison.

“My wolf. Since the attack in the forest she disappeared. She can't respond to me. She's the one who should be communicating with the Alpha's wolf but there's nothing so far. I don't know how to awaken her.” I say.

We are all silent as we ponder on this very difficult situation. I take the opportunity to get back to my food and take a few bites. I am happy that I have people to share my predicament with. David and Melissa are looking at Benjamin, the elder here, to come up with the way forward.

“This is a bit difficult. But if the Alpha says that you are his mate, it's his wolf that is leading him to say so. What I have learned about him is that he is an honorable young man who won't lie to you. So if your wolf is unresponsive, don't worry about it. Trust in Drake's wolf. When your wolf comes back she will thank you for accepting your mate.” Benjamin says.

I don't know whether I should tell them about my plans of revenging against Alpha Eric for rejecting me. This is one of the reasons why I feel that I shouldn't accept Drake first. Maybe I should do away with my past, then I can be able to move on and be with another mate.

“My absent wolf is one thing. The other one is that I still haven't completely healed from the rejection that led me to the forest. I need to see Eric suffer for what he did to me.” I finally let it out.

“My daughter, stop right there. Revenge is for the weak. Don't ever entertain that thought again. Let not the past define your future. Our moon goddess has all our future figured out. That's why she gave you another mate soon after your first one rejected you. Leave the past behind you and embrace the future. Your future is with Alpha Drake. Take him.” Benjamin says. We have stopped eating. The matter is really important.

“Thanks. I will think about it. I told the Alpha so too and he said I can take all the time I want.

“But time of the essence. The Alpha is a busy man and a mate will strengthen him. Also, this pack seriously needs a Luna. There are very important roles that a Luna plays in a pack. So in light of this, I strongly advice you to waste no time in deciding.” Benjamin says. “I am so tired my daughter. I'm so happy for you, this is so good for us. Our family is really blessed to have the Alpha as our inlaw. Do you know what that means for us? We will move up the ranks dear. Think about all of us and take it. I wish my mate was alive, she would have told you the same, I know. Now, I need to get some sleep. I'm so tired. See you tomorrow.” He adds as he walks away to his bedroom. David also excuses himself and just then my phone rings.

It's Drake's phone. I gave him my number before I left but I didn't think he would call me this fast. I only wish that he isn't asking me what I have decided because I haven't. But when I answer the call, the voice on the other end is Victor's.

“Hi Alicia.” He starts.

“Hi Victor.” I reply cautiously. I know that the Alpha is not very far away from him so my words need to be measured.

“I'm just checking on you to find whether you got home safely.” I heave a sigh of relief. I'm happy that it's nothing serious. Melissa winks at me. She has started taking away the dishes.

“Yes. I am safety at home Victor. Thanks for your concern.”

“Please come back here. My brother needs you Alicia.”

“There is no problem Victor. I'll come.”

“When will you come?” He insists.

“Soon. Very soon.” I say.

“Yeees. I knew you would say that. Good night Alicia.” He says before hanging up.

Something tells me that the two brothers are giving each other an high five at the pack house.