The Return

Alina’s POV

I walked back home in defeat thinking of everything at once, my feet heavy, dragged, and moved slowly one step at a time. I felt like I was going crazy, I definitely was. 

By the time I got to the door, I saw a policeman and the kids' nanny knocking and checking if anyone was in. 

Immediately the nanny spotted me, she turned to walk towards me. “Alina, are you okay? I heard what happened."

My voice and lips failed me and I managed a nod. The nanny held me as if she could sense I could not feel like walking anymore and led me to the door where the officer sat. 

“Good evening ma’am, I am Officer Smith,” the police officer greeted. 

“I am sorry about what happened to your children, but I also need your account of what happened so we can find them.”

I clutched my children’s bag tighter as tears threatened to fall again. 

“Leave me alone please,” I finally say, my throat hurt and my voice raspy and shaky. 

“I’m sorry?” The Officer responded like he did not hear me. 

“I said leave me alone please,” I said in a more angry tone, shrugged off the nanny’s hand which held on to me for support, and rushed to open my door and slammed it on both their faces. 

I did not need anyone in my face right now, I had to think hard on how to rescue Colvin and Camille. From the scents I picked up from the woods, I was sure the police could hardly be of any help but there’s only so much I could do. 

“You know who can help” I heard Lexi say, I knew but I was not ready to face him, I didn’t want him or his people to know. 

“You need those kids alive and safe and you know he is the only one powerful enough to get you your kids,” with a big sigh, I reclined onto the couch. Lexi was right in a way, my children came first and his power and position will help me in finding him. I better suck it up and do what’s best for them. 

Sleep was far from me and my body and soul were exhausted, I raised a hand to my head and rubbed it gently. I could slowly feel my temperature rising as if a fever was coming. 

I took a look around the house which was a little messy from the kids' toys and touches, so this is what it feels like to be a parent. 

From the feeling of joy when I see them wake up in the morning and how my heart swells with love when I tuck them in at night. I had been so protective, so watchful, and right in front of me they were kidnapped! 

My anger started building up again, I would not wait till morning, I had to leave now. I can’t imagine not seeing their smiles anymore and how brightly their eyes shine. I have protected them from the evil in the world and I won’t let anyone expose them to it in a wrong manner and take that beautiful innocence from them. 

I walk to my room, two steps at a time with renewed energy. I picked up my little black backpack and stuffed-in clothes for two days. I pick up my phone which had been ringing for hours since afternoon, calls from my boss, coworkers, the twins' teacher, and two unknown numbers, with a scowl that I am sure was on my face, I slam the phone to the wall and watch it fall to the floor scattered and the screen shattered, that ought to shut them up. 

I picked up two toys that belonged to the twins and took a sniff of their scents from a place of fear, fear I’d forget what they smelt like. I shook that feeling off and headed for the door, stepped out, and let the night breeze caress and fill me. I locked up and started my journey toward the woods which was a good 15-minute walk.

“Shift,” I urged Lexi, immediately I got into the woods. I transformed into my wolf nature and began the journey to my past to save my future. 

The farther I got the more the memories of the past taunted me and what-ifs clouded my brains but I was sure I was not the same little girl who ran for her life, not the same weakling who was easily manipulated, and definitely not the same girl that was lied to and fell desperately in love with a man that rejected her. 

I was a woman now, a mother. I might not be as strong as I wanted but I know that I am not weak anymore. 

I took a break by the time I got to a certain distance, from the change of environment I am miles away from home. 

Even with the adrenaline that still coursed deep within me, my legs were tired and needed to rest a bit.

I changed back to my human form and rested my back against a tree. I sucked in a deep breath and let my tired eyes close, at this point, I wish I took water with me. 

From a distance, I heard a growl and then another growl. My instincts made me jump up, if I did not leave now, I’d probably be unsafe as the sounds of whatever creature the growl came from seemed to be coming closer to me. 

“We need to leave here now,” Lexi whined. 

“Okay then," I transformed and began to run. I had crossed to the woods where the wolves resided more which meant I was close to my destination. 

After what seemed to be forever and signs that pointed towards where I was going, I stood in front of a big familiar gate as the memories from when I first arrived here filled my head. 

__________

Sebastian’s POV 

"No,” I say in a dry tone, uninterested in whatever the gamma has to say. 

“But Alpha, this is an alliance that could benefit us in many ways,” I take a look at the clown trying to convince me. I stand up from my chair in a way to assert dominance. 

“I have told you Antonio that I am not interested in whatever alliance you have. Leave!” 

Defeat clouded his face and I couldn't care less. With a bow, he made his way towards the door. 

A pervasive apathy envelops me; the walls, the furniture—everything feels cold, but my heart, is colder still. 

"You shouldn't have done it," I hear Oliver, my wolf say, I know exactly what he means. He suffered just as much, if not more.

"It doesn't matter now," I hissed at him. It's been six long years since I rejected my potential mate. It was for the good of the pack. I couldn't let a legacy die because of my mistake.

There were nights I wanted to change my mind and nights I wanted to find her but I had made a decision that I’m sure was for the best. 

"You know that's a lie."

"Oh, shut up," I snapped back. I stand up and make my way to the bookshelf, filled with both inherited books and new collections. As I reach for a book I haven't touched before, a knock on the door interrupts me.

"This better be important," I mutter to myself, grabbing the book and returning to my desk. 

"Come in," I echo, and Gamma Antonio enters the room. "You again, what do you want?" I ask, my voice laced with irritation. 

"I'm sorry, Alpha, but you have a guest," he says. A guest? This better be interesting.

"Who is it?" I ask, but Gamma doesn't get a chance to respond before widening the door. A cloaked figure stands before me, revealing a face from my past. A face that lingered in my dreams for months, one I never expected to encounter for years. My heart quickens as I resist delving into the reasons behind her unanticipated arrival.

I stood up, unable to take my eyes off her as she walked into the room. "Leave us," I say to Gamma, a man I could care less about.

With a mix of surprise and uncertainty in my voice, I questioned, "Alina?"